Hen Party Ideas – How to plan a Hen Party

The Ultimate Guide To Organising A Hen Weekend

When your best friend calls you, you already have a feeling what she’s going to tell you. After discussing details of romantic proposals, talk turns to the hen do. She doesn’t even need to ask you to be her chief bridesmaid, you’ve both always known the line-up.

Here’s the ultimate guide to making sure that you do your friend proud with an unforgettable weekend of fun and bonding.

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?

The Lady Of The Moment

The most important place to start is to arrange a time with the hen to go through details. Although it is great to have a surprise weekend, you want to make sure that it’s a surprise weekend that she’s going to love.

What is the most important part of the hen do for her? Is it to make sure she has as many of her family and friends there to celebrate or to go abroad for a week long holiday for some pre-wedding sunshine?

You won’t want to have an itinerary from her but you need to know the style of weekend that she will enjoy, there’s no point booking a spa and cheer leading class type weekend if she is more of an outdoor events kind of a girl. It’s also important to make sure that her friends have similar tastes to her before you book anything as it only takes a couple of unhappy people to bring down the mood of the weekend.

Getting the details of the other bridesmaids at the start gives you a good opportunity to get to know her other close friends and to pool ideas so you have the perfect weekend for your bestie.

Hen Party

Party Goer List

The hen’s availability is obviously crucial but you want to have a range of dates so as many of her nearest and dearest can be there too. You’ll need to make sure that she gives you a full list of email addresses and phone numbers of the people she wants to invite.

If there are some key people it’s a good idea to contact them first to check that they will definitely be there and have a secondary list of people who are given less choice of the date as it might be difficult to find one that is perfect for everyone.

Hen Weekend

Getting In The Numbers

Weddings can get expensive for everyone, not just the happy couple. As the chief organiser the responsibility of getting as many people as possible to turn up to the hen weekend lies with you, no pressure! It’s worth considering the stage of life of the hen do attendees before you start planning luxury escapes if it’s going to exclude half of the guest list. The same goes for the destination, if that’s going to be a deal breaker for people maybe a venue not too far from home would tick all the boxes.

The chances are the most important aspect for the hen will be having all of her friends together for a good ol’ knees up so the more the merrier.

If you can secure a list of definite people or who will be at each part of the weekend if dipping in and out is an option, it will make the planning far easier. Having a budget planned at the start helps keep things under control and allows people to decide their limitations before committing and they might be less likely to drop out.

If you plan activities or book accommodation for a certain number and people do drop out it might be left to the other people share out the extra cost.

Accommodation

As a base for your hen weekend this needs careful consideration, you need to think about the type of weekend that you have planned.

Are you going to book a city break or an activity packed weekend with the accommodation just being used as a place to stumble back to in the early hours and sleep off a hangover before dragging yourselves back out for more action? If this is the case, maybe a hotel would be the best option. If you are you going to be looking for a place which is a feature of the hen weekend or a pad to relax and spend time together, a big house, camping or glamping might be better suited to you.

Just keep thinking back to the hen and the other types of people who will be partying with you for the weekend. If most of party goers are going to be city birds who baulk at the idea of getting mud on their pristine white stilettos, a weekend of camping and quad biking might not be the right approach.

Hen Ideas

Activities

A good hen weekend needs a fun activity in the day time. It’s a great time for everyone to get to know each other and gives the weekend some structure. There are so many different options that its worth exploring alternative ideas before going straight for the obvious activities that everyone has done before, you don’t want 12 cocktail making experts by the end of the weekend. Likewise, horse riding across Dartmoor followed by camping might not be the right activity if Great Aunt Maud is a key player.

Try to keep within the guidelines given by the hen as it is her hen weekend and it is all about making it as fun as possible for her, not planning your own ultimate weekend. Chatting to the bridesmaids throughout is a great way to rein it in and keep on track with your best buddy in mind.

