Edinburgh Hen Do

[mummy1202]

Hi everyone,

I am currently planning a Hen Do in Edinburgh and am looking for any ‘must do’ activities or ideas for accommodation! Even little sweet ideas of keepsakes or cute little touches, it’s been a while since I planned anything like this!

We are thinking along the lines of a big house/lodge style accommodation and possibly a couple of group activities for over the weekend.

Does anyone have any recommendations or fab past experiences that they would be willing to share to give me some inspo?

What have you guys done on Hen Dos in Edinburgh or similar that you loved?!

Thank you in advance! xx

So many things you could do - not sure where to start.
One Spa in the Sheraton Hotel - really lovely with an outdoor, rooftop pool.
Chaophraya Thai Restaurant with views of the castle.
I think I'd look at staying centrally - I'm sure there would be a lovely Georgian apartment in the New Town you could rent.
The new Alpine Coaster at Hillend is good fun. Easy to get there on the number 4 bus.
Lots of lovely places for afternoon tea.
Karaoke, comedy, live music.
What time of year is it?

@Jammin8 I think it will be May/June time.

Thank you so much for the ideas! Will deffo go and look into those! It’s trying to find something to suit everyone, planning enough activities without doing too much at the same time? xx

May/June should be fairly good weather.
Have you been to Edinburgh before? It's a great city, with loads to do. The centre is really compact and easy to get around. Buses are great and there's also the tram.
If you're feeling active, you could walk up Arthur's Seat. Calton Hill is a bit of an easier climb and there's a cafe and restaurant up there.
I'm from Edinburgh and live there now, so know it very well. Please feel free to ask any questions and I'll see if I can help.

The one hen do I went to in Edinburgh there was so much planned and people just wanted to stay in the pubs so we ended up missing our dinner reservation which was a nightmare for those of us who needed to eat. So definitely plan lots of time for everything just to be safe, but depends on the people in your group and what they like to do as well.

I can’t remember where it was but we did a group cocktail making class which was great fun.

The other main thing we did was Dreamboys which tbh wasn’t really my thing. Whoever booked it must have gone with the cheapest package so we were right up the back in uncomfortable folding chairs (I think we might have got there last minute too because of the delays elsewhere) and honestly I’d have rather stayed out in the pubs or just gone to dinner and drinks instead of that. Although the saving grace was that we weren’t picked out for any of the lap dance things because we were behind so many other hen dos.

We did a Highland games for my daughter's hen do in Edinburgh. It was fabulous!!! It was in 2018 so not sure if it’s still there. I’ll report back…..

https://www.edinburghstag.com/?eb_listing=mini-highland-games-edinburgh#:~:text=In%20Stag%20And-,Hen

I love the Chocolatarium just off the Royal mile. You get to make your own bar of chocolate.
you HAVE to do an underground city tour. They are amazing. I recommend Auld Reekie.
the Johnny Walker visitors tour is good, even if a non- whiskey drinker, or one of the gin tours. Lind and Lime comes highly recommended.
try one of the Rooftop bars- Johnny Walker, Nor Loft, Forth Floor Harvey Nichols, or the top of the W hotel at St James’ Quarter. SushiSamba is really special too.
afternoon tea at the Balmoral or the Signet library.
take a walk along the Water of Leith from Roseburn. End up in Stockbridge and go to the weekend food market, or have a drink in the Raeburn.
you’ll love it

The hop on/off buses are a good way of seeing the city.

if you fancy an activity, I’d suggest Driftwood adventures for kayaking etc.

There’s shows on at the Playhouse, Festival theatre, etc or you could see some Scottish comedy at the Stand - always a good laugh.

The grassmarket is traditionally busy with stags & hens, but many will refuse entry in the new town, so please be aware with bookings.