8 Best Cardiff Hen Do Ideas

Welsh Challenge - Tackle 9 hilarious inflatable games as you crank up the chaos!

Gavin and Stacey Tour - Take a tour of the main locations of this iconic TV series!

Perfume Making - Gear up for that night out by making your own signature scent!

Whitewater Rafting - Get ready for some wet and wild mayhem as you hit the rapids.

School Sports Day - Full-on hilarious action as good girls and bad girls go head to head

Chocolate Making - Make, taste, learn, taste, taste and taste as you make your own chocs!

Mobile Pamper Party - The perfect way to tend to any sore heads and relax!

Cocktail Making - Partake in a cocktail masterclass as you sample your concoctions.

A Guide To Your Cardiff Hen Weekend

Where to Drink in Cardiff

It’s one of the most popular hen-destinations, which means it is easy-peasy to find a place to grab a drink. The Castle Quarter is a great place to start because you’re never more than a few doors down from a cocktail joint. This is the city’s drink of drinks, and you can find inventive concoctions all around this quarter of Cardiff.

There is a huge cluster of cocktail bars, from the speakeasy to the vivacious vibe, around St Mary Street which makes for a perfect place to start your night. Head a little further out to the Roath or Pontcanna neighbourhoods for some seriously hip drinking establishments. They’re a little less glitzy, but waaaay more fun!

Sights & Sounds

Sights
With over 130 acres of beautifully manicured, landscaped gardens Bute Park is the perfect spot to take any hangovers for a walk, soak up a little sun and rest any tender heads from the night before. Roald Dahl Plass is a great place for your Cardiff hen do team photos with some of the city’s most iconic and famous buildings all close at hand.

Sounds
If like us, you’re fans of all things 90’s, Retro is most definitely the place for you. Virtually Insanity and Girl Power are pretty much guaranteed at one of the city’s premier nightclubs, that even The Fresh Prince would approve of.

Best Shopping Spots

You’ll find all the top high street brands and chains in the pedestrianised city centre with St David’s being the largest shopping mall.
Cardiff is a little thin on the ground for vintage shops but if you’re after bargains the Festival Park outlet shopping centre won’t disappoint.
If retro, vintage and bric-a-brac are your thing then you’ll find antiques, clothes and more at the simply fantastic Jacob's Market near Cardiff Central Station.

Getting Around Cardiff

While Cardiff is a huge and vibrant city, the city centre itself is compact enough to navigate in heels. However, if you do want to go out and about, getting around by bus is easy and cost effective. Buying a ticket before you board will save you pennies or you can get a bus ticket direct to your phone.

Hen Days

Whether you’re looking for all out action or a relaxed and genteel weekend, Cardiff really does have it all. Want to learn a fantastic dance routine with the girls? We have a huge selection of fun-filled Dance Classes available. Fancy a few cheeky cocktails? You can make and mix your own with a Cocktail Workshop. Action girls can try White Water Rafting, or the utterly hilarious Welsh Challenge.
Or for those that want something a little wilder how about Dominatrix lessons?

Hen Nights

Cardiff is without doubt one of the UK’s hottest hen do destinations, due in no small part, to the city’s legendary nightlife. At GoHen we’ll make sure every aspect of your night is mapped out to make it a night to remember. From Dinner Reservations to Guest List Nightclub Entry at some of the city’s biggest clubs.
If you want to leave your hat on and have a few giggles then a Male Strip Show and hunky Butlers in the Buff will certainly put a smile on the bride-to-be’s face. How about a private Karaoke booth? Speak to our team about more great nights out.

40 Reasons Why Cardiff Is Amazing!

Gavin and Stacey - One of the best sit-coms ever was shot on location in Cardiff. Die hard fans can see all the show's best sights and even ride in 'Dave's Coaches' with the Gavin & Stacey Tour.

Cardiff Bay - The largest waterfront redevelopment in Europe is certainly one of the most stylish too. Discover St. David's Spa, the Wales Millennium Centre and a host of bars and restaurants for your Cardiff hen party pleasure.

One of the best - In 2011, National Geographic declared Cardiff as one of the top ten places in the world to visit. Is it time to declare this city as the eighth wonder of the world?

What rain? - It's such a stereotype! Cardiff actually has more hours of sunlight than Milan. Who'd have thought it?!?

Welsh Challenge - A hilarious addition for any Cardiff hen do. How will the girls fare in our Welsh Challenege you'll be taking part in Leek Lampin', Drunk Dragons and Pull the Pit Pony?!?

Shirley Bassey - How we'd love to have the lungs of the great Dame Shirley Bassey. Her voice is boomin' marvellous and with James Bond hits like Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever and Moonraker the Girl from Tiger Bay is proud of her Cardiff roots.

