In short
For a hen do in London that's different from the usual cocktail class, build the day around a live London Lions basketball game at the Copper Box Arena in Stratford. It's a shared, high-energy experience with bars inside, and Hackney Wick's canal-side bars and restaurants are a few minutes away. Book seats together and check the arena's bag and drinks rules before you go.
The best hen dos are the ones where everyone feels included: old school friends, new colleagues, sisters, mums and future in-laws. That's harder than it sounds when guests have different budgets, energy levels and ideas of fun. London has hundreds of options, but many follow the same formula. This guide covers how to plan a hen do in London, a range of activity ideas, and why a live basketball game can be a surprisingly good centrepiece.
Planning a hen do in London
Start with the guest list
Before choosing activities, think about who's coming. A group that spans generations needs a different plan from a group of university friends. Ask the bride-to-be what she'd enjoy, and what she'd rather avoid.
Set a budget early
Agree a per-person budget before booking anything, and share it with the group. It prevents awkward conversations later and makes it easier for everyone to say yes.
Choose one area
Travelling between activities across London eats into the day. Picking one area, such as Stratford and Hackney Wick in east London, keeps the group together and saves time.
The planning checklist
- Date and guest list agreed
- Budget shared with the group
- One main activity booked
- Food and drinks booked around it
- Travel and accommodation sorted
- Payment plan agreed, so the organiser isn't out of pocket
Activity ideas
Daytime activities
- Something active: the ArcelorMittal Orbit tunnel slide, or a cycling session at Lee Valley VeloPark in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
- Something creative: a workshop or class, such as cocktail-making, painting or dance
- Something cultural: the East Bank cultural quarter, home to V&A East and Sadler's Wells East
- Something relaxed: brunch and a canal walk in Hackney Wick
Evening plans
- Live sport: a London Lions game at the Copper Box
- Dinner: a group table in Hackney Wick or Westfield Stratford City
- Drinks: canal-side bars and breweries in Hackney Wick
Why live basketball works for a hen party
A basketball game might not be the first idea that comes to mind for a hen do, but it ticks a lot of boxes:
- It's a shared experience. Everyone cheers together, whatever their age or interests.
- It's high energy. Music, a home crowd and fast scoring make it feel like an event.
- It has a fixed time. Doors open 60 minutes before tip-off, and the game lasts around two hours, so it fits neatly into the day.
- It works for non-drinkers. The arena has bars, but the game is the main event.
- It's different. Guests are more likely to remember a courtside cheer than another bottomless brunch.
Most London Lions men's home games are in the evening, and some are on weekend afternoons. Most are at the Copper Box Arena, but some are played at NCC Hackney, so always check the venue on the fixture list and your ticket before you travel. An afternoon game followed by dinner and drinks makes a full day. Check the full fixture list to find a game that fits your date.
Day-to-night plans
| Plan | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Active hen | The ArcelorMittal Orbit slide, then lunch at Hackney Bridge | An evening game, then drinks in Hackney Wick |
| Relaxed hen | Brunch and a canal walk | An early evening game, then dinner at Westfield Stratford City |
| Weekend afternoon hen | An afternoon game | Dinner and drinks in Hackney Wick |
How to book for a hen group
Booking as a group
For a smaller group, book seats together on Ticketmaster through the London Lions tickets page. For a larger group, email the club at ticketing@thelondonlions.com with your preferred game, numbers and any access needs. Booking early makes it easier to find seats together. Our Group Celebrations page explains group bookings in more detail.
Seats for the bride-to-be
For a special touch, consider courtside seats for the bride-to-be and a few close friends, with the rest of the group nearby in the lower tier. Courtside seats are priced higher than other areas.
Practical tips
Dress code and bag rules
- Bags must be roughly A4 size or smaller, and every bag is searched. There's no bag storage, so leave overnight bags at your accommodation.
- Outside food and drink, including alcohol, aren't allowed into the arena.
- The arena is cashless, so guests need a card or phone to pay.
- Fancy dress is welcome, so feel free to plan costumes for the group. Leave large props at your accommodation, because bags are searched and there is no bag storage.
