Cambridge Hen Do

Did You Know?

• Pop group Katrina and the Waves were formed in Cambridge. You might know them for their karaoke classic Walking on Sunshine, or for being the last UK act to win Eurovision with Love Shine a Light in 1997.
• They weren’t the only top musical act to come of the city; one of the most iconic rock bands of all time, Pink Floyd were formed in Cambridge in the 1960s.
• Lord Byron kept a bear in his room at Trinity College because he wasn’t allowed a dog. Yup, you read that right! As the college had no rules against bears, they couldn’t tell him to get rid of it.
• Oliver Cromwell’s head is buried in the city in a secret location.
• The rules of football that formed the basis of the FA’s official rules in 1863 were established in Parker’s Piece in 1848.
• Approximately 25% of Cambridge residents cycle to work, more than anywhere else in the UK.
• Alumni of the University of Cambridge include Stephen Hawking, Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin.
• Cambridge was recently ranked the fastest-growing city in the UK.
• There are more punts on the River Cam that any other river in the UK. Fancy giving it a go on your Cambridge hen party?
• The staircases in Trinity College are designated by letters but there’s no J staircase because St John’s is their main rival.
• The Mathematical Bridge is so called because it was built with wood but without nails, instead relaying on clever calculations for its strength.
• Many important scientific discoveries have been made in the city including the discovery of the electron, splitting the atom, the structure of DNA and the theory of evolution by natural selection. What a brainy bunch!
• The Church of the Holy Sepulchre (also known as the Round Church) was built in 1131 and is one of only four Norman round churches left in England.
• This amazing city is home to the country’s biggest Wetherspoons, giving you plenty of space as you mix and mingle with students and enjoy your cheap and cheerful drinks.
• Henry VIII’s statue on Trinity College’s Great Gate is holding a chair leg! It’s not known who stole his sword, but a thoughtful window cleaner replaced it with a chair leg.

Cambridge in Numbers

• The University of Cambridge is the third oldest surviving uni in the world and was founded in 1209.
• The University of Cambridge boasts 89 Nobel Prize winners associated with the uni in all six disciplines, physics, chemistry, physiology, medicine, literature and peace.
• More than five million tourists visit Cambridge each year.
• The coronation of Queen Victoria in 1838 was celebrated at Parkers Piece with an epic feast consisting of 7,029 joints of pork, beef and mutton. It’s said that the 15,000 people who attended had at least 1lb of meat each.
• Another food-based fact; apparently residents here spend more per head on takeaways than any other UK town or city. So if you like food, you’re in good company during your hen do in Cambridge!
• The uni consists of more than 30 separate college with over 100 academic departments.
• The famous Oxford vs Cambridge Boat Race has been an annual event since 1856. As of 2018, Cambridge is in the lead with 83 wins compared to Oxford’s 80.
• There are more than 100 libraries at the uni. The biggest library houses more than eight million publications.
• The Botanic Gardens were established in 1831, cover 40 acres and showcase more than 8,000 species of plants from all over the world.
• With super smart alumni, it’s not surprise that the University of Cambridge is consistently voted within in the top three universities in the world. It’s currently ranked number two, just behind Oxford.

From Michelin starred menus to pub grub, you’ll find something to please everyone’s palate in this city. If you’re arranging a meal out for your hen do in Cambridge, it’s important that you book something that everyone’s going to like and that can be tricky. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you!

Activities for Foodie Hen Parties in Cambridge

Afternoon Tea - One of the most popular foodie activities for Cambridge hen parties is afternoon tea. This laid-back, daytime treat always puts smiles on faces as you tuck into traditional British goodies including feather-light finger sandwiches, cakes and scones with that irresistible combination of clotted cream and jam. Is your tummy rumbling yet?

Bottomless Brunch - Kick the celebrations up a notch with bottomless brunch. You’ll chow down on a brunch dish of your choice, accompanied by unlimited glasses of alcohol. What better way to toast your last weekend of freedom? What you’ll eat and drink depends on the venue but it varies from classic brunch dishes to pizza, prosecco to cocktails.

Las Iguanas - Quayside, Cambridge, CB5 8AB

It’s a real group pleasing restaurant you’re after, Las Iguanas is popular choice. Choose two tasty courses from an extensive set menu of tempting dishes with flavours from and inspired by Latin America, Spain, Portugal, Africa and India. You’ll also get a drink each with a choice of wine, beer and soft drinks.

Fitzbillies - 51-52 Trumpington Street, Cambridge, CB2 1RG

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, a visit to Fitzbillies is an absolute must! A Cambridge institution since 1920, they serve up their speciality, traditional Chelsea buns, as well as other sweet treats, cakes, sandwiches and freshly baked sourdough bread. It’s a real gem that’s popular with visitors and locals alike.

