Hen Party Planning Checklist for Bath | 2026 Guide

Define budget per head

Establish a clear mid-range to luxury budget to guide all subsequent bookings and activities, considering Bath's premium costs.

Factor in peak season surcharges if planning between April and September or around Christmas in Bath.

Finalize guest list and choose dates

Confirm the core group size (8-14 women) and select preferred dates, being mindful that prime weekend slots book out quickly in Bath.

Consider arrival by train at Bath Spa station for convenience, especially if guests are travelling from London or Bristol.

Initiate Thermae Bath Spa booking

This is critical: research and book group packages for Thermae Bath Spa as slots can be fully booked 4-6 months in advance.

Visit the official Thermae Bath Spa website to check group packages and availability as early as possible.

Research accommodation options

Explore large Georgian townhouses or luxury apartments that can comfortably accommodate the group size, focusing on central locations.

Browse hen-friendly properties on Hen Hideaways in prime areas like The Circus or Great Pulteney Street, which are central and beautiful.

Gauge interest for key activities

Sound out the group's preferences for popular Bath activities like afternoon tea, cocktail making, or unique cultural experiences.

Consider The Pump Room for a traditional afternoon tea or The Botanist for a lively cocktail class.

Delegate planning tasks

Assign specific responsibilities (e.g., accommodation lead, activity coordinator, catering liaison) to streamline the planning process.

One person could be responsible for coordinating all spa bookings for the group at Thermae Bath Spa.

Create a communication channel

Set up a WhatsApp group or similar to facilitate easy communication and updates with all hen party guests.

Use this group to share Bath-specific travel tips and itinerary drafts.

Explore private chef/catering options

If self-catering accommodation is booked, research local private chefs or caterers for a special dinner at the house.

Many independent Bath caterers offer bespoke menus for hen parties.

Check major Bath events calendar

Verify if any major festivals or events coincide with your dates, as this can affect availability and pricing.

Consult Bath Tourism Plus for their events calendar to avoid unexpected crowd surges or road closures.

Draft a preliminary itinerary

Outline a rough schedule incorporating spa time, meals, and potential activities to get a sense of the flow.

Balance energetic activities with relaxation, perhaps a morning at Thermae Bath Spa followed by a leisurely afternoon tea.

Set up a payment collection method

Establish a clear system for collecting payments from guests to cover deposits and activity costs.

Consider using a shared spreadsheet to track contributions towards the Bath hen party budget.

Research alternative spa options

If Thermae Bath Spa is fully booked, identify other luxury spas in or around Bath as a backup.

Explore options like The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa or Combe Grove for a more intimate spa experience.

Consider a professional photographer

Look into booking a local photographer for a short session to capture memories around iconic Bath landmarks.

Arrange a photoshoot near the Royal Crescent or the Roman Baths for picturesque backdrops.

Explore unique Bath experiences

Beyond common activities, look for something truly specific to Bath's culture or history.

A Jane Austen-themed walking tour or a private Georgian architecture tour could add a unique touch.

Investigate group travel discounts

Check if any train operators (e.g., GWR for London/Bristol) offer group discounts for travel to Bath Spa station.

Booking train tickets well in advance, especially for off-peak times, can also reduce costs.

Plan for dietary requirements

Collect all dietary needs and allergies from guests early on to inform restaurant and catering bookings.

Many Bath restaurants, like Sotto Sotto, are very accommodating but appreciate advance notice.

Look into evening entertainment

Consider options for evening fun, such as a themed bar, a show, or a ghost walking tour.

Bizarre Bath offers a popular and humorous ghost walking tour, a unique way to see the city at night.

Book hen party accommodation

Secure your chosen Georgian townhouse or luxury apartment, paying the deposit as required.

Confirm exact check-in/check-out times and key collection procedures with your property host well in advance.

Confirm Thermae Bath Spa booking

Finalize all details for your group's spa visit, including treatment times if applicable, and make the full payment.

Ensure everyone is aware of the arrival time and any specific rules for group entry at Thermae Bath Spa.

Book afternoon tea venue

Make reservations for a memorable afternoon tea experience, specifying dietary needs.

Consider The Pump Room for iconic surroundings, The Ivy Bath Brasserie for elegance, or Sally Lunn's Historic Eating House for something unique to Bath.

Secure cocktail making class

Book a private or group cocktail masterclass, an enjoyable social activity.

Popular choices include The Botanist, Revolution Bath, or Green Park Brasserie, which often have dedicated spaces for groups.

