In this new series for the wedding blog, we’ll be checking out all our favourite
hen party
hot spots – at home and abroad – so all you have to do is pack your suitcase*.First up, our gal Rachel heads to the Scottish capital to check out a little more than what those Scotsmen wear under their kilts.
*willy straws optional.
image source, photography by Heather Roth Fine Art Photography
rachel says
: Hen dos have come to spread well beyond the traditional one-night knees-up with some groups booking week-long getaways abroad to give brides one heck of a send off into married life. While in theory jetting off overseas on a girlie break sounds like a dream hen do it can come a quite a price, both in terms of time and money. A trip abroad means passports and currency are needed, then there’s the baggage allowance to contend with, not to mention the added cost , which can price some friends and relatives out of the fun.So while I’m totally onboard with extending the celebrations across more than just one day (I’m one of these people that has a ‘birth-week’’ rather than birthday) why not keep it on UK turf to reduce stress and costs.
As Brits we’re fortunate to have an abundance of fabulous urban and rural locations to choose from that, in most cases, can easily be reached via rail or road. One such location is Scotland’s fabulous capital, Edinburgh.
The stunning city offers something to suit all types of brides-to-be with its cosmopolitan bars and restaurants, fantastic shops, striking architecture and enchanting history.
So it’s time to round up the lassies for a bonny trip up north!
where to stay
Fabulous accommodation is peppered throughout the city catering for a wide variety of spends, from budget hotels and modern apartments to historic five-star venues complete with spa facilities.
On the New Town side of the city a top hotel pick for sophisticated ladies would have to be The Scots Man Hotel – a five-star luxury boutique hotel, handily located by Princess Street leading to shopping central. Originally built in 1905, the stunning building is bursting with character and boasts exceptional views of Edinburgh Castle.
G&V Royal Mile Hotel, image source
Meanwhile ladies looking for a more contemporary backdrop to their celebrations should definitely consider the G&V Royal Mile Hotel (previously The Missoni) on the Old Town side of the city. Located just off the Royal Mile, the funky five-star hotel features vibrant décor, plush rooms, a cool bar and its very own spa.
G&V Royal Mile Hotel, image source
Groups looking for this level of accommodation might also want to check out Hotel du Vin, Malmaison and The Balmoral Hotel. The Radisson Blu Hotel located on the historic Royal Mile and Fraser Suites located on nearby Giles Street aren’t quite as pricey and are definitely worth checking for offers.
If however, hens would rather save on the accommodation and splurge in other areas, such as daytime activities and evening drinking, the usual range of budget hotels can be found in the city such as Travelodge and Ibis, giving groups somewhere to rest their tired feet and aching heads!
what to do
The best way to see the city and to get to grips with its layout is undoubtedly onboard an open top bus. Most offer hop-on hop-off tickets valid for at least 24 hours so groups don’t have to do a full tour in one sitting, but instead can jump on and off between visiting attractions (or bars).
Shopping is a must for most groups of ladies, and there’s no shortage of stores to choose from in the city. High Street favourites such as Topshop, Urban Outfitters and Debenhams can be found along Princess Street while higher end stores, including French Connection, Hobbs and LK Bennett, are located on George Street. Harvey Nichols and further designer shops for posh purchases are situated by Saint Andrew Square.
Shops on George Street, image source
One Spa, image source
A fun and educational (well sort of) activity that can be done either day or night (depending on group’s tolerance) is wine and champagne tasting. While some bars will hold their own their own, there are also a number of private companies such as Thirty Fifty that can bring the activity to your accommodation or alternatively stage it at a local bar with which they have links, including Malmaison and Voodoo Rooms. Hens can choose from a range of packages to suit their budgets and tastes, including Classic Hen Party wine tasting, Chocolate & Wine, Champagne & Fizz and Champagne Cocktail Party. Another option is to embrace the drink of the Highlands and visit a local whiskey distillery such as the Glenkinchie Distillery – home of ‘The Edinburgh Malt’.
Sticking on the drink theme, a cocktail making master class is a great way to get a night out with the girls started. Again there are numerous venues to choose from along Edinburgh’s streets, including Le Monde Hotel on Geogre Street which offers classes ranging from £30 to £55.
A more strenuous activity that could be incorporated into the weekend is a ceilidh night, which are held at various venues throughout the city. Ladies could take advantage of packages offered by companies such as Vie Amhor, which include a three course meal of authentic Scottish cuisine followed up by traditional ceilidh dancing and a DJ set to end the night.
A spa visit is also often high up on the hen do activity list. While some groups might have access to such facilities at their hotel, others will be on the lookout for a venue where they can indulge in a treatment or two or even a full day of pampering. One Spa in the city centre offers a range of luxurious treatments and invigorating facilities, including a thermal suite, rooftop hydropool and 19 metre infinity swimming pool, which can be incorporated into its spa day packages.
image source, photography Kayla Adams Photography
For something a little different, hens could take up one of Edinburgh’s famous ghost tours. Groups can choose from graveyard walks to creepy underground tours of an area of the city where people once lived in misery and sad souls are said to still haunt.
where to eat and drink
The Scots are known for liking a drink or two so it’s no surprise that Edinburgh is brimming with swanky bars, restaurants and clubs.
Tigerlily, image source
For top food and cocktails Tigerlily on George Street is a must. Ladies will feel a million dollars within its chic surroundings of mirrored walls and lavish chandeliers. Alongside its much talked about seasonal menus, Tigerlily’s buzzing bar boasts more than 150 cocktail concoctions for parties to enjoy. Also recommended for food and cocktails in cool settings is The Living Room, Voodoo Rooms and Gusto.
Opal Lounge, image source
Late bars and clubs are essential for hens to be able to dance the night away and luckily there’s no shortage of these in Edinburgh either. Top picks include Opal Lounge, Lulu Bar & Club, Shanghai Club, The Jam House, and Lola Lo.
Now just don’t forget to pack the aspirin!