Packages

If life is busy or you just like the idea of someone sorting it all out for you, you could always look to the experts and get West Country Weekends on board. Not only do you have experienced help and keep it simple but often you end up getting more for your money than booking everything individually. Additional benefits include:

  • Allocation on hotels meaning instant confirmation upon booking
  • VIP nightclub entry
  • VIP Casino entry
  • Private dining
  • Restaurants suitable to groups
  • Local knowledge of an area you might not know
  • Additional activities – add on a second activity you may not have thought of yourself
  • Only a £50 deposit to pay initially
  • Individual payment system – this means that you don’t need to collect money from the group, they just pay their share directly saving you all that annoying chasing
Hen do
And Lift Off

You’ve done it, you’ve booked the ultimate hen weekend that will just serve to remind your friend of how close you are and that you possibly know her even better than she knows herself.

Sending an email to everyone before the weekend with the finer details such as timings, specific clothing for activities, fancy dress, how much cash people will need if its rural break for taxis etc will mean you have less questions to field and people will be more prepared. The hen will also need enough details to bring the right stuff and feel comfortable and you will need to bear in mind any spare clothes for her if it’s a messy activity and you don’t want to spoil the surprise.

Plan the finer details such as taxis and food arrangements so people aren’t hanging around and looking to you all weekend to make decisions, you want to be busy having fun and not having to arrange anything as you go.

Success List:

  • Always think back to the hen and other people going to the hen weekend
  • Know who are the most important people when arranging dates
  • Consider budgets and logistics when you decide on the destination
  • Get people to commit before securing bookings for accommodation and activities
  • Do as much booking as you can before the big weekend, people like to know that it’s all under control and when you’re away you’ll just have to worry about where the next tray of Jager bombs are coming from
  • Have her back – make yourself the responsible person for getting your friend home at the end of the night , put a pint of water by the bed and have hangover snacks ready for the morning after recovery.
  • Have fun!

 

 

Top 5 Reasons To Have A Party In Bristol

Top 5 Reasons to have a party in Bristol

We know that choosing where to have your last big bash before married life is a big decision. You will, only do it once after all. We are here to help ensure that you have the best send-off possible.

This is one decision you don’t want to get wrong so head to Bristol to party for the weekend – you won’t be disappointed!

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?

The place to party...

Located on the South West coast of England, Bristol is a thriving city with plenty of things to do. From cocktail making to West Country Games, Bristol has something for everyone. The city is famous for its annual Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, which attracts millions of visitors to the city each year.

Whether you're visiting Bristol for the first time, or you're a local, there are plenty of things to do. You can find a thriving music scene and some of the best clubs in England. Whether you want to dance, drink, or have a quiet drink, there's something for everyone.

top 5 reasons for a bristol hen do

1. Accommodation

First thing to organise for any successful Hen or Stag do is a warm bed to stagger home to after one too many drinks. Whether you are saving all the pennies for the big day or want to indulge and treat yourself, Clifton Hotels will be able to help. Choose from four hotels which cover a range of price points, The Washington Guesthouse, The Clifton Hotel, The Rodney Hotel, the Berkeley Square Hotel and luxury apartments – Berkeley Suites (if you are feeling a little indulgent).

With this Bristol-born, independent hotel group, you can be sure of quality customer service and a great nights sleep, if that is you decide to get any! All are able to offer discounts for group bookings which will come in handy when you need to stretch the budget to pay for another round!

top 5 reasons for a bristol hen do

2. Activities

No Hen or Stag do would be complete without some sort of activity that will make you all look ridiculous and keep you in stitches retelling the stories for the rest of the year. West Country Games offers just that.

Nine hilarious West Country inspired games, from Cider Run to Wurzel Knockout and our personal favourite, Welly Wanging. We recommend booking this nearer the start of the trip, it all look looks a bit much to tackle on a hangover; however we are sure some of you will be lad enough to take on that challenge…

top 5 reasons for a bristol hen do

3. Boats

This may seem like a bit of strange one, but with the River Avon running right through the middle of the city we had to mention the wonderful array of boats you can wander onto and explore. If a civilised affair is what you have in mind, be sure to book a table at Glassboat. A delicious meal with lit up views over the river is probably just the thing to recover from a day wanging wellies. Alternatively head to Thekla for one of their infamous Pop Confessional nights if you feel up to it, where it will be guilty pop pleasures until 4 in the morning.