Arrange dinner reservations

Book restaurants for each evening, considering different cuisines and atmospheres suitable for a hen party.

Highly-rated options in Bath include Sotto Sotto (Italian), Oak Restaurant (modern British), or Green Park Brasserie (lively atmosphere with live music).

Book a unique Bath activity

Confirm a special activity that reflects Bath's character, such as a pottery class or a walking tour.

The Makery offers creative pottery classes, or book a 'Jane Austen's Bath' walking tour for a cultural twist.

Plan local transport logistics

Due to Bath's narrow Georgian streets and limited parking, pre-book taxis or arrange a minibus if extensive travel between venues is needed.

Use local taxi firms like V-Cars for reliable service, especially for larger groups moving around Bath city centre.

Finalize activity schedule

Create a detailed day-by-day schedule with timings, addresses, and contact numbers for all bookings.

Ensure enough buffer time between activities, especially if walking between venues on Bath's sometimes hilly streets.

Collect deposits from guests

Follow up with guests to ensure all deposits for accommodation and activities are collected.

Communicate the payment schedule clearly, referencing any deadlines set by your property host or specific activity venues.

Confirm all bookings in writing

Request written confirmation (email) for every booking to avoid any misunderstandings upon arrival.

Keep all confirmation emails organized in a dedicated folder for easy reference during your Bath trip.

Plan arrival logistics for Bath Spa station

Coordinate who will meet guests arriving by train and how they will get to the accommodation.

Consider pre-booking a taxi from Bath Spa station directly to your accommodation, especially if arriving with luggage.

Research local shops for supplies

Identify supermarkets or party shops in Bath for any last-minute decorations or essentials.

Waitrose and Sainsbury's Local are conveniently located in Bath city centre for groceries.

Book beauty treatments

If desired, arrange manicure, pedicure, or massage appointments for the hen or the group.

House of Fraser Beauty Salon or independent salons on Milsom Street offer various treatments.

Consider a wine tasting experience

Book a private wine or gin tasting session for a sophisticated group activity.

The Fine Cheese Co. in Bath offers excellent wine and cheese pairing experiences.

Finalize menu choices for pre-booked meals

Confirm specific menu selections with restaurants, especially for larger groups with pre-set menus.

Re-confirm any specific dietary requirements directly with the Bath restaurant a week before.

Prepare a 'hen party survival kit'

Assemble a small kit with essentials like paracetamol, blister plasters, and snacks for the hen.

Include a small map of central Bath or key addresses, as phone signal can be patchy in some older buildings.

Explore optional evening bar crawl

Identify suitable bars for evening drinks, perhaps along George Street or Milsom Street, known for their vibrant nightlife.

The Canary Gin Bar is a popular choice for unique cocktails in a stylish setting.

Send final itinerary to guests

Distribute a detailed schedule including timings, addresses, and contact numbers for all activities and accommodation.

Include a small map highlighting key Bath locations like Thermae Bath Spa and The Pump Room.

Confirm all bookings (final check)

Re-confirm accommodation, spa, restaurant, and activity bookings one last time to prevent any last-minute issues.

Call or email your accommodation provider, Thermae Bath Spa, and any restaurants directly for re-confirmation.

Share emergency contact details

Provide all guests with essential contact numbers for the main organizer and local services.

Include the number for local Bath taxi services like V-Cars.

Create a shared information document

Compile all crucial information (itinerary, dietary needs, emergency contacts) in an easily accessible shared document.

Suggest downloading offline maps of Bath city centre for easier navigation.

Plan grocery shopping

If self-catering, plan a grocery list and arrange for shopping or delivery upon arrival.

Utilize online delivery services from Waitrose or Sainsbury's to your Bath accommodation for convenience.

Arrange house decorations

Coordinate who will bring and set up any decorations for the hen's accommodation.

Consider buying local Bath souvenirs or themed items from independent shops in the city.

Reconfirm transport arrangements

Verify all taxi bookings or private transport for transfers from Bath Spa station or between venues.

Confirm exact pick-up points with V-Cars, especially near busy areas like the Roman Baths.

Check Bath weather forecast

Advise guests on appropriate clothing, especially if outdoor activities like walking tours are planned.

Bath weather can be unpredictable; suggest layers and comfortable shoes for walking its hills and cobblestones.

Finalize payment collections

Ensure all outstanding balances from guests are collected and all suppliers are paid.

Double-check final costs with your accommodation host and activity operators, or review booking confirmations if using platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator.

