North East hen party ideas for sober queens

We love a hen do. But gone are the days when a hen party only has to mean a night on the town, a massive hangover and willy-themed paraphernalia…

Each to their own and whilst some people may love embracing a traditional hen party, we thought we’d compile some ideas for fiancés looking for something different.

For those marrying later in life, with friends who are already married and might have children, a night on the town might not feel like the vibe anymore – especially for those in their wellness era are cutting back on drinking to look after their health.

Whatever your reasons for wanting an alcohol-free hen, the North East has a huge range of options for you and your pals. From fun activities to the best food and beautiful spas, there is something for every gang.

Here are five of the best modern alternatives to a night out hen party…

A SPA DAY

Who doesn’t love a good pamper? Gather your besties and head to one of the gorgeous spas the North East has to offer. We’ve got the lowdown on some of the best spa deals to make your hen do a luxurious and relaxing one without breaking the bank.

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Serenity Spa at Seaham Hall – from £95.00

With this lovely spa day, enjoy a gorgeous Thai lunch, luxurious treatment, and plenty of time to unwind by the pool. Seaham Hall is a tranquil escape and perfect for a bougee bride looking to spend a day relaxing and enjoying the facilities and top-class treatments.

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Spa at Ramside – from £89.00

With a large swimming pool, range of saunas and relaxing treatments, the Spa at Ramside is perfect for a hen party. Plus, you can book the private infinity pool for you and the girls to enjoy a healthy drink and nibbles while looking out across the gorgeous Durham countryside.

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A GIRLS’ NIGHT IN

Fancy the relaxation of a spa but want to enjoy the time just you and your girls? Why not enjoy a girls’ night in for your hen do? It could be that the treatments come to you, or you enjoy the fun and games of a hen do without the booze. The great thing about a night in is that you can make it entirely your own.

And it doesn’t have to be a night in at home, head to a hotel or country cottage for a laid-back escape.

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South Causey Inn Pamper Packages

This unique pamper package is perfect for a hen party with a difference. Packages include accommodation with a private hot tub, afternoon tea (or Sunday lunch), breakfast and a range of treatments from beauticians in the comfort of your own room. Combining the spa day relaxation with enough privacy to personalise and add hen party games, this would be a hen do to remember – whether there’s alcohol or not!

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FUN AND GAMES

Don’t feel like relaxing? How about a day of fun and games across Newcastle…

Build your own itinerary of fun activities and a delicious dinner to celebrate your upcoming nuptials.

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Escape Room

There are a wide range of escape rooms across Newcastle, whether you’re a Sherlock Holmes fan or want to feel like you’re in a thriller movie. We love The Arcade by Escape, which gives off serious Stranger Things vibes as you’re sent back to an eighties arcade! 

Axe Throwing

Bring out your competitive side with a spot of axe throwing at Game of Throwing. Not for the faint of heart! It’s definitely something different and will bring out the competitive side of even your most chill friends.

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Crazy Golf

Competition awaits in the form of good ol’ crazy golf. We love Junk Yard Golf for its party atmosphere, hilarious themed courses and range of mocktails and snacks.

Bowling

Round off your day of games with a bit of bowling. At Lane 7 you can enjoy a bowling alley that is far more sleek and grown-up than the average. There’s also a pool table and they serve some great burgers just in time for the post-game hunger pangs.

RELAX IN NATURE

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Are you not one for cities? Want something low-key and chilled? Then break with tradition and enjoy some much-needed time in nature instead. After all, it’s your hen do, so do it your way.

If you’re looking to make a weekend of it, then why not book the gorgeous lodges at Rest at the Nest and make the most of the scenery and relaxing hot tubs? Located in County Durham, these lodges are designed beautifully for a modern and luxurious hideaway. Plus, there are plenty of local walks and each private hot tub has an incredible view. 

A COOKERY CLASS 

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Whether you already love cooking up a storm or want to try something new, a cookery class is a great way to do something different and have delicious delights to show for your hard work.

And in the heart of Newcastle, we have Blackfriars Cookery School offering a fun and high-quality range of cookery classes. (Prices vary, but a full day class is about £160). There are classes with a range of themes, from Asian cooking to seafood and they are available both on weekdays and weekends. After learning a range of new skills you can enjoy your cooking with the fantastic company of your hens.

TRY POTTERY

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Are your hens an artistic bunch? Even if they’re not, you’re sure to have a laugh with a ceramic class. Amy Rutherford Ceramics has a range of workshops available across the North East in Newcastle, Durham and Hexham. From making mugs to tapas pots, paired with a meal out this would make a fantastic dry hen do with lots of laughs guaranteed.

CHOCOLATE WORKSHOP

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Local chocolatier La Chocolatrice not only makes amazing sweet treats, but they also offer private chocolate-making experiences. Make chocolate truffles, flakes and crisps with your hens – with plenty of opportunities to taste too!

Private chocolate making is for groups of 5 – 16 people and costs £39.50 per person (a maximum of 20 people).

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Laura Kingston
Founder and Editor

Laura is the Founder and Editor of High Life North. She had the idea to set up an exclusively digital magazine after feeling there was a gap in the market in the North East. With over 10 years of experience in marketing and PR, Laura had a very clear idea…

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