Exeter hen party

It's time for a hen party in Exeter!

The lovely Devon city of Exeter packs a pretty big punch in the hen weekend stakes. Free of the tourist hoards that plague much of Devon, it's a haven for hens who want to get away and enjoy a lively yet relaxing weekend in a cosmopolitan, classy city! With everything you need for a great hen weekend within easy reach, you can't go wrong with Exeter as a destination with a difference for your hen party!

Why: Reasons to try an Exeter hen party

Exeter expertly blends 2000 years of history with a modern, fresh vibe, making a contemporary and fun city to stay in! It doesn't suffer the swarms of tourists that descend on Devon annually, so for a private break away with the girls, an Exeter hen weekend could be the ideal trip! It's not a sleepy city though - there's still plenty to do and see, and it's regularly voted amongst the top cities in the UK for quality of life... which means lots of quality things for you hens to experience when visiting! And with the stunning Exeter Cathedral on one side, and the breathtaking historic quayside on the other, you'll have an undeniable class and ambiance to complement your Exeter hen party! It's a great break for you and the crew with more than enough to keep you active and entertained.

What: Planning your hen party in Exeter?

Exeter has a surprisingly cosmopolitan range of hospitality. You can dine in full view of the Cathedral, enjoy a tasty range of international cuisine, sip champagne and cocktails, or even visit a couple of historic pubs and inns. And that's before hitting the clubs! Exeter's a city that's perfect for taking it easy and relaxing in, or ramping up the action - the nearby countryside affords opportunities for thrill seeking pursuits, and the city centre has a sophisticated selection of hen classics like cocktail mixing or burlesque dancing. You could even take to the river Exe or the sea for some summer water sports! The perfect hen weekend combines a few different kinds of activities, so you're not hurtling along at high speeds or lounging by a pool the whole weekend. An itinerary that includes ringos or wakeboarding in the morning, a classy afternoon tea luncheon, and some sight-seeing in the evening will leave you refreshed and ready for once the sun goes down. Exeter may not have a reputation as a clubbers paradise, but it's packed with great bars, pubs and a few clubs, as well as our range of top evening hen excursions!

Shop: Exeter shopping areas & recommendations

Whether you're looking for huge high street names like John Lewis or you're after small, independent boutiques, Exeter's a great place to take the hens for some retail therapy. Not only that but the city centre's wonderfully compact, meaning you can reach all the best places by foot, though the shopping areas are split into quarters so you might want to first decide what you're after. If you're looking for high quality and top fashion then head to Princesshay, where you'll find shops like Reiss and Caroline Charles. All the usual high street stores can be found in the Guildhall Shopping Centre or have a look in the Castle Quarter and West Quarter for interesting local shops. Whatever you're after, the retail scene in Exeter is sure to have something to cater to your needs, and the girls will love it.

When: The best times to visit for a hen party in Exeter

Exeter throws several festivals and events throughout the year, so it's worth checking out what's on before you pay a visit. Head over in May for the Devon County Show, a 3-day event with food and drink, stalls and entertainment, or to Ottery St Mary for the Flaming Tar Barrels, when, unsurprisingly, people run through the streets carrying flaming barrels of tar (definitely earning you points on the unusual hen scale). The Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink is an annual event held in April which celebrates with regional food and celebrity chefs. For a fortnight in June the Exeter Summer Festival is celebrated with dance, music, theatre, exhibitions and comedy performances, and then a few months later the Autumn Festival takes to the streets. There's no bad time to celebrate an Exeter hen party and you can be sure it's going to memorable.

How: How to get to a hen party in Exeter?

If you're thinking of getting the train in, lines from hourly from London and Bristol, and slightly less frequently from areas like South Wales and Birmingham - or coaches are available courtesy of Megabus or National Express too. If you'd rather drive, Exeter is right at the tail end of the M5, so as long as you're on that and driving south, you can't go wrong. For those hen parties who may be coming in from the South West, the A30, A38, and A377 will all lead you in the right direction.