The Ultimate York Hen Do Guide 2023

What a name – and a what a bar. While this mainly serves beer, it is worth a trip just to check out the outrageous décor. It is like stepping into a medieval banqueting hall, with quirky taxidermy lining mock-Tudor venue’s walls. If beer is your thing, then you’ll be one very ‘hoppy’ hen party – but don’t worry if it isn’t, as this striking venue also serves up huge sharing platters of Yorkshire tapas that would make Henry VIII wince. And honestly, no trip to York is complete without at least one drink in here – trust us, you won’t forget it.

If cocktails are your thing, then welcome to your new favourite bar. Evil Eye loves them, boasting a menu as big as Yorkshire itself – stretching across a whopping eight pages. And this isn’t a case of quantity over quality, with the venue’s expert mixologists using everything from absinthe to cardamom to create crazy concoctions that more than pack a punch. And like much of York, this cool little independent bar feels like nowhere else – dark wooden furnishing clash with trippy neon patterns to give it a truly psychedelic feel. You will be seeing spirits one way or another after stepping foot in here!

Boasting one of York’s best spots, this contemporary and spacious York venue is the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of something cold as the sun sets. Offering a gorgeous garden terrace which provides unparalleled views of the river, this cool chain is dripping with quality from a moreish menu. Colourful cocktails and fabulous food undoubtedly make this one of the premier hen party venues in the city.

York’s premier nightclub, with good reason. By the weekend this place is buzzing, with top DJs and regular party nights. The city’s largest multi-room venue, this is a real treasure chest of a venue – with a tiki bar and even a ‘secret’ room for you and the girls to try and find. And if you’re lucky, you might be there when Bingo Loco is on – and it is as crazy as the name suggests. Expect confetti cannons, throwback anthems and loads of fun!

Get that camera ready for this picture perfect venue that is as good as it looks. Expect hanging kebabs, moreish cocktails and striking décor that’s slap bang in the heart of York. Expert mixologists will keep your hens hydrated with some of the best beverages the city has to offer, while if the hens want something to peck on, The Botanist’s bait is reet good, as they say in Yorkshire.

This cute cocktail venue has one of York’s most magnificent views, overlooking the water, while the venue itself looks just as magical. Fairy lights adorn the outside, while inside is a stylish and sophisticated venue that is perfect for any occasion. From bottomless brunches to the pre-train Sunday roast, you’ll feel right at home at this exquisite bar.

Popworld is a pretty special place, but York Popworld at 6pm on a Saturday is heaven on Earth. Packed with day drinkers, stags, hens and over-enthusiastic locals, it is as good as gets. Expect sticky floors, cheesy tunes, and retro alcopops as you and the girls let loose inside this tacky wonderland.

Dig out that fake afro and evacuate the dancefloor as you and the girls turn this funky, 70s themed bar into your own playground. Bust-a-move as you let loose to some seriously groovy tunes dropped by the resident DJ. Party into the early hours in this fun, central venue that has brings Studio 54 into the heart of York!

A York institution. By late Saturday afternoon this place is banging, with the DJ blasting Indie sing-a-long anthems and everyone basically losing their minds. This is a fun, fun venue – it basically feels like a festival inside a pub. Expect to hear Oasis, The Killers and – urm – The Stone Roses as you and the girls get lost in the music. As music venues go, this is the one…

This popular chain is the home of our York Cocktail Class, and if colourful cocktails are your thing, then welcome to paradise. This place has a wonderful vibe, while the décor is stylish and snazzy. Boasting a brilliant beer garden, it also offers food from morning to dusk, while the bottomless brunch is to die for.

This simply stunning cathedral is one of the largest in Europe – and one of the most beautiful on Earth. Over 500-years-old, it is the epicentre of the city and took several centuries to build. Even if you don’t actually visit it, you’d do well not to at least notice it – at its peak, the Minster stands at 235ft, so it looms over York. Plus it has never looked better, following a decade-long renovation after a devastating fire in 2007.

One of York’s most iconic sites, this striking structure was built by William the Conqueror and has an incredible – and slightly gory – history. But these days it offers one of the best panoramic views of the city, with the new roof deck giving you the chance to see the city’s skyline in style. The former keep is also incredibly central, and a must-visit for anybody visiting York for the first time.

If you are loco about trains, then choo-choo-choose this massive museum for the afternoon. It will be full steam ahead for you and the hens as you power through the largest collection of locomotives and railway memorabilia on Earth. If you are all a bunch of trainspotters, this is a pretty awesome museum (it even has a Bullet train) – and you won’t be able to keep track of all the carriages.

Stretching for two miles and completely encircling York’s old town, these walls bring York’s past to life. Thought to be almost 900 years old, they are among the best-preserved walls in Britain – and are punctuated by well over 40 gates and barbicans.

York is the home of the Kit Kat – so have a break from the bubbles, and wilt away your afternoon at this sweet spot in the centre of York. There’s a 75min guided tour that walks you through York’s chocolate past (It was the birthplace of Rowntree’s, while you can also roll truffles and order your own personalised bar – but given this is a pretty popular attraction, Be a Smartie pants and book ahead.

The inspiration for Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley, this street is simply magical. Cobbled pavements and crooked buildings, like the rest of York, this stunning stretch will put a spell on you and your hens. Not only was it used a filming location for the films, but this medieval street is packed with Potter-themed merchandise streets. But even if you aren’t wild about wizardry, you don’t need the sorting hat to tell you that this is a must-visit site - as it has some very cool independent shops and bars (while a group selfie will look great on the ‘gram).

The sport of kings – but you will feel like queens, as you dress up to the nines at one of Britain’s best racecourses. York LOVES the races, with thousands jockeying for position for the best vantage point on the course each Saturday during the summer. The course is relatively central, with the crowds bussed in from the station to the track. Expect big hats and fabulous fizz, while you’ll have backed a winner just by spending the day here.

A Yorkshire institution, this bakery and tea room serves up cakes that would make Paul Hollywood jealous. No visit to York is complete without visiting what is a sweet gem in the city’s crown, having been knocking out goodies for the best part of 90 years. We recommend the signature Fat Rascals. Now it is a shade more expensive than Greggs, and you should expect a queue to get inside – but it will definitely be worth it.

Drink groups invading York before marauding through the city’s streets. Sound familiar? Well, before you think they’ve opened a museum about you and the girls, think twice. This is all about York’s (grisly) relationship with the Vikings. It is mainly aimed at youngsters, but if you have a thing for big hairy men (or if you’re marrying one), this could actually float your boat!’

If you and the girls fancy splashing the cash on some world-class food, don’t look any further. With Michelin-Starred Andrew Pern at the helm, this is the sister restaurant of the legendary Star Inn at Harome. The food is simply to die for, and in a city renowned for quality grub, this one is a real highlight – and the perfect spot if you fancy a special sit down to celebrate your friends upcoming nuptials.