If you like the sound of this then we do recommend you head to Three Brothers for a very large burger to line your stomach beforehand! Trust us, you’ll be thanking us in the morning!

top 5 reasons for a bristol hen do

4. Cocktails

When is comes to cocktails, this is one thing that Bristol does not take lightly. Whatever your tipple may be there will be something heavenly waiting for you in one of the many speakeasies hidden across the city. These places are strictly need to know, but we’re sure your maid of honour/best man will be up to the challenge and will be able to get hold of the information easily…no pressure!

Our favourites include The Milk Thistle and Red Light, (there may be a clue in the name to one of those but we’ll leave that to you). If you want to get a bit more hands-on head to The Square Club where they offer the option of not one, but two cocktail master classes to suit your specific needs.

Be sure to pay attention though as there will be competition at the end of the class to test your knowledge and there’s a bottle of bubbly in it for the winner!

Turtle Bay also needs a shout out. If you’re starting early then this one is ideal as it’s two for one on all cocktails from 12-7pm.

top 5 reasons for a bristol hen do

5. Breakfast

When you wake up with a dry mouth and a sore head from partying a little too much the night before, craving anything and everything fried, breakfast will be King. And our vote for King of the hangover breakfast in Bristol is Racks Bar and Kitchen.

They serve breakfast until 10am which means you can savour a bit of extra time horizontal before attempting to stand up! Stomach the full English with all the trimmings or take it easy and go for poached eggs on sourdough with a choice of toppings.

With Bloody Marys on offer why not opt for hair of the dog and we’re sure you’ll be feeling ready for the day in no time!

bristol things to do

Take a chance on Weston – The glamorous gran of the West

Take A Chance On Weston – The Glamorous Gran Of The West

You have been entrusted to organise a hen party for your best friend. This seems a simple enough task except the hen wants to keep costs down. This will mean that flying to one of Europe’s hot spots is totally out of the question, especially so with the current exchange rates.

Basically you will have to look a little nearer to home and be at the mercy of the British climate. That said, finding somewhere fun for the hen weekend shouldn’t be an issue as there are numerous destinations that cater for hen parties.

You could follow the party crowd to Newquay, Newcastle or Brighton, or you could try somewhere a bit different that offers a seaside atmosphere, but is also within striking distance of a number of outdoor activities to keep the girls entertained.

With no further ado, let me introduce you to the number one seaside hen party destination in the west of England, Weston-super-Mare!

Don’t let the critics of Weston (and there are a few, quite a few actually) put you off. We are talking about a town that has a ‘glamorous grandma’ feel about it. Yes she has seen better days, but there is still life in the old girl yet.

Life’s about taking a chance, so take a chance on a Weston-Super-Mare Hen Weekend. What’s the worst thing that can happen (apart from the hen choking on her scampi)?

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?

Weston Super Mare Hen Weekend

Getting To Weston Super Mare

Couldn’t be easier! Trains, planes, automobiles. No problem! It’s on the main London line and easy to get to from nearby Bristol Temple Meads.

The nearby summer car park, otherwise known as the M5 motorway passes close to the town. You could even fly to Bristol airport if you are coming from further afield. It might even work out cheaper than the train. Bristol airport is actually very accessible to Weston.

 

Weston Super Mare Hen Weekend

Accommodation In Weston

Lots and lots to choose from. The budget concious bride-to-be will love you. Weston is as cheap as chips. It also has cheap chips too, and scampi! Seriously though, all budgets in Weston are catered for and there are some lovely little traditional B&Bs near the beach, which is where you want to be right?

As per usual, it pays to book as far in advance as possible. Weston can be booked out solid during the silly season.

Weston Super Mare Hen Weekend

Activities In Weston And Surrounds

In Weston itself the main activities would centre around the beach and pier.

The historic pier is certainly worth a few hours of the girls time. There are lots of fun and games that are not just targeted at children. It’s so much fun that it might even keep the thirstier hens out of Wetherspoons, for a while anyway.

There is a £1 entry fee and £15 unlimited ride pass that some people find a little on the steep side, possibly due to the fact that in Weston you could be thigh high in chips and prosecco for considerably less.

With a traditional British seaside pier there is always the chance of winning back your entry fee. There are the penny slots and bingo. Hang out with those wise old blue rinses and it might just be your lucky weekend!

