Top 5 London Hen Party Ideas
Star Bars
Experimental Cocktail Club - What goes on behind that shagged-down black door is a mystery. Some say that the cocktails are out of this world, that the bartenders are cute and that they've never tasted drinks quite like it. We suppose there's only one way to find out...
Cahoots - This quintessentially English bar will have you drinking tequila from a tea cup and fox trotting your way around the dance floor in no time. Live bands, retro-chic design and a truly unique vibe that you've simply got to get into cahoots with.
Nightjar - A luxury speakeasy where London's working professionals go to play after dark. Nightjar is smart, sophisticated, sexy and has far too many cocktails for your own good.
Best Bites
Duck and Waffle - Just a waddle away in Bishopsgate you'll find the Duck and Waffle, a sky-high restaurant and bar packed with urban street art and a stunning view of London's gorgeous skyline which is only matched by the house speciality of, you guessed it, duck and waffle!
The Ledbury - Talented chef Brett Graham works his culinary magic in The Ledbury's kitchen, creating incredible dishes like iberico pork with purple carrots, or aged pigeon with pickled wild rose and just to finish things off in style, a brown sugar tart with stem ginger ice cream.
Sights & Sounds
Sights
London baby! There's so much to see and do here it's almost impossible to decide where to begin. If it's culture you're after, then you can tourist yourselves happy in the beautiful V&A Museum which has plenty of design and fashion exhibits for on-trend hens to admire.
Or if you're totally new to the capital then start at Trafalgar Square, then wander down Whitehall (past Horseguards Parade, Downing Street, War Rooms, Cenotaph etc) where you'll arrive at Parliament Square. Here you'll find the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey.
Looking for the London Eye and the Thames? Just walk 50 yards to the right!
Sounds
For a trendy, stylish night out you should head to Fabric where you can witness some of London's top DJs and party in state-of-the-art, neon-lit surrounds with the city's fashionistas. Or of course, you can pay the Ministry of Sound a visit and discover for yourselves why this incredible nightclub has become not just a staple in London's clubbing scene, but a global brand.
For more laid back sounds, head to Covent Garden and bask in the sun to the stylings of street performers or you can turn around the corner and into the West End for some show stopping musical acts.
In the Diary
February - London Fashion Week. The world's sartorial experts converge on the capital to showcase designs at the cutting edge of fashion.
May - Chelsea Flower Show. Witness the world famous floral fiesta, it's blooming lovely.
August - The Notting Hill Carnival. It's the biggest street festival in Britain and the perfect excuse to go loco with the party loving locals.
August - The Proms. Whether it's in the park or in the Royal Albert Hall, there's nothing quite so British as the pomp of the BBC Proms.
October - London Film Festival. Film buffs unite in celebration of British film and new flicks from all over the world.
Top of the Shops
Camden Market - Camden has long been a hotbed of London's fashion and music. As well as great clothes you'll find cool bars and great eats.
Covent Garden - Prices are what you would expect in this tourist Mecca but there are few trendier spots on the streets of London town.
Portabello Market - Well worth a wander for hens who love to shop. Clothes, antiques and bric-a-brac all rub shoulders in this bustling market.
Carnaby Street - THE place to shop in the sixties, Carnaby Street still houses some of London's coolest designers.
Oxford Street - The name is simply synonymous with shopping. But be warned, it could be damaging to your credit card's health.
Girls About Town - Getting around London...
Despite its size London is surprisingly easy to navigate. If you're not too familiar with the underground you can pick up maps at most West End stations. An Oyster Card or Travelcard allows you access to London's buses, underground, overground and DLR. For extra laughs why not hop on a Boris bike?
Please note; Most of our London accommodation is right in the heart of the city so everything you need is close at hand. If you decide to get a cab always go for a licensed black cab as many unlicensed taxis do prowl the streets.
