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How to Plan an Adventure Hen Do

Are you in charge of planning the ultimate hen do for the bride-to-be? 

A send-off they'll never forget that ticks all their boxes and is sure to go down a treat with the whole group? Well look no further, because we’ve got you covered.

Introducing: Go Ape Hen Do’s.

Let us take away the pressure and hassle that comes with rounding up a group for an active event and help you organise an unforgettable hen party.

First things first, let's start with the basics. You'll need a group of willing participants, a budget, and a date. Once you have those sorted, the real fun begins.

Step 1: Assemble your tribe

Gather up the bridesmaids and any other special ladies in the bride's tribe. Make sure everyone is on board with the idea of an action-packed, adrenaline-fueled hen do. The best way to keep communications easy and provide everyone with the key details is to set up a group chat, keeping group communications simple to keep track of and leaving less room for mistakes. The last thing you want is the bride's soon to be mother in law heading to the wrong location!

Step 2: Decide on a location

Go Ape has locations all over the UK, from the Lake District to London, so pick a spot that's convenient for the majority of the group.

We’ve selected the best of our locations that offer multiple activities if you’re looking to make a day of your forest excursion.

woman in blue top and woman in banana costume holding axes in front of target  | How to plan a hen do

Coventry

Midlands

From Axe Throwing, to a stomach-churning 12-metre vertical drop and an outdoor escape room plus an exclusive alpine zip to zip, Go Ape Coventry has something for everyone! 

woman in blue and red on Go ape zip line with cabin underneath  | How to plan a hen do

Forest of Dean

Gloucestershire

The Challenge course at Go Ape Forest of Dean is definitely one for the bold and brave with its newly extended zip wires whilst our all-terrain Segways allow you to enjoy fun closer to the earth as you zip through the forest on a unique adventure. Perfect for you adventurous hens looking to try something a bit different! 

woman smiling and posing on Go Ape zip line  | How to plan a hen do

Sherwood Pines

Nottinghamshire

Be prepared for some serious speed on the Challenge course at Go Ape Sherwood, where the tandem zip wire speedometer can hit 20mph. Plus, if you like to try something different and enjoy going off road, hop on board one of our all-terrain Segways and explore the woodlands at speed! 

expressive woman jumping off Go Ape platform | How to plan a hen do

Dalby

North Yorkshire

Go Ape Dalby is Home to a jaw-dropping Treetop Challenge where you and your tribe will find yourself 35 metres up in the air, this location is perfect for the boldest and bravest hens. Hop on a Forest Segway for a full-day experience and take in the forest view as you whizz by. 

woman in black coat smiling with arms out on Go Ape zip line  | How to plan a hen do

Grizedale

Lake District

This stunning location is ideal for hens looking to experience an unforgettable adventure. Go Ape Grizedale is home to our one and only Zip Trekking experience! A fully guided, two-hour event,  this is one to share with your favourite people as you take on an exhilarating 3km of tandem zips! You'll be talking about it for years!

woman in pink laughing on Go Ape crossing with girls watching on behind  | How to plan a hen do

Bracknell

Berkshire

Scream your way around Swiny Forest on the Challenge route at Go Ape Bracknell - be prepared for 2-3 hours of tree-to-tree obstacles designed to get the adrenaline pumping and the heart thumping. Hop on board our all-terrain Segways and zip through the forest for an unforgettable adventure closer to the ground. 

Step 3: Choose your activities

Imagine swinging from tree to tree without a care in the world, or soaring through the forest on an epic zip wire with unrivalled forest views. Go Ape has a variety of blood-pumping activities designed to test your nerve and grit. And the opportunity to bring your bride tribe together for a true bonding experience is not to be missed for your friends last hurrah. 

Woman in black hoodie celebrating in fron of axe throwing target | How to plan a hen do

Axe Throwing

Release your inner warrior as you and your tribe showcase your strength and accuracy with Axe Throwing. This competitive sport is a great way for groups to unleash their wild side and get in touch with their inner Thor as you try to take down the bullseye and win the title! 

Available at Bracknell, Coventry, Matfen and Southampton.

group on forest segways at Go Ape | How to plan a hen do

Forest Segway

Join us in the forest on our all-terrain Forest Segway experience. Our unique trails are bursting with a mix of twists, turns and straight open paths, which provide a whole new dimension to your adventure in the woods. 

woman in pink hoodie balancing on Go Ape crossing  | How to plan a hen do

Treetop Challenge

Treetop Challenge is a brilliant bonding experience perfect for bring everyone together, making it the ideal adventure to kick off your hen party. Depending on your chosen location you can spend 1 or 2-3 hours combating our daring high ropes course, complete with thrilling Tarzen swings and exhilarating zip wires!

zip lines at Go Ape Grizedale  | How to plan a hen do

Zip Trekking

Zip Trekking at Grizedale is a bucket list worthy and ultimate zip wire experience that will have you whizzing through the heart of the UK’s Lake District, flying across seven forest zip lines totalling a whopping 3km.

Available at Grizedale

woman in orange top on Go Ape zip line  | How to plan a hen do

Challenge Plus

For the real thill-seekers! Push your limits further than ever with Go Ape's newest and most demanding high ropes adventure, Challenge Plus. A dialled-up version of Treetop Challenge that will test your mental grit and physical boundaries.

Available at Cockfosters, Sherwood Pines, Thetford

Step 4: Plan your accommodation

It's important to have a comfortable place to rest your head after a long day of adventure. And what better way to complete your adventure than a cabin in the woods or forest escape. 

If you are looking for somewhere to stay then why not try the ultimate forest retreat and head to Forest Holidays? They have a range of cabins close to some of our Go Ape locations.

cabin in the woods  | How to plan a hen do

Image: Forest Holidays

Step 5: Add in the extras

Make the hen do extra special with added activities like a spa trip or massage to relax after your woodland adventure. Consider keeping the fun alive and booking a dance class where you can learn choreography to a cheesy hit. Or stick to your adventure theme and make the hen do extra special with added activities like a BBQ, a challenging hike or hot yoga class. 

Don't forget the traditional hen do essentials like matching t-shirts, sashes and hen do tailored games for the evening. Remember to snap some photos and videos to document the shenanigans.

woman laughing on top of Go Ape gorilla sculpture holding Go Ape certificate  | How to plan a hen do

And there you have it. With a bit of planning and a lot of excitement, you can pull off the ultimate adventure hen do.

A Go Ape hen do is the perfect opportunity to bond with your bride tribe, conquer your fears, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Plus, it's not just for the bride, why not make it a 'sten' or 'hag' party and get the groom-to-be and the groomsman squad to also join in the fun.

So, what are you waiting for? Plan the ultimate hen do and Go Ape! Trust us, it'll be an adventure you'll never forget.

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woman in blue on Go Ape zip line with eyes closed  | How to plan a hen do