Hen Do Fancy Dress Ideas

Hen Do Fancy Dress Ideas – The Best Hen Party Costumes

Everyone wants a great hen do before they embark on married life. Who doesn’t love a good time with their friends, getting a bit drunk and generally putting the world to rights? Where once you might have had a quiet evening in a local bar though, today it’s much more about cutting loose and sending the hen off in style. And what’s one of the best ways to do that? Grabbing some crazy hen do costumes and hitting the town, that’s how! 

If you’re after some great hen do fancy dress ideas then you’re in the right place. We’ve pretty much seen it all at West Country Games, so we’re well-placed to give you some inspiration on hen do themes and help you plan the most epic weekend possible for the bride. If you’d like her to look classy then there are some good chic hen costumes available, but if you want to embarrass the life out of her then you’re in luck as that’s what the majority of hen do costumes are all about! We’ve put together our pick of the best.

What is West Country Games?

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West Country Games embraces all the stereotypes of the West Country in one great day out, comprising of 9 totally hilarious games suitable for all sorts of groups.

If you have an upcoming, Stag do, Hen Weekend, Birthday Party or Team Building Day, then why not give us a try?

The Great Tradition of Hen Do Fancy Dress

Go back 50 years and hen dos weren’t so much of a thing. While the men were out drinking to celebrate an impending marriage, women often stayed at home to prepare for the big day. Luckily that’s very much no longer the case! Having a hen do is an integral part of getting married, and hen do fancy dress ideas have got weird and wonderful.  

Your weekend might be a low key chill out with friends or a mental weekend in the pubs and clubs, but nowadays it’s easy to find hen costumes for both. You can go as sedate or as crazy as you like...as long as the hen is a good sport!

history hen party fancy dress

Fancy dress to make the hen feel good…or embarrass them!

When you’re looking for some perfect hen do costumes you’ve got two options. If you’re feeling kind (and worried about what the bridesmaid dress might end up looking like!) then go for a flattering, sexy number like a slinky air hostess. The hen will be the centre of attention for all the right reasons, and will feel a million dollars. She’ll love it. 

But what about if you’re feeling naughty and want to embarrass her instead? That’s OK too! She must love her husband-to-be, she is marrying him after all, so how about building the hen fancy dress around him? Have masks made from his face, dress everyone up like him and watch her squirm!

granny hen party best fancy dress

What can you get away with for hen fancy dress?

It might be hilarious to think of a million ways to embarrass the bride, but just be careful that you don’t go too far with your hen night costumes if you’re heading out in public. Dressing her up like a porn star is going to give all your mates a great laugh but it might not go down too well in a nice restaurant! 

When choosing a hen do theme it’s also a good idea to keep the bride’s sense of humour in mind. A bride-to-be sobbing in the toilets is a sign you’ve gone too far! A bit embarrassing is normally OK, but totally horrifying generally isn’t. You still want to be invited to the wedding after all!

Our top 5 original hen do themes and costumes

We’ve put together our pick of the 5 best hen do fancy dress ideas to help you on your way. Read on to find our best naughty or nice outfits, suitable for activities, dinner or dance floor! Read on and choose your favourite, whichever resonates most for your lady of the hour!

5. The Shepherdess

shepherdess hen fancy dress

First up is one of the classic hen do costumes: the shepherdess. Meek and demure yet a little bit risqué if you throw in a bit of cleavage, this is a good one for ladies who want to dress up and look glam.

If the rest of the hen party all want to dress up as sheep then so much the better!

4. Pub Golf

hen costume pub golf

Next we have pub golf, which is not a typical hen costume but is a great choice because of the entertainment that comes alongside. Dress up as sexy golfers with pleated skirts and long socks, grab a scorecard here then hit the pubs to hit a round of cocktails and shots!

Plus don’t forget the amazing benefit of golf-related hen costumes- you get to wear trainers with your outfit. You’ll be thanking us at 4am!

3. Air Hostess

air hostesses hen fancy dress party

Hen fancy dress outfit number 3 is the super-sexy air hostess. This can be made as full-on as you want with some slinky outfits and tight-fitting shirts, or a bit classier if you go along the more buttoned-up route to turn it into a chic hen costume. Expect lots of attention from everyone else in town, and maybe a few generous offers to be your pilot!

2. Pink Ladies

pink ladies hen costume

At number 2 on our list of hen do fancy dress ideas it’s the ever-popular Pink Ladies from the film Grease. The film is a classic and the hen night costumes are too!

