Introduction
Planning a Blackpool hen weekend can feel overwhelming, so we’ve built a one-stop guide that covers when to go, where to stay, what to do and how much it all costs. Follow the step-by-step plan below, complete with ready-made itinerary, money-saving tips and insider FAQs and you’ll have every detail bridesmaids normally spend weeks hunting down.
1. Why choose Blackpool for your hen do?
Blackpool blends retro seaside fun with bargain travel connections. Pleasure Beach’s coasters run March–November(blackpoolpleasurebeach.com), Illuminations light the promenade from late-August into the New Year(visitblackpool.com) and drink offers on Queen Street keep budgets in check. Stag-and-hen specialists list 80 + dedicated activities in town, more than any other North-West resort.(lastnightoffreedom.co.uk)
2. Best time of year to visit
| Season | Vibe | Insider tip |
|---|---|---|
| Mar-May | First coaster weekends, fewer crowds | Snap early-bird ride wristbands online.(blackpoolpleasurebeach.com) |
| Jun-Jul | Peak beach weather | Book accommodation 6 months out; hen groups average 173 days lead-time.(gohen.com) |
| Aug-Jan | Blackpool Illuminations nightly light show | Free spectacle, but weekend rooms sell fast.(visitblackpool.com) |
| Feb | Cheapest rates | Ideal for spa-or cocktail-centric hens. |
3. Where to stay: a 16-sleeper, luxury apartment with a hot tub
Skip boring, expensive hotel rooms and keep everyone under one roof at The Nest Blackpool, a luxury apartment 10 minutes from the centre of Blackpool that sleeps 16, with a private Jacuzzi, open plan living area it makes for a perfect spot for your hen party.
- Space for 16. A bright loft suite sleeps nine (three doubles plus sofa-bed and en-suite), while the master bedroom offers a double bed and pull-out sofa, ideal for mixed-age families or friends.
- Double-jacuzzi bath & waterfall shower. Pop the complimentary fizz, soak tired feet after a night on the prom, then stream Netflix on the 65-inch 4K TV.
- Smart self-check-in & free off-road parking for two cars. Skip reception queues and beat congestion by arriving whenever it suits you.
- Super-fast Wi-Fi and a dedicated workspace. Perfect for remote workers catching the weekday Lightpool projections.
- Prime location. Ten-minute stroll to Blackpool Tower, the Golden Mile and the heritage-tram stop.
Book your stay at The Nest here.
4. Daytime hen activities
Cocktail masterclass (Slug & Lettuce)
Shake, stir and sip two bespoke drinks each at Queen Street’s Slug & Lettuce bar; perfect ice-breaker for first-night hens. (slugandlettuce.co.uk)
Pedi-bus karaoke tour
Pedal the prom on a BYO-drinks party bike while blasting ‘Single Ladies’. (pedaltheprom.com)
Pleasure Beach thrill fix
Ride the 235-ft Big One and soak up Nickelodeon Land for throwback photos. Book online 14 days ahead for £30 adult e-tickets. (blackpoolpleasurebeach.com)
Escape Room challenge
Ranked #1 of 70 things to do in town, the Escape Room Centre offers seven themed games from 30–90 minutes. (escaperoomcentre.com)
Spa & fizz at The Imperial
Unwind with 30-minute treatments then clink glasses in the Victorian pool hall.
5. Nightlife & cabaret hotspots
- Funny Girls Drag Show – front-row glamour, 7-night schedule, and hen shout-outs on stage.(funnygirlsshow.co.uk)
- Viva Blackpool – learn a Beyoncé routine in the day, then watch the cast perform at night.(vivablackpool.com)
- Queen Street bar crawl – from Slug & Lettuce happy-hour cocktails to Diamonds Showbar (topless waiters on Saturdays).(blackpoolgazette.co.uk) Funky karaoke pubs like Flying Handbag keep the party going past 3 am.(flyinghandbagblackpool.co.uk)
6. 48-hour sample itinerary
Friday
- 15:00 – Check-in & hot-tub welcome drinks at The Nest
- 18:00 – Cocktail masterclass (10-min walk) (slugandlettuce.co.uk)
- 20:30 – Funny Girls cabaret & prosecco package (funnygirlsshow.co.uk)
Saturday
- 09:30 – Brunch & bride games in the apartment
- 11:30 – Pleasure Beach thrill day (pre-book wristbands) (blackpoolpleasurebeach.com)
- 17:00 – Glam-up & photos under the Tower lights
- 19:00 – Viva Blackpool show + mezze platter(vivablackpool.com)
- 22:00 – Queen Street bar crawl & Diamonds Showbar finale(blackpoolgazette.co.uk)
Sunday
- Lazy checkout, group selfies on the prom, trains home by 13:00.
7. Budget & booking tips
- Average UK hen cost: £187–£191 pp (excluding travel). (gohen.com, wildharvest.org)
- Cost saver: self-cater – The Guardian says cooking in a rental cuts weekend spend by 20 %.(theguardian.com)
- Split payments: free apps like Splitwise avoid spreadsheet headaches.
- Book 6 months out: hens typically reserve 173 days in advance, be earlier for August Illuminations weeks. (gohen.com)
8. Getting here, parking & getting around
- Train: You can easily find a train to get down to Blackpool (northernrailway.co.uk,
- Car/minibus: Talbot Road multi-storey (FY1 3AY) fits large vehicles; up to 12 h = £14.(blackpool.gov.uk)
- Tram & taxi: Blackpool’s £1.25 tram hop runs along the entire prom until midnight
9. FAQs (add FAQPage schema)
Can we bring hen-do decorations to The Nest?
Yes, balloons and banners are fine indoors; nothing taped to painted walls.
Is the Jacuzzi private?
Exclusive to your group, use any time you like.
Is fancy dress allowed in clubs?
Queen Street bars accept themed outfits; Viva requests smart-casual. (funktionevents.co.uk)
How close is The Nest to Blackpool centre?
We are situated a 10-minute walk from the centre, or hop in a taxi and arrive there in no time.
10. How to book your Blackpool hen weekend
Ready to lock in your Blackpool hen weekend?
- Check your preferred dates here
- Pay the low deposit to secure exclusive use for up to 16 guests.
- Add your must-do activities using the links above
