
Back in November after much complaining that I didn’t need to have a hen do I was surprised with a weekend of girlie fun to celebrate becoming a Mrs. Of course as someone who didn’t want a hen do I really didn’t want the typical going out and getting drunk thing. Thankfully my bridesmaid knew this too and with the help of my other bridesmaids and my mum they planned a brilliant weekend that everyone enjoyed.
Today I wanted to finally share what we go up to that weekend and show you just how much fun you can have having an alternative hen do weekend.
My alternative hen do weekend
The first activity was an escape room.
I had guessed this one on the morning of the hen do but then subsequently second guessed myself because I didn’t know that Southampton had an escape room. After parking up I found us standing outside a grungey looking shop but on reading the sign I realised my original guess had been right.
We spent our morning at Houdini’s Escape Rooms based on their amazing reviews and helpful staff when my bridesmaid had been making the booking. Their room was based on Alcatraz and after everyone arrived we were whisked into a mini cinema for a quick safety briefing and introduction to our mission. Then we were locked in the room and left to escape. Well kind of, the staff did come and give us a few pointers so that we were able to escape within the hour.
I won’t go into the details of the escape room because I wouldn’t want to spoil it for anyone but it was the most fun I’ve had in a really long time and was the best way to break the ice for those of my friends who didn’t know each other prior. It was also a lot of fun for those who didn’t want to do it as they were able to watch us on the screens and have a right old giggle.
On a side note Houdini’s now has a Titanic themed room so we’ll be sure to head back and do that one soon.
The second was afternoon tea.
As I’m sure you know from this blog I am a massive afternoon tea fan and so are most of my friends. So of course an afternoon tea had to be involved on my hen do. However, being gluten and dairy intolerant makes it a little tricker to find somewhere that caters for me. Luckily, The Harbour Hotel has just opened in Southampton and they did an amazing afternoon tea which catered for all.
The interior was gorgeous although you could tell it was still quite new, they had both indoor and outdoor sections. Being November we were staying firmly inside however the views across Southampton could not be ignored. The restaurant was on the top level of the hotel and really was in the best location. The afternoon tea was also gorgeous.
The final part was renting a massive house for the night.
As the final part of my hen do, my bridesmaid had organised a house rental for the night. It was a gorgeous house on the edge of the New Forest and had plenty of room for us to all stay. Not only that but she and my mum had decorated one room with some of the most fun things and so many fairy lights. We had glitter make up, flower crowns, bride squad tattoos, a photo booth with props and sparklers. It looked like some kind of magical kingdom.
On top of that they’d organised curry, hot chocolate and for all the fires to be lit just before we arrived. It really was so well thought out and just perfect. The effort the host had put in to help make the place perfect was just amazing. It is possible to rent the house out so check it out here, it sleeps 14 so perfect for big girlie or family get togethers.
We spent the night taking photos, drinking prosecco and playing with sparklers in the rain. Had it of been a clear night we could have hung outside a bit more around the fire pit but regardless it was the perfect day.
I hope this gives you some inspiration on having an alternative hen do. Had it of been earlier in the year then we probably would have done some kind of glamping for the night. Make sure you search around for ideas but leave out the words hen do or you’ll find everything you don’t want to do.
I love alternative hen do ideas (not that I’m getting married any time soon!) and your weekend sounds right up my street! Love the idea of renting out a house for you all just to chill and have fun! xx
My Hen weekend dream has to be doing little things like this and renting a house for the weekend with a massive slumber party probably with the likes of the rocky horror picture show on a projector with everyone having a hairbrush to sing into. Congrats Jodie.
This sounds like a perfect hen do weekend! So glad you had a lovely time. Also, your wedding photos look amazing! Congratulations on being a Mrs 😘
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Thank you!