Cardiff Hen Do

Did you know?

• Cardiff became Wales’ capital in 1955, becoming Europe’s smallest capital city and one of the newest.
• Cardiff is one of the flattest cities in the UK.
• There’s more green space per person in Cardiff than in any other UK city.
• Cardiff is home to Spillers Records, the oldest record shop in the world. Established in 1894, it originally sold wax cylinders for the phonograph.
• It might have a rainy reputation but there’s more hours of sunlight here than Milan in Italy!
• Award-winning toilets: The Millennium Centre has won the coveted title of Loo of the Year twice.
• Doctor Who: Inventor of the Daleks, screenwriter Terry Nation, is from here and Doctor Who frequently use the city as a filming location.
• Cardiff Bay is the largest waterfront redevelopment project in Europe, redesigning more than 2,7000 acres of derelict land into a must visit destination, packed with shops and restaurants. It’s a must visit during your Cardiff hen do!
• The Castle was used as an air raid shelter during World War II.
• TMNT invasion: More than 100 terrapins were found dumped in Roath Park’s lake in the 1990s before official measures were brought, thought to be down to the popularity of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. They might be born tiny but can grow to the size of a dinner plate!
• Nicknamed the City of Arcades, there’s a higher concentration of Edwardian, Victorian and modern indoor shopping arcades here than any other city in the UK.
• Perforated postage stamps were first used in Cardiff in 1853.
• Must-visit Cardiff Castle doubles up as a music venue as has hosted loads of artists, from Green Day to Tom Jones.
• Cardiff become the world’s first Fair Trade Capital, encouraging fair prices as well as ethical prices for producers from third world countries. Go Cardiff!
• This city has one of the largest student populations in the UK so you know you’re going to have a good night out here!

Cardiff in numbers

• Cardiff's history spans over 2,000 years.
• Cardiff is the 11th largest city in the UK.
• More than 18 million tourists visit Cardiff each year.
• It’s the biggest city in Wales with a population of more than 350,000 people.
• The Principality Stadium has 74,500 seats and is the second largest stadium in the world with a fully retractable roof.
• It’s home to three castles; Castell Coch Castle (built in the 11th century and rebuilt in the 17th century), Cardiff Castle (built in the 12th century) and St Fagan’s Castle (built in the 16th century). In surrounding Glamorgan County, there’s another 23!
• Around 10% of Cardiff’s population speak Welsh.
• The first £1million business deal took place at Cardiff Coal Exchange in 1907.
• The redevelopment of Cardiff Bay cost more than £102 million. It’s a must visit during your hen do in Cardiff.
• It’s the 11th most visited UK city by international tourists, according to Visit Britain.
• There are a whopping 25 Greggs in Cardiff so you’re never too far away from satisfying that sausage roll craving!
• Buffalo Bill and his Wild West show visited the city three times, in 1891, 1903 and 1904.
• Cardiff featured in National Geographic’s list of the top 10 places to visit in the world in 2011.
• The city is the mouth for the 220-mile-long River Severn.
• Cardiff was the 25th largest town in Wales in 1801.

Arranging a wedding can be stressful so enjoy a sit down and a catch up during your hen weekend with our massive range of tasty meal options, from a comforting two-course meal at Revolution to something a bit spicier at Latin American bar and restaurant, Las Iguanas. This’ll give you all a chance to spend some quality time together and slow down the pace a bit. We can’t all party 24/7 now, can we? Whether you want cheap eats or a decadent sit down meal, you’ll find restaurants that you’ll love in the Welsh capital.

Activities for Foodie Hen Parties in Cardiff

Afternoon Tea - One of our most popular hen party ideas is afternoon tea for groups who love to treat themselves to quality food and drink as they sit back and soak up the relaxing atmosphere. Head to Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse in the city centre to experience a decadent afternoon tea where you’ll enjoy traditional finger sandwiches, cakes and TeaPig tea whilst enjoying panoramic views of the city. This is a great place to get some selfies and group shots during your hen do in Cardiff!

Chocolate Making - Want to get creative? Get hands-on, learn a new skill and enjoy lots of samples with a spot of chocolate making, the perfect activity for chocoholics. A professional chocolatier will teach you how to cut, dip and decorate your very own choccies. What’s more, you’ll get to take home everything you’ve made in a little bag to tuck into later or share with your loved ones.

Las Iguanas - 8 Mile Lane, Cardiff, CF10 1FL

Las Iguanas always gives Cardiff hen parties a friendly welcome, whether you’re there for a slap-up meal, their cocktail or gin masterclass or just to enjoy one (or two…or more!) of their famously good cocktails. Their caipirinhas have won awards, you know. Whether you like your food spicy or mild, you’ll find something mouth-watering on their extensive menu, packed with Latin American flavour.

The Clink - HMP Cardiff, Knox Road, Cardiff, CF24 0UG

If you fancy a slightly unusual yet socially concious dining experience, head to The Clink where you’ll chow down on high-quality meals that have been cooked and served by HMP Cardiff prisoners in training. This restaurant is consistently voted within the top 10 restaurants in the city on TripAdvisor so you know your taste buds are in for a treat.

