Before you are even scouting flights or picking out matching outfits, take a moment. The destination sets the tone for the whole weekend – and as we well know, the right location can make the world of difference.
Before we start you’ve got to know what type of stag do your looking for and what type of group you are.
For the purpose of this blog we’ve narrowed it down to five classic styles – which one do you belong to?
You’re into sharp suits, premium pours, and a bit of well-earned pampering. Think whisky tastings, cigar lounges, steak dinners, private poker nights, and maybe a hot towel shave to kick things off.
Lads, you live to party. You came to have a good time – and you’re not going home ‘til you’ve outdrunk, outdanced, and outlasted everyone else.
Low-key legends. Your vibe is proper chill – a lodge in the woods, beers round the fire pit, BBQ feasts, hot tubs, maybe even a bit of fishing or clay pigeon shooting. This group is all about the bonding with none of the burnout.
For you guys, a stag do is basically a challenge. Axe throwing, go-karting, white-water rafting, quad biking, escape rooms – bring it on. You want laughs, adrenaline and maybe a few bruises to show off after. You’re the “what’s the maddest thing we can do?” crew – and we’re absolutely here for it.
You want the lot – and why not? One minute you're getting a proper sports massage after paintball, the next you're lining up shots before heading to a casino. Add in a round of golf, a brewery tour, and a solid steak and ale pie, and you’re sorted. A little bit of chill, a lot of thrill, and always up for one more round.
The first thing to get sorted is the budget. It affects everything – where you stay, how you travel, what you do, and where you eat. Our 2 golden rules? Be honest and respectful.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet to get you started:
£ Lads on a Budget – You can keep travel costs down by staying in the UK and driving together, or if going abroad you can stay in budget accommodation. You could self-cater for food and have one night with card games and drinking games – maybe even a good old-fashioned stag challenge or two.
££ Classic Stag Style – Book a couple of nights somewhere decent – think villa, apartments or city centre pad. Throw in a bar crawl, some activities and a proper slap-up meal with pints and banter.
£££ Big Baller Blowout – This one’s for the stag crew going all in. We’re talking flights, beach clubs, private transfers, VIP treatment, and maybe even a yacht for the day. Fancy suits, cold beers, and zero responsibilities – the dream.
Pros:
No passports
Less time travelling = more time celebrating
Great for anyone juggling work, family or life admin
Loads of amazing cities like Nottingham, York, Liverpool, London, Newcastle and Cardiff
Cons:
British weather roulette
Can be a bit “been there, done that” if not planned well
Prices can sneak up if you’re not careful
Perfect for: Stress-free planners and groups with a mix of priorities
Pros:
Sunshine and sea air – what’s not to love?
Makes the whole thing feel like a real escape
Europe is packed with great-value options like Benidorm, Budapest, Krakow, Albufeira and Tenerife
Activities are often cheaper, and drinks… definitely are (depending on location)
Cons:
More to organise: flights, transfers, travel docs
Not ideal for busy calendars
Not everyone’s keen on flying or unfamiliar food
Perfect for: Sun-chasers and crews that want a big, beautiful break
You're here for one thing: chaos, big nights, bigger hangovers, and memories that'll last a lifetime.
Newcastle – Geordie charm, cracking clubs, and some of the wildest nights in the UK
Benidorm – Buckets of booze, beach bars, and non-stop banter – an absolute stag classic
Albufeira – Strip clubs, superclubs and all-night sesh central
Liverpool – Packed bars, proper scouse humour, and tunes for days
Ibiza – Legendary party scene with VIP tables, big-name DJs, and stunning sunset spots
Stag do’s that are premium. You want sharp style, quality booze, and a touch of class
Marbella – Beach clubs, boat parties, and steak dinners to die for
Prague – Beer halls, rooftop bars, and that Eastern European edge
Barcelona – Beach, Tapas, Las Ramblas and Beers
London – High-end cocktails, whisky tastings, and private poker nights
Edinburgh – Old school charm, hidden bars, and whisky galore
York – Ale trails, secret speakeasies and serious class with a twist
Low effort, high reward. Relax, reset, and sink some pints while soaking up the vibe.
Bristol – Quirky pubs, craft beer tours, and chilled-out daytime fun
Bournemouth – Sea breeze, beachfront bars, and hot tubs by night
Budapest – Thermal spas by day, ruin pubs by night – a perfect combo
Malta – Laid-back beaches, BBQ nights, and beers with a view
No stag left behind. This crew wants adrenaline, laughs and some proper bragging rights.
Nottingham – Epic outdoor activities in Robin hood’s forest
Edinburgh – Axe throwing, ghost tours, and a pub every 10 steps
Tenerife – Jet skis, quads, volcano hikes, and nights on the lash
Lisbon – Surf, Kayak, and pints – all on a decent budget
Can’t choose? No worries. Bit of action, bit of chill, plenty of beers – best of all worlds.
Nottingham – Activity-packed, legendary nightlife, and easy on the wallet
Albufeira – Sandy beaches, boat parties, and wild nights – it’s got it all
Liverpool – Iconic nightlife, cheap rounds, and banging food
Malta – Sun, scenery and plenty to do if you fancy getting out and about
York – History by day, havoc by night – classic stag contrast
Budapest – Thermal spas and ruin bars – a perfect combo
Let’s be honest – planning a big group weekend can be absolute chaos. One minute someone’s booking sun loungers in Marbella, the next it's all gone wholesome with countryside walks and card games.
Don’t stress though, we’ve been sorting group getaways for over 30 years – from wild city breaks to chill UK getaways and everything in between. You tell us what type of stag group you are, your budget, and some rough ideas – and we’ll sort it all for you.
Date Posted: Wednesday 30th April 2025
Author: Lauren Dalrymple