We’re talking tight black trousers, spike heels or trainers, shiny pink jackets and hair as crazy as you want. This one is a good choice for mixed groups as it allows everyone to design their own outfit. 

1. Farmers

hen party fancy dress farmer

Topping our list as one of the best hen do costumes around, it’s that West Country classic of dressing up as farmers! You can go wild with this one. Want to channel your inner Wurzel? Go for it.

Or have the bride as the farmer and everyone else as the farm animals? That works too! Dungarees, denim, checked shirts and straw hats are all great accompaniments to a night out.

Where to purchase your hen do fancy dress

The final step in organising the perfect hen weekend is to turn your hen do fancy dress ideas into reality. Google is your best friend as it lets you search for local fancy dress shops which might have some bargain hen costumes on offer. Alternatively, lots of retailers have online shops so check out Amazon or eBay to see what you can find. Make sure you buy the right sizes though, there’s nothing worse than an ill-fitting shepherdess outfit!

superhero hen fancy dress
Your Hen Fancy Dress Inspiration... Done

And that’s it! Now you know how to find the ultimate hen party fancy dress costumes, all you need to do is add prosecco and some good mates. Enjoy!

Bath’s Best Sunday Roasts – Our guide to the best Bath Roasts

Bath's Best Sunday Roasts - Our Guide To The Best Bath Sunday Roasts

If you’re looking for somewhere special to go with family and friends, feeling a bit fragile after a heavy night on the tiles or just want to have an easy day at the weekend, a Bath Sunday roast is always a winner.

A Bath Sunday roast is also the perfect activity if you are organising a Bath stag weekend or Bath hen weekend to perk everyone up before they head home.

The Sunday roast is held in such high esteem and seems to be the one meal that people are very particular about so an average one just won’t cut it.

From debates of whose Nan makes the best Yorkshire puddings to the politics of accompaniments and how well done meat should be, everyone seems to have an opinion.

Why not take the pressure off and leave the work to some of Bath’s finest. With a range of different pubs and restaurants I think we might have something here for everyone, whether you like a traditional Bath roast with all the trimmings or are in the market for a more contemporary twist on your meat and three veg

What is West Country Games?

Play Video
West Country Games Home Page Logo

West Country Games embraces all the stereotypes of the West Country in one great day out, comprising of 9 totally hilarious games suitable for all sorts of groups.

If you have an upcoming, Stag do, Hen Weekend, Birthday Party or Team Building Day, then why not give us a try?

Here Is Our Guide To Bath's Best Sunday Roasts

Bath Sunday Dinners

The Chequers, 50 Rivers St, Bath BA1 2QA

The Chequers is no newcomer to the scene, with its proud history dating back to 1776.

As the 2015 and 2017 winner of the Bath Good Food Award for Sunday lunch, this cosy, welcoming restaurant has the perfect balance of fine dining and relaxed atmosphere.

With a gastropub and fine dining restaurant sourcing local seasonal produce and a good range local bevvies, The Chequers has it all. If sharing is your thing, they also do an amazing looking sharing roast for two.

Bath Best Roast Dinner

The King William, 36 Thomas Street Bath BA1 5NN

This grade 2 listed Georgian building, like The Chequers, has a relaxed pub downstairs and upstairs dining rooms for a more formal and intimate setting.

Seasonal and local food and drink make up the daily changing menu with a selection of real ales from small local microbreweries. Sounds like a perfect recipe for a Bath Sunday roast.

Bath Roast Dinner

Marlborough Tavern, 35 Marlborough Buildings, Bath BA1 2LY

Do you take the dog for a walk or relax in front of an open fire or in a sunny garden and enjoy a top class Sunday roast in Bath? Why not do both?

The Marlborough Tavern not only produces fine food but is dog and family friendly and being located near Victoria Park everyone is in for a great day.

The Pulteney Arms, 37 Daniel Street, Bath, BA2 6ND

Whether you’re in front of the log burner on a cold Winters day or sat in the courtyard in the Summer, The family run Pulteney Arms is in a beautiful setting and a great location to walk the Bath Skyline.

They are ale drinker friendly featuring in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide and are dog friendly too. Who sees the making of a perfect Sunday?!

Bath Best Roast

Victoria Pub And Kitchen, Upper Bristol Road, Bath, BA1 3AT

A pub with plenty of outdoor space for those sunny Sunday roasts in Bath but a bright, airy spacious inside area too for those colder days. The Victoria Pub as the name suggests overlooks Victoria Park for a bit of a post lunch wander.

