London is right up there with New York and Paris in terms of style, elegance and glamour, yet it also boasts a wild side like no other making it one of the greatest places on the planet to house a hen party. Get set, ladies, it's going to be memorable!
You don't have to put the party on hold just because you need to eat some food! No no no, this is London, a certified party town, so you and the girls decided to book up the incredible Piano Bar and Dinner where you can enjoy a delicious two-course meal whilst you enjoy some fabulous entertainment!
After some awesome evening entertainment, you and the girls are just about ready to bust out some dance moves and hit the club, but the queue is absolutely monstrous. Luckily, the maid of honour had the foresight to book up Guestlist Nightclub Entry so you and the girls can waltz on past the line and dance right on in!
OK, it was a few more than one song, but it's the bride's big weekend, you can't do things by halves! Everyone seems pretty on form though, so it's about time you got up and got out there for your second day of Hens in the City!
Activity No. 2 - Escape Room
Well, you managed to escape by the skin of your teeth. Thank God the bride found that clue at the last second otherwise she'd have been in the doghouse with the husband come the wedding day when she didn't turn up at the church! Time for a spot of lunch before another fab activity.
You didn't all have to eat them straight away, you could've taken some away with you… OK, yes, we would've done the same, fair point! Well, what an amazing day, time to get glammed up ahead of another night in the party city of London!
When we say ‘Booze', you say ‘Cruise', ‘BOOZE'... Yes, after a quick bite to eat you and the gals will take to the Thames to give the bride a night she'll never forget. With a DJ dropping regulated bangers and a bouncing dance floor, this is the only place to kickstart your night in the capital!
After the boat party, it's time to cap your night off in one of London's biggest clubs. You're in and the party's bouncing! You get back from the bar but can't seem to find anyone… what's that large group of people doing… oh, of course, the bride's started a dance-off… you can't take your eyes off her for two minutes!
The alarm sends a communal groan out around your room as you and the girls awake from your slumber to a few sore heads, but it's all worth it because the party went off! Time to grab your stuff and head off home!
Nightlife
Bright lights, big city! But if you're not a London girl, just where should you go to enjoy the best night out? Here's our quick rundown.
Camden
Perhaps best known for its market, Camden has always been a major player in giving a stage to some of the biggest talent. Madness, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, The Verve all played Camden venues when starting out. Just like its taste in fashion and music, the area's venues are quirky, artistic and a little bit rough around the edges in a laid back, cool way.
Camden has a real energy and buzz about it, live music, happy hours, cocktails, craft beers, kings and cockneys, you'll find it all in Camden Town.
Underground Station - Camden Town - Zone 2 - Easy to find? 4/5
Covent Garden
Covent Garden has always been home to the artistic set. It has the opera house, theatres, even the famous Pineapple Studios can be found here. By day the area is all buskers and tourists, by night it's one of the most exciting areas of one of the most exciting cities in the world.
It's still a great place to find cabaret and something just a little bit more sophisticated. Burlesque bars, secret cocktail joints, live immersive drinking experiences and some incredible restaurants.
Underground Station - Covent Garden - Zone 1 - Easy to find 5/5
Hoxton
Birthplace of the Hoxton Fin (mohawk hairdo made famous by David Beckham), Hoxton has had to elbow its way to get noticed but the locals like to pretend they don't really care (they do) that it has become increasingly trendy.
Hoxton isn't trying to entice tourists, slightly off the beaten track it likes it that way. Late bars, hip hop, checked shirts, beers, trendy coffee and open mic nights.
Underground Station - Liverpool Street - Zone 1 - Easy to find 3/5
Islington
Gastro pubs, funky wine bars, trendy restaurants and close to many top theatres, Islington is considered a great hangout for celeb watching. It's popular with many famous faces dropping by as it's just far enough away from the tourists but still close to the heart of the city.
Easy to get to by tube, Islington is full of hidden gems that have their own unique flavour and style.
Underground Station - Angel - Zone 1 - Easy to find 4/5
Shoreditch
Shoreditch probably isn't going to talk to you. She's a bit aloof, avant-garde, cutting edge, things here are experimental, from bars and restaurants to the latest drinks or weirdest bands. It's a night out where quite literally anything can and will happen.
If you're ever likely to get a tattoo of two turtles arm wrestling a unicorn while dodging space monkeys, it'll be in Shoreditch.
