Let’s be honest—your stag or hen weekend needs to slap. Whether you’re sending off the groom with style or giving the bride one last hurrah before the big day, you need a location that blends charm, cheekiness, and chaos in just the right amounts. That’s where Birmingham, Oxford, and Cambridge step in. Historic? Check. Hilarious activities? Double check. Great food, booze, and memories you’ll probably misplace the next day? Absolutely.
Birmingham: City Slickers Meet Prosecco Sippers
Birmingham is the ultimate mix of nightlife, cool canalside vibes, and alternative entertainment. It’s perfect for hen groups ready to glam up and stag groups who want to go big without breaking the bank.
Where to Stay: Base your party crew near Brindleyplace or the Jewellery Quarter. There are loads of serviced apartments and stylish hotels within stumbling distance of the nightlife.
What to Do:
- Hen Highlights: Prosecco-fuelled spa sessions, chocolate-making workshops at Cadbury World, and personal shopping tours at the Bullring.
- Stag Adventures: Peaky Blinders tours with pub stops, craft brewery crawls in Digbeth, and axe throwing or Ghetto Golf for competitive vibes.
- Joint Fun: Boat bar crawl on Birmingham’s canals or mix things up with a cocktail-making class followed by street food at Digbeth Dining Club.
Nightlife: Broad Street hits hard if you want big clubs and late finishes, but for something trendier, try the Custard Factory or rooftop drinks at Orelle.
- Check out our Birmingham stag party ideas
- Explore Birmingham hen weekend plans
Oxford: Classy Chaos for Clever Celebrations
Oxford isn’t just for students. This city is tailor-made for groups who like their weekend with a dose of sophistication—and a LOT of gin.
Where to Stay: Jericho and the city centre have loads of options, from posh apartments to uni halls (outside term time) that make for unforgettable settings.
What to Do:
- Hen Picks: Afternoon teas at the Ashmolean, punting with prosecco on the Cherwell, and gin-making at The Oxford Artisan Distillery.
- Stag Picks: Historic pub crawls (don’t miss The Turf Tavern), escape rooms with literary twists, and countryside quad biking.
- Together: Treasure hunts around the university colleges, private dining in medieval halls, or boozy brunches with river views.
Nightlife: Chill cocktails at The Varsity Club, dancing at Fever, or classic pints at The Bear Inn—it’s all here.
- Plan your Oxford stag do
- Design your Oxford hen party
Cambridge: Prosecco, Punting & Party Legends
If you’re after riverside elegance with a touch of academic charm (and loads of gin), Cambridge delivers a refined and relaxed party vibe that suits both hens and stags.
Where to Stay: The CB1 area or Mill Road offer the perfect blend of access and atmosphere. Serviced apartments are ideal for big groups.
What to Do:
- Hen Treats: Gin labs where you blend your own bottles, spa sessions with botanical treatments, and riverside picnics with plenty of bubbly.
- Stag Legends: Paddleboarding with pints, historic pub crawls (The Eagle is a must), and beer tasting with river views.
- Joint Madness: Champagne punting races, city treasure hunts inspired by science icons, or themed scavenger challenges that end in a wine bar.
Nightlife: From rooftop lounges to low-lit jazz bars, Cambridge’s scene is intimate but electric—perfect for late-night laughs.
- Discover Cambridge stag experiences
- Find Cambridge hen weekend inspiration
Pro Tips for the Best Joint or Split Party Weekend
- Blend It Right: Not every stag/hen wants the same thing. Plan a few split activities and come together for the big nights out.
- Book in Advance: Whether you’re staying in a historic college or booking punting boats, popular slots fill up—especially in spring and summer.
- Don’t Skip Brunch: This is your recovery window. Bottomless brunch in Birmingham, café-hopping in Oxford, or brunch picnics in Cambridge—it’s a vibe.
- Travel Smart: Birmingham is easiest for groups across the UK (great rail links), while Oxford and Cambridge are ideal for London-based parties.
Whether you’re planning a stag weekend full of beer-fuelled canal antics or a hen celebration packed with luxury pampering, Birmingham, Oxford, and Cambridge are your triple threat of unforgettable UK destinations.
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