If you are prepared to take a trip out of Weston then you could sample the nostalgic delights of an ‘It’s a Knockout’ themed games. West Country Games are located nearby towards Bristol and offer a fun filled couple of hours which will likely be the most memorable event of your Weston super mare stag & hen weekend.

In fact the West Country Games experience might even be more memorable than the wedding itself! They cater for groups sized from 8 to 30 or more. With your own Activity Host and 9 different games, you'll be well set for a few hours of fun!

Perhaps after the more active stuff you could take the girls out for traditional afternoon tea in one of Weston’s many tearooms. The areas you need to head to are Grove Park, Ashcombe Park and Clarence Park. Think of it as somewhere to go that offers a little ‘calm before the storm’ wind down action. Cake is also a nice way to line those stomachs!

Weston Super Mare Hen Weekend

Weston Super Mare At Night

There are plenty of places to eat in Weston and all budgets are catered for, well perhaps not a Saudi prince, but the girls will no doubt be full and happy!

There are the usual brand restaurants like Nando's but Weston also has a large number of independent places too, after all, the crowds still flock to the old girl for their summer holidays.

Of course you cannot leave Weston without sampling some of the best fish and chips in the world! What kind of hen party would miss out on a fish supper?

As for drinking, there are lots of pubs and clubs which are usually quite busy on Fridays and Saturday nights. We are also talking about cheap drinks here. This is not Monte Carlo, but don’t let that put you off.

 

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?

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?

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!

Bristol Harbourside – Things to see and do at Bristol Harbourside

Top 5 Things To Do At Bristol’s Harbourside

In recent years, Bristol harbourside has flourished as the up-and-coming place to be in the UK.

Surrounded by countryside and with great transport links to the capital, Bristol’s harbourside relaxed vibe has drawn people from all walks of life, bringing with them new appetites and expectations.

As such, Bristol harbourside can boast the same eclectic mix of facilities as any major thriving metropolis, but on a much more intimate scale.

As with many of the UK’s major cities, Bristol was founded by the river and as a result, there are a huge range of activities to enjoy by the water.

Here’s the top 5 things to do around Bristol’s beautiful Harbourside.

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?

Bristol’s Harbourside

SUP Bristol

1) Cruise Along The Docks!

What better way to spend a few hours than cruising up and down the Bristol harbourside, enjoying the amazing sights Bristol has to offer from the water.

Whether you’re on a Bristol Stag Do, a Hen weekend or just visiting friends (there’s a wide range of Bristol group accommodation in close proximity) a cruise is a great option, with or without a bar on board!

You can enjoy the sights and sounds of Bristol’s Harbourside, or if you are feeling more adventurous, you can cruise up the river a bit towards Beese’s tea rooms.

SS Great Britian

2) SS Great Britain

Bristol harbourside’s number one attraction, the SS Great Britain is a spectacle not to be missed.

The brainchild of Bristol’s famous Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the ship was an imposing, colossal feat of maritime engineering. And it still is to this day. Visitors are invited to step aboard and step back in time, to experience life at sea, as it would have been on her maiden voyage in 1843.

 

Bristol Harbour Festival

3) Bristol Harbour Festival

Live bands, delicious street food and fun for all the family, the Bristol Harbour Festival is a must for any festival lover.

For three glorious days in July, the festival takes over the Harbour area of the city, drawing crowds from across the region. There’s something for everyone – from maritime activities to Morris dancing, music and even a circus zone.

And the best part? It’s free – but make sure you bring a few notes, as the food and drink can prove irresistible

Bristol We The Curious

4) We The Curious

Experience science like never before! We The Curious offers a hands-on approach to science education – whatever their age.

There are hundreds of exciting exhibits to explore and experiments to take part in.

And the permanent 3D planetarium gives visitors the chance to enjoy the night sky and learn more about space – it’s quite literally out of this world!

5) Pirate Walk

Step back in time and experience some Bristol’s lively (and sometimes harrowing) maritime history.

The perfect activity for pirate-loving land lubbers, the famous Pirate Walk is a great way to learn more about the city – and some of it’s world famous inhabitants.

The tour takes you around the Harbourside and lasts an hour. Wannabe buccaneers are welcome to don an eye patch or bandana and get involved.

still standing in the evening should wobble their way over to Thekla – the award-winning live music boat.

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?

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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?

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.