Gethin Jones - Cardiff produces more than it's fair share of hunks and Gethin Jones is a fine example of Welsh manliness.

Mocka Lounge - The Mocka Lounge is where Cardiff's hard-working young professionals come to party harder and a great stop for any Cardiff hen party! Mixers, cocktails and sambuca shots, oh my!

Henry Morgan - The infamous pirate was actually born in the locality of Cardiff. His name is now attached to a rather fine rum. Cocktails anyone?

Soda - Soda is renowned for funky tunes, chilled-out party vibes and some of the best cocktails in town. Don't believe us? Time for a taste test.

Griff Rhys-Jones - Another of Cardiff's favourite sons and one of the fathers of modern comedy Griff is still a telly regular.

Room 112 - If 'Room 101' is full of our least favourite things, then Room 112 is rammed with our favourites including big tunes, tasty drinks and beautiful blokes.

Catatonia - Dedicated rock-chicks will remember being Hooked on this Cardiff-based 90s band for their brilliant hits like Mulder and Scully as well as the classic Road Rage.

Ladybird - For the trendiest nights out in town, Ladybird is the way to go. This is where all the cute hipsters come to party to the best house tunes around.

Charlotte Church - Former “Voice of an Angel” turned rock chick/chat show host Charlotte Church is a multitalented local lass done good.

The Full Moon - This ever popular bar is always buzzing! Enjoy tasty spirits and enquire about the 'house speciality', you won't regret it.

Green City - Per person, Cardiff has more green space than any other city in the whole of the UK. A wander around Bute Park or the beautiful Roath Recreation Ground is a guaranteed hangover-cure!

Retro - If you love the chart-topping hits of the 90s then this is a fabulous way to enjoy them. Get down to the hits of Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff, Madonna, Spice Girls and more.

Milgi - Natural, friendly and exciting cooking is the catch of the day in this amazing vegetarian restaurant.

Spillers - Spillers is another local creation turned legend and the world's oldest record shop.

Cheque-mate - The world's first £1,000,000 cheque was signed in Cardiff's coal exchange. Imagine all the shoes you could buy with a million squids?!?

Pryzm - This club is really glamorous and is honestly so stylish. We recommend digging out your finest cocktail dress, just remember your party feet girls!

Did you know? - In 1158, local legend Ifor Bach (the Welsh Lord of Senghenydd) attacked Cardiff Castle and kidnapped the Earl of Gloucester and his wife, talk about an invasion of privacy!

Pop-culture - Cardiff has a vibrant population of around 354,294, and that's just the people who live here on a permanent basis. The city actually sees around 18 million visitors a year, meaning that the clubs and bars are always rocking.

Clwb Ifor Bach - This amazing club used to be reserved for welsh-speaking bands only, but the venue was simply so brilliant, they just had to share it with everybody!

Castles - Cardiff claims to have more castles than any other city in the world. Counting Cardiff Castle, the city has three standing fortifications including Castell Coch and St. Fagan's Castle. 'My royal hen-ness...'

Glam - Cardiff's style icons can be often be found making their way to Glam, a scintillating nightclub full of good times and great nights in luxurious surroundings, perfect for any big Cardiff hen do.

Craft Parties - Our Cardiff hen do craft parties make for fantastic fun that often results in hilarious and messy displays of creative brilliance!

The Lingo - Surprisingly, only 10% of the city's population can actually understand the Welsh language, but that doesn't mean you won't see it on road signs everywhere!

Doctor Who - World famous Doctor Who has found a brilliant home in this city, which seems to have changed its look as many times as the Doctor himself.

Rugby - The Cardiff locals absolutely love rugby, and we aren't just talking about the blokes. Welsh women pride themselves on supporting the lads in red and a booming chorus of 'Bread of Heaven' is a common occurrence in many of the bars and clubs!

St. David's Centre - Exercise your serious passion for fashion in St. David's, one of the largest shopping centres in the whole of the UK. Shops include Hollister, Radley and the luxurious Vivenne Westwood.

Student central - Cardiff is a massive favourite with students from all over the UK and abroad, with 54,000 studying as hard as they party...

Perfume Making - Do you agonize over which perfume is best for you and your skin? With our perfume making hen do activity, you'll meet an expert perfumer who'll help you choose a scent that's perfect for you.

Flat as a welsh-cake! - Bizarrely, the Welsh capital is one of the flattest cities in Britain, meaning you can wear those (possibly) newly-bought heels in confidence on your Cardiff hen do.

Roman city - It's a little known fact that it was the Romans who laid down the foundations for what would later become Cardiff all the way back in 55AD. You know what this news means? Toga party!

Tanni Grey-Thompson - Cardiff born Dame Tanni, enjoyed Paralympic success on 16 different occasions winning gold a whopping eleven times, you go girl!

