Planning a Brighton hen do? Here's your complete​ guide
Colourful, quirky, and full of character, Brighton’s one of the UK’s top choices for hen dos. This seaside city blends relaxed coastal charm with a lively nightlife scene and offers plenty of excellent dining and drinking spots. Whatever you’re thinking of booking, whether it’s boozy brunches or a calmer, craftier hen party, Brighton has all sorts on offer.
To get inspired for your Brighton hen do, we’ve put together this complete guide to planning your trip. Explore the best bars, find where to stay, and make sure you don’t miss out on anything the city has to offer.
Hen party ideas in Brighton
Brighton’s bursting at the seams with things to do. Whether you’re planning a wellness getaway, a boozy hen, or something for a smaller group, you’ll find what you’re looking for here.
Need some inspiration? Here are our top recommendations for hen do activities:
Boozy hen party ideas
Brighton’s got plenty of pubs, bars, and nightclubs if you’re looking for a lively hen do. Standout choices include:
Bars: The Plotting Parlour, Twisted Lemon, and Clementine & Co.
Pubs: Black Dove, Fortune of War (for beach-side drinks), and White Rabbit
Clubs: PRYZM, Revenge (LGBTQ+ club), and Patterns
There are also tons of themed events, like the Mystery Musicals Bottomless Brunch at Komedia (an amazing sing-along) and Bangers Bingo at Revolution. As the UK’s LGBTQ+ capital, you’ll find tons of amazing drag events, too, like the Drag Bottomless Brunch at Bar Broadway.
Brides who don’t drink
Brighton’s embraced non-alcoholic fun with open arms! If you’re looking for hen weekend ideas for brides who don’t drink alcohol, start with a group cooking class.
From there, head onto one of the many activities where alcohol isn’t a requirement, like:
Glow-in-the-dark mini golf at Globalls
Live comedy at Komedia
Plays and shows at Theatre Royal Brighton
The pier is also an excellent spot for evening entertainment, with the arcades, rides, and food stalls staying open until late during the warmer months.
Brides who love the beach
Brighton is an excellent hen do choice for beach-loving brides. If the weather’s nice, look into watersports for an active trip that makes the most of 4 miles of beautiful coast.
Both Surf SUP Brighton and Brighton Watersports offer equipment hire, including paddleboards (totally on trend right now) and kayaks. Brighton Watersports also provides surfing lessons for brides who are ready to hit the waves and take on the swell.
Fancy something a little more luxurious? Charter a boat, bring a few bottles, and spend your day cruising around the Sussex seaside.
Brides who are into wellness
Plan a hen do that’s totally zen for a wellness-loving bride. Brighton shines when it comes to holistic and wellness activities, from yoga studios to the seaside sauna at Beach Box Spa.
Check out Seagym, too, for open-air fitness and an outdoor pool if your bride-to-be loves to get active.
Explore the many healthy-living and vegan dining options, too, including Iydea Vegetarian Kitchen and Food for Friends, both of which are highly rated spots.
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Hen party ideas for small groups
Going to Brighton with a smaller bunch of hens? We’ve got plenty of activities to recommend that are perfect for little groups:
Paint & Sip
Have a tipple and paint the night away in these wonderfully fun, arty workshops.
Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Bar
Smuggle alcohol in and spend your night in the cells in this immersive cocktail experience.
Cocktail Masterclasses at The Plotting Parlour
Learn the art of mixology at one of Brighton’s most loved cocktail bars.
Lucky Voice Brighton
You only need 4 people to book a private karaoke room at Lucky Voice (ideal if you don’t want the whole world to hear you singing!).
From festivals to yoga on the beach, there’s always something happening in Brighton that’s perfect for smaller hen dos. Explore what’s on in the city for an abundance of inspiration.
Where to stay in Brighton for a hen party
From bohemian to beachy, each of Brighton’s neighbourhoods has its own unique vibe. When looking at where to stay, we definitely recommend getting to grips with your options before finding accommodation.
