Oxford hen do

8 Trending Oxford Hen Do Ideas

1. Afternoon Tea - A tasty treat and the perfect start to the big weekend.
2. Cocktail Mixing - Learn to shake and make classic party cocktails.
3. Pampering Day - The prefect pre-wedding detox ahead of the special day.
4. Punting - Enjoy an idyllic lazy day on this beautiful stretch of river.
5. Harry Potter Escape Room - Use your potter knowledge and wizard skills to escape.
6. ABBA Dance Class - Take on chance on this professionally choreographed dance class.
7. Champagne Tasting - Add some fizz as you learn all about the bride's favourite tipple.
8. School Sports Day - Travel back in time with these hilarious retro games.

Where to Drink in Oxford

With two universities, this is a city that knows how to drink.

It's a cultural feast, and you can hang out in the pubs that were once visited by literary giants like Oscar Wilde, Ernest Hemmingway and J. R. R. Tolkien. Outdoor beer gardens are compact but seriously cute. Oxford is a town for architecture fanatics as well as fans of fine traditional pubs - there's one down almost every street to check out.

Most of Oxford's best bars are hidden away in cobbled passages, so the fun is in the finding. We don't want to give too much away, but St Helen's Passage and the Lamb and Flag Passage host some boozy gems.

George Street is where you'll find the chains, so it's a safe haven if you don't fancy going far!

Sights & Sounds

Sights - Hens in need of a little fresh air will find University Parks or nearby Harcourt Arboretum are a great antidote to any Oxford hen party excesses.
Another great spot is the famous river, you'll find the best view from one of the relaxing punts.

Sounds - For top sounds, great laughs, fantastic drinks The Bridge is Oxford's premier nightclub and THE place to party. This superb venue has two well-stocked bars and three dancefloors catering to music of all tastes (although rumour has it, there ain't no party like an S-club party). But don't waste time queuing, we'll arrange Guest List Entry for your whole party.

Best Shopping Spots

The Ballroom Emporium - Lovers of vintage fashion are in for a treat at the Ballroom Emporium. Superb vintage and pre-owned designer labels.
Fresh - This fab store is all about the '50s. Clothes, shoes, jewellery, bags and attitude all with an elegant 1950's twist.
Clarendon Centre - You'll find all the high street's usual subjects at the Clarendon Centre with top high st brands.

Getting Around Oxford

Any Oxford hen party can easily get around the city centre by foot as everything is fairly compact. If you are looking to see a little more there are handy bus routes and you can buy a pre-paid ticket to cover your whole weekend.
However, our preferred modes of transport would certainly be a fantastic river punt experience or the traditional Oxford bike, try the very friendly and reasonably priced folks at The Cycle Centre.

Hen Days

From energetic High Ropes to calorific Afternoon Tea any Oxford hen weekend we have a massive array of options to help make the bride-to-be's weekend suitably memorable. Burlesque Lessons, Thriller Dancing, Cocktail Mixing or Wine Tasting we've left no stone (or heavy intellectual University book) unturned in our quest to bring you the best Oxford hen party activities...

Hen Nights

When in Rome... Oxford being a city of brainiacs it could be the perfect place to put your grey matter to the test on a hilarious Murder Mystery Dinner, or for more laughs and slap-up grub you can enjoy a Comedy Club. But once the dancing starts make sure you're not waiting in line, we can arrange Guest List Nightclub Entry to the city's hottest clubs. See more Oxford hen night options...

Quickfire Oxford FAQs

How far is Oxford from London?

Oxford is only 55 miles west of Central London and the two cities are connected through frequent bus and train services. A 1 hour 20 min train from London Paddington or a 1 hour 50 min coach via M40 and A40 will both get you to Oxford Station which is close to the city's centre. Make sure not to get off at Oxford Thornhill Park (unless you mean to), as this station is on the outskirts of the main city area.

Does Oxford have good nightlife?

Oxford is blessed with some of the best nightclubs you will ever encounter. A city with two renowned universities can't afford to disappoint on any front - from underground clubs where you can drink and dance the night away to trendy cocktails bars and fancy venues with state-of-the-art sound systems, the city flawlessly holds onto the definition of elite and doesn't let go.

What is the best time to visit Oxford?

The city is rocking its nightlife all year round, but you will find that when the academics finally take a deep breath and go quiet for a month or two in May and June, you'll be left at the mercy of all the unclaimed student discounts, meal deals, 2-4-1 cocktails and skilled bartenders.

