When it comes to planning a hen do, it’s safe to say that most ideas have been done to death. We’ve all been out on a Saturday night and seen a rowdy gaggle of hens or a macho group of stags sway their way down the street and into another bar. And there’s nothing wrong with that, if that’s what the bride or groom have requested. But why settle for the unoriginal, when you could plan an adventure?

If you want something fun, fresh and easy to organise, here’s a few adventurous ideas for those looking for more than the average hen do in the South West.

Adventure-seeking hen weekends

Go barmy in Bristol

For a hilarious and totally original Bristol hen weekend, you’ll struggle to top West Country Games. Set in the heart of the Southwest countryside, yet just four miles from the bustle of Bristol city centre, West Country Games offers a crazy array of group activities that will bring everyone together. Designed with all abilities in mind, the whole hen party will take part in all sorts of funny shenanigans, from Cider Run, Welly wanging and West Country Wipeout, to name a few. From the timid, to the loud and brash characters in the group, you’re all guaranteed to “laugh yer ruddy ‘ed off!’

Surf’s up

Although this maybe one for warmer weather, there’s nothing like catching rays while you ride the waves. Much of the South West coastline offers great surfing opportunities, where the beaches are long and the waves (for the most part) are perfect for newbies and amateur surfers. Places such as Woolacombe are home to surf schools that cater for larger groups, and supply the right-sized wetsuits and boards for all needs. And of course, once you’re back on dry land, it’s straight to the pub for a well-earned pint!

A whacky Welsh hen weekend

For Welsh-based hen party planners looking for something closer to home, here’s an idea for a totally original Cardiff hen weekend. Forget the free-for-all on St Mary street, and look no further than Welsh Games. With nine different activities, your hens will bond over crazy antics such as Welsh Celebrity Knockout, Rugby Run and Duffin Daffyd. The friendly activity hosts even take pictures as your party enjoys the day. Located only 30 minutes outside of Cardiff, Welsh Games offers a side-splitting hen day – or even a warm up to a Welsh night out.

Pick a pride

The South West is home to some incredible Pride events that welcome everyone, and entertain all. If you’ve never been to a Pride festival before, then this could be the adventure for you and your hens. Expect parades, street parties, live music, garish outfits and a friendly crowd who will be more than willing to wish your bride-to-be the best. Bristol Pride and Pride Cymru in Cardiff are two of the biggest gay pride events in the UK, with around 20,000 glitter-dusted party goers attending Pride Cymru every year.

Pirate pub crawl

Bristol and the river Avon has long been a key location for pirates and smugglers to make their debauch fortunes. Today, the river hosts a much more wholesome crowd of seafarers, but that doesn’t mean it has to be any less adventurous. Make your bride-to-be a Captain and take your motely crew of hens on a ferry cruise up the river. There are 17 stops, most of which have a bar or restaurant conveniently situated nearby, where you can wet your whistle with a glass of rum! The most convenient places to catch a ride are Temple Meads and the floating docks in the city centre – both of which are easily accessed by land.

If you are planning a hen do or hen weekend with a twist do let us know what your plans are, I would love to hear what other fun hen weekend activities you have planned.

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