GPT Smokehouse, 44-45 Lower Bristol Road, Bath, BA2 3BD

If you like your meat cooked low and slow at an award winning restaurant

With high quality locally sourced ingredients cooked over a hickory wood fire smoker these two brothers have been awarded the Bath Good Food Award Best Sunday Lunch 2014 and were highly commended in 2015.

Bath Sunday Roast Pub Choice

Whatever floats your boat when it comes to a Bath Sunday roast, as long as you’re looking for high quality grub, these pubs and restaurants will not disappoint.

With great fresh, local produce being the order of the day, you can enjoy a top notch Sunday roast in Bath and explore what the city has to offer with family, friends and dogs too.

 

Bristol’s Best Sunday Roasts

Bristol Best Sunday Roast Guide

It’s hard to beat the iconic Sunday roast while away your Stag or Hen weekend. You’re feeling a little fragile after a big night on the Saturday, you want to catch up with friends or family, you need refuelling after a hearty walk in the countryside, what’s the answer? It’s always going to be a Sunday roast and Sunday roasts in Bristol are some of the best.

When you’re up against everyone’s mum’s who make the best roast ever or Auntie Mavis who’s roast tatties are legendary, it can be a hard act to follow but we think the Bristol Good Food Awards shortlist always has some great contenders. Voted for by the people of Bristol and judged by food experts, the awards ceremony is at the end of February every year.

Time to get sampling what some of the past nominees have to offer so you can find your award winner too. If you’re not local to Bristol we’ve got you covered too as there’s Somerset cottage accommodation for you to make a break of it and sample Sunday roasts in Bristol.

What is West Country Games?

Play Video
West Country Games Home Page Logo

West Country Games embraces all the stereotypes of the West Country in one great day out, comprising of 9 totally hilarious games suitable for all sorts of groups.

If you have an upcoming, Stag do, Hen Weekend, Birthday Party or Team Building Day, then why not give us a try?

Best Sunday Roast In Bristol

Here is our run down of the best Sunday roasts in town. Get those taste buds watering and read on to discover where to book your next slap up dinner!

The Bank Tavern, 8 John Street, Bristol, BS1 2HR

So for the ultimate Bristol Sunday roast let’s start with the highly commended in 2015, The Bank Tavern.

An unassuming traditional pub tucked away in the city centre serving traditional and more contemporary dishes and most importantly, an amazing roast. All you need to go with it is some award winning ales and cider and yes, you’ve got it, they can provide that too.

Sunday Roast Bristol

Broken Dock, Millennium Promenade, Bristol, BS1 5SY

Broken Dock is a relative newcomer to the Bristol Sunday roast scene as they reopened in May 2017 with new everything; new name, staff and menus. If you’re going to open a restaurant, bagging a Bristol Good Food nomination within your first year is a great way to do it.

Browns, 38 Queens Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 1RE

Browns definitely have the first impressions covered. You can’t help but appreciate the sense of grandeur as you walk up the steps towards the building which was modelled on the Doge’s Palace in Venice.

As you might imagine, the inside of the building doesn’t disappoint wither and is a stunning location to enjoy your Bristol Sunday roast.

Roast Bristol

Cowshed, 44-46 Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2NH

Although Cowshed is renowned for meat, their focus is fresh, locally sourced, seasonal produce. With big tables, this would be an ideal place to go with a group of friends or family for a Sunday roast in Bristol. They were highly commended for their Sunday roast in 2012

Nettle & Rye, 16 Kings Road, Bristol, BS8 4AB

If you find yourself in Clifton on a Sunday lunchtime, Nettle and Rye might be the place for you. With a sun trap outsides and a relaxed feel inside, maybe it’s time to take advice from the Bristol Good Food Award and visit this 2016 highly commended eatery.

Roast Dinner Bristol

Rose Of Denmark, 6 Dowry Place, Bristol, BS8 4QL

For a traditional roast of good portions, The Rose of Denmark is a great shout. Being close to the harbourside, you’re in the right place to go for a walk after your Sunday roast. No stranger to the Bristol Good Food award best Sunday lunch, The Rose of Denmark was highly commended in 2013 and 2014.

Victoria Park, 66 Raymend Rd, Bristol BS3 4QW ·

If you find yourself in Clifton on a Sunday lunchtime, Nettle and Rye might be the place for you. With a sun trap outsides and a relaxed feel inside, maybe it’s time to take advice from the Bristol Good Food Award and visit this 2016 highly commended eatery.

