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The Ultimate York Hen Do Guide 2025

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York - The North's Hen Party Capital

Yorkshire’s historic city has had Vikings and Romans – now it is the turn of your hen party. York is a chic, cosmopolitan city that is dripping with classy cocktail bars and vintage charm that makes it a hen party paradise.

AUTHOR:Hannah SowerbyContent Writer
  • Article Updated: 04/02/2025
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Top 10 Hen Friendly York Pubs & Clubs 2024

Packed with picture perfect streets, this charming city is full of history - and looks gorgeous on the 'gram. In recent years, York's popularity has exploded with hens who have been won over by the city's charm and character.

    • Iconic,
    • Quaint,
    • Historical

    The Shambles

    One of the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe, these days this historic section of York is a magnet for tourists – in part due to the links with Harry Potter. And you and your hens will be spellbound by the stunning streets that make you feel like you’re all drinking in a fairy-tale. And once you sample those cocktails and fizz, you’ll be saying expelliasmus to your inhibitions!

    • Stunning,
    • Classy,
    • Picturesque

    The Riverfront

    There are few better ways to wind away a sunny Saturday than sitting in one of the many riverbank bars with a glass of fizz in hand. By the weekend, the riverside is buzzing with life as friends gather in one of the many sophisticated bars for some al-fresco fun and picturesque views of York’s stunning skyline.

    • Quirky,
    • Unique,
    • Pretty

    Fossgate

    You will all fall in love with this charming, quaint stretch that’s one of the most picture perfect streets in York (and that’s saying something). Brimming with independent traders, it is also home to some of the city’s hippest bars and nightspots, while for those of you with a sweet tooth there are tons of chocolate shops – which shouldn’t be surprising, given this is the street where Rowntree’s was launched!

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Top 10 Hen Friendly York Bars & Clubs 2025

Blessed with a city centre like no other, York makes for a memorable hen party destination – but thankfully, there are hundreds of bars to help make those memories just that wee bit blurrier. These are our top ten hen party nightspots in York.

  • House of Trembling Madness York Stonegate

    48 Stonegate, YO1 8AS

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    What a name – and 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.

    • Opening Times: Mon - Sun: 10:00 - 00:00

    • No. of Bars: One

    • Live Music:No

    • Fancy Dress:No

    • Beer Garden:No

    • Happy Hours:No

  • Evil Eye

    42 Stonegate, YO1 8AS

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    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!

    • Opening Times: Mon - Thurs: 14:00 - 00:00
      Fri - Sat: 12:00 - 01:00
      Sun: 12:00 - 00:00

    • Live Music:Yes

    • No. of Bars: One

    • Fancy Dress:Yes (if not deemed offensive to any age)

    • Beer Garden:Yes

    • Happy Hours:Yes

  • Revolution York

    Coney Street, YO1 9NA

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    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.

    • Opening Times: Mon - Thurs: 12:00 - 01:00
      Fri - Sat: 12:00 - 02:00
      Sun: 12:00 - 03:00

    • No. of Bars: Five

    • Live Music:No

    • Fancy Dress:Yes

    • Beer Garden:Yes

    • Happy Hours:Sunday - Friday 12:00 - 21:00

  • Kuda York

    12 Clifford Street, YO1 1RD

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    Kuda is York’s premier nightclub, and 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!

    • Opening Times: Mon: Closed
      Tues - Weds: 23:00 - 03:00
      Thurs: Closed
      Fri: 23:00 - 03:00
      Sat: 22:30 - 03:00
      Sun: Closed

    • No. of Bars: Five

    • Live Music:No

    • Fancy Dress:Yes

    • Beer Garden:No

    • Happy Hours:No

  • The Botanist York

    15-19 Stonegate, YO1 8ZW

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    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.

    • Opening Times: Mon - Thurs: 11:00 - 00:00
      Fri - Sat: 11:00 - 01:00
      Sun: 11:00 - 23:00

    • No. of Bars: Two

    • Live Music:Yes

    • Fancy Dress:Yes

    • Beer Garden:Yes

    • Happy Hours:No

  • Pitcher & Piano York

    Coney St, YO1 9QL

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    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.

