The idea of Stag and Hen parties has changed greatly over the years. Originally a quiet night – spent with friends and family the night before the wedding, can now last anywhere from a weekend to a week. It has become an opportunity to get away and party, with the excuse of celebrating ‘the end of freedom’.
Today stag and hen parties are far from the traditional – they often now include fancy dress, dares, strippers and falling out of nightclubs drunk at the end of the night.
It appears the parties prior to the wedding have become as long, as costly and almost as important as the honeymoon, which follows.
If this doesn’t float your boat or perhaps you have been inspired by the low key sophisticated affair, that was the hen do of our future Queen Kate Middleton, and now are after something a little more stylish yourself, why not try the picturesque city of Oxford.
Often thought of foremost for being home to one of the leading universities in the world, as well as for its history, heritage and rural landscape – Oxford is fast becoming a popular destination for a more civilised and traditional Hen or Stag party.
Daytime activities for the Hens range from spa days, where you can pamper yourself with beauty treatments and enjoy the use of the Pool, Sauna and Jacuzzi. Or perhaps try a dance class, choosing from popular themes such as Bollywood or Salsa. For those feeling slightly more risqué, why not try some Burlesque – not for the faint hearted! Evening activities can range from greyhound racing to murder mystery evenings.
A great selection of activities are also available for the Stags with paintball and rally driving being among the favourites.
If you are looking for something slightly different, warm up your vocals and record your own song with a recording studio experience or become a girl band for the evening. Strut your stuff to the likes of Beyonce or the Spice Girls, and let a professionally trained choreographer teach you the dance moves of Girls Aloud. Perhaps you can try out your new found moves on the dance floor later!
Oxford is a vibrant and diverse city, boasting a fabulous selection of restaurants and bars. With nightlife aplenty there is no need to miss out completely on the modern side of the pre wedding party.
If you are looking for something really out of the ordinary Oxford offers guests ghost tours round the city or guided Inspector Morse tours.
Oxford has it all and is a far cry from the boozed up Brits on their Easy Jet flight to Marbella in their personalised T-Shirts. Plus, with individual events from £35 and packages starting around £120, it won’t break the bank.
If you are looking for a Hen or Stag party you will never forget, that ends in magnificent memories, rather than in a hazy blur – look no further than Oxford.