Shakin' Stevens - Cardiff born rock n' roll artists Shakin' Stevens has enjoyed a tremendous career in the music industry. He could probably live off the royalties of Merry Christmas Everyone alone...

It's time for a hen party in Cardiff!

Cardiff nightlife is legendary! Any Cardiff hen party can be sure of great nights out and plenty of laughs in one of the UK’s top 10 hen party destinations. Huge clubs, super trendy bars, great restaurants and incredible daytime activities. If you’re looking for long lasting memories then Cardiff really does have it all!

Cardiff - Taming the Dragon

Cardiff is one of our top five locations for a hen do - it’s got absolutely everything you need, and the whole weekend will be set for success from the start! After all - 15 million visitors a year can’t be wrong! It’s been voted one of Britain’s Best Value Cities, ensuring you’ll be able to get more for your money here than in most other UK cities. A city of great culture boasting a rich vein of actors, singers and artists it’s a lively and vibrant destination which has regenerated itself from a somewhat industrial past in to a spectacular, sparkling city! It’s the perfect place for some very adventurous day times, and extreme evenings out!

Big laughs on your hen do in Cardiff?

With nearly 70 hen do activities in Cardiff to choose from, and over 30 options for a Cardiff hen do night out, you really are spoilt for choice! When it comes to giving the nearly-wed a big send off, Cardiff is a fantastic choice, with a massive combination of things to try and do. A dance class in the morning is a great way to get everyone moving and talking, and you can always grab some lunch whilst doing some shopping after for a bit of down time to recover. An afternoon session to get you pumped for the night ahead is a great idea - ideally something that doesn’t get you too messy, like a recording studio session or massage. Top the day off with cocktail mixing or vodka tasting to get you in the party mood, before you hit the clubs! Your big night in Cardiff has the potential to be truly unforgettable - the city centre has a fantastic range of bars, pubs and clubs which on weekends are full of lively, vibrant partygoers. We can sort you out with guest list clubbing at one of Cardiff’s best nightclubs, or find you some pre club entertainment with a saucy male strip show or a pumping boogie bus!

Counting the Cost - Get more for your money...

At GoHen we value what an important weekend this is for the bride-to-be. After weeks of wedding planning she’ll be keen to get away with her closest friends and share plenty of laughs. But getting large groups together can often cause delicate financial questions, no one likes to feel the pinch of purse strings after a weekend away. We have arranged hundreds of Cardiff hen parties with over a decade of experience in the city.
We really do go the extra mile in our search for value and take the time to personally visit all our providers to ensure they meet our high standards to ensure you have the best weekend. And that includes getting you fantastic deals.
Because we have worked with many of our Cardiff partners we have secured unrivalled prices to ensure you get more laughs for your lolly without any nasty emails from the bank when you get home.

When to visit Cardiff?

As Wales’ capital, Cardiff is home to fantastic events all year round, whether that’s music festivals, sporting events, or summer celebrations. Your hen do has a good chance of coinciding with a big event, to add a little extra to the party! Through February and March there’s the Six Nations Rugby (which means, ladies, more men out and about on the town in the evening!) and then through May to August Cardiff Bay sees music, shows, and events throughout the whole harbour side area, including plays, performances, and gigs. In June and August, there’s both the Cardiff Summer Festival and Summer Concerts in the Millennium Stadium, and in July there are the Welsh Proms in St David’s Hall. Head over in August for the Cardiff Big Weekend or the Harbour Festival, and then through November to January there’s a magical Winter Wonderland!

Cardiff City - Shop ‘til you drop!

Cardiff was recently named the 6th best shopping destination in the UK, having a fantastic range of shops, boutiques and shopping centres. The striking Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades are unique places to shop, with a blend of independent stores and souvenir havens. There are also huge shopping centres, like the massive St Davids, or the Queen’s Arcade. You’ll find quaint markets too; Cardiff Central Market is a Victorian indoor market with a lot of quirky, whimsical items to be found. There’s a great range of stores to suit all hen groups, no matter what you’re looking to buy - around the city centre you’ll find a combination of designer outlets, high street names, and independent boutiques catering to all your fashion needs.

Getting there...

However you want to get to Cardiff, it’s probably possible - it’s a very accessible city. The M4 across the Severn Bridge will bring you straight to the Welsh capital. There’s plenty of parking in the city, though it’s pretty expensive, so check your hotel provides parking spaces, or consider leaving your car a little outside the city centre. Trains in to Cardiff are frequent, with Cardiff Queen Street station running lines to Manchester, Birmingham, London, Bristol, Southampton and Portsmouth. There are coach services run to and from a lot of Britain’s biggest cities, and these can be a heap and easy way to travel in large groups!

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