    • Opening Times: Mon - Thurs: 12:00 - 23:00
      Fri: 11:00 - 00:00
      Sat: 11:00 - 01:00
      Sun: 11:00 - 23:00

    • No. of Bars: One

    • Live Music:Yes

    • Fancy Dress:No

    • Beer Garden:Riverside outdoor seating

    • Happy Hours:No

  • Popworld York

    George Hudson Street, YO1 6JL

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    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.

    • Opening Times: Mon: 23:00 - 03:00
      Tues - Thurs: 22:00 - 03:00
      Fri: 21:00 - 03:00
      Sat: 19:00 - 03:00
      Sun: 22:00 - 03:00

    • No. of Bars: One

    • Live Music:No

    • Fancy Dress:Yes

    • Beer Garden:No

    • Happy Hours:No

  • Flares York

    6 Tanner Row, YO1 6JB

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    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!

    • Opening Times: Mon: 22:00 - 03:00
      Tues: 22:00 - 02:00
      Weds - Fri: 22:00 - 03:00
      Sat: 21:00 - 03:00
      Sun: Closed

    • No. of Bars: Two

    • Live Music:No

    • Fancy Dress:Yes, but it must be inoffensive and cleared with management prior to entry

    • Beer Garden:No

    • Happy Hours:No

  • Stone Roses Bar

    4 King St, YO1 9SP

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    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…

    • Opening Times: Noon - 1am

    • No. of Bars: Two

    • Live Music:Yes

    • Fancy Dress:Yes - but no tracksuit bottoms

    • Beer Garden:No

    • Happy Hours:No

  • Slug and Lettuce York Swinegate

    22-26 Back Swinegate, YO1 8AD

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    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.

    • Opening Times: Mon - Thurs: 12:00 - 23:00
      Fri: 12:00 - 01:00
      Sat: 10:00 - 02:00
      Sun: 12:00 - 23:00

    • No. of Bars: One

    • Live Music:No

    • Fancy Dress:Yes

    • Beer Garden:Yes

    • Happy Hours:2-4-1 cocktails

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York Activities?

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Best York Hen Party Activities

From a booze cruise to a ghastly ghost hunt through York, the city is brimming with brilliant hen party activities that rival anywhere in Europe. You can spend the morning sketching naked hunks, before dancing like a Spice Girl and finishing the day with pizza, pasta and gallons of prosecco with a river view. This really is hen party paradise.

    • A boat sailing on the river in York at night time - Rank #1

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      Party Night River Cruise with Meal

    • See York in style, as you and the hens sail down the city’s stunning river for a sunset cruise you won’t forget. You will spend 2.5 unforgettable hours on the water, as you tuck into a delicious buffet and dance the night away onboard a party boat with a difference. This is a must-do experience and one that is guaranteed to make memories.

    • Three topless men posing with the Dreamboys logo overlayed - Rank #2

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      Dreamboys Show

    • Is it getting hot in here or is it all of those naked ripped men? Dreamboys is an iconic hen do activity. You'll get entry the UK's most famous male strip show, which will be hosted by a hilarious drag queen. You'll get a chance to meet and greet the Dreamboys and also club entry for afterwards.

    • A split image of a cocktail and a burger - Rank #3

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      Revolution - Cocktail Workshop & 2 Course Meal

    • Situated right next to the beautiful river Ouse, Revolution is one of York's popular bars. After enjoying a welcome drink you'll get to watch your mixologist make two cocktails and get to sample them. Then it's your chance to get behind the bar and make a cocktail for yourself. You'll also get a tasty 2 course meal and a Revolution flavoured vodka train.

    • A hen group dressed up as people from Spice Girls after dancing with Sashay Dance - Rank #4

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      Spice Girls Dance Class

    • Spice you your life with this throwback dance class that will all the hens will ‘wannabe’ part of. Pick which one of you gets to be Sporty, Baby and Posh as you wheel out your best moves before your friend ties-the-knot – and 2 become 1. The 90s child in you will love this centrally-located 90 minute class – and the chance of winning a prize for best dancer.