Hen Days
London has one of the biggest selection of hen activities of any of our destinations with over 80 amazing girl power choices waiting for you to get stuck into. From Dance Classes to Climbing the O2, Cocktail Mixing to a Recording Session at a professional London studio. Whatever hen party wishes the bride-to-be might have, we'll work with you to make them come true. See more...
Hen Nights
This is London! No London hen party can miss with the glittering array of hen nightlife to choose from. Cabaret Shows over dinner or West End Shows. Or you can have a few laughs at a Comedy Club or Male Strip Show.
If you still haven't partied hard enough then we'll arrange VIP Guestlist Nightclub Entry at a number of the city's trendiest clubs so you can avoid queuing and be swept through the red rope. See more...
39 Reasons Why London Is Beautiful!
Brooklyn Bowl - There aren't many bars that'll let you bowl while you treat yourselves to some cheeky cocktails in the modern equivalent of a 1930's speakeasy, but that's exactly what you'll find at Brooklyn Bowl and we love it!
Fabric - Fabric is absolutely huge and it feels like the basement party of your dreams as the chic brickwork surrounds meet the laser lights creating a clubbing experience that's both modern and full of fun!
Big Ben - It's probably the world's most famous clock but Big Ben is actually the name of one of the bells rather than the clock itself.
Big Birds - In 1945, an entire flock of birds landed on the minute hand of Big Ben and actually managed to put the time back by 5 minutes!
'Taxi!' - Cabbies in London have to memorise every street and important building in the city within six miles of Charing Cross and pass an exam known as 'the knowledge'. Now hands up all those that have trouble remembering what they left a room for...?
The Cuckoo Club - This lavish club is where London's hip young things go to let their hair down. The décor is delightfully quirky, and the LED ceiling above the dance floor makes for a unique touch!
Christmas Cancelled?!? - In 1647, Parliament actually abolished Christmas. You weren't even allowed to celebrate! Historians are still searching for that year's John Lewis advert...
The Shard - It's the highest building in Western Europe, and for a modern building it's so gorgeous. Sleek, elegant and proud, it stands tall over the London skyline, offering 40 miles of stunning views. See it for yourselves...
Illegal to what?!? - It's actually illegal to die in the Houses of Parliament. Although we're not sure what the punishment is.
Palace of Westminster - The Houses of Parliament are officially known as the Palace of Westminster. Although we aren't sure why our politicians would possibly need 8 bars, 6 restaurants, a shooting range and a HAIR SALON?!?!?
Buckingham Palace - Big, bold and British, Buckingham Palace is truly stunning. Plus if you visit while on your London hen do, there's always the teeny tiny chance that you could bump into Prince Harry...
Westminster Abbey - We've gazed on it during the nation's happiest times and of course our saddest. It's truly beautiful, and probably the site of our dream wedding, although it's usually reserved for royalty only!
Naughty Harrods - We know Harrods for its wonderful (but pricey) collections of luxury goods, but in 1916, it was well known that you could saunter into the sophisticated department store and buy cocaine?!?
Poets Corner - In Westminster Abbey you'll find the final resting place of the nations most revered writers including Edmund Spenser, Charles Dickens, Thomas Hardy and more recently, Laurence Olivier.
Russian Banya Baths - If you're tired of the traditional spa day, then our Russian baths will give your days of rest and relaxation a timely reawakening! Read more...
Charles Dickens House - It's not exactly a party pad, but Dickens' London house is still intact. It's now a museum and seeing as he wrote Oliver Twist and The Paperwick Papers here, it's well worth the visit.
The Beatles - The gorgeous foursome of Paul, George, John and Ringo performed for the last time on the roof of Apple Corps at 3 Saville Row, which is now an Abercrombie and Fitch store...bonus!
The Roxy - The Roxy is one of our favourite places to party in the capital, with stylish naked light-bulbs illuminating the bar and a soundtrack of on-trend house music courtesy of cutting-edge DJs.
