Hen Party Planning Checklist for Brighton | 2026 Guide

Set a realistic budget for the entire hen weekend.

Brighton costs more in peak season for beds, activities, and meals - share a clear budget with the group from the start.

Central spots near The Lanes or Kemptown jump in price for summer and Pride, so track costs in a spreadsheet early.

Finalize the guest list and get everyone's contact details.

Get firm yeses before you book anything that depends on headcount.

Set up a WhatsApp group now - you will be sharing train times, house rules, and last-minute Brighton updates constantly.

Choose preliminary dates and a backup date.

Prices spike and beds vanish during Pride in August and other summer festivals.

Check the VisitBrighton events calendar before you commit if you are watching the budget.

Elect a chief bridesmaid or lead planner.

One person should own bookings and group messages so nothing gets double-booked or missed.

Pick someone happy on booking sites and comfortable chasing Brighton hosts about group and noise policies.

Brainstorm activity ideas specific to Brighton.

Think cocktail classes, beach yoga, shopping in The Lanes, or a boat trip from Brighton Marina.

Start with VisitBrighton for local operators, then GetYourGuide or Viator for group-friendly Brighton activities.

Start researching accommodation options for 10-20 people.

Brighton's market is competitive and many properties ban parties - hunt for hen-friendly houses now.

Look for listings that welcome groups and hen parties, then confirm noise and event rules with the host in writing.

Discuss the hen's preferences for the weekend.

Ask whether she wants chilled beach days or full-on West Street nights - Brighton suits both.

Even for a surprise, get hints about favourite Brighton spots or activity types she would love.

Create a rough itinerary outline.

Sketch timings for activities, meals, and getting between central Brighton, the Marina, and Kemptown.

Allow extra minutes when you are crossing from The Lanes to the seafront or Kemptown on foot.

Research travel options to Brighton.

Most groups arrive by train from London, which is faster and sidesteps Brighton's parking nightmare.

Book ahead on National Rail or Trainline from London Victoria or London Bridge to Brighton Station for cheaper group fares.

Set up a payment collection system.

Decide how everyone pays their share before deposits are due.

Splitwise or a dedicated group account keeps Brighton booking payments simple for the whole group.

Consider hen party theme ideas.

A theme can tie outfits, decorations, and activities together for the weekend.

Nautical fits the seaside, or bohemian chic works perfectly with shops in The Lanes.

Check for any dietary requirements or allergies.

Collect these now so restaurant and activity bookings work for everyone.

Restaurants in The Lanes and North Laine are usually helpful if you flag requirements when you book.

Discuss evening entertainment preferences.

Brighton runs from lively West Street pubs to Kemptown drag shows and late-night clubs.

Komedia in North Laine for comedy and club nights, or Bar Broadway in Kemptown for iconic drag performances.

Start a mood board or Pinterest board.

Pull together decoration, outfit, and activity ideas with a Brighton feel.

Pin Brighton Pier, colourful beach huts, and the Royal Pavilion for instant seaside inspiration.

Delegate specific tasks to other bridesmaids.

Split research for activities, restaurants, and transport so one person is not doing everything.

One bridesmaid on West Street cocktail bars, another on boutique shops in The Lanes.

Look into potential party supplies and decorations.

Plan what you need for the house without breaking any host rules on banners or balloons.

Brighton has party shops locally, or order online for delivery straight to your accommodation.

Review cancellation policies for potential bookings.

Know the terms for your house and activities in case dates or numbers shift.

Brighton bookings are competitive - clarify policies with operators like Brighton Getaways or your venue early.

Confirm the hen's availability for the chosen dates.

Double-check the bride can make your first-choice weekend before you pay deposits.

It sounds obvious, but confirming her dates now saves painful rebooking later.

Book the chosen accommodation.

Secure your group-friendly house as soon as you can - good Brighton bases go quickly.

Choose listings marked hen friendly or groups welcome, read reviews for no-party complaints, and confirm noise rules with the host.

Book train tickets to Brighton.

Lock in group fares and make sure everyone has tickets before prices climb.

Southern Rail offers off-peak group discounts from London Victoria to Brighton Station - book via their site or Trainline.

Book your primary hen party activity.

Reserve popular picks like a cocktail masterclass, pole dancing, or a boat trip.

Try The Alchemist, Revolution, or Be At One on West Street for cocktails; North Laine studios for pole; Brighton Boat Trips at the Marina for boats.

Book your secondary activities.