    • - Rank #5

      Nude Life Drawing

    • Practice your strokes with this rude and raunchy class, where you – well – draw a hunky bloke who is in the buff. Some of you will just enjoy staring at the fella, but if you fancy yourself to be a bit of a Picasso with a pencil, you all get a professional tutor to help you draw the perfect specimen – plus you’ll walk away with a bottle of bubbles and (hopefully) big smiles on your faces.

    • Red and white ABBA block text to a red backdrop, over an image of white go go boots - Rank #6

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      Abba Dance Class

    • Become a true dancing queen with this Abba-tastic dancing glass. Knowing us, knowing you – you and the girls are going to love this class, and you'll have hire of your very own venue. A professional choreographer will teach you the basics of ABBA's best steps to perform in one final routine. This is a 90 min class that includes a bottle of wine for the hen to take away.

    • - Rank #7

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      York Ghost Bus Tour

    • Put the willies up the hen with this spooky tour through York’s haunted streets. Expect ghosts, goblins and ghoulies as you drive through as you discover the city’s creepy side at night. You will visit the likes of Clifford Tower and even Dick Turpin’s grave on this 75 minute jaunt that’s perfect if you like things that go bump in the night….

    • - Rank #8

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      2 Butlers in the Buff - 2 hours

    • What's better than one scantily clad butler? Two scantily clad butlers. These scorching butlers who are wearing an apron, and only an apron, will serve your group. There are even games that can be played on request.

    • Five people wearing dark cloaks that cover their faces at The Traitors Backstabber Village game - Rank #9

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      The Traitors - Backstabber Village game

    • Feel like you're part of the hit TV show with this brilliant traitors game. Your game will be led by a professional host and you will have to figure out who the traitors are. If you banish the traitors and avoid being murdered, you will go home with prizes. There are various games to be played along the way. Will you figure it out or will you end up with the traitors laughing at you?

    • An afternoon tea on a three tier stand - Rank #10

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      Hilton York - Afternoon Tea

    • Settle down to a classy afternoon tea at the Hilton York's Tower Restaurant. You will enjoy a selection of teas, cakes, sandwiches and of course scones with preserves. This is a perfect chance to relax and unwind with your friends and settle into your York hen do.

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Did you know we also do hen t-shirts?

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Best York Hen Do Hotels

York is bursting with beautiful, eye-catching accommodation with a wealth of upmarket hotel chains ready to let you and your hens set up home for the weekend. The rooms are cosy, the décor eye-catching – and all of these are perfect pads for a weekend to remember.

    • A set of two green velvet sofas with mustard yellow cushions next to large sliding doors that lead onto a balcony at Riverside Apartments in York - Rank #1

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      Riverside Apartments

      3 STAR  Apartment

    • Great for big groups

      If you have an enormous flock of hens, then make this your nest. Big enough to host 15, these stylish apartments are based right on the banks of the river and are only a brisk 15 minute walk from the station. Enjoy some independence and privacy throughout your weekend with self-check in, while this swanky spot also has a full kitchen – perfect for rustling up a full English for the girls to aid any hangover.

    • A double bed in a room with a balcony and a large TV in front of it at Delta Hotels by Marriott York - Rank #2

      Marriott York

      4 STAR  Hotel with Leisure Facilities

    • A little bit of everything

      If basic isn’t your game, then Marriot is your name as this hotel has everything you could want for a classy hen weekend – from a luscious spa to en-suite bathrooms. This four-star venue also offers the best of both worlds in that you’ll feel like you are on a country retreat with your friends – despite being little more than a hop and a skip away from the city centre. It is perfectly located for York Racecourse, while there’s also a gym, pool and a gorgeous decked area for some al-fresco drinks

    • A twin room in a hotel room - Rank #3

      Hilton York

      4 STAR  Hotel

    • Stylish and sleek chic

      Enjoy four-star home comforts coupled with a city centre location at this stylish and sleek hotel. Boasting impressive city views, it is also the perfect base to tackle York’s fantastic range of hip independent bars and restaurants. Adjacent to the Hilton are Castlegate and and Clifford Street – two of the city’s best – while you also get to wake to views of the Tower. Not too shabby, eh?!