David Beckham - Writing his name gets us hot under the collar. We don't care about bending it like becks, but we'd happily let him give us a few football tips if it meant brushing up to his hot bod...
Café de Paris - Possibly London's most opulent nightclub, Café de Paris encapsulates all the decadence and frivolity of Marie Antoinette and morphs it into a clubbing experience where style and substance are found in equal measure.
Peter Pan - Great Ormond Street Hospital for children owns the copyright for Peter Pan. It receives royalties from all associated works and performances courtesy of J.M. Barrie who gave the rights to the hospital in 1929. 'I do believe in fairies!'
The Coach & Horses - This charming pub is London legend, having been the home of the self-proclaimed 'London's rudest landlord' and the haunt of many a famous writer and actor including the likes of Tom Baker and John Hurt.
Trafalgar Square - Wonderful, wonderful Trafalgar. Although it's often swarming with tourists, it's still a beautiful celebration of Britishness and the perfect spot for a group photo.
Nelson's Column - It's widely thought that Adolf Hitler wanted to dismantle our column and rebuild it in Berlin. Not a chance we said!
The Only Running Footman - This beautiful pub has a calm, homely atmosphere. Nestle in with a glass of red and enjoy British classics with some inspired twists. These are real culinary triumphs.
Henry VIII's Wine Cellar - Beneath the Ministry of Defence's HQ in Whitehall is Henry VIII's wine cellar, time for a St. Trinian's style heist perhaps?!?
O2 Arena - It's a little known fact that the O2 is so big; you could actually fit the Great Pyramid of Giza or even the Statue of Liberty in it. And you can climb to the top of it! Find out how...
XOYO - This is one of the city's most popular clubs and it's not difficult to see why! With some of the best DJs in the country taking to the stage, a visit to XOYO could make for a real highlight on your London hen party.
Tower Bridge - Honestly one of the most gorgeous bridges in the world, until 1910 you could actually walk along the top walkway until it was shut because of its popularity with 'ladies of the night'.
London Buses - While we know them as being traditionally big, double-decked and red, it wasn't always so. Before 1907, different routes had different coloured buses and everything was much less confusing!
Afternoon Tea Bus - Commandeer your own big red bus for the most delicious bus ride you'll ever enjoy! With tasty teas, sandwiches and cakes on route, this is a must-do activity. Read more...
Deep thinkers - Voltaire, Vincent van Gogh, Sigmund Freud, Ho Chi Minh and Edgar Allen Poe have all lived in London at one point or another.
West End Musical - Now you can't come to London without catching one of the hottest shows in town?! Laugh, cry and deliver a standing ovation for some of the best performers in the world. See more...
Jimi Hendrix - Rock-chicks will love to hear that London has a special place in Hendrix history. The guitar hero lived here for a time during his career, and he actually played his last live gig at Ronne Scott's Jazz Club on Frith Street in 1970.
Ladies Football - Chelsea and Arsenal have their fair share of brave Lionesses that take to the pitch with a real ferocity and verve to show the boys how it's really done. You go girls!
Benedict Cumberbatch - Seriously, is there a British actor out there who's dishier? We don't know who's enjoyed his star turns in Sherlock and Star Trek more, him, or us!
The Qube Project - The uber trendy Qube Project is a cutting edge club where the onus is on great tunes and even better times. This is the perfect place to throw shapes!
Adele - Her two albums have sound tracked many a girls life, with hit songs including Chasing Pavements, Rolling in the Deep and James Bond theme Skyfall in her repertoire, this London based singer-songwriter is truly top of the pops.
Cocktail Mixing - This hands-on activity will see you learning how to make your own alcoholic creations before trying them for yourselves. Don't worry though; you'll have a devilish duo of shots to inspire you along the way. See more...
Top Tweeters
Skint London - Amazing events and attractions for under £10 as and when they happen!
London Eating - News and hot tips on the best restaurants from a real London foodie.