Yert Lush Bristol

Yurt Lush, Clock Tower Yard, Temple Meads, BS1 6QH

I bet you’ve been thinking that the list feels incomplete, like I’ve forgotten a classic major category in the Bristol Sunday roast eateries. We’ve covered restaurants and pubs but that’s it, no mention of Mongolian yurts, well here it is.

Nestled in next to Temple Meads, Yurt Lush has the wow factor and is a great place if you are looking for something a bit different to impress people. It definitely isn’t just a place to go for the novelty factor as the fresh flavours and sustainably sourced ingredients speak for themselves, so does the Bristol Good Food Award for the best Sunday roast for 2016.

Best Pubs for Bristol Sunday Roast

Bristol is at the forefront of exquisite cuisine and as these nominees demonstrate, there is great variety and something for everyone, everyone who appreciates amazing Sunday roasts in Bristol that is.

Whether you live in Bristol or are visiting for the weekend, these contenders for the Bristol Good Food Award for the best Sunday roast are well spread around the city so there’s no excuse to not see what they have to offer. If so much talk of Sunday roasts in Bristol has piqued your interest but you’re not lucky enough to live in the area, why not book a weekend with friends at Bristol group accommodation and get sampling.

Things To Do in Bath: Our Top 10 Things To Do in Bath

Things to do in Bath – Our Top 10 Things to do in Bath

Bath is the largest city in Somerset, and perhaps unsurprisingly with its name, is best known for… it’s Roman baths! Probably Britain’s best-known spa town, Bath is a popular tourist destination for those within the UK and those further afield.

If you’re planning a trip to the city and are looking for things to do in Bath to keep you and/or your group occupied, then you’ve come to the right place – because we love Bath and can fill you in on all the must-dos while you’re there!

Please note that dependent on the time of year of your trip, you may find some of our suggested things to do in Bath are open for limited hours or different days of the week. We can give you all of our hints and tips but be sure to check online before you travel to avoid any disappointment. After all, you want your Bath trip to be memorable for all the right reasons.

Bath was the centre of fashionable life back in the 18th century and it continues to offer lots today too. While you’re there, be sure to try Bath Olivers and Bath Buns… we promise you won’t be disappointed in the beauty of the town and its brilliant local sweet cuisine!

What is West Country Games?

Play Video
West Country Games Home Page Logo

West Country Games embraces all the stereotypes of the West Country in one great day out, comprising of 9 totally hilarious games suitable for all sorts of groups.

If you have an upcoming, Stag do, Hen Weekend, Birthday Party or Team Building Day, then why not give us a try?

Our Top 10 Picks of Fun Things to do in Bath

Bath is brimming with things to do, from the historical to the active and everything in between. The choice can be overwhelming so we've put together our top ten picks of fun things to do when you're visiting the city.

1. Get involved at the West Country Games

west country games bath

The West Country Games are Bath’s answer to the Olympics… only a little less athletic and a lot more fun; with no training required! A favoured activity amongst stag, hen, birthday and corporate parties, the West Country Games best suit groups and can be adapted to fit all abilities, ages and appetites.

All games are countryside themed and are more novelty than they are sporty. It takes up at least an afternoon, if not a whole day, and transfers to the countryside site for the Games can be arranged!

2. Pamper yourself at the Roman Baths and Spa

thermae bath spa

As much a history lesson as a pamper session (honest!), Bath’s Roman Baths offer a variety of spa packages. One of the most popular things to do in Bath for tourists, it’s definitely worth packing your cozzie for a dip and if you have time, enjoying afternoon tea and some extra treatments while you’re there!

The Roman Baths are the ideal venue for relaxing after more active trips and activities… and they may even cure your hangover… but we can’t guarantee anything!

3. Test gins at the Canary Bar

gin tasting bath

Gin is the new black, and you can truly experience local at the Canary Bar. Run by the local Bath Distillery, this quirky little bar is a favourite amongst gin lovers and is the home of the ‘Gin Austen’ cocktail; infamous in the town!

Challenge the mixologists behind the bar to create something bespoke for you and enjoy gin cocktails straight from a teapot. The Canary Bar is very popular on the lists of things to do in Bath at night, so book a table in advance to ensure you all fit in.

4. Shop Local at the Bath Christmas Market

bath christmas market compressor

Obviously only around for November and December, the Bath Christmas Market is top of our list of things to do in Bath for free!