    • A large bed with a rusty orange headboard and strip led lighting at Roomzzz York - Rank #4

      Roomzzz York

      4 STAR  Aparthotel

    • Stunning spaces to make memories

      Furnished to an incredibly high standard, these apartments look and feel the part. No corner has been cut in creating these wonderful living spaces that will really help bring you all together. The location is just as fabulous - with the city centre a mere stone's throw away.

    • The exterior of Wheatlands Lodge Hotel in York - Rank #5

      Wheatlands Lodge Hotel

      2 STAR  Hotel

    • A touch of class on a budget

      Enjoy all the perks of a top hotel for a more budget-friendly price, this comfortable and fresh hotel has been a favourite in York for well over 30 years. It has an in-house restaurant serving up a classic British menu and how about this for a touch of class - the bar has a resident pianist playing at the weekend!

    • The exterior of Travelodge York Central - Rank #6

      Travelodge York Central

      3 STAR  Hotel

    • Cosy and familiar

      This hotel’s location is ridiculously good, and you and your hens will find yourselves right in the heart of the city from the off. Situated just yards from the river, you won’t have to wander far to find the best that York has to offer – like cosy and cool cocktail venues and boutique shops – while at the other end of the scale, you are next door to a cracking Wetherspoons! Perfect for that cheap brekkie to pick you all up.

    • A room with a double bed, sofa and coffee table at Moxy York - Rank #7

      Moxy York

      4 STAR  Hotel

    • Stylish hotel with fab onsite bar

      Situated a mere 6 minutes’ walk from the York Shambles, this modern and stylish hotel puts you well within reach of York’s tourist and nightlife areas. Their vibrant onsite bar serves coffee throughout the day and cocktails, wine and local brews in the evening. We offer comfortable twin rooms with 43inch flat screen TVs with Chromecast (easy access to Netflix), plus complimentary high speed wi-fi.

    • A double bed in a room at Travelodge York Central Layerthorpe - Rank #8

      Travelodge York Central Layerthorpe

      3 STAR  Hotel

    • Located close to the Shambles

      A mere 10 minute stroll to the legendary Shambles, this comfortable and clean Travelodge is a great base for your hen weekend and has some of the city's best nightspots well within walking distance. And with York Racecourse just two miles away, this cosy hotel might not be the only winner you pick that weekend!

    • The exterior of Travelodge York Central Micklegate - Rank #9

      Travelodge York Central Micklegate

      3 STAR  Hotel

    • Central, clean and comfortable

      Affordable, clean and perfectly place for you to make the most of York. This bright three-star hotel as everything you would expect from this popular national chain – plump pillows, super soft duvets and a welcoming check-in – along with a brilliant location on one of York’s key streets. And best of all – you are only down the road from Popworld. Result!

    • A king bed in a room with a beside table, window and artwork above the bed at Spurriergate York - Rank #10

      Spurriergate York Apartments

      3 STAR  Apartment

    • Bright, tastefully decorated apartments in city centre

      This block of three 2 bedroomed apartments sleeps up to 15 people. Each classy apartment has a dining area, kitchen facilities, lounge area (with flatscreen TV) and Wi-Fi. You’re 4 minutes on foot from the famous Betty’s Tea Rooms and surrounded by bars such as All Bar One and Pitcher and Piano, both within just a 2 minutes’ walk.

View all 17 Hotels

Build Your Own York Hen Do

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Tick The Cultural Box on Your York Hen Do

York is a stunning city. From the picturesque Shambles down to the sparkling riverfront, it is as beautiful as anywhere in Britain. It is also a history buff’s dream – from Vikings to Romans – while for those who like a bit of architecture, York Minster isn’t too shabby.

  • https://media.lastnightoffreedom.co.uk/i/Webpages/hen-guide/CULTURE-YORKMINSTER.jpg - Rank #1

    York Minster

    Deangate, York YO1 7HH
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    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.

