Hen parties are one of those events that everyone looks forward to. They’re the perfect excuse to get your favourite people together, celebrate love and let your hair down before the big day. But as anyone who’s ever been in a hen party group chat knows, the question that always pops up is: “How much is this actually going to cost?”
If you’re wondering what the average cost of a hen party is in the UK, what goes into that total and how much extra you’ll spend if you head abroad, this guide has everything you need.
The Average Cost of a Hen Party in the UK
If you’re planning a fun hen party in the UK, the average cost per person tends to fall somewhere between £185 and £800, depending on where you go and how many extras you include.
Most groups find that £250 to £450 per person is a comfy middle ground. That usually covers a nice hotel or apartment, one or two activities, food, drinks and maybe a cheeky bottomless brunch. It’s enough to make it feel like a proper getaway without pushing anyone into their overdraft.
Why Hen Party Prices Can Vary So Much
When it comes to hen party costs, there isn’t always a one size fits all answer because every group is different. Some hens are happy with a night out in their local city, while others want a full weekend of activities and matching PJs in a countryside cottage.
You’ll see lots of different figures online, and that’s mainly because some studies only look at a single night or one paid activity, while others include the whole shebang with accommodation, travel, food, drinks, outfits and extras.
Here’s a quick rule of thumb:
- A one-day hen do can cost anywhere from £90 to £150 per person.
- A hen weekend in the UK usually costs around £250 to £450 per person.
- Throw in flights for a hen party abroad, premium hotels or luxury extras and you’re suddenly at £800+ each.
So before you start booking anything, it’s worth chatting with the group about what kind of hen party everyone’s up for and what sort of budget feels comfortable.
Breaking Down the Cost of Hen Parties
Let’s look at what typically makes up that total. Everyone’s priorities are a bit different, but these are the main things that add up to your final hen do spend:
The Cost of Hen Party Accommodation
This is often the biggest cost, especially for a weekend away. Prices vary hugely depending on where you go, but you’ll usually pay around £40 to £120 per person per night.
- Budget hotels and city centre chains tend to be on the lower end.
- Country cottages or self-catering apartments often work out cheaper per head if you fill every bed.
- Boutique hotels or spa resorts can easily double the price.
The Cost of Hen Party Activities
Hen party activities can range from silly to sophisticated, and the prices reflect that. Expect to pay around £30 to £100 per person.
- Cocktail making classes, dance workshops or male strip shows cost on average between £40 and £60 each.
- Outdoor, adventure-based activities, like quad biking, ziplining or paddleboarding, and immersive experiences cost an average £80–£100 per person.
- Of course, the more activities you add to your itinerary, the higher the cost of a hen do will be.
The Cost of Hen Party Food and Drinks
For a full weekend, you’ll probably spend £80 to £190 per person on food and drinks. That includes brunches, dinners and a few rounds of cocktails.
- Bottomless brunches cost an average of about £40-£60 per person, depending on the food and drink on offer. For example, you’ll pay more money for cocktails than wine and beer.
- If you’re heading to restaurants or bars both nights, costs can creep up very quickly.
Hen Party Travel Costs
Travel can be one of those hen do costs that people underestimate, especially if guests are coming from different parts of the country. How much you’ll spend really depends on where you’re heading and how far everyone has to go. For local hens within driving distance, petrol and parking might only come to around £15 to £30 each if cars are shared. For longer distances, train fares are usually the most convenient option but can quickly climb to £60 or £100 per person, particularly for popular Friday departures or last-minute bookings.
If you’re flying within the UK or heading abroad, you’ll need to factor in more than just the base ticket price. Return flights to European cities can range from £80 to £250, but don’t forget to add luggage fees, airport transfers and any taxis once you arrive. For groups travelling together, a private airport transfer or minibus can be surprisingly good value when the cost is split, often working out cheaper than multiple taxis.
It’s also worth considering how much transport you’ll need once you’re there. A city-centre location may cost more for accommodation but save you money overall because you can walk between restaurants, bars, and activities. More rural or resort-style locations might mean hiring minibuses or paying for several taxi trips, which can add £10 to £20 per person per day.
To keep travel costs down, plan routes early and book tickets in advance wherever possible. Encourage everyone to confirm attendance before locking in non-refundable fares and always compare group booking deals. Think about every part of the journey, from door to door, helps prevent any last-minute budget shocks and keeps the hen weekend running smoothly.
Hidden Hen Party Costs
It’s easy to overlook these, but they always sneak into the budget. Decorations and personalised accessories like sashes, balloons or matching outfits add up faster than you think. Then there are the drinks before going out, snacks for the group and those unexpected rounds that seem to appear on every night out.
Travel insurance, baggage fees and airport transfers can quietly push up the total for a trip abroad too. Don’t forget service charges or tips in restaurants and bars, which can add 10–15% to your tab. Building a small contingency of around £30–£50 per person into your budget keeps you covered for all those hidden costs that inevitably sneak in once the celebrations get started.
The Cost of a Hen Party in Different UK Cities
Not all hen party destinations are created equal when it comes to price. Where you decide to celebrate makes a huge difference to the total spend, especially when it comes to accommodation, food and nightlife. City popularity, local pricing and demand all play a part in shaping what you’ll pay for a weekend away.
The Most Expensive Cities for a Hen Party in the UK
London: It won’t surprise anyone that London hen parties top the list. Accommodation prices are high year-round, with hotels often costing £120 to £200 per person for a one-night stay. Drinks and dining can easily double what you’d spend elsewhere. London is incredible for activities and nightlife, but it’s definitely the premium option.
Edinburgh: Scotland’s capital is another stunning but pricey choice. The popularity for Edinburgh hen weekends, especially during summer and festival season, pushes up prices. Expect to pay around £350 to £500 per person for a full weekend including hotel, meals and one or two activities.