Here’s our rundown of the best spots for hen dos:
The Lanes
A historic and much-loved part of the city, The Lanes is a standout spot in Brighton. This maze of quirky streets is home to centuries-old pubs, prestigious art galleries, and a wide range of dining options. It’s close to the sea, the centre, and North Laine, making it the perfect base for a lively hen do itinerary.
Local verdict
High-end shops and dining meet the arty side of the city for a charming area where every twist and turn holds something new.
North Laine
For boho brides, it’s got to be North Laine. This is the indie area of Brighton, well known for its vegan cafes and quirky, independent shops. The streets are colourful (and mostly pedestrianised), and there’s a free-spirited vibe to the area that makes it ideal for upbeat hen party activities.
Local verdict
The coolest place in Brighton full of independent pubs, flea markets, cafes, and good vibes.
Kemptown
Stay a little outside of the city’s loud and lively centre in Kemptown, where there’s a more chill, creative atmosphere. It has its own bustling high street with a strong community feel, and great independent cafes, restaurants and pubs. As the LGBTQ+ centre of Brighton, it’s an inclusive area with a lot of heart.
Local verdict
Close to the sea with a laid-back vibe, it’s the city’s slightly quieter hotspot.
The Seafront
For beach-loving brides, you’ll find everything you need along the seafront. Brighton beach is known for being loud and eclectic, from the sounds of the pier to the nightclubs that sit metres from the pebbles. It’s an amazing spot for soaking in the colourful Brighton atmosphere; just don’t forget your beach towels!
Brighton hen weekend itinerary
Make planning a hen party easier with this example itinerary. Swap, change, and fill in the gaps based on your group preferences for a long weekend that you’ll all love.
Friday: Arrivals and drinks
Get settled in your accommodation and pop on some tunes while you get ready. Make the most of your first night by heading out for dinner at one of the city’s top restaurants (special mentions for Burnt Orange, Embers, and The Velvet Crab).
Head to a bar and home for an early night, or start the weekend with a bang at one of Brighton’s clubs.
Not sure where to go? Check out our guide to food and drink in Brighton for plenty of recommendations.
Saturday: Daytime activities & night out
Ease into the morning with breakfast at Lost in the Lanes or Garden Cafe, or go all in with a bottomless brunch. It’s never too early on a hen do!
Enjoy a midday meander through The Lanes and North Laine to soak in the quirky vibes. Then it’s onto one of your chosen hen party activities in Brighton, whether it’s a surfing lesson, karaoke session, or cocktail masterclass.
Head back to your accommodation to get ready for dinner, and then choose a nighttime activity and embrace the Brighton buzz.
Sunday: Brunch, beach, and goodbyes
Give your hens a chance to recover from a late night with a relaxed brunch. Jump in the sea to cure any hangovers and enjoy soaking up the seaside atmosphere. Lounge on the deck chairs, take a stroll along the pier, or head for one last drink at one of the many seaside bars.
More Brighton inspiration
If you’ve survived the big weekend and fancy seeing a different side of Brighton, there’s plenty more to get stuck into. Find out how a fishing village became the city of Brighton, uncover the secrets hidden beneath the Royal Pavilion or discover what life was really like inside Preston Manor.
Still have questions?
Check out answers to some of the more popular questions about planning a hen party in Brighton.
Is Brighton good for a hen party?
Without a doubt! Brighton is one of the top choices for UK hen dos, and it’s easy to see why. You’ll have the beautiful beach (and Palace Pier), the boho charm of The Lanes, a very lively nightlife, and tons of activities to choose from. It’s a city that loves to have fun, which is perfect for hens.
When’s the best time to visit Brighton for a hen party?
Brighton’s a pretty unique coastal city because there’s something on offer year-round. While you might not be diving into the sea in winter, you can still enjoy the coast with a seaside sauna or dinner and drinks in one of the Beach Pods at Ohso Social. Cosy pubs and the historic streets mean it’s still full of charm even when the weather’s a little nippier.
How far is Brighton from London for a hen party?
From central London, it’s about a 2-hour drive to Brighton. There are also direct train links, including from London Blackfriars and London Victoria, which take around an hour from end to end.