  • https://media.lastnightoffreedom.co.uk/i/Webpages/hen-guide/CULTURE-CLIFFORDSTOWER.jpg - Rank #2

    Clifford's Tower

    Tower St, York YO1 9SA
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    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.

  • https://media.lastnightoffreedom.co.uk/i/Webpages/hen-guide/CULTURE-RAIL.jpg - Rank #3

    National Railway Museum

    Leeman Rd, York YO26 4XJ
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    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.

  • https://media.lastnightoffreedom.co.uk/i/Webpages/hen-guide/CULTURE-CITYWALLS.jpg - Rank #4

    York City Walls

    Unnamed Road, York YO1 7LJ
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    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.

  • https://media.lastnightoffreedom.co.uk/i/Webpages/hen-guide/CULTURE-CHOCOLATESTORY.jpg - Rank #5

    York's Chocolate Story

    3-4 King's Sq, York YO1 7LD
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    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.

  • https://media.lastnightoffreedom.co.uk/i/Webpages/hen-guide/CULTURE-THESHAMBLES.jpg - Rank #6

    Shambles

    Shambles, York YO1 7LZ
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    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).

  • https://media.lastnightoffreedom.co.uk/i/Webpages/hen-guide/CULTURE-YORKRACES.jpg - Rank #7

    York Racecourse

    Racecourse Road, Knavesmire Road, York YO23 1EX
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    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.

  • https://media.lastnightoffreedom.co.uk/i/Webpages/hen-guide/CULTURE-BETTYS.jpg - Rank #8

    Betty's Tea Rooms

    6-8 St. Helen’s Square, York YO1 8QP
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    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.

  • https://media.lastnightoffreedom.co.uk/i/Webpages/hen-guide/CULTURE-JORVIKVIKINGCENTRE.jpg - Rank #9

    Jorvik Viking Centre

    19 Coppergate, York YO1 9WT
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    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!

  • https://media.lastnightoffreedom.co.uk/i/Webpages/hen-guide/CULTURE-STARINN.jpg - Rank #10

    Starr Inn City

    Lendal Engine House, Museum St, York YO1 7DR
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    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.

Staying Safe in York

York can be a lovely chilled out city, but it is a city, meaning you want to make sure you're staying safe. Here are our top six tops for hens looking to stay safe in York:

1

Try not to let anyone go off on their own and ensure there are at least two of you at all times

2

Make sure everyone has got your address accommodation in it (including any pass codes you may need). You could put it in a group chat

3

Keep an eye on your drinks and don't leave them unattended to reduce the risk of spiking

4

Keep to the main areas of York that are well lit

5

Don't put your valuables anywhere a pick pocket could easily access them

6

If you're living it up in the classy waterfront bars, take care to be mindful around water whilst intoxicated

By following these simple safety tips we're sure you'll have a lovely York hen do that you'll remember for all the right reasons.

Getting to York

Plane icon

York doesn’t have an airport – nor is it really near one. If you were to fly in, your best landing spot would probably be Manchester International Airport. While there are closer airports as the crow flies, the benefit of coming from Manchester is that there’s a TransPennnine Express Service directly between the airport and York City Centre. Alternatively, Leeds-Bradford and Teesside airports are geographically probably closer – but connections will be far more of a faff.

AirportDuration
Heathrow Airport LHR1h 5m | from £62
Belfast International Airport BFS59m | from £45
Glasgow Airport GLA3h 40m | £39
Derry Airport LDY1hr | from £43
Southampton Airport LHR1hr 5mins | from £57
Southend Airport SEN6hrs 30mins | from £139
Train icon

Considering it is home to the National Railway Museum, it shouldn’t be surprising the city’s railway connections are second to none. Serving over 10 million passengers per year, York Station is almost equidistant to both London and Edinburgh on the East Coast Mainline, with the fastest non-stop service to the former taking 1hr 52. As a hub, it runs daily routes to pretty much every major town and city between Aberdeen and Penzance, while it is a key stop for LNER, Cross Country, Northern and Trans Pennine Services.