Brighton: Brighton hen parties are hugely popular, thanks to its seaside charm, wild nightlife and massive range of activities. But it’s also one of the pricier choices. Hen party accommodation in Brighton often starts at around £100 per person for two nights in mid-range hotels and easily rises to £180 or more during peak season or Pride weekend. Drinks and dining are also on the higher side, especially along the seafront and in the Lanes.
Bath: Bath’s beautiful Georgian streets and spa culture make it a favourite for more elegant hen weekends, but luxury comes at a price. Boutique hotels and spa packages are in high demand, so even a relaxed weekend with lots of food, drink and activities can total £400 to £600 per person if you’re not careful.
The Most Affordable Cities for a Hen Party in the UK
Liverpool: This city is known for being lively, friendly and affordable. Accommodation and hen party activities in Liverpool are cheaper than in most major cities, and the nightlife is legendary. You can plan a brilliant weekend here for around £200 to £300 per person.
Cardiff: The Welsh capital strikes a great balance between fun and affordability. With a compact city centre, it’s easy to get around without spending on taxis, and the mix of bars and experiences means there’s something for every budget. A well-planned hen weekend here can come in at £200 to £350 per person.
Newcastle: Newcastle offers some of the best value for money in the country. Hotels are competitively priced, activities are varied and fun and drinks are far more affordable than in the South. A hen weekend in Newcastle often costs between £180 and £320 per person.
The Cost of a Hen Party Abroad
A hen weekend abroad sounds like a dream with sun, sea, cocktails and beach clubs, and it can be as long as everyone knows what they’re signing up for. Going abroad adds some extra luxury and excitement but also a fair bit of extra cost for everyone.
For popular European spots like Benidorm. Barcelona, Marbella, Lisbon, Tenerife or Amsterdam, the average spend per person looks something like this:
- Budget weekend (two nights): £300–£500 each.
- Mid-range trip (three nights): £600–£900 each.
- Luxury or long-haul trip: £1,000–£1,500+ each.
Here’s where the money goes:
- Flights: £80–£250 per person, depending on the destination and time of year.
- Accommodation: £100–£250 per person for a few nights, usually in shared apartments or hotels.
- Food and drink: £100–£200 per person, depending on how much you eat out.
- Activities and nightlife: £50–£150 per person.
- Transfers and extras: Around £30–£60 each.
It’s worth noting that even in cheaper countries, small costs can quickly add up. Paying for taxis, airport drinks, checked luggage and last-minute snacks can quickly eat into your spending money. If you’re heading abroad, make sure everyone is clear about what’s included in the main package and what’s extra once you arrive so that you can budget
How to Keep Hen Party Costs Down
There’s nothing worse than a hen weekend where half the group feels stressed about money. The key is to plan early, communicate clearly and be realistic about what everyone can afford. A few simple choices can make a huge difference.
Book early: Prices for accommodation and activities can often go up the closer you get to the date so make sure to choose and book them nice and quickly.
Share accommodation where possible: Splitting a large cottage or apartment can save hundreds compared with individual hotel rooms. If you’d prefer to stay in a hotel, try to share rooms with a buddy where you can.
Be flexible: Not everyone has to do every paid activity. Don’t pressure people into doing something they don’t seem keen on.
Enjoy some free time: It’s your hen party so, of course, you to go all out. But having some free time built in keeps everyone happy, saving a bit of money and letting those social batteries recharge.
Avoid peak weekends: Bank holidays and big event weekends are always more expensive for hen parties. Consider having your hen in the colder months, such as spring or autumn. You won’t freeze, like in winter, but you’ll save some money if you stay away from summer celebrations.
Be honest about the budget: It’s much easier to agree on a price range early on than deal with awkward messages later. Tell everyone how much the hen party costs as soon as possible.
Be organised: A good organiser keeps everyone in the loop and makes sure all payments are clear and tracked. A simple shared spreadsheet or group chat breakdown does wonders for keeping things fair.
Who Pays for What?
Traditionally, the hens cover most of the bride’s costs, but that’s not a strict rule anymore. Some groups split everything evenly to keep it simple, while others prefer to treat the bride to her accommodation or one activity.
The most important thing is to agree before any money is spent. Once everyone knows the deal, it keeps things drama-free. A quick poll or chat at the start of planning can save a lot of confusion later on.
What You Should Budget for a Hen Do
To give you an easy overview:
- Day event in your local area: £40–£120 per person
- One night away in the UK: £120–£300 per person
- Two-night UK weekend: £200–£450 per person
- Short European break: £300–£800 per person
- Luxury or long-haul destination: £800–£1,500+ per person
If you’re planning something mid-range, for example, a weekend in a UK city with a hotel, dinner, drinks and one activity, around £300 per person is a safe figure to work from.
The Hen Organiser’s Checklist
If you’ve been given the honour (and responsibility) of organising the hen, here’s a simple list to keep you sane:
- Confirm numbers early so you can get accurate prices.
- Collect deposits quickly before bookings increase in price.
- Keep a list of who’s paid what.
- Double-check refund and cancellation policies.
- Be upfront about deadlines and costs.
- Communicate clearly and don’t be afraid to say no to unrealistic ideas.
What It All Adds Up To
A hen party doesn’t need to be over the top and cost a fortune to be amazing. The best ones are about laughter, shared memories and having fun with your favourite people in the world, not how much you spend. With open communication, smart planning and a realistic budget, you’ll have a weekend that everyone enjoys and no one regrets when their bank statement lands.
If you’re aiming for that sweet spot of fun and affordability, plan for £250 to £450 per person for the cost of a hen party in 2026 or £400 to £900 if you’re going abroad. That’s enough to create a brilliant, well-rounded celebration without the financial hangover. Good luck, girls!