Underground Station - Shoreditch (limited stops) - Zone 2 - Easy to find 3/5
Soho
Soho carries her own dirty laundry and has gathered a bit of a name for herself. Rubbing shoulder with Leicester Square and within dancing distance of Covent Garden, Soho is home to London's China Town. There are some great bars and restaurants to start your evening as well as the big clubs all within dancing distance An unforgettable London hen party awaits.
Forget the past, Soho is a nice place to enjoy a meal, definitely a start to the evening, never the end.
Underground Station - Leicester Square - Zone 1 - Easy to find 4/5
South Bank
Perhaps the most famous club in London/the world can be found in South Bank, The Ministry of Sound. Other clubs have all plugged into the Ministry vibe but be careful of imitations. There is also a thriving art scene and it's also home to the National Theatre and Southbank Centre.
In contrast to Soho, unless you're heading to the theatre or viewing art, this is where you'll end your evenings.
Underground Station - Waterloo - Zone 1 - Easy to find 4/5
West End
This is really a generic term and covers a number of areas including Piccadilly, Soho, Covent Garden, and if it's your first time in London, then this is somewhere you'll want to be at night as it's all surprisingly compact. You can walk from Covent Garden to Piccadilly in just a few minutes.
If you're going to 'do London' then it has to be dinner, show, bar, club. All of which the West End has in abundance.
Underground Station - Leicester Square/Piccadilly/Covent Garden - Zone 1 - Easy to find 5/5
Shopaholics
If you've got a passion for fashion, then London is one of the greatest places on earth to find the best design.
Camden Market
Yes, it is popular with tourists (it's London, everywhere is popular with tourists) but there is still some great stuff to be found if you're wanting a more alternative look.
Underground Station - Camden Town - Zone 2 - Easy to find? 4/5
Oxford Street
Arguably the most famous shopping address in the UK Nike, Top Shop, Ted Baker, Next, Adidas and many more all have their flagship stores here. Not to mention the world-famous Selfridges.
Underground Station - Oxford Circus - Zone 1 - Easy to find? 5/5
Carnaby Street
Within walking distance of Oxford Street and Regent Street, Carnaby is one of the most famous addresses in the history of fashion. Not the powerhouse it once was but it's still well-worth a visit.
Underground Station - Oxford Circus - Zone 1 - Easy to find? 4/5
Westfield
Europe's largest shopping centre, if it can't be bought here it simply can't be bought. Every conceivable brand, designer and boutique all under one roof. Wear comfy shoes, it's huge!
Underground Station - Shepherd's Bush - Zone 1 - Easy to find? 5/5
Hotels
Where do you even start with hotels in such a large city. Well you don't have to, GoHen have a huge selection of hen-friendly hotels, apartments, hostels and more. Here's a selection of some of our faves...
See all London hen hotels...
Restaurants
London has some fantastic restaurants, perfect for a memorable hen dinner. But you need to be prepared.
There's nothing worse than heading out in a large group and having to try and find a table for 15 girls on the spot. "Yes of course, it's Saturday night, our busiest night of the week, why wouldn't we have a table big enough for a very large group?"
GoHen will arrange:
- A reserved table
- Pre-paid dining
- All the hens can pay individually
- And you can all pre-order your meals
It's a totally stress-free way to plan your special dinner. Nom-nom!
Transport
London is a big city to navigate, but once you get the hang of it, it really is easy.
The simplest thing is to get a prepaid travelcard (Oyster). This will allow you to hop on and off all modes of London transport across the city, up to the value you have prepaid. If it should run out, you can simply top it up some more.
If you're not familiar with London's travel zone system don't worry, there are maps available everywhere. You can keep one on your phone.
- Zone 1 - London City, West End, most major intercity train stations, you'll also find most of the most famous landmarks (Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, etc in Zone 1).
- Zone 2 - Canary Wharf, Westfield, Clapham Junction, Shepherd's Bush, Wood Lane
- Zone 3 - Wimbledon, London City Airport, Excel, Ealing Broadway
- Zone 4 - Barking, Woolwich, Kew Gardens, Richmond, Grange Hill
- Zone 5 - Edgeware, Stanmore, Cockfosters
- Zone 6 - Heathrow, Epping, Upminster
You Pick
We Sort
You Party!
