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If you've taken on that all-important role of best man or maid of honour this year, SoGlos has got you covered with activities that suit a range of tastes and budgets — to keep even the pickiest of future in-laws happy!
Rounding up 16 of the best activities for hen and stag dos around Gloucestershire, featuring everything from thrill-seeking adventures and relaxing spa treatments, to delicious food and drink experiences.
Axe throwing at Eat Sleep Axe in Cheltenham
For a unique activity that will really challenge the group, take on the newest competitive craze — axe throwing!
Eat Sleep Axe in Cheltenham hits the target as one of the most memorable hen and stag experiences going. Hire the whole venue for up to 21 people for exclusive use of its three lanes, with various party add-ons including personalised decorations and the option to turn the game into a tournament, with a prize to be won at the end.
Plus, bring along your own music and refreshments for that extra personalisation.
Break out of an escape room at Escape Rooms Cheltenham
Get heads scratching and minds boggling as you work as a team to bust out of an escape room at Escape Rooms Cheltenham.
Choose from three different Gloucestershire-inspired rooms with themes that change regularly and have included everything from GCHQ in the 1960s to Gloucestershire's world-famous Cheese Rolling event. The pressure's on to collect clues and solve puzzles to crack the code and escape within the one hour time limit. Each room allows for up to six players and offers the choice of two difficulty levels: standard and challenging.
There's also the option to insert a personalised puzzle based around the bride and groom!
Wine tasting at Woodchester Valley Vineyard in Stroud
An award-winning vineyard in Stroud, Woodchester Valley Vineyard offers a stunning range of activities.
Guests can explore the 58-acre vineyard by private tour, followed by a tasting session with an expert, sampling wines selected by the producers themselves.
There's also the option to add a further touch of class to the day, by taking advantage of a sparkling wine tasting alongside a delicious afternoon tea, served looking out onto the glorious grounds of the vineyard.
Cider making at Dunkertons Organic Cider near Cheltenham
Offering up a proper West Country staple, Dunkertons Cider is one of Gloucestershire's first class destinations for food and drink delicacies from a variety of organic and independent eateries.
Discover the secrets of cider making with a masterclass led by a Dunkertons Master Cider Maker. The price includes a half pint of cider on arrival and a full lesson in the blending process of creating scrumptious cider, tailored to your own flavour preferences.
The day also includes a guided tour of the Dunkertons cidery and taprooms, while tasting its signature organic cider paired with complimentary cheeses, artisan chutneys and freshly baked bread. And at the end of the day, each guest receives a Dunkertons Cider glass goblet as a souvenir.
Paintballing at Paintball Raiders in Gloucester
Lock and load the fun for a strategic match of paintball at Paintball Raiders in Gloucester.
Armed with CO2-powered marker guns, the heat is on to eliminate players from the opposing team within your group by focusing on stealth and strategy to manoeuvre around the outdoor course and prepare to strike with colourful paintballs.
Paintball Raiders enhances the paintballing experience by adding levels and context to matches, such as Capture the Flag and multi-objective games, so groups can really get stuck in and add to the jeopardy.
A day at the races at Cheltenham Racecourse
Place your bets and hope for a winner during a day of thrilling racing at Cheltenham Racecourse.
Promising an enthralling day of racing action and plenty of opportunity to enjoy a boozy beverage, make memories with your nearest and dearest while cheering on the bookies's favourites.
Great for both stags and hens, it's the perfect opportunity to get on those glad rags and enjoy an afternoon of eating, drinking and celebrating — you could even win some extra money to put towards that all-important honeymoon!
Laser clay pigeon shooting in the Forest of Dean
For another action-packed day with a twist on a classic countryside activity, pay a visit to Dean Laser Clay in the Forest of Dean for a day of laser clay pigeon shooting.
Combining tech with the great outdoors, the family-run business is all about creating opportunities for people to get outside and have fun in the beautiful woodland surroundings at Elton Farm in Newnham.
There are no projectiles fired from the gun in this version of the activity as it relies on innovative infrared technology, making it a truly modern version of the much-loved activity.
Mountain biking at Flyup 417 Bike Park near Cheltenham
For thrill-seeking stags and hens, Flyup 417 is equipped with everything needed for a daredevil day.
The mountain biking park is suitable for all abilities, so everyone can give it a go. With hills, ramps and high speed apparatus to take on throughout the course, the 100-acre farm on Crickley Hill is the largest private mountain bike facility in England and offers a huge number of different riding disciplines in one location.
