While some brides are looking for a modern city in which to spend their so called
last night of freedom
others will prefer a location with a little more depth in terms of history and culture for their pre-wedding partying with the girls.But historic doesn’t have to mean boring, and certainly not when it comes to the gorgeous walled city of York. There really is something for all here making it a particularly good choice for hen parties made up of varying aged ladies and those with differing interests.
Within its walls ladies will find a fantastic mix of culture, shopping and entertainment as well as both traditional and cosmopolitan places to drink and dine.
So rally up the girls as we talk a hen party in York!
where to stay
Ladies wanting a weekend of luxury should check in to The Grand Hotel & Spa which overlooks the city’s walls. This five star hotel boasts seven different beautifully designed room types giving you and your girls several choices when it comes to how much of the budget to blow on accommodation. Meanwhile in the hotel’s vaults ladies will find the spa, for hours of relaxation and pampering.
Those wanting to embrace York’s history by staying at some of its more traditional spots should also look up Guy Fawkes Inn and The Lamb & Lion Inn. Both are situated in desirable locations and are brimming with character. Hearty, unpretentious food can also be found at these classic inns.
If it’s more of a boutique feel you and the gals are after The Judge’s Lodging and Hotel du Vin should both tick boxes. Situated in the heart of the city The Judges Lodgings is surrounded by the city’s shops, restaurants, bars and historic sites, though once you’ve settled into one of its attractive rooms, dined in its gorgeous restaurant or enjoyed a glass on fizz on its outdoor terrace, chances are you won’t want to stray too far. Meanwhile the city’s Hotel du Vin is tucked away in the Mount area in a Grade II listed mansion house which retains its 19th century charm whilst enjoying the chain’s signature style. During their stay ladies can indulge in delicious French cuisine at the hotel’s elegant bistro.
Finally for hens on a smaller accommodation budget there is the modern Hotel 53 (handily located near Topshop for those last minute party outfit purchases) which is a little superior to the city’s cheaper options such as Ibis and Travelodge.
what to do
Shopping in York is different to many other cities such as Manchester, Birmingham or Newcastle in that it doesn’t have a large retail centre and instead its shops are situated in historic buildings with stunning architecture along the city’s cobbled streets. But fear not, that doesn’t mean you can’t get your fashion fixes here as the quaint city is home to the likes of French Connection, The White Company, Zara, Hobbs, Mango and Topshop as well as department stores Fenwicks and Browns, plus lots of quirky independent shops.
For bargain hunters the York Design Outlook is on the outskirts of the city which has a great range of designer labels at discount prices, from Ted Baker and Kurt Geiger to Calvin Klein and Fred Perry.
If you and your gang easily tire of the shops you could explore York’s past at one of its numerous historic sites or museums such as York Castle Museum, York Minster or, of course, the city walls. Those with a sweet tooth might want to make time to visit York’s Chocolate Story which educates visitors on York’s most famous chocolate-making families and their finest creations, including the Chocolate Orange and the Kit Kat. Walking and bus tours also provide different options to see the city’s main sites.
If your group is looking for something more thrilling (and chilling) York is also famous for its ghost walks with many of its historic buildings and streets said to be haunted. Some of the tours stop by ancient pubs that have had strange encounters – handy for those that need to build up a little courage with the help of a gin or two.
But if that all sounds like hard work a spa visit might be more your group’s cup of tea. As previously mentioned in the city centre there is The Grand Hotel & Spa which is also open to non-guests for £25 a day, though bookings must be made in advance. While some ladies might be quite happy lazing by the pool and Jacuzzi others might like to indulge in a treatment to enhance their experience. Alternatively, a little outside the city centre there is Middlethorpe Hall & Spa, which offers spa health and beauty days and half days which include use of the luxurious facilities, refreshments and treatment options.
Depending on the time of year you choose to have your hen party there are some fabulous seasonal activates in York too, such as its maze during the summer months and Winter Wonderland, complete with ice rink, around Christmas. Again depending on the dates your group can do, a day at York Racecourse could be a winning option – a great reason to dress up, plenty of prosecco and the possibility of pocketing some cash, what more could a hen party want?
where to eat & drink
A hen do to York just wouldn’t be complete without afternoon tea at the famous Betty’s tea rooms – a quintessentially English treat for you and your girls, complete with dainty sandwiches and cakes and a glass of fizz.
Meanwhile for evening meals there are the chains you would usually expect to find in citites, such as Zizis, Ask and Pizza Express, as well as traditional pubs serving up hearty dishes and fine dining options too.
Located in the Old Engine House on the edge of York’s Museum Gardens The Star Inn The City is a great location to enjoy casual brasserie-style dining with seasonal menus and daily specials to pick from. For fans of global dishes there are also numerous Chinese, Indian, French and Italian restaurants. Though some of the independents are quite small in size there is the likes of Jamie’s Italian, which can cater for larger groups.
Meanwhile the atmospheric Lucia Wine Bar & Grill, situated on Swinegate Court East, is a great place to go for early evening nibbles or a meal and cocktails before exploring the city’s nightlife. Missoula Bar on Bridge Street, previously The Living Room, is a great place to go for American ranch style cuisine and exciting drinks menus. The bar is also known for hosting events such as spirit tasting sessions and cocktail schools which could provide another activity for your fun-filled weekend.
When it comes to drinking York is best known for its traditional pubs so you and the girls could have two very different nights out – fashionable bars one night and ‘real’ pubs the other. If you do choose to embrace York’s pub scene top places to order a pint (or a half) include The York Tap, The Lamb & Lion and The Maltings.
In terms of bars many are clustered close together along Swinegate, Stonegate and Grape Lane in the city centre. These include cool underground bar Sotano, the lively Kennedys bar and cocktail and champagne bar The Vudu Lounge which boasts a menu of more than 150 cocktails, plus DJ and dancefloor. And if it’s late nightlife you are your hens are up for, historic York houses a few nightclubs to, including Kuda on Clifford Street meaning you can eat, sleep, rave, repeat!