How to plan the perfect Hen or Stag weekend in Manchester
Here at StreetHunt Games, we meet stag and hen groups every week, so we know just how much planning goes into getting the weekend just right. One of the first big decisions is where to go, and it’s no surprise that Manchester remains one of the UK’s top choices.
Its central location makes it easy for groups to meet from all corners of the country, whether you’re coming from the South, Scotland, or somewhere in between. We also think it’s pretty affordable which is something that often surprises people. With cheaper food and drinks compared to cities like London or Edinburgh, and its huge variety of activities, nightlife, and fantastic accommodation options, you’ve got a destination that ticks every box.
In this guide here, you’ll find all the ingredients for arranging the perfect hen or stag weekend in Manchester, with tips on where to stay, how to plan without giving yourself a headache, and the best things to do once you’ve arrived.
Fun activities on your hen or stag do in Manchester
Manchester is bursting with activities and things to do, no matter what kind of weekend you’re planning. From active group challenges to relaxed afternoon sessions, the city caters for both high-energy party crews and those after a more laid-back celebration. Here are five fun ideas to get you started:
1. Explore the city with StreetHunt Games
For a brilliant mix of clue-solving, city discovery, and laugh-out-loud moments, start your weekend with a mission from StreetHunt Games. Designed to get you moving around the city and thinking, these outdoor escape-style adventures take your group on a self-guided route through Manchester’s streets, solving puzzles and riddles along the way. It’s affordable, easy to organise, and a great ice breaker if not everyone in your stag or hen group knows each other.
2. Team-up for It’s a Knockout
Big inflatables, foam-filled games, and silly costumes. It’s a Knockout is just as entertaining to watch as it is to play. It’s perfect for stags and hens and really brings everyone together in friendly (or fierce) competition. A lot of the time, you’ll be pitted against other stags and hens, so you’re guaranteed for some belly laughs. There’s a variety of games too which means it’s accessible for almost everyone of all ages and abilities. If you’re looking for a truly bonkers and hilarious team game, It’s a Knockout is an excellent choice.
3. Take on the BAFTA-award winning TV game show, The Cube
If you’re into puzzles or love the TV game show The Cube, this is your chance to step into the action. Perfect for competitive stag and hen groups, The Cube Live offers a high-energy, hands-on experience that’s totally different from your usual daytime activity. You’ll take on seven iconic challenges in a 2v2 format, testing both your mental focus and physical coordination. There’s also the option to upgrade your experience with food and drinks which is ideal for turning it into a full afternoon outing.
4. Get locked-in at Alcotraz: the prison cocktail experience
If you are wanting the perfect hen or stag weekend in Manchester with a twist, look no further. Alcotraz Manchester throws you behind bars for a prison-themed cocktail experience that’s as theatrical as it is entertaining. You’ll become part of the plot from the moment you arrive. Dressed in orange jumpsuits, you’ll be booked into your cell block and tasked with smuggling your own liquor past the watchful prison guards. Once inside, the crooked ‘inmates’ running the place will mix up creative contraband cocktails using your smuggled stash. Alcotraz is a unique, boozy activity that delivers a brilliant pre-night out experience you won’t forget.
5. Soar at iFLY Manchester
Tricking the bride or groom into thinking they’re going skydiving has long been a stag and hen weekend tradition, but at iFLY Manchester, you can actually make it happen without throwing them out of a plane. This indoor skydiving experience lets you float in a state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnel, guided by expert instructors and safely suited up for action. It’s adrenaline-packed but completely accessible, making it perfect for groups who want to dial up the energy without the nerves of real heights. It makes for some fantastic in-air photos too!
Where to stay in Manchester for a hen or stag weekend
We spoke with the team at Adventure Connections, who’ve helped organise thousands of stag and hen weekends across the UK. Here are a few of their top tips for crafting the perfect hen or stag weekend in Manchester:
- Book your accommodation early – Aim to lock in your choice of accommodation at least six months in advance. You’ll get a better selection of properties and avoid last-minute scrambles for something that fits the whole group.
- Think about location – Staying central means you’re typically within walking distance of great restaurants and bars and will save both time and money travelling around the city. But this often means you might miss out on great house features like big gardens with hot tubs and BBQs, and these can be as close as a 5-10 minute Uber or bus which would still be quick and cheap.
- Get the bride or groom’s vibe early – Before you dive into planning, ask what kind of weekend they’d actually enjoy and what they’d rather avoid. By all means keep everything you plan as a surprise, but you want to plan a stag or hen that they’ll remember for all the right reasons. It’s a celebration with their favourite people after all!
- Plan activities with the weekend in mind – Got a big Friday night planned? Maybe skip the 9am wake-up call and choose a more relaxed activity the next day. It’s all about pacing. Leave the high-energy stuff for when everyone’s feeling fresh(er).
Ready to plan your Manchester stag and hen weekend?
We hope you’ve found this blog useful and feel a little more prepared to start planning your hen or stag weekend in Manchester.
And if you’re looking for a fun, low-pressure way to kick things off, don’t forget to check out Streethunt Games – our outdoor adventure games are designed to get your group exploring the city together in a really unique and laid back way!
Wherever you end up, plan well, enjoy yourselves and make it a weekend to remember for all the right reasons.