Hen Party Ideas and Activities in Manchester for Fun, Adventurous, or Classy Brides

DJ shouting: ‘Future brides and bride squads, it’s time to celebrate in Manchester!’

There’s nothing quite like marking life’s big milestones with your girlfriends. And let’s be honest—pre-wedding celebrations are often spicier and more fun than the big day. It’s the perfect opportunity to let loose, break free, and maybe even break a glass or two!

There’s no limit to how many parties you can throw, but you’ll need a brilliant idea to get the future bride excited for another round of celebrations. Drag shows, buffed butlers, classy dinner parties, escape rooms—whatever your party style, Manchester has it all.

Before we get tangled up in tinsel and over-the-top festivities, let’s dive into our top hen-do ideas in Manchester. Whether you’re adventurous, a foodie, or love something fun, we’ve got you covered.

🍔Hen Do Ideas for the Foodies 

For those who love to eat—the gourmets and gourmands who truly appreciate great cuisine—we’ve rounded up the best places in the city to eat, sip, and try something new for a hen party.

1. Afternoon Tea at Salvation Bar

Address: 59 Portland Street, Manchester, M1 3HP

Group size: 50 seats

Afternoon teas are all the rage in the UK, and it’s easy to see why. The setup—think paper doilies, cute napkins, delicate sweets, cupcakes, and the prettiest cake stands—creates the perfect photo opportunities for hen parties.

But it’s not just about the aesthetics. Afternoon teas offer a relaxed alternative to rowdy parties, with no pressure to drink unless you feel like it. Many venues go the extra mile with themed decor, adding a touch of magic to this pre-wedding tradition.

Voco Manchester is one such gem. Beautifully decorated for the occasion, it serves a delightful selection of warm scones, fresh from the oven, with jam and clotted cream that will take you back to the comforts of your granny’s kitchen.

Eat to your heart’s content with the people who adore you! This is the way for a proper hen fête. 

2. Bottomless Brunch at Banyan Corn Exchange 

Address: Exchange Square, Manchester, M4 3TR

Group size: 75 seats

Hey, shawty, let’s keep it classy. Bottomless brunches are the chic way to get a little tipsy in the middle of the day—and have a fantastic time while at it!

Skip the usual Sunday routine (too mainstream for a bride like you!) and plan a private brunch at Banyan Corn Exchange. With its gorgeous rustic and floral décor, you can keep things simple or add a few touches to make it extra special.

Your hens will love the spacious setup, which is perfect for socialising in private, and the attentive staff, who’ll make sure everything runs smoothly.

Oh, and did we mention they have a special allergen-friendly menu? Now, that’s what we call thoughtful party planning. Cheers to an amazing day—bottoms up!

3.Funky Food and Great Cocktails at Basement Bar 

Address: Exchange Square, Manchester, M4 3TR

Group size: 75 seats

Great cocktails and funky food are the perfect match at Basement Bar. But what do we mean by ‘funky’? Don’t worry—there’s nothing unusual about the taste or smell! 

The menu is a creative feast featuring delights like honey-glazed sausages, buttermilk chicken tenders, and katsu hummus with poppadoms. But wait, there’s more! The drinks are even better! From originals like the Mai Tai on Paper and Tommy’s Margarita to timeless classics like the Pornstar Martini, you’re spoiled for choice.

But that’s not all—shared platters, small plates, hand-stretched pizzas, hearty mains, burgers, and sides round out the offerings. Plus, there’s even a VIP service for an extra-special hen party.

PS: This dog-friendly spot lets you bring your furry friends to join the hen party fun—because they deserve a break, too!

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Related: The Quintessential Bridal Shower Checklist

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4. Wine Pairing at The Wine Cellar 

Address: 22 Thomas Street, Manchester, M4 1DH

Group size: 20 seats 

Ah, sweet vino—the elixir of life we all cherish! But let’s be honest: no one deserves that vino more than the future bride.

At The Wine Cellar, where exceptional food meets exquisite wine, you don’t need much to turn an ordinary gathering into something as extraordinary as the bride-to-be herself.

Now, about the venue: The Cellar is a stunning brick-vaulted space, perfect for private dining. Located in an Italian Renaissance-style building dating back to 1872, it offers breathtaking views of Manchester.

Treat your hens to a tailored tasting menu paired with fine wines expertly chosen by the in-house sommelier.

Cheers!

5. Manchester Food Tour 

Some people want to have it all (like us!)—and if you’re one of those girls who’d rather taste everything than sit down at a posh restaurant, a food tour is definitely for you!

Whether you’re craving the delicious Manchester tart, Eccles cake, Lancashire hotpot, or the famous black pudding, you can indulge in the best of them on your journey to culinary enlightenment.

Manchester Bites is one of the many companies offering tours across the city, allowing you to savour the finest food at some of the city’s hidden spots.

Just make sure to leave enough room in your stomach! (Trust us, you’ll need it!)

🚵Hen Do Activities for the Adventurous 

Some hens crave adventure, learning new things, and stepping out of their comfort zone. Whether they’re up for tackling an escape room or showing off their moves, we’ve rounded up the best picks for the adventurous brides out there.

6. Show Your Best Moves at GFFdamian Dance Studio

Address: 109-113 Corporation Street, GFFdamian Dance Studio, Manchester, M4 4DX

Group Size: 15 

Go, Sasha! Dance Studio 2 at GFFdamian Dance Studio–let the fun begin.

Dancing is great for boosting focus, sociability, and confidence—three things the bride-to-be could always use more of, right?

