Age is just a number, right? Sure, you might have some extra grey hairs and getting low in a club isn’t that appealing anymore but when it comes to hen dos, there’s loads of ideas that anyone over 40 will love. Booze, partying and falling over is all fun and games when you’re in your 20s - but with more couples choosing to tie the knot at an older age, who says an older lady can’t have an exciting hen party? So, here’s a look at some age-appropriate hen do ideas. (They weren’t joking when they said that hangovers get worse with age).
Burlesque Shows
Best for something different
Who said that a hen party for the over 40s had to be boring? Arrive in style and enjoy a drink at the well-stocked cocktail bar, before enjoying an award-winning and alluring burlesque show. Who knows, you may even pick up some moves for the big day. With a standing ticket, watch all of the enticing acts and experience the sophisticated, 1920s speakeasy-style interior, while channeling your Great Gatsby vibes.
Champagne Tasting
Best for living the highlife
Champagne taste on a Prosecco budget? This tasting experience will allow you to explore the sophisticated world of champagnes and sparkling wines under the guidance of a professional sommelier. Perfect for large groups, you’ll be given a private area where you can learn about the best bubbles. Work your way through a selection of carefully selected samples and learn how to identify different varieties of fizz.
Brunch
Best for lining your stomach
Brunch is the perfect way to start the day or recover from the night before. Catch up with friends over a big breakfast and a glass of prosecco or have a debrief about the previous night’s events. If you really want to get the party started, then bottomless brunch can be a great option - after all, if you can’t beat the hangover, just keep drinking.
Casino Night
Best for releasing a little friendly competition
The perfect activity for those who enjoy a little flutter. You'll be gambling like a Monaco pro in no time as you learn the best tips and tricks during this full casino experience. Expert croupiers will guide you through the process as you practise with fake money, before hitting the tables to place your bets for real. Is your poker face game?
Chocolate making
Best for the hen with a sweet tooth
This activity begins with a demonstration from a professional chocolatier, who will talk you through the techniques required to produce the perfect chocolate. Your creativity and skills will then be tested as you work under expert tuition to make your very own handmade chocolates. You could even gift these to friends and family upon your return.
Male strip show
Best for x-rated excitement
Did you even go on a hen party if you didn’t indulge in a steamy live performance of muscles, music and oiled up naked torsos at a male strip show? Whether you’re 20, 30, 40 or older, a male strip show is the ultimate hen do activity that is guaranteed to leave everyone speechless. Expect raucous entertainment and some audience participation along the way, with a stage show that leaves little to the imagination.
Dance lessons
Best for the fitness fanatic
Ladies, leave your 80s dance moves at the door. Release your inner Beyonce as a professional choreographer puts you through your paces on the dancefloor. Whether you want to tidy up your salsa moves, practice your dirty dancing piece for the big day or fancy trying some street-dance moves, this dance class will be enjoyed by every age and ability. Just don’t forget your dancing shoes.
Guided tour
Best for those wanting a little culture
Who said that hen dos had to be spent in a bar, drinking your entire body weight in cocktails for 48 hours? Whether you’ve ventured abroad or stayed a little closer to home, a guided tour can provide large groups with all the information that they need. Explore local streets, indulge in traditional cuisines and of course it would be rude not to ask about the best nightlife spots.
Karaoke
Best for the superstar hen
We all grew up wanting to be a popstar and now you and your friends can sing your hearts out in your own private karaoke booth, safe in the knowledge that no-one will hear you - no matter how many duff notes you hit. Sing the hottest classics and cheesiest hits with a top-notch sound system and funky graphics. With drinks available and table service in your own booth, you can even get some Dutch courage.
Cocktail making
Best for getting the drinks flowing
Experience the magic of mixology as you get behind a well-stocked bar to learn the tricks of the trade from a skilled expert. You’ll be provided with all the ingredients and instructions to learn how to make a classic cocktail, before sampling your own creations. A great hen do activity that will unleash a little friendly rivalry as your creations are judged, and get everyone talking.
Afternoon tea
Best for the sophisticated hen
Afternoon tea is the ideal hen do activity for those who are looking for something a little classy. Even better - combine the sophistication of traditional afternoon tea with the decadence of some cocktails or fizz. Tuck into a delectable selection of food including savoury snacks and sweet treats, such as chocolates, cakes and tarts. With this activity, you can at least begin your celebrations in a classy way.
Cookery workshops
Best for learning new skills
Get your taste buds tingling in during a cookery workshop that will challenge everybody, no matter what their kitchen ability is. You’ll prepare different recipes under the guidance of professional chefs, who’ll be on hand with advice, tips and techniques to ensure that you make the tastiest food possible. You might even find that you’ve been hiding a skill you didn’t even know you had. Move over, Jamie Oliver.
Theatre tickets
Best for the theatrical hen
Make it an unforgettable weekend and head to the theatre. With a vast range of productions on show, there’s something for every style, taste, budget and age. Even better, make an evening of it and head for dinner beforehand and cocktails to end the night. To really impress the bride, why not see if you can meet the cast at the end of the show?
Comedy clubs
Best for the joker
Is your bride-to-be always cracking jokes? Well, now the jokes on her as you enjoy the best live stand-up comedians. Tickets include reserved seats for the whole party and a fully-stocked bar is available to keep you in good spirits, as you settle down for an evening of guaranteed laughs. Plus, a little word to the comics will ensure that your BFF is always picked on.
So ladies, we’ve shown you that just because there’s an older hen it doesn’t have to mean the party is low on fun. If you’re planning the ultimate hen weekend, then check out our full list of hen party ideas or get in touch for more information.
