10 Essential Oxford Hen Do Ideas & Activities
Five of the best
Updated December 2025
Oxford is a classy city, often the home of the classiest of all hen dos. But class doesn’t always have to come cheap. While you can get a great value package, it’s always worth knowing how to mix the high-end treats with some budget-friendly culture.
We’ve compiled the ultimate list to ensure you fill your weekend with wonderful memories without breaking the bank. Here are the 10 essential things to do on an Oxford hen weekend.
1. Punting on the River Cherwell
The Vibe: Quintessential Oxford.
You simply cannot visit Oxford without going Punting. It is the number one activity for a reason. You can hire a punt from the Magdalen Bridge Boathouse and drift downstream past the Botanic Gardens and Christchurch Meadows.
Pro Tip: Don't try to punt yourself unless you brought a change of clothes! We recommend booking a Chauffeured Punt so you can sit back with a glass of Pimms while a guide does the hard work.
2. Visit the Ashmolean Museum
The Vibe: Culture & History.
Free Activity: Oxford has an amazing array of museums that are free to enter. The famous Ashmolean Museum was the very first public museum in Britain. It contains extraordinary items like drawings by Leonardo da Vinci and the death mask of Oliver Cromwell. It’s a stunning building and a sophisticated way to spend the morning.
3. Cocktail Making Masterclass
The Vibe: Shaking & Sipping.
After the culture, it’s time for cocktails. Oxford has a thriving bar scene, and a Cocktail Masterclass is the perfect bridge between the daytime sightseeing and the evening chaos. You’ll learn to mix, muddle, and shake your own drinks under the guidance of a pro mixologist. It’s interactive, boozy, and gets everyone laughing.
4. The Headington Shark
The Vibe: Weird & Wonderful Photo Op.
Free Activity: In Headington (a short bus ride away), there is a famous sculpture that demands a visit. At Number 2, New High Street, you will find a massive shark crashing head-first through the roof of a terraced house. It looks like something from Sharknado. It’s ridiculous, iconic, and makes for a brilliant group photo.
5. Shopping in the Covered Market
The Vibe: Foodie Heaven.
Oxford’s Covered Market has been around for over two hundred years. It’s a maze of independent stalls selling everything from fresh cookies (Ben's Cookies started here!) to hats and jewellery. It’s the perfect place to grab a cheap, delicious lunch or pick up a unique souvenir.
6. Rooftop Drinks at The Varsity Club
The Vibe: Views & Vibes.
For the best view in the city, head to the rooftop at The Varsity Club (TVC). You get a 360-degree panorama of the "Dreaming Spires" while sipping a cold glass of wine. It feels incredibly exclusive but is accessible to everyone. Just make sure you book a table if the sun is out!
7. Harry Potter Walking Tour
The Vibe: Magic & Movies.
Free Activity: Oxford is a city filled with literary history. You can take a self-guided walking tour to see the sites that inspired Harry Potter (Christ Church College Hall looks just like Hogwarts!). If you prefer Alice in Wonderland or C.S. Lewis, you can find tours for those too. It’s a magical way to explore the city streets.
8. Afternoon Tea
The Vibe: Classy Indulgence.
Oxford does Afternoon Tea better than almost anywhere else. Whether you want it in a posh hotel like The Randolph or a quirky cafe, it’s a staple of the hen weekend. Upgrade to Unlimited Prosecco if you want to ramp up the party atmosphere early.
9. Radcliffe Square Photoshoot
The Vibe: The Perfect Backdrop.
Free Activity: The Radcliffe Camera is the most photographed building in the city. Built in 1749, it is a thing of sheer beauty and sits in a stunning square. You’ll recognize it from films like The Golden Compass. It’s the definitive spot for the group photo before you head out for dinner.
10. Stay in a Unique Party House
The Vibe: Private Escape.
While Oxford has great hotels, for a hen do, we recommend something unique.
Check out Mini Fest, a glamping site with a private party barn, fire pit, and BBQ area—perfect for a festival-themed hen. Or for a quieter escape, look at Rustic Lets, a set of charming cottages in the countryside nearby.
Ready to Plan?
The Stag and Hen Experience has been creating bespoke weekends since 2009. If you want to plan a package in the UK or abroad, get in touch on 01202 566100 or browse our full range of Oxford Hen Packages to get started.