Over 150 chalets of festive shops (mostly European themed, but lots of local retailers and brands are present too) line Bath’s beautiful Georgian streets and make for a really picturesque Christmas scene. Get snap happy for Instagram and make a start on your Christmas list… win win!

5. Set Sail on the Avon with a River Cruise

boat trips bath hen day trip

Take a different view on the spa town of Bath by admiring it from the river and cruising up and down the River Avon.

Bath isn’t as busy as its neighbour Bristol when it comes to river trips, but you’ll still find some choice of firms, so have a check online to find the trip that works best for you in length and in route. Consider adding this to your itinerary of things to do in Bath at night too; it’ll give you a unique look at the town and is a nice chilled way to spend an evening.

bristol things to do

6. Lunch on the Lawn at the Royal Crescent

royal crescent picnic things to do bath

One of Bath’s most impressive landmarks, the stunning Royal Crescent looks over the beautifully kept Royal Victoria Park. Now a five-star hotel and spa with a museum of Georgian life in the town, the park is the ideal place to picnic.

You can either pack your own or have the hotel’s restaurant put something more luxurious together for you, so there’s options for all budgets. If you’re not looking to spend much, nip to the supermarket and eat what you fancy on the lawn – it’s one of the most popular things to do in Bath for free and can be enjoyed year-round (although you may need to pack blankets!).

7. Catch the Rugby at Bath Stadium

bath rugby

Bath Rugby Union Club is one of the most popular clubs in the country and they play at The Recreation Ground Stadium (affectionately known as ‘The Rec’), right on the River Avon.

During Rugby season, the Club have exclusive use of the stadium and through the summer, its used for cricket matches. You can book tickets in advance fairly cheaply and packages are available to include meals and drinks.

8. Go Beer Tasting at the Electric Bear Brewing Co

beer tasting bath

Not far from Bath town centre you’ll find local brewers Electric Bear Brewing Co. The taproom on their Bath brewery is a favourite amongst beer fans and those who don’t like hops as much as fruit and it’s the only place you can try Electric Bear’s full range of brews!

From IPAs to stouts, there’s something for everyone and the expert staff at the taproom can advise you on different types of beers and brews in a way you won’t ever find in a usual high street bar.

9. Take Afternoon Tea at the Pump Rooms

afternoon tea bath to do

Built in the 1790s, the Bath Pump Rooms are one of the town’s oldest attractions. Adjacent to the Roman Baths, it serves a variety of food and drinks – including water directly from Bath’s springs!

It’s a Bath institution and the afternoon tea served at the Pump Rooms is considered the best in the west country! Dietary requirements can be catered for if advised ahead of time, and tables for groups will need to be booked in advance to avoid disappointment.

The Pump Rooms is busiest around Mother’s Day and throughout December, so phone ahead.

10. Walk off your hangover in Prior Park

prior park bath

OK, so it’s been a few days of intense activities during your trip to the spa town, and now you need something relaxing and easy to do to rejuvenate yourself again!

One of the easiest and most accessible things to do in Bath for free is to walk around Prior Park and blow out the cobwebs. A full park as well as landscaped gardens and a house, part of the Park is owned by the National Trust, so you have the option to pay and explore the whole property if you’d like to.

Booking up your Bath Itinerary

Bath isn’t the country’s busiest tourist destination, but it’s growing in popularity and is particularly popular amongst hen, stag, birthday and occasion groups.

A quick google will bring up lots of lists of suggested things to do in Bath at night, for big parties, on a shoestring and for overseas guests… there’s no shortage of hints and tips out there, so it won’t surprise you to hear that you may find attractions and sights busy when you visit.

In order to best enjoy your trip to Bath, we recommend that you put together an itinerary of activities day by day and allow your group’s guests to pick and choose what they’d like to and what they’re able to attend. Bath is particularly busy in November and December, for Christmas shoppers, as well as between April-June before wedding season as hen parties descend upon the town.

Regardless of what time of the year you’re visiting, it’s always recommended to book ahead on activities and to make requests in advance for dietary, access or special requirements. Working under the UK discrimination legislation, Bath’s businesses will make all reasonable adjustments that they can to accommodate whoever for whatever, and most will have lots of experience in doing exactly that.

Never fear asking – go ahead, be bold and get what works best for you and your group!

bristol things
Why Visit Bath?

One thing’s for sure with your trip to Bath – we just know you’re going to love the town. A picturesque Georgian street sits around every corner and with the fantastic hospitality on offer from Bath’s many businesses and locals, it will make the perfect destination for a memorable and enjoyable trip away.