A Guide To Planning A Hen Weekend in Newcastle
Newcastle is known for its lively nightlife, friendly locals, and the all round good time it can offer, making it a popular choice for stag and hen weekends in the UK. It’s the perfect destination for a memorable hen weekend as there are plenty of things to see and do for hen parties of all sizes and ages, it’s easily accessible both to drive and on the train, and has plenty of options for activities both in the city centre and nearby. If you’re planning a hen weekend in Newcastle, here’s everything you need to know to make it a great one.
Disclaimer: This post is in collaboration with Last Night of Freedom, Newcastle
The first thing you need to do when you’re planning a hen weekend in Newcastle is to check the dates. Prices in general tend to remain fairly similar year round, however there are some dates on the Geordie calendar that might result in prices increasing for accommodation.
For example, the Great North Run weekend in September, if Newcastle are at home and playing teams from further away, bank holiday weekends, or if certain Geordie singers are putting on shows at St James’ Park…
The atmosphere in the city on those weekends is always brilliant, and might be a reason you want to visit then, but they do see an increase in prices and sometimes transport problems with increased visitors to the city.
If you’ve picked your dates then it’s time to get planning your perfect hen weekend in Newcastle.
Hen Party Accommodation in Newcastle
To make the most of your hen weekend in Newcastle you’ll probably want to stay within the city centre. Most accommodation choices here are hotels, such as Motel One, the Melia on the Quayside, the Malmaison on the Quayside, the Vermont, Grey Street Hotel and The Maldron. The Hilton might be a choice too however note this is on the Gateshead side of the river.
Some budget choices include the Premier Inn and Travel Lodges, which you’ll also find are more towards the quayside.
For most hen parties you’ll probably want more of a communal space than just hotel rooms, so there are plenty of apartment options you could go for instead. Take a look at the Staybridge suites, the Mad Hatters Tea Room apartment which looks fab and sleeps up to 8 people (with some sofa beds), Dream Apartments Newcastle and the Vermont Aparthotel which looks fab, especially the penthouse.
Very close by in neighbourhoods like Jesmond or Ouseburn, so not directly in the city centre but not far at all include places like Your Lofts and 91 Aparthotel. Also take a look at Last Night of Freedom accommodation suggestions too, including a house and some other apartments.
A Newcastle Hen Party Night Out
If you’re coming to Newcastle for a hen weekend it’s fair to assume you’re heading out on a night out, and if there’s one thing Newcastle is famous for, it’s the buzzing nightlife. Whether you’re seeking classy cocktail bars, lively nightclubs, or unique themed venues, Newcastle is a hub for unforgettable nights out.
The infamous Bigg Market and Quayside areas are packed with fantastic options for a wild evening with your hens, and plenty of bars cater for groups where you can pre book tables and private areas.
Some suggestions would be Slug and Lettuce on the Quayside, Revolucion de Cuba, Leila Lily’s (you can hire the private bar area at the back), Yolo – another one that has a private room for hire, Banyan, Pitcher & Piano, Revolution, Pleased to Meet You, The Botanist and many more. All of these are great for groups and have the cocktail trees, plenty of photo opportunities, and can take big group bookings.
To help you plan your route around the city, and some of the best bars perfect for your hen night in Newcastle, then take a look at the Last Night of Freedom wristbands. These wristbands are exclusively sold by Last Night of Freedom, and are available for groups of four or more, on Friday and Saturday nights. They get you access to 11 bars in Newcastle city centre, as well as the perk of guest list and a queue jump, and free shots for your group in some locations.
The Last Night of Freedom wristbands cost £12 per person, can be personalised for your group, and can result in savings of over £35 compared to normal pricing for these locations. A great addition to your hen weekend in the Toon to make your planning easier!
If you’re wanting to add in food to the plans, then Victor’s on the Quayside is great for food and cocktails, Revolucion de Cuba, Turtle Bay, and places like All Bar One or Cafe Andaluz. Twenty Twenty on the Bigg Market does amazing pizza and cocktails, and if you’re wanting some novelty fun head to The Mad House Bar on Pink Lane.
And of course a firm favourite in Newcastle is the bottomless brunch, and there are so many places that offer this now. Take a look at my guide to bottomless brunch in Newcastle for inspiration. Perhaps a tamer option is afternoon tea, so if that suits your hen party better then here’s some of the best afternoon tea experiences in Newcastle too.
Pamper Sessions in Newcastle
If you’re wanting to indulge in some well-deserved pampering during your hen weekend in Newcastle you can easily treat yourselves to a luxurious spa day and rejuvenating treatments at one of the city’s top-rated spas. Enjoy a range of relaxing activities, such as massages, facials, sauna sessions, and more in spa hotels such as the Malmaison, Grey Street Hotel and the Crowne Plaza. See my blog on spa hotels in Newcastle here.
If you’re looking for a spa retreat experience, there are places further out of the city centre but you would need to travel to them. Places like Seaham Hall and Ramside Hall are two of the closest.
If you’re wanting a spa therapist to come to you for a girls night in as part of your hen weekend in Newcastle, take a look at the Newcastle Pamper Company here.
Hen Weekend Activities in Newcastle
For group adventures and activities, Newcastle has you covered! Some of the typical suggestions include:
Escape Rooms
Exit Newcastle can be found in the city centre on Westgate Road. Book your experience at Exit here. World of Escapes is also in the heart of the city, and you can find more information on their escape room options here.
Crazy Golf
There are a number of choices for a crazy golf experience in Newcastle, including Junkyard Golf on Newgate Street, Mr Mulligans and Ghetto Golf slightly further out in Hoult’s Yard.
Comedy Club
The Stand Comedy Club in Newcastle is right in the centre on High Bridge Street, with an on site bar and food options. It’s close to some really good bars as well for a great night out after. See what’s on at The Stand comedy club here.
Cocktail Making Classes
A firm favourite for hen groups, lots of bars in Newcastle offer cocktail making classes. Some of these include Livello, Jalou, The Botanist, The Alchemist, Mother Mercy and Slug & Lettuce.
Paddleboarding & Surfing
Tynemouth isn’t far from Newcastle, a less than half an hour drive or metro out to the coast and here you can get surf lessons, or hire surfboards and paddle boards. The coast has a lot to offer in terms of food, cafes and bars and restaurants too if you want to venture out of the city centre.
Let Last Night of Freedom help you plan
Last Night of Freedom can help you pull various elements of your hen weekend together, as they have access to a number of locations, partners, activities and accommodations throughout the city. In just three steps you can get a quote for activities of your choice, and accommodation. Activities are categorised so it’s easier to pin point exactly the sort of things you might like to do.
Other benefits include 24 hour emergency assistance, the option of paying a deposit, managing your entire booking online, and access to some great deals such as the Nightlife wristband mentioned earlier. Take a look at the Last Night of Freedom overview of hen weekends in Newcastle here.
The lively atmosphere, warm Geordie welcome and great selection of things to do will give you a hen weekend in Newcastle that you will remember for years to come. The best thing about Newcastle is it’s a relatively small city, so everything is very central and within easy walking distance if you’re in the city centre. Ubers are easy to come by, Deliveroo is on hand for any takeaway options you need the day after the night before, and transport links are easy for when you’re ready to head home.
Other posts you might like:
Where to get a fry up in Newcastle
Where to go for bottomless brunch in Newcastle