The tradition of stag parties can be traced back to ancient Greece. It is believed that the practice originated in Sparta in the fifth century. There, military comrades would host a great feast and toast each other on the eve of a friend’s marriage. The groom would raise his chalice high, say goodbye to bachelorhood, and swear loyalty to his comrades.
The stag party evolved from being a simple event that involved a few drinks with friends at the local pub to become a positive drinking experience, something to be afraid of by city dwellers as hundreds of men dressed in brightly colored mankinis walked down the High Street. The primary task of the Best Man was, like the never-ending challenge of children’s birthday parties, to organize something bigger and more than the previous, pushing the boundaries and taking blindly on the absurd, as well as stepping onto planes going further afield.
Our bestselling UK packages offer a timeless combination of adrenaline activities and central bars. There’s also a decent hotel to stay in. EU booking trends indicate that people who want to spend more on their final days of singledom can enjoy a few nights of fun or relaxation in Spain or Eastern Europe.
The rise of the weekends
In the past decade, there has been an increase in joint Hen/Stag parties. This is where happy couples gather their friends and money to organize a night out. Double the fun is better with twice the guests.
“Sten dos” or “hag dos” (referred to as such because of the temptation to use the word merge! It is a cost-effective and inclusive way to celebrate the nuptials with a large group. Single friends can meet new people, and existing happy couples can hang out together. Strong bonds are made before The Big Day. Stereotypes and traditions are forgotten, and inclusive FUN is the only thing on the agenda.
Many great activities for large groups include boat trips, and It’s a Knockout. We also sell Bubble Football as well as immersive escape experiences. We can help you introduce a competitive aspect to daytime proceedings. After reserving some booths at a decent bar for your group and getting you on a guestlist of the closest club so you can dance until the wee hours, we can get you the guest list.
LGBT friendly stag destinations
We’ve seen an increase in gay stag parties since same-sex marriage was legalized in many countries in recent years. This includes the UK in early 2014. We understand that no one stag weekend is the same. Our customers have their preferences and wish lists for prenuptial celebrations. We aim to meet all of them.
Our team has shared their top tips on LGBT+-friendly stag destinations. It may surprise you that the UK’s beloved city of Brighton emerged as one of the top runners!
What makes a destination LGBT+ friendly, you ask? We’re referring to cities where all bars, hotels, and restaurants openly welcome the LGBT+ community without discrimination. These are places that feel safe, respectful, and inclusive. They have open-minded residents who embrace diversity and make everyone feel at home. Your group will enjoy a memorable and enjoyable stay in these cities.
London Calling
The vibrant capital of London is often called one of the top LGBT+ destinations in the world, boasting a diverse and exciting nightlife scene. Soho is the heartbeat of LGBT London and offers memorable nights out. Soho has traditional gay bars like Kings Arms and Admiral Duncan and many fun bars and clubs like G-A-Y and Ku Bar. Vauxhall is another spot that offers excellent LGBT nightlife. Above The Stag, Eagle London, and The Royal Vauxhall Tavern are must-see spots.
Book into one of London’s top-end retreats to enjoy a spa day or arrange a lazy picnic in Green Park Hyde Park or Primrose Hills, where you can take in the views as the bubbly flows. You can visit various tourist attractions and take a boat trip along the Thames to see them all.
Venice of the North
Amsterdam is often voted one of Europe’s most LGBT+-friendly cities. The city is known for being open-minded, liberal, and fun-loving. Apart from its vibrant nightlife scene, which includes venues like the four-story Club NYX and Church, the city of canals offers many unique, eclectic, and cultural options throughout the day.
Visit the museums and art galleries in Amsterdam for an educational day. You can also book a tour of the Heineken brewery. You can relax in one of Amsterdam’s gay saunas or hire a bike to ride along the canals. You can also wander the cobblestone streets and enjoy the many cafes, coffee shops, and boutiques.
Berlin nightlife
Berlin is a vibrant and exciting place to party. It’s also an excellent spot for LGBT groups looking for bars, clubs, and cafes that cater exclusively to gay people. You can start in Schoneberg, home to the hard-core techno club Berghain or, quite close, the loud and proud mainstream pop venue SchwuZ.
Checkpoint Charlie and East Side Gallery are tourist hotspots that can be visited during daylight hours. The Schwules Museum is excellent for learning about gay culture, history, and art. If you’re lucky, it’s also close to Tiergarten Park. You can also stop by to pay tribute to the park’s ‘Memorial To Homosexuals Persecuted under Nazism.’ You can also find some lighthearted shops and alternative establishments in areas like Schoneberg, Kreuzberg, and Prenzlauer.
Brighton rocks
Brighton is a world-famous gay mecca. It has been called the UK’s unofficial LGBT capital. The city offers various entertainment options and a vibrant cultural scene. The city offers multiple artistic, musical, and creative offerings yearly.
Brighton is alive and well as host to The Great Escape, Fringe Festival, and Brighton Festival every May. This is a great time to visit. However, it’s also a busy month, so book your accommodation and entertainment beforehand. If you want to celebrate your prenuptial with rainbow-colored flair, why not go to Brighton’s Pride Festival in August? This parade and the endless partying make it the best Pride celebration globally. It will be a great backdrop to your big weekend.
The Bulldog, Brighton’s oldest gay pub, can be found at St James’s Street in Kemptown. This is the area that also houses The Queen’s Arm. Here you’ll discover outspoken live acts as well as spectacular burlesque performances. The legendary Revenge, R-Bar, and Legends are all in the Kemptown area. They guarantee a fun-filled, memorable night. You can find chilled vibes at the beachfront with the many cafes, restaurants, and watering holes.