More and more stag and hen parties are now venturing abroad, and the traditional last night of freedom has more often than not evolved into a last week of freedom. However, there’s no need to go abroad when everything you need is on your doorstep. Some of the most culturally diverse and beautiful cities can be found within the UK, and will save you both travel time and money if you take the time out to discover them.
Below are our suggestions for top UK destinations to explore which are rich in both culture and nightlife, making them ideal for those of you on a hen or stag party, whilst also giving our European neighbours a much needed break!
Brighton
For some of the liveliest nightlife and diverse shopping in the South then Brighton is the ultimate destination, with its iconic Royal Pavilion at the centre of the city.
It would be impossible to get bored in Brighton with plenty to do, from wandering around the lanes; streets lined with independent boutique shops and wall art, to checking out the beach where the atmosphere is buzzing in the summer with bands, basketball, volleyball, water sports, cafés, bars and clubs.
Finally, for foodies Brighton has an eclectic variety of restaurants to get the taste buds going, from Italian and top class British pub food to more exotic cuisine such as Indian, Vietnamese and Turkish.
Edinburgh
Kilts, bagpipes and a great sense of humour, Edinburgh is a great destination for stag weekends when looking for something a little different. The capital city and second largest city of Scotland, Edinburgh is a collaboration of beautiful architectural landmarks set in peaceful countryside surroundings, whilst offering an unbeatable range of diverse cultural activities and nightlife.
The well known Edinburgh Fringe festival, part of a collaboration of independent festivals which takes places throughout the whole month of August, makes Edinburgh one of the leading cities when it comes to culture. It provides an abundance of music, comedy, dance and theatre for people of all ages.
During other times of the year though there is still plenty to see and do. From the mighty Edinburgh Castle which offers fantastic views of the city, to the thoroughly absorbing Museum of Scotland where you can learn about the history of Scotland (and even see Dolly the sheep), to the Festival Theatre which has big shows on all year round showcasing the best of contemporary drama as well as popular classics.
As for the night scene there is so much diversity with Victoria Street being the hub for live music venues and clubs, whilst George Street caters for the more up-market party goers with its stylish and chic bars.
London
The city that never sleeps; London is a melting pot of culture, nightlife and events, so it’s impossible not to find something to do whatever group size you have.
To start with there’s the West End which has dozens of theatres to choose from. Here they put on some of the best shows around, including all time favourites such as Mamma Mia and Les Misérables. There’s also a vast section of galleries and museums to choose from, including the Tate Modern which features some of the most famous contemporary artists, whilst the National Gallery houses more traditional art from the 13th to 19th Century, including works from Van Gogh.
If art isn’t your thing though then why not try the London Eye, a major feature of London’s skyline it is fantastic for a bird’s eye view of the city. Also worth visiting is the infamous Tower of London, home to the Crown Jewels as well as various torturous devices which will send a shiver down your spine.
As for shopping, this is huge in London! From the heart of central London’s busiest shopping district on Oxford Street and Regent Street where you’ll find all the high street chains and more, to Covent Garden, Camden and Carnaby Street where you’ll find the independent and boutique shops for something a bit different.
Once you’re out and ready to party, there’s an epic choice of restaurants to choose from with unique dining experiences, plus classy cocktail bars and world renowned clubs like Fabric and Ministry of Sound.
Manchester
One of the most exciting cities up north, Manchester is blessed with hundreds of bars, clubs and music venues which get top marks for a stag or hen weekend looking for a real party. Full of attitude, the Northern Quarter is the hub for the alternative cafés, clothes shops, record shops and nightlife.
As well as its unforgettable nightlife scene, Manchester has a lot to offer culturally with Manchester Art Gallery displaying several famous Pre-Raphaelite paintings as well as a host of ceramics, sculptures and other paintings from around the world.
There’s also the Royal Exchange Theatre rivalling a lot of London’s West End theatres, although for those who’d rather watch the football than a theatre production, Manchester is home to the world’s most famous football team – Manchester United. Whilst you might not be able to catch a game whilst you’re there, they offer tours of Old Trafford throughout the whole year which is a must for any fan.
Nottingham
Home to the heroic outlaw Robin Hood in English folklore, Nottingham mixes medieval with contemporary. The central focal point of the city is the Old Market Square, the largest in the UK, where you’ll find The Exchange Arcade full of top class boutique shops. If you’ve got even more money to spend after your nights out then there is also the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre which has no shortage of shops.
Once you’ve shopped till you’ve dropped, save some energy for a great view of the city from Nottingham Castle. Whilst it’s more of a stately mansion which was built on the original site of the medieval castle, it now hosts an extensive art gallery and museum which are definitely worth a look.
Nottingham is also home to “Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem”, which purports to being England’s oldest pub, dating back to 1189AD. If however you’re looking for something a bit more modern then there’s a brilliant contemporary nightlife scene where you’ll find stylish bars and clubs in abundance, meaning you won’t be returning home until the early hours of the morning.
Jessica Lambert is Marketing Manager at Redseven.
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