Perfect for stags or hens who love to ride, or beginners who want to give extreme sports a try, Flyup 417 offers group coaching sessions making it ideal for a fun and active start to your celebrations.
Become a ninja at Ninja Warrior UK in Gloucester
Experience the pop culture phenomena of the hit ITV show Ninja Warrior UK and show off those ninja skills (or lack of) on the jaw-dropping indoor obstacle course.
Ninja Warrior UK Gloucester offers varying degrees of difficulty on a selection of skills such as climbing, balancing, swinging, jumping with the final wall proven to challenge even the strongest of competitors.
Its adult-only sessions provide the perfect setting for stag and hen parties to let loose and run wild as you compete to see who can complete the course the fastest — and with the least wipe-outs...
Pampering at Hatherley Manor in Gloucester
For groups of guys and girls who are in need of a pre-wedding pampering, a day at Hatherley Manor Hotel and Spa could be just the destination.
The luxury spa offers packages to suit all preferences. With treatments ranging from massages, facials, manicures and pedicures; all ideal for those celebrating a special occasion.
Groups can enjoy three-course dinners, afternoon teas, fun evening activities, all alongside full access to the stunning spa facilities which include a refreshing indoor pool, a hot tub, sauna, steam room and heated loungers.
Bespoke cookery classes at Harts Barn Cookery School in the Forest of Dean
Groups can indulge their inner foodie with a gastronomic experience at Harts Barn Cookery School. Overlooking the beautiful countryside in Longhope, the venue can offer specially-designed, themed classes for hen and stag parties.
Themes include profiterole heaven, a Ready, Steady, Cook challenge, cooking with local beer and cider, exotic meats, outdoor cooking, chocolate making and cheese and wine tasting.
The venue has also hosted ‘sten’ parties, which combine both stag and hen experiences, making this a versatile venue for couples who want to celebrate together.
Bottomless brunch at The Carpenters Arms in Stroud
With another option for a foodie (and boozy) way to start your hen or stag do, head to The Carpenters Arms in Stroud for a classic bottomless brunch.
Having been awarded the prestigious moniker of Stroud and Gloucestershire Cider Pub of the Year 2023 by real ale advocates, CAMRA, the popular pub is a great stop for a hearty pint alongside friendly faces.
Alongside its cosy interiors, exceptionally stocked bar and locally-sourced ingredients, the venue offers two hours of unlimited Prosecco to complement The Carps Full English Breakfast or a choice of breakfast bap with a variety of fillings — it's sure to satisfy the whole group's taste buds before the merriment continues.
Treetop adventures at GoApe in the Forest of Dean
Strap on the adventure gear and swing through the forest at Go Ape in the Forest of Dean.
Take the party to new heights with an exhilarating experience to remember, with a highly-trained team of treetop experts on hand to help hens and stags tackle those lofty trails.
Learn how to use your safety equipment before climbing high into the canopies and traversing ladders, running over rope bridges, swinging into cargo nets and sliding down zip wires.
Cupcake competitions at Vanilla Pod Bakery in Cheltenham
Book in with the team at Vanilla Pod Bakery for a wholesome afternoon of creative, tasty fun.
Split into two opposing teams, the Battle of the Cupcakes commences, with one goal in mind — sweet victory! Each team is supplied with a box of naked cupcakes to decorate with buttercream, sprinkles and sugar paste, all to take home and savour later.
Located in the heart of Cheltenham as part of the Vanilla Pod Bakery studio, this makes for a fantastic afternoon activity for those looking to cram lots of different experiences into a weekend of fun.
Aquatic adventures on the River Wye in the Forest of Dean
Truly a sight to behold and appreciate, the River Wye offers a gorgeous variety of ways to enjoy the calm waters as they roll through the county.
Way2Go Adventures, based in the Forest of Dean, offers canoeing, paddle boarding and kayaking trips up and down the river, as well as expeditions to really experience everything this natural wonder has to offer.
The Way2Go team caters for all skill levels and abilities in order to make the experience as fun and enjoyable as possible — and at an affordable price!
Llama trekking at Briery Hill Llamas in Newent
Llama Trekking is one of the latest crazes growing in popularity and Gloucestershire's own premiere llama farm in Newent offers a truly memorable experience for stags and hens who want to experience something different for their send-off into marital life.
Briery Hill Llamas — home to 32 fluffy and friendly llamas — offers the opportunity to wander through beautiful natural surroundings with a gentle giant in tow. And after a 90-minute trek, polish off a hard-earned afternoon tea in the orangery or summer house with spectacular views overlooking the Malverns.