The Smoke Haus - Mary Ann Street, St David’s Centre, Cardiff, CF10 2EN

For big American flavours and big portions, The Smoke Haus restaurant is a must visit. This isn’t BBQ food like you’d serve up in your garden; this is American barbecue where the meat is slow-cooked over a real wood fire. You’ll be drooling over the menu that’s packed with goodies such as ribs, brisket, chicken wings and burgers.

If you’re looking to party hard on your last night of freedom, you’ve come to the right place! There are actually more pubs in Cardiff per square foot than any other city in the UK!

This city’s nightlife is legendary and surprisingly eclectic meaning if you’re the kind of group who likes a quiet cocktail in a swanky bar or one who prefers some drunken debauchery in a banging nightclub, you’re catered for. A night out in the Welsh capital is definitely one to get dressed up for with an array of glittering venues paired with a friendly welcome from the party loving locals.

If you like the sound of sipping a cocktail whilst gazing out at gorgeous waterside views during your Cardiff hen night, you should head to Mermaid Quay or Cardiff Bay, the perfect spots for some selfies and group shots. You social media followers will be so jealous!

Cocktail Making - It’s no surprise that this is one of our most popular activities for a hen do in Cardiff. It’s available at a range of top watering holes where the party atmosphere greets you straight away. You’ll each receive a cocktail before learning how to mix and muddle, shake and stir your way to drink perfection, enjoying lots more samples along the way and drinking everything you make.

Tiger Tiger - The Friary, Greyfriars Road, Cardiff, CF10 3AE

Some of the best nightclubs in Cardiff are found in Mill Lane and superclub central, Greyfriars Road including the ultimate party venue, Tiger Tiger with its seven epic rooms with exciting décor and playing top tunes you can dance all night to with music genres as diverse as retro 90s to house classics.

Revolution - 9-11 Castle Street, Cardiff, CF10 1BS

One of the most popular bars in Cardiff is Revolution. This lively bar knows how to throw a great party, boasts an epic cocktail selection and vodka garden and is conveniently located in the heart of the city centre, directly across from Cardiff Castle and near the Millennium Stadium. It’s also one of the many places you can take part in a cocktail or gin masterclass.

Popworld - 96 St Mary Street, Cardiff, CF10 1DX

If you fancy a boogie to the cheesiest tunes possible, Popworld is right up your street. It’s got a feel-good atmosphere, making it very popular with hen parties. Whatever you’re into and whatever your budget, you’ll be spoilt for choice with activities and nightlife options for your hen do in Cardiff!

Six Nations Rugby

Rugby is a big deal here! Six Nations Rugby takes place in February and March. Perhaps you’re not that interested in the sport, but it guarantees that the city will be buzzing, busy and full of men!

RHS Flower Show

Explore trade stands, do a bit of shopping and take in some gorgeous sights at the RHS Flower Show in March and April.

Cardiff International Food and Drink Festival

Foodies will love to visit Cardiff Bay in July to explore the Cardiff International Food and Drink Festival where you’ll find more than 100 food and drink producers and loads of free entertainment on the waterfront.

Pride Cymru

The end of August sees Pride Cymru take place for three fun-packed days, celebrating the important of LGBTQ in the community and bringing people together with a range of extravagant entertainment.

The Harbour Festival

August is an awesome time for a hen do in Cardiff. This month is also host to the Cardiff Big Weekend and the Harbour Festival with fun for everyone including live music, bars and expert commentary on the extreme sailing and racing.

Winter Wonderland

Get in the festive spirit in November, December and January with a visit to the Winter Wonderland at the Civic Centre which is transformed to include a Christmas fair, open-air ice rink, Santa’s grotto and fairground rides with the streets being filled with entertainment.

As you can see, there will always be something fun going on during your Cardiff hen weekend! If you want to take advantage of warmer weather, we recommend coming between early June and the end of September but don’t be put off coming in the colder months. Just throw on a coat and get stuck into the fun!

Getting to Your Cardiff Hen Do

Getting to Cardiff is a breeze. The Welsh city is easily served by motorways, coaches, trains and even an airport. You can drive from London to Cardiff in around three hours or get a direct train from London Paddington station. If you want a slightly cheaper option, you can get the coach from London but then you’re looking at around a four-hour journey. Use the time to catch up with the girls and plan your itinerary for your Cardiff hen do. As we mentioned, once you’re there, Cardiff is very compact so walking around it is nice and easy even in those new heels you’ve bought especially for this weekend! It’s also served well by buses and trains.

Getting Around Cardiff During Your Hen Do

After a night busting epic moves on the dancefloor, you might want to get a taxi. This is easily done from all the nightlife hotspots during your hen night in Cardiff and is more affordable than in some other cities like London.

One of the most fun ways to get around in Cardiff has to be the water taxi which takes you to Cardiff Bay from the city centre one an hour. Make sure to get those phones ready for some selfies and group shots as you cross the waterway. You’ll like you’ve gone for a weekend away to somewhere way more exotic than Wales!