Why you should choose Essex for hen and stag celebrations
In this month of Valentine’s, we are moving the relationship on to the shenanigans before you tie the knot. By opting for a hen or stag get-together close to home, you can spend less time travelling and more time having fun. Visit Essex, the county’s tourism organisation, shows us that you don’t have to go far to find great places to eat, drink, stay and play.
What to Do: Activities & Party Ideas
The fun starts here
Energetic groups of hens or stags can get their thrills at Mayhem Paintball and Laser Tag in Epping. With 16 different battlegrounds, get kitted up and unleash your inner warrior while shooting or tagging friends at this outdoor venue. Paintball is the ultimate icebreaker if not everyone in the group knows each other, plus it is fun filled.
Head over to Romford or Rayleigh and splash out hiring Oxygen Activeplay for exclusive use. Bounce your way around indoor trampoline parks with climbing walls and release your inner child. If you still have energy and want some more exhilaration, head to Chelmsford’s Air Hop for their giant air slides. Drop down the steep slides before flying high into the air and landing safely on a giant airbag.
If you and your group want to test their mettle, Go Ape at Chelmsford or the Nuclear High Ropes at Kelvedon Hatch have what you are looking for. The tree-top adventures are bound to bring out a great spirit of camaraderie as well as build up a healthy bit of competition to see who can climb the highest or can brave the biggest reach. Go Ape offers three adrenaline inducing high rope courses suitable for most ages – it even has a Tarzan swing! At Nuclear High Ropes, attempt their brand-new Zip Trek experience, 13 zipwires through 500m of woodland and over water, as well as air rifles and knife throwing, for a truly competitive experience.
Where to Stay: Hen & Stag Holiday Houses
Good times in the cities
With friends and family coming from far and wide, a city centre break is a good choice. It offers easy access for people travelling from further afield. Essex Stays at the Kings Head in Chelmsford is a perfect stag or hen accommodation choice. Just a quick bus or taxi ride from the city centre, the converted pub sleeps 14 to 22 people and has the option of a private chef to cater to your party’s needs. The rooms are spacious with plenty of room for pampering sessions so bring your lash and nail kits, hair curling tools and setting spray. If that wasn’t enough, the venue features a karaoke and disco room, a private cocktail bar, an outdoor hot tub and dining igloo!
Whilst in the city, book an afternoon at Escape Live Chelmsford to challenge friends to an escape room adventure. Or head to Boom Battle Bar for cocktails, street food, axe throwing, AR darts, plus private karaoke booths.
For a city by the coast choose Southend-on-Sea. There are some fantastic places to visit near the seafront, all within a stone’s throw of the world’s longest pleasure pier. Grab a famous Rossi ice-cream or a hot sugared doughnut, add in the rides and thrills of Adventure Island, and you have the perfect combination for stag and hen parties.
Southend is also home to Escape Live, with themed escape rooms where you can work together to solve puzzles and get out of the room in 60 minutes or less. The Cliff’s Pavillion, is the county’s biggest indoor concert venue that continues to attract the biggest names in music, theatre and comedy, and never fails to disappoint.
Apart from all the entertainment, beaches, bars and restaurants, there’s a wide range of accommodation to choose from, such as traditional seafront B&Bs, to four-star self-catering apartments like Pier View.
A Relaxing Hen & Stag
Something different, naturally
If your group is searching for a more relaxing, rural experience, then opt for a stay with beautiful countryside, woods and farmland to explore. Teybrook Orchard near Colchester, can be hired for a glamping under the stars adventure. With acres of free space to roam, accommodation is offered in varying sizes, from beautiful bell tents to hand-crafted Mongolian yurts. Experience a unique hen or stag party in the great outdoors with wood-fired hot tubs to chill out in and options such as foraging, cocktail making, yoga sessions, and dance workouts. Afterwards, gather around your own firepit, grab a beer and load up the BBQ grill.
With a coastline of 350 miles, Essex offers a range of different experiences. If you find yourself in the Tendring area head over to East Coast Distillery for gin tasting and free tours each Saturday. Whilst in Tendring, visit the local beaches at Harwich or Walton-on-the-Naze and discover some real hidden gems.
For a slightly different experience Cruise Essex offers a boat trip and delicious afternoon tea on a high end cruiser. Motor along the River Crouch from the boat’s base at Fambridge Marina and witness the richness of Essex’s local wildlife, from graceful birds to playful seals.
The Absolute Best Vineyard in Essex: A Must-Visit
A place for wine lovers to breathe
Essex has the best wine in the UK and top-quality vineyards are found all over the county. Treat your group to a stay at the Crouch Ridge Estate where there are six individual apartments that sleep up to four guests, and Mal’s Barn, a contemporary space that accommodates up to 10 self-catering guests. Your party will be waking up to stunning views overlooking the vineyard and the River Crouch. A short two-minute walk takes you through the vineyard to the wine barn. The barn includes an outdoor terrace and is a great place to unwind with your VIPs and enjoy a freshly prepared brunch, lunch, or afternoon tea.
Whilst there you can extend your wine tour with a short walk to the nearby Clayhill Vineyard and Café to sample their fine produce. They have a lovely café serving cakes and treats, with a glass-walled balcony offering unrivalled views of the Crouch Estuary.
The Perfect Spa Break in Essex
Take it easy
For a relaxing spa break, book the Apple Tree Lodges accommodation at Stoke by Nayland Resort. Set in Constable country, the spectacular views and contemporary apartments make for a stylish and peaceful group stay. Enhance your visit with luxury treatments at the nearby hotel, where there is also the option for a round of golf and swimming too. If self-catering doesn’t appeal, the hotel offers fine dining and for a livelier atmosphere with delicious food and chilled beers, head to the Sports Bar.
For an exclusive use venue, look no further than the Talbooth, near Dedham. It has 12 beautifully furnished bedrooms and use of a luxurious lounge area, the garden room, a heated outdoor swimming pool and hot tub. Share a game on the tennis court with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Be greeted with welcome drinks, a pre-dinner reception, and a three-course dinner including half a bottle of wine per person, and a breakfast to enjoy after a sound night’s sleep in their luxurious king-size beds. The spa is the perfect place to pamper the bride or groom to be, for a truly special occasion.
To discover more accommodation or group activities in Essex, head to visitessex.com
Why not start planning the next big trip ahead of time? From the most romantic getaways in Essex to the best winter sun escapes that don’t require a long-haul flight, there are plenty of ways to keep the festivities going.
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At Absolutely Magazines, we pride ourselves on curating only the finest recommendations for our refined readers. Our editors leverage their extensive expertise in lifestyle journalism to ensure that every selection meets the highest standards of quality and relevance. From scouring local insider tips to understanding trends and feedback, we leave no stone unturned in identifying the most exceptional venues for you. Guided by an appreciation for your taste, we prioritise venues and events that epitomise luxury, style, and premium experiences. You can trust us to bring you the Absolute best, every time.
