York Hen Do

There’s so much to do on a hen party in York, so planning ahead can really help you make the most of your time. Here are some of our favourite ideas to inspire your weekend:

Shopping lovers will be in heaven in York. The Shambles is one of the most famous streets in the UK and a must visit for any hen group. It’s lined with quirky independent shops selling everything from cute accessories and gifts to sweets and souvenirs. The street itself is iconic and perfect for group photos. Don't just focus on the shops, look up at the timber framed buildings and at all the medieval aged buildings through the narrow streets really making the Shambles one of the most unique and well preserved streets in Europe. It also makes for a great photo of everyone in the hen party. Nearby streets like Stonegate and Petergate offer a range of high street shops and cute little boutiques, so there’s something for everyone.

For daytime activities, York has loads of hen-friendly options. Cocktail making classes are always a hit and a great way to kick off the celebrations. You’ll learn how to shake, stir and sip your way through delicious drinks, usually with a few games thrown in. Dance classes are another popular choice, whether you fancy learning a fun routine or just having a giggle with the girls. And if you fancy something quirky, you’ve got to try nude life drawing. 

Many people don't realise that York is very much seen as Britain's centre of chocolate, you will even find a chocolate museum here, as well as many of the UK's biggest chocolate brands started out here, meaning it's deeply embedded in the cities history. Rowntree's started here, who created KitKat, Smarties, Yorkie and Aero (now best known for the fruit gums though), while Terry's also came from here (yep, the one you whack, not tap). This is why chocolate making is such a key activity for York, while it takes place in a city centre location, so you can easily navigate to the next venue, whether that's a restaurant or a bar.

York is also famous for its ghost stories, so a ghost tour is a brilliant way to explore the city with a twist. They’re funny, entertaining and just spooky enough to get everyone laughing and squealing. But why all the ghost tours you might be wondering, well it's known as one of Europe's most haunted cities (ideal if the bride is a fan of ghost stories). These tours will take you through the medieval streets and share twisted and horrific stories of tales gone by, involving plague victims, haunted pubs and houses, as well as the city's Roman past. This is also a nice evening activity before the cocktails come in, leaving you nearby to the bars.

If you prefer something more relaxed, river cruises along the Ouse are a lovely option, especially in warmer months. Many offer drinks on board, making it a super chill way to spend an afternoon. There are river cruises which involve DJ sets and buffets, not to mention a bar area where you can order in some prosecco. Cruising along the River Ouse does provide some amazing sights, such as Clifford's Tower, Lendal Bridge and you can see all along the medieval city walls.

Festivals

York knows how to put on a good show, and depending on when you visit, you might find your hen weekend lining up with one of the city’s brilliant festivals. These events add extra atmosphere and give you even more to enjoy between activities and nights out.

The York Food and Drink Festival is a highlight of the Autumn and a big hit with hen groups. The city centre fills with street food stalls, bars and live music, creating a fun, relaxed vibe that’s perfect for eating, drinking and chatting with the girls. 

Throughout the year, York also hosts seasonal markets and events. The Christmas markets transform the city into a festive playground, with mulled wine, bright lights and bars everywhere you look. It’s a gorgeous time for a winter hen do with loads of places to warm up, laugh and celebrate.

There are also music events, cultural festivals and pop up performances across the year, which add to York’s lively and fun feel and give you lots to stumble upon as you explore. Trust us, there’s never a bad time for a hen party here!

If you fancy a more unique 'fancy dress' theme, then how about seeing some hunky vikings ready for battle? Well, it might not quite be that saucy, but the Jorvik Viking Festival has returned and there are a number of craft workshops which our hen groups have loved in the past, as well as workshops, tours, plus entertainment and drinks being served. It's certainly a unique idea for your hen weekend in York!

So why the name Jorvik? It's because when the Viking forces captured York, they renamed the city Jorvik, while it blossomed to become a huge trading centre for Europe with ships bringing silk, jewellery and spices.