Getting there
The Copper Box Arena is at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, London E20 3HB. Hackney Wick station is about five minutes' walk away, and Stratford about 15 minutes on foot. There's no general parking. Our guide to getting to the Copper Box Arena covers every route.
Keeping everyone included
Plan at least one part of the day that doesn't revolve around alcohol, and make it clear that guests can join for part of the day if they need to. A game is a natural point for guests to join or leave.
A tip for the organiser
Only the person who bought the tickets can collect them from the box office, with photo ID and the card used to pay. Keep the e-tickets on your phone, or send them to each guest before the day.
Planning for the groom's side too? See our guide to stag do ideas in London. For the park's latest events, see the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park what's on page.
Hen do ideas by group
| Group | Idea |
|---|---|
| Sporty friends | Lee Valley VeloPark or the Orbit slide, then a game |
| Mixed ages and family | Brunch, a weekend afternoon game and an early dinner |
| A bigger night out | An evening game, then dinner and drinks in Hackney Wick |
| A relaxed group | A canal walk, street food at Hackney Bridge and a game |
Keeping costs fair
Hen dos can get expensive quickly. Agree the budget at the start, be clear about what's included, and let guests opt in or out of the more expensive parts of the day. Upper-tier seats at a game give a full view of the court and are usually the lowest-priced option, which helps keep the main event affordable.
A weekend hen in east London
For a weekend hen, stay in Stratford or central London. Spend Saturday on activities and a game, and Sunday on a long brunch in Hackney Wick and a walk through Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Everything is within walking distance or a short train ride.
Getting the details right
Accessibility
The Copper Box is a registered accessible venue with accessible toilets and changing rooms. Wheelchair and ambulant tickets come with a free companion ticket, so guests with access needs can sit with the group. Mention access needs in your first email to the club.
Timings for the group
Send guests a simple timetable a week before: the meeting point, the doors-open time (60 minutes before tip-off), the restaurant booking and the plan for getting home. Clear timings stop the day drifting and help guests who are joining for only part of it.
A final checklist for the organiser
- Tickets booked and shared with guests
- Restaurant and activity bookings confirmed around the tip-off time
- Arena rules shared: small bags only, no outside drinks, cashless
- A meeting point and a plan for getting home
- A budget everyone has agreed to
Most importantly, keep the bride-to-be at the centre of the plan. Ask her early what she would love and what she'd rather skip, and build the day around those answers. A hen do that reflects her personality will always be remembered more fondly than one built around the latest trend.
Frequently asked questions
What are good hen do ideas in London?
Good hen do ideas include active options such as the ArcelorMittal Orbit slide, creative workshops, brunch and canal walks, and live sport. A London Lions basketball game makes a different centrepiece, with dinner and drinks in Hackney Wick before or after.
Is a basketball game a good hen party activity?
Yes, for groups that want something different. A game is a shared, high-energy experience that works for mixed ages and non-drinkers, lasts around two hours and leaves the evening free for dinner and drinks nearby.
Can we bring drinks into the Copper Box Arena?
No. Outside food and drink, including alcohol, aren't allowed, and bags must be roughly A4 size or smaller. Drinks are on sale at bars inside the arena, which is cashless.
How do we book a group for a hen do?
For smaller groups, book seats together on Ticketmaster through the London Lions tickets page. For larger groups, email ticketing@thelondonlions.com with the game, numbers and any access needs.
Where can a hen party eat and drink near the Copper Box?
Hackney Wick has canal-side bars, breweries and restaurants a few minutes' walk away, and Hackney Bridge has food stalls. Westfield Stratford City, on the other side of the park, has restaurants for groups of all sizes.
For anything else, see the London Lions FAQs.
Sources and references
- London Lions — Tickets (including group bookings)
- London Lions — Frequently asked questions
- London Lions — Schedule
- Copper Box Arena — Find us
- Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park — What's on
This article was checked against the sources above. Fixtures, prices and venue arrangements can change, so always check the latest details on the London Lions website before you travel.