Pack a 'hen party bag'

Prepare a small bag for the hen with fun accessories, a sash, and any personalized gifts.

Include a small token related to Bath, like a miniature Sally Lunn's Bun or Roman Baths souvenir.

Charge all devices

Remind everyone to charge phones, cameras, and power banks for capturing memories.

Ensure you have a fully charged device for navigating Bath's streets using Google Maps.

Create a celebratory playlist

Curate a fun music playlist for background music at the accommodation or during travel.

Include some relaxing tunes for winding down after the Thermae Bath Spa visit.

Remind guests about Bath's characteristics

Inform guests about Bath's walking culture, narrow streets, and the potential need for comfortable shoes.

Mention that many attractions like the Roman Baths and the Royal Crescent are within walking distance.

Prepare welcome packs

Assemble small welcome packs for each guest with the itinerary, a small treat, and a local map.

Include a mini Bath Bun or a map with the location of The Makery for a creative touch.

Reconfirm dietary requirements with all venues

Send a final list of all dietary needs to each restaurant and caterer booked.

Confirm directly with Sotto Sotto or Green Park Brasserie if any guest has specific allergies.

Download useful local apps

Suggest downloading apps for local taxi services, mapping, or specific Bath attractions.

Having the V-Cars app or similar can be very helpful for quick taxi bookings in Bath.

Plan for last-minute guest changes

Have a contingency plan for minor guest changes or unexpected cancellations.

Know the cancellation policies for Thermae Bath Spa and your chosen accommodation - review these carefully before booking.

Check into accommodation

Collect keys and ensure the accommodation is ready and to standard.

Follow the key collection instructions provided by your property host or rental agency carefully.

Decorate the house

Set up any hen party decorations, balloons, or personalized touches at the accommodation.

Focus decorations on a central living area in your Georgian townhouse for maximum impact.

Welcome guests

Greet guests as they arrive, whether at the accommodation or Bath Spa station.

Offer directions or assist with luggage from Bath Spa station to your central Bath accommodation.

Ensure smooth transport to activities

Coordinate taxis or walking routes to ensure timely arrival at all planned activities.

Utilize V-Cars for reliable transport, especially if moving between venues outside the immediate city centre.

Manage timings for spa treatments

Keep track of appointment times for Thermae Bath Spa and ensure the group arrives promptly.

Arrive at Thermae Bath Spa slightly early to allow for changing and orientation.

Coordinate afternoon tea service

Liaise with the venue to ensure the afternoon tea service runs smoothly.

Confirm the table setting and any special requests upon arrival at The Pump Room or The Ivy Bath Brasserie.

Oversee cocktail making class

Ensure everyone participates and enjoys the cocktail masterclass.

Encourage engagement at The Botanist or Revolution Bath to make the most of the interactive session.

Handle any unexpected issues

Address any minor problems or changes gracefully and efficiently.

Have contact numbers for Bath Tourism Plus or your accommodation provider readily available.

Capture photos and videos

Encourage everyone to take photos and videos to create lasting memories.

Get group shots at iconic Bath locations like the Royal Crescent or Pulteney Bridge.

Ensure adherence to restaurant booking times

Make sure the group arrives at dinner reservations on time to avoid disruption.

Confirm your booking with Sotto Sotto or Green Park Brasserie upon arrival to ensure your table is ready.

Manage the budget and track expenses

Keep a running tally of costs throughout the day to stay within budget.

Note down expenses for any spontaneous purchases from shops along Milsom Street.

Ensure all guests are comfortable and enjoying themselves

Regularly check in with guests to ensure everyone is having a good time and feels included.

Remind everyone to take breaks, especially after walking Bath's hilly streets.

Prepare for evening activities

Coordinate any costume changes or preparation needed for evening entertainment.

If doing Bizarre Bath's ghost tour, ensure everyone has suitable outerwear for the evening stroll.

Distribute any hen party favors

Hand out any pre-prepared goodie bags or favors to the guests.

Include small Bath-themed treats or souvenirs as a lasting memory.

Make the hen feel special

Ensure the bride-to-be is celebrated and feels the love throughout the day.

Arrange a small toast with a local Bath gin at The Canary Gin Bar.

Final checks before heading out for evening

Ensure everyone has their essentials, knows the plan, and is ready for the night.

Confirm late-night transport options with V-Cars if heading to bars further afield on George Street.

Arrange post-dinner drinks

Guide the group to a pre-selected bar for relaxed post-dinner cocktails or drinks.

Consider bars along George Street or Milsom Street for a vibrant end to the evening in Bath.