StationDuration
London Kings Cross
KGX		1h 52m | from £31
Manchester
MCV		1hr 19m | from £22
Leeds
LDS		23m | from £5.10
Edinburgh Waverley
EDB		1h 52m | from £35.50
Newcastle
NCL		56m | from £8.40
Birmingham New Street
BHM		2h 20m | from £32.40
Bristol Temple Meads
BRI		3h 49m | from £67.50
Cardiff Central
CDF		1h 54m | from £18.30
Taxi Icon

York is in the heart of the North, and only around 1hr20 from Manchester and just over an hour from Leeds. Further back, getting the car from Newcastle will set you back just under two hours while London and Edinburgh are both approximately 4hrs 15 away by road.

Travel FromDistance (M)Duration
London2104h 16m
Manchester731h 44m
Leeds2946m
Newcastle1743h 30m
Edinburgh2224h 23m
Bristol 1774h 7m
Nottingham1112h 36m
Cardiff1744h 24m
Birmingham952h 25m

Getting Around York

The joy of York is that so much of it is accessible on foot, with a good chunk of the best bars and restaurants located within the city's walls. However, for those wanting to venture further afield, we have everything you need to know to make the most of your hen weekend.

Average Prices in York

York generally isn't as cheap as some other Northern destinations. However, while you may fork out a bit more than the likes of Newcastle and Liverpool, you are paying for the pleasure of partying in one of the most picturesque places in the UK.

  1. £6

    Average Price of a Glass of Prosecco - Rank #1

  2. £8

    Average Price of a Cocktail - Rank #2

  3. £7

    Average Price of Nightclub Entry - Rank #3

  4. £7

    Average Price of a Takeaway pizza - Rank #4

York Weather

They say it is cold up north – and York isn’t an exception. While not as bracing as say Newcastle, you probably won’t need that extra bottle of sunscreen (although you may want to pack a coat).

September 2025

Weather icon for the current month

We are past the summer peak, but temperatures are still set to soar as the weather hits an average of 14°C - although it could dip to single digits, with a low of 9°C.

JAN

Weather icon for January4°C

FEB

Weather icon for February4°C

MAR

Weather icon for March6°C

APR

Weather icon for April8°C

MAY

Weather icon for May11°C

JUN

Weather icon for June14°C

JUL

Weather icon for July16°C

AUG

Weather icon for August16°C

SEP

Weather icon for September14°C

OCT

Weather icon for October10°C

NOV

Weather icon for November7°C

DEC

Weather icon for December5°C

Random York Facts

  1. Ghosts - Rank #1

    Ghosts

    The city is regarded as one of Earth’s most haunted places – with an estimated 500 ghosts lurking within the city walls

  2. Pubs - Rank #2

    Pubs

    York has over 365 pubs – meaning you could visit a different boozer on each day of the year

  3. Chocolate - Rank #3

    Chocolate

    A bar of chocolate from York is ate, on average, every second in Britain.

LNOF in York

York is one of our favourite hangouts, it is just an hour up the road by train after all. Check out the time we went and tried out some of the activities such as the Spice Girls dance class and cocktail making at Slug & Lettuce, as well as braving the Edinburgh Dungeon.

  1. LNOF in York - May 2018

Hen Do Activities in York

Struggling for inspiration? If you need some activities for your hen weekend in York, we've got everything you could want - and more - with plenty of quirky and fun activities to keep you and the girls busy from morning to night!

View All Activities in York

*We take pride in our work and all of the information in the guide was correct at the time of publication - 04/02/2025. Probably.

About the Author

A graduate in ‘Drama and Scriptwriting’, Hannah is a comedy nerd that loves to write, travel, party and try new things. She’s been to twenty of LNOF’s locations and is looking forward to visiting many more. Hannah has taken part in lots of activity testing with LNOF from beer bikes to axe throwing to escape rooms to go karting. She’s also stayed in many of LNOF’s accommodation options, so she knows what’s good. As well as copywriting, Hannah has had many plays produced professionally and has written/performed comedy sketches for BBC Newcastle. She also won the Hunter Davies Young Writers Award for her piece of travel writing.

Article Updated: 04/02/2025

Hannah Sowerby

Content Writer

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