Confirm extras like beach yoga or an escape room while slots are still open.

Brighton Beach Yoga for group sessions, or Pier Pressure Escape Rooms in The Lanes for a highly rated option.

Make dinner reservations for both nights.

Large groups need tables booked early at Brighton's busiest restaurants.

The Coal Shed for steaks, Fatto a Mano for pizza, or a themed spot in The Lanes - mention it is a hen when you book.

Book a drag bingo or comedy night.

Brighton's drag and comedy scene is a hen-party favourite - book before weekends sell out.

Komedia in North Laine for comedy nights, or Bar Broadway in Kemptown for drag bingo and cabaret.

Pre-book any special transportation required in Brighton.

Arrange airport transfers if needed, or larger taxis for group moves around the city.

Pre-book Streamline Taxis or Uber for arrivals at Brighton Station and late-night returns from West Street.

Confirm all bookings and get written confirmations.

Check dates, times, and headcounts with every host and activity provider.

Keep confirmations in a shared Google Drive folder the whole group can access.

Purchase any necessary hen party props or costumes.

Order anything custom or hard to find locally in good time for delivery.

North Laine has novelty shops, but online is often better for specific theme props.

Create a detailed itinerary with timings and locations.

Share a clear schedule so everyone knows where to be and when.

Include full addresses, postcodes, and map links - The Lanes are easy to get lost in.

Allocate roles for games or activities.

Assign photographer, game master, or payment lead so the weekend runs smoothly.

Brighton's backdrops are made for photos - put someone in charge of capturing the best moments.

Consider booking a prosecco or cocktail reception upon arrival.

A welcome drink sets the tone as soon as you reach your base.

Many central hotels and serviced apartments offer arrival drinks - ask when you book.

Finalize the hen party playlist.

Curate tracks for pre-drinks, getting ready, and dancing later.

Add upbeat picks for West Street clubs or beachfront venues like Patterns.

Book a dedicated space for pre-drinks if not at accommodation.

A reserved bar area gives you a clear meeting point before the night kicks off.

Look for private areas or big tables on Duke Street or around The Quadrant.

Secure a table or area at a nightclub for Saturday night.

Large groups benefit from pre-booked entry or a reserved area on busy Saturdays.

Ask Pryzm, Coalition, or Patterns about VIP or group entry deals before you arrive.

Confirm spa treatments or pampering sessions if part of the plan.

Check every guest has their treatment time locked in.

The Grand and Harbour Hotel do group spa packages - Viator sometimes has discounts too.

Plan a souvenir shopping slot in The Lanes.

Block time for the group to browse Brighton's independent shops.

The Lanes and North Laine are perfect for Brighton-themed gifts and local treats.

Inform all guests about payment deadlines.

Tell everyone exactly when final balances are due for the house and activities.

Brighton operators often have strict payment windows - missed deadlines can mean cancelled bookings.

Send out the final itinerary to all guests.

Include timings, addresses, contact numbers, and any house-rule reminders.

Mark meeting points like Brighton Pier or the Royal Pavilion so newcomers can find their bearings.

Confirm all bookings one final time.

Call or email your house, restaurants, and activity providers to re-confirm headcounts.

Peak-season Brighton venues are fully booked - a small mix-up can mean no table or no slot.

Create a shared document or folder with all important information.

Store confirmations, emergency contacts, and the itinerary in one place.

Google Docs or Dropbox works well for on-the-go checks while you are out in Brighton.

Prepare a welcome pack for the hen.

Include a personal card, a small gift, and any themed accessories.

Pick up Brighton-themed treats in The Lanes or North Laine shops.

Assign a point person for emergencies during the weekend.

One bridesmaid should handle unexpected issues so the lead planner can enjoy the fun.

Give them local taxi numbers and the nearest urgent care details.

Confirm travel arrangements for each guest.

Make sure everyone knows their train time and how to reach the house from Brighton Station.

Remind the group that central parking is limited and expensive - train is the easier option.

Charge all phones and power banks.

You will need maps, photos, and group chat all weekend.

Navigation through The Lanes drains battery fast - pack power banks.

Pack a small 'emergency kit'.

Include pain relief, plasters, safety pins, and basic first-aid bits.

You will thank yourself after a long night on West Street or a windy walk on the seafront.

Organize hen party games and accessories.

Gather props and instructions so games are ready at the house.

A Brighton scavenger hunt through The Lanes is a fun, low-cost group activity.

Buy snacks and drinks for the accommodation.

