WEDDING NEWS

Organising a memorable hen-party for any bride-to-be, is no easy task. There's so much to think about from setting a budget, choosing an accessible destination for everyone, curating activities, managing group logistics and so much more. Luckily, new research by immersive cocktail bar brand Alcotraz, has compiled the best and worst hen-do locations across the UK. The new league table analyses 25 major UK cities and ranks them on key party planning criteria such as safety, affordability, and hen-activity and nightlife options, and the results may surprise you.

The top scoring city is Aberdeen. As well as ranking first overall, Aberdeen also took the number one spot for low-cost cocktails, with an average price of just £7. In second place was the coastal party town of Blackpool, scoring second overall, but 1st for its number of nightlife venues, and 3rd for its abundance of cheap hotels. Welsh capital Cardiff took 3rd place in its overall score for best hen-night destination, but ranked second-highest for its number of available hen activities which makes it a top spot for activity driven-hens. Popular historic cultural location York, and the Red City of Liverpool followed closely behind in 4th and 5th place respectively.

Top 5 hen-do cities in the UK

• Aberdeen
• Blackpool
• Cardiff
• York
• Liverpool

But it's not good news for every city. The hen-party underachievers, Birmingham, Manchester, Coventry, Reading, and Portsmouth, came behind global city London, scoring badly in terms of affordability, safety levels, and lack of hen-night activities.

Bottom hen-do cities

• London
• Portsmouth
• Reading
• Coventry
• Manchester
• Birmingham

Sam Shearman, founder of Inventive Productions and immersive prison cocktail experience Alcotraz said; "We know how much effort goes into planning a hen-do, and we wanted to provide some real data to help people make informed choices. With budgets being tighter than ever, it's great to see underrated cities like Aberdeen and Cardiff coming out on top. This proves that there are great staycation options in the UK that can fit everyone's needs, and budgets, while still allowing groups to focus on having fun with friends, and creating an unforgettable pre-wedding celebration for the bride-to-be."