Is Oxford walkable?

Absolutely! Plus, you'll get to see more of the city's landmarks when exploring on foot as everything is centrally located and surrounded by lush greenery and gorgeous architecture.

How many days should I spend in Oxford on a hen do?

A quick look at our GoHen statistics reveals the majority of our groups head to Oxford for a 2-day hen celebration. Enough time to check out the sights, enjoy some activities, and see what the nightlife is saying!

It's time for a hen party in Oxford!

Stately, impressive, academic Oxford is a city steeped in history and tradition, so it's ideal for the traditional pre-nuptial hen weekend! It's a beautiful, friendly, city, filled with students and tourists of all ages and nationalities - world famous, diverse and lively with a wealth of attractive options for hen weekend visitors. It's not all churches and cathedrals either - the huge student population means that there's a fantastic nightlife around too, and the beautiful green location means there's plenty of opportunity for a few rough and ready outdoor pursuits too! If you've got a classy, elegant bride on your hands an exquisite Oxford hen do is just the weekend you need! 

Why: reasons to celebrate an Oxford hen party

You don't need to be a genius to understand that Oxford is a fantastic hen do location! This gorgeous gothic city might not seem like the traditional place for a hen party, but the city of Dreaming Spires has a vibrant, bustling nightlife thanks to its large student population - and the students have been there since the 12th century, so they've had time to establish some wonderful bars and clubs for you to find! Furthermore, the stately charm and magnificent architecture lends a real regal air to any hen party here - perfect for impressing the bride, and making all the girls feel like princesses! The city is steeped in history, meaning there's plenty for hens here to explore, and our huge range of activities for an Oxford hen party are just the icing on the cake!

What: planning your hen party in Oxford

Oxford is a classy destination, so it's a great choice for a posh hen party. It's impossible not to feel sophisticated amongst all the churches and colleges! However, that doesn't mean the activities in Oxford are anything to turn your nose up at; whether you want to hearken back to the days of the aristocrats with afternoon tea and Charleston lessons, or keep things bang up to date with a pop star party and some cocktail mixing, you'll be able to find it in Oxford. As with all hen parties, the key is in planning a balanced weekend - try taking advantage of the spectacular surroundings with something outdoors and off the wall in the morning to wake the girls up, then a leisurely lunch followed by something gentle while your food goes down - life drawing or perfume making are popular! Then, in the evening, you and the girls will be spoilt for choice. The nightlife in Oxford is eclectic, with fantastic bars, pubs and clubs, as well as great comedy clubs, murder mystery venues and Butlers in the Buff evenings.

When: when's a good time to have a Oxford hen do?

Oxford isn't a coastal town, or dependant on outdoor activities, so it's not noticeably more exceptional in summer or winter - an Oxford hen party is excellent all year round with things to do through all the seasons! In summer there's plenty to take advantage of the good weather and make the most of the great outdoors, but it's perfectly possible to stay tucked away in winter with some indoor activities too - before warding off the winter cold with a quick drink! Make sure you're there in term time if you want to party with the students, or come over summer or around Christmas to enjoy the peace. There are some great festivals and public events through the year too from literary, ghost and jazz festivals, and a plethora of rowing races in summer! There's no bad time to hit Oxford with the girls - it's always utterly remarkable!

Shop: Oxford shopping areas & recommendations

Oxford High Street is one of Oxford's greatest streets, a vibrant, curved street that's full of fashion outlets, jewellery stores, fine restaurants and antique dealers. Off the high street there are a number of small, cobbled streets and alleyways with hidden gems and some great finds, perfect for exploring Sunday morning or in between activities on a Saturday afternoon. If you'd prefer to browse unique market stalls and smaller outlets for one off finds, head to The Covered Market, where you can look through a number of cosy cafes, individual stalls, and independent fashion traders, picking up some great bargains and souvenirs. There are as many old and new book dealers as you'd expect from such an iconic university city, so see if you can pick up some valuable first editions whilst you're there!

How: getting to Oxford

Oxford is only just over 50 miles from London, and it's linked to both there and Birmingham by the M40, ideal for driving in to the city. Parking inside the city limits can be tricky, so make sure your hotel accommodation has spaces available for your party, if you decide to bring cars. There are trains from Oxford Railway station to London Paddington and other London stations, as well as lines going further afield to destinations like Manchester, Birmingham and Southampton.