Stock arrival essentials and hangover supplies within the house rules.

Tesco and Sainsbury's in central Brighton make a quick stock-up run easy.

Brief the bridesmaids on their roles and responsibilities.

Confirm who is leading each activity and who is watching the hen.

Assign leads for the cocktail class at The Alchemist and drag bingo at Bar Broadway.

Download useful apps for Brighton.

Get ride-share, local taxi, and maps apps ready before you travel.

Uber works in Brighton, and local taxi apps help when you need a bigger vehicle.

Prepare a small bag for the hen.

Pack essentials for the first night or a quick change between activities.

Handy after beach time or before a night out on West Street.

Review the budget and make any final adjustments.

Check all payments are collected and the group pot balances.

Double-check any referral fees or commissions you expect from Brighton operators.

Send a fun 'countdown' message to the group.

Build excitement with a photo and a quick reminder of train times.

Drop in a shot of Brighton Pier or the Royal Pavilion to set the mood.

Check the Brighton weather forecast.

Pack layers for beach days and something warm for seafront evenings.

Brighton weather turns quickly - layers beat relying on sunshine.

Plan for any last-minute gifts or treats for the hen.

Small surprises on the day make the weekend feel extra special.

North Laine independents are great for last-minute Brighton gifts.

Finalize any shared playlists for the weekend.

Make sure music is ready for the house and for getting ready.

A Brighton Beats playlist sets the tone from check-in onwards.

Travel to Brighton.

Aim to arrive together at Brighton Station on time if you can.

Re-check London to Brighton train times and remind anyone driving that the city centre is best avoided.

Check into accommodation.

Arrive, unpack, and note the house rules on noise, guests, and check-out.

Check-in times matter for larger properties from operators like Brighton Getaways - ask about early access when you book.

Decorate the accommodation.

Set up banners and balloons within what your host allows.

Keep decorations tasteful if your listing has strict no-party rules.

Have a welcome toast for the hen.

Kick off with prosecco or cocktails as soon as you are settled.

Toast at the house if you have a sea view, or head to Ohso Social on the beachfront.

Begin the first scheduled activity.

Head out for your first Brighton adventure, whether that is shopping or a class.

Start in The Lanes for boutiques, then North Laine for vintage finds.

Enjoy lunch at a pre-booked restaurant or casual spot.

Refuel before the afternoon activities kick in.

North Laine has relaxed independents, or pick a pub near the Royal Pavilion.

Continue with afternoon activities.

Keep the momentum with beach games, a scavenger hunt, or your booked session.

A Brighton-themed scavenger hunt in The Lanes or along the seafront adds local fun.

Take some memorable group photos.

Capture the best moments while you are out and about.

Hit Brighton Pier, the beach huts, the Royal Pavilion, and North Laine street art.

Allow downtime for freshening up before the evening.

Build in time to get ready before cocktails and the night out.

Essential before West Street cocktails or a drag show in Kemptown.

Start the evening with pre-dinner drinks.

Meet at your chosen bar for cocktails or prosecco.

The Gin Tub or Bohemia around The Quadrant and Duke Street work well for pre-dinner drinks.

Head to your dinner reservation.

Stick to your booked time - Brighton restaurants hold tables tightly on busy nights.

Enjoy the meal and keep an eye on the clock if you have club entry booked after.

Move on to evening entertainment or clubbing.

Dance at your pre-booked venue or explore Brighton's nightlife.

West Street has Pryzm; the beachfront has Coalition and Patterns for different music vibes.

Ensure everyone has a safe way to return to accommodation.

Plan taxis or ride-shares before the group splits up.

Pre-book a larger taxi or use Uber for the trip back from West Street or Kemptown.

Have an emergency contact list readily available.

Keep key numbers, including the lead planner and local taxis, on hand.

Add Brighton emergency services and late-night pharmacy numbers to the list.

Collect any necessary funds for activities or meals.

Use your agreed payment system for anything still owed on the day.

Collect outstanding balances for the day's Brighton activities before the night gets busy.

Capture videos and candid moments.

Short clips catch the energy better than photos alone.

Film the hen's reaction at the cocktail masterclass or the drag show at Bar Broadway.

Prepare for the next day's activities.

Glance at tomorrow's plan before everyone heads to bed.

Lay out beach gear or comfy shoes for North Laine the next morning.

Distribute any hen party favours or small gifts.

Hand out tokens for the group as a thank-you for being there.

Sticks of rock or mini bottles of local gin make easy Brighton favours.