SIX - 24 Thompsons Lane, Cambridge, CB5 8EQ

Combine dining and gorgeous views with a trip to SIX and its fabulous roof terrace. With delicious cocktail and a tempting BBQ menu, your taste buds will think they’ve gone to heaven. Tuck into dishes such as the Steak BBQ Swiss Roll or Fire Roasted Romero Pepper and Halloumi Burger as you admire views of the university buildings.

Whether you want a traditional riverside boozer, something cheap and cheerful with the fun students or classy cocktails in a swanky bar, a hen night in Cambridge is your dream come true! From the country’s biggest Wetherspoons to a range of banging clubs, you’ve got so much choice at prices to suit all budgets.

Cocktail Making - Why not get the girls together and have a go at Cambridge hen party cocktail making? We’ve handpicked the best places in the city to do this with sessions packed with drinks, nibbles and games so you can literally eat, drink and be merry! You’ll whip up some classic tipples under the expert tutelage of a professional mixologist. You can even give a gin masterclass a go where you’ll not only sip on everyone's favourite spirit, but also learn all about its fascinating history and play drinking games!

Gin Tasting Masterclass - Are you a fan of Mother’s Ruin or Dutch courage? Who isn’t? Gin is, without a doubt, the spirit of the moment. Get to grips with it with a gin tasting masterclass. You’ll enjoy delicious samples of different types of gin before making your own gin-based cocktails, drinking everything you make.

Lola Lo’s - 1-6 Corn Exchange St, Cambridge CB2 3QF

Get ready to escape the crazy hustle and bustle of life as you enjoy a slice of South Pacific paradise at Lola Lo's, which features the likes of rustic colourful décor, bamboo, wooden surfaces and private booths where you can keep the fun going. Serving exotic concoctions and boasting a large dancefloor in addition to a stylish rooftop terrace, this vibrant venue is the place to go to when you don’t want the evening to end!

Vinyl - 22 Sydney Street, Cambridge, CB2 3HG

For unadulterated cheese, you can’t beat a visit to retro nightclub, Vinyl. Their DJs play the best of 80s, 90s, 00s. So, what are you waiting for? Get your dancing shoes on, hit that light-up dance floor and bust some awesome moves to the best (or worst!) party anthems.

Revolution - Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3HG

Revolution always shows hen parties in Cambridge a great time. With a jam-packed cocktail menu, DJs and bookable VIP areas, it’s no wonder that they’re so popular with groups celebrating a special occasion. They’ve even got a rooftop bar for you to relax on in the warmer months.

History Festival

Learn some fascinating facts at the History Festival in February and see the county’s heritage brought to life with a range of events including walking tours, talks, live music and theatre shows.

Eat Cambridge

Eat Cambridge takes place across two weeks in May and celebrates the local, independent food and drink scene with a massive fair, food and wine tastings, behind the scenes tours, chef talks and demonstrations and cookery lessons. In short, it’s a must visit for foodies on a Cambridge hen do!

Cambridge Comedy Festival

July welcomes the return of the annual Cambridge Comedy Festival with more than 30 shows from some the best local and international comedians including Edinburgh preview shows, all bound to get you chuckling.

Big Weekend

Head to Parker’s Piece in July for the Big Weekend which features awesome (and free!) outdoor events such as a French market, sports zone, gaming home and loads of live entertainment including music and dance performances.

The Dragon Boat Festival

The Dragon Boat Festival takes place on the River Cam every September and sees more than 40 teams race along the 200m course, watched by hundreds of spectators in the aid of charity. You’ll also find river bank food stalls, entertainment and fun activities.

Mill Road Winter Fair

Everything gears up for Christmas in December with one of the most popular annual events taking place, Mill Road Winter Fair. You can expect a parade, dance galas, street entertainers, choirs, jugglers, a dog show, museum exhibits and a plethora of festive shopping from local and independent traders. What better way to get in the mood for Crimbo than with a hen do in Cambridge?

Getting to Your Cambridge Hen Do

Getting to Cambridge is simple by car, bus or coach. It takes around an hour and a half to drive there from London. The centre of Cambridge is easy to navigate and a breeze to get around by foot and very heel friendly as loads of the city centre has been pedestrianised. In just a short stroll you’ll find loads of great shops, cafes, restaurants, bars and clubs. If you fancy a bit of pedal power, you can even hire a bike.

Getting Around Cambridge During Your Hen Do

Your hen do in Cambridge will also be well served by buses and trains and it’s quick and easy to jump in a taxi after a night out working it on that dancefloor. A trip down the river is also a must! Whether you punt or hop on a boat, it’s the most sophisticated way to get around and see some sights. Don’t forget loads of selfies and group shots to make all your social media followers jealous.