Facebook
Londonist - The super-trendy resource on London's best live events and more.
London Calling - The city's ultimate cultural guide for theatre, music, art and dance!
- 1. Wherever you head in London you're on to a winner with around 3800 pubs
- 2. The incredible historic sights, including the Tower of London, the Globe Theatre, and St. Paul's Cathedral
- 3. The River Thames, striking and a great venue for water activities
- 4. A range of exciting, world-class cuisines
- 5. Fantastic shopping, from Oxford Street to Camden Market
Fancy a "knees up" in good old London Town?
A London hen party has got to be close to the pinnacle of pre-nuptial partying, it's impossible to imagine the girls won't love it! There are some of the best shopping opportunities in the world, the top restaurants in the UK have made their home here, and between the pulsing nightlife and the huge variety of activities and events, a well prepared hen party in London can be the celebration of the century!
Maidens in Chelsea...
Have you seen the size of the city? It's huge! One of the biggest in the world, not just in the UK. Take a look at our activity suggestions for an idea of what the big city has to offer - we've got over 75 options listed for you and the girls! A program including a dance work out, lunch on a Thames cruise, and a cocktail mixing session still leaves you plenty of time to squeeze in a stroll round the shops or sight seeing Sunday morning... unless you'd rather end the weekend with a spa visit to rest your feet!
Where the stars come out at night...
There's an enormous and remarkable variety of enticing venues throughout the capital, from the sleek haunts of Soho to Leicester Square's buzzing bars and restaurants to the cool Shoreditch clubs. You can take a limo from the hotel and arrive at an award-winning bar for early evening drinks, before heading off for dinner in a fabulous restaurant, then finish the evening at a megaclub to dance until the early hours. Alternatively, you might fancy a few laughs at a comedy show, a trip to the theatre, horse racing, cabaret, or a naughty male strip show... and that's just off the top of our heads! Or you can just spend the evening celeb spotting in the glitzy West End.
Heading into the city...
There are six airports in London, and buses run between the airports frequently, so international hens, or those coming from the other end of the UK, won't have trouble getting in. It's also very easy to get in and around the city by train, as it runs networks all across the UK. Coaches in to Victoria Coach station are cheap when booked in advance, and while they take substantially longer than the train, they can save you a lot in terms of ticket price. Driving around London can be tricky, but if you do decide to cough up the congestion charge, head towards the M25, which circles the whole of Greater London.
The Grand Hotels
There's no two ways about it, despite having a huge number of hotels, the better accommodation can be expensive. Location is important but it doesn't have to be a deal breaker, you definitely want to be central but the tube central covers a big area. The most important thing is that whatever budget you have you and the girls are in a favourable neighbourhood. You've also got to think about how you're arriving, for example, do you want to be near a train station, would direct access to the airport be useful, do you need parking? If you click through to our London accommodation page you'll find the list of options from hand picked hostels right through to 5 star hotels. The company originally started out in Covent Garden, London WC2 and with over a decade's experience in organising hen weekends in London almost weekly throughout the year, we're clued up on where to stay and where to get the best value for our groups.
Shop until you drop...
One of Europe's mighty shopping Meccas, From the luxuries of Harrods, Harvey Nicks, Fortnum & Mason, and Selfridges to huge modern shopping centres like Westfield, and renowned retail giants like Oxford Street, Bond Street, and Kings Road. Don't overlook the charismatic and quirky markets like Portobello Road, Camden Market, and Brick Lane for whimsical, colourful and creative finds. Borough Market is great for food, and a tasty place to visit for breakfast Sunday morning too. A London hen do needs a little down time to avoid overwhelming the guests, so delight the girls with a few hours of retail therapy!
Booking your London Hen Party...
Our offices were originally based in Covent Garden, it's a city we know and love and we're happy to answer any questions and help you book a perfect London hen do. Send us an enquiry or call our team and we'll send you hassle free quote. 01225 474200
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