But that’s not all! Thanks to those feel-good endorphins, dancing is also a fantastic way for the bride to relieve stress and boost her mood.

And let’s not forget the bonus: it helps burn off those extra calories while getting creative! 

Add a custom playlist with the bride’s favourite songs, and watch her transform into Madonna! 

Strike a pose! Vogue (vogue, vogue)!

7. Escape Alcatraz with Your Crew

Address: Watson Street, 1a, Manchester, M3 4EE

Group Size: 80 

It’s time for a real challenge! Will you escape like Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers—or end up behind bars for life? (Don’t worry, we’ll skip the “never finding you again” part!)

Alcotraz Manchester is no ordinary prison—it’s a secret speakeasy that makes life behind bars a lot more entertaining.

Test your wits as you try to smuggle liquor past The Warden and into the hands of the longest-serving inmates.

The reward? Delicious, bespoke cocktails crafted just for you. There’s no set menu here—it is a prison, after all! Just keep your head down and your drinks flowing. Good luck!

8. Cocktail Making at Be at One Manchester

Address: 80 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 2ER

Group size: 20 seats, 60 standing

Since we’re already in the liqueurs, bitters, and syrups section, why not dive into a cocktail-making session for the bridal party? Sharpen your mixology skills with a private crafting session where you’ll stir, shake, and mix like a pro!

At Be At One Manchester, your bride squad kicks things off with a welcome drink (for inspiration!) before diving into crafting two delicious cocktails from the masterclass menu.

And don’t worry—expert mixologists are there to guide you every step of the way, ensuring your creations don’t end up as a failed experiment straight out of Dexter’s Laboratory!

So, what’s it going to be—neat or on the rocks?

9. Dove Stone Reservoir Hiking 

For thrill-seekers, hiking Dove Stone Reservoir is a must. Known for its challenging trails, this adventure leads you through the picturesque  Greenfield Valley, passing Dove Stone, Yeoman Hey, and Greenfield reservoirs, before ascending to Dovestone Edge for jaw-dropping views.

The rocky ascent is no walk in the park, so wear sturdy footwear with a solid grip. You can hire a professional guide to ensure everyone’s safety and peace of mind.

Once you reach the top, the photo opportunities are endless. Just be sure to avoid climbing The Trinnacle—those towering gritstone pillars on Ravenstones Edge are beautiful but dangerously unstable.

You’ll be rewarded at the summit with sweeping views of the reservoirs below—a truly breathtaking experience.

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Related: 30 Unbeatable Hen Party Ideas for 2024

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🎉Fun Things to Do for a Hen Do 

Forget adventure, forget classy—girls just want to have fun! It’s your last fling before the ring and deserves to be celebrated with a bang. Try one of our fun hen party ideas for a guaranteed good time!

10. Dreamboys Male Strip Show

Fancy one hell of a ride?

Dreamboys, as the name suggests, brings your wildest dreams to life—those hot, thrilling nights where a beau (or several!) says your name tenderly and shows off their best moves just to get your attention.

Ready for the strip? Grab your tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime performance at the Impossible Bar, where nothing’s off-limits, not even your naughty thoughts!

11. Drag Queen Show by Funnyboyz

Go for a hen at Funnyboyz that you’ll never forget! If it’s your first-ever drag show, get ready for a hella good time. From the moment you step in, you’ll be hooked, loving every single minute of the experience.

The shows are fun and hilarious from start to finish, guaranteeing there’s never a dull moment.

And for those looking for something heartfelt, there are moving performances that might bring a tear or two. If you want an event that’s a solid 10/10, a drag show by Funnyboyz is the way to go!!

Check out Funnyboyz events here!

12. Perfume-making Workshop

Coco Chanel might have been exaggerating when she said, “A girl who doesn’t wear perfume has no future.” But one thing’s certain—a lady who creates her own perfume can do just about anything!

Gather your bridal squad and dive into the art of perfume making. If you love channeling your inner alchemist, this hands-on experience will be a total blast! And the best part? You get to take home your very own custom scent, designed to make you smell like the goddess you are.

Perfume Studio offers private hen parties where you and your gang can unleash your creativity and leave with a fragrance that’s uniquely yours.

13. Throw a Pamper Party 

Why go to a spa when the spa can come to you? Comfy is the new going out! Sometimes, all you want is to relax with your girls without worrying about what to wear or how you look.

But if you still want to feel pampered and look your best, a mobile spa party is the way to go. Glo Pamper is one of the city’s many mobile services that provides a team of therapists for massages, facials, makeovers, manicures, and pedicures.

So, are you ready for a glow-up, ladies?

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Related: How to Plan a Glorious Hen Party + A Complete Checklist

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14. Sip and Draw 

Vino and your artistic flair—a pairing for the ages! Whether you’re a modern-day Van Gogh or a two-handed Picasso, there’s no need to keep those creative talents hidden.

With a paintbrush in one hand and prosecco in the other, you’re all set to turn your canvas into the next masterpiece—maybe even worth more than the Mona Lisa (or at least worthy of a spot on your fridge).

Check out Paint Away Events for your private sip-and-paint session!

Let the Shenanigans Begin 

All set with your ideas, rocking that cute tutu, and ready to party? Now it’s time to book the perfect spot—whether it’s a fabulous restaurant, a quirky nightclub, or a dance studio that’ll have everyone on their feet!!

Just make sure to plan activities that suit everyone’s tastes, and don’t forget to  consult the bride before finalising the plans for her special hen do.

Happy planning!

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