Lads Day Out Ideas - The Ultimate Guide to Epic Lads Holidays and Weekends

Here at The Stag Company, we’re highly skilled at planning a lad’s day out, however they’re predominantly for pre-nuptial celebrations (a stag do), however we want to put our wealth of experience in event planning to good use.

This is the perfect opportunity for a bonding experience with your mates, you don’t need a special occasion like a wedding to bring you all together. These lads holidays are becoming increasingly popular, we’ve actually booked 457% more of these over the past 12 months compared to 5 years ago.

There are a number of considerations that should go into your plans, such as whether you want a UK lads day out or a European lads holiday, both have pros and cons to consider, while your budget should also play a key factor in the equation.

Why Plan A Lads Day Out?

As men, we’re pretty useless at times with arranging meet-ups, or at least a lot of us are. It can be hard when we’re bogged down with work, the most we organise is often a trip to the pub.

But these plans can help us with escaping daily routines and allow us to try out some unique experiences with your best mates. You can recharge your batteries and become motivated in life.

It’s also a great way to share and create memories with your pals, as that’s the real thing you’ll look back on with joy, not how much money you earned at work.

What people want in a lads holiday will vary between groups and individuals in groups, so it’s best to talk with your mates, to work out if they’re after relaxation to recover mentally, or an adventure break with wild activities, or maybe more bonding time, where you can focus the activities around being able to chat more.

The Best Cities For A Lads Day Out In The UK

There are a number of great cities to pick from, however we have highlighted the top sellers and best options from the past decade.

Manchester

This football obsessed city offers something for everyone in the group, whether they’re after a wild night out or something more cultural. Below are the top activities to try:

1. Go karting – a great group activity that takes place on a 550 metre indoor track, allowing you to speed around and find out who is the petrol-head champ of the group, with a little trophy to take home. This could be the start of an annual championship!
2. Sixes Social Cricket – No, we’re not talking about an actual game of cricket in the park, the British weather is too unreliable for that. Sixes is a bar with a virtual screen and ball thrower, so you can bat and it will tell you how far it would have gone, giving you a score so, once again, you can compete with your mates. Plus, the added benefit of already being in a bar is that you can all have a few pints while having a crack with the bat.
3. Paintballing – This is a stag weekend classic for a reason, it’s a great activity whatever the group size, while it also won’t break the bank, unless you plan on going crazy on bullets or using all the extras like smoke grenades. It’s a fun daytime activity while it will also burn some calories which you can eat later.

Newcastle

If you’re planning a weekend getaway with your mates, you really can’t go wrong with the wild land of the Geordies. Newcastle upon Tyne is a Northern gem, known for its rich history, iconic bridges, oh and best bars in the world! Below are some of the best activities you could try:

1. Junkyard Golf – This mini golf course has some truly unique scenery, forget a traditional game in a field, this is weird and whacky in the best possible way. You can do in a single group, or if you’re heading with quite a few people then you can split into multiple groups. They also serve drinks at the venue so you can have a few pints while playing.
2. Beer Bike – Easily one of my favourite activities to try, this allows people to tick off the tourist side, especially if you’re not all from Newcastle, while also enjoying a few beverages along the way.
3. Bierkeller Haus – There is something so cool about German beer halls, we seem to have them pop up all over the UK, as we drink our giant stein of beer and nibble on a sausage, with a cheeky pretzel to follow.

Liverpool

The legendary nightlife in Liverpool is only one of many reasons why you might want to opt for this city. The vibrant music scene is met by an extensive list of daytime activities to keep you occupied, not to mention a number of unique pop-up experiences.

1. Footgolf – The ultimate combination of football and golf into one modern sport, you will be punting a football (with your foot obviously) towards giant holes on a golf course. This is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK, it might not end up part of the Olympics any time soon, but it’s certainly a great bit of fun with your mates.
2. Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Experience – Sure, I know what you’re thinking, I don’t particularly fancy cocktails, but hear me out as there are plenty of tasty options. You will head in and put on orange overalls, as the guards lead you down to your cell and act out an entire immersive experience around you. You will ‘smuggle’ in moonshine for them to make up into tasty cocktails, sneaked into your cell.
3. Hooters – Well, you’ve got to eat and why settle for a traditional restaurant when you can have that truly American experience. Just try to visit before the lads have had too many beers, you don’t want people misbehaving!

Top European Destinations For Lads Holidays

Staying domestic isn’t for everyone, you might be more excited about visiting a country you’ve never been before and truly having those holiday-feels. So read on for our top recommendations.

Prague

Our top selling stag do destination over the past 5 years, it should come as no surprise that it would prove popular as a lads trip to Prague. Below are some top activities you could try.

1. Beer Cycle Boat – I’ve already mentioned a beer bike as a great choice, but have you ever heard of a beer pedal boat? Earn those pints and pedal the boat along the river as you take in all the beautiful sights of the city while getting absolutely wrecked.
2. Airsoft – A spin on paintballing, leaving less bruises and facial stains, airsoft is a great activity to get the adrenaline rushing. It’s also not something everyone has done half a dozen times, so it will feel like ticking off something new.
3. Ice Bar – They will provide the big warm jackets as you descend into the frozen bar and drink out of an ice cup. This one is a nice early evening activity and definitely a bit more unique, while it makes for some great holiday snaps of your trip away.

Budapest

Hungary’s capital is one of the most popular cities in Europe for tourists, but the tourists do tend to be younger and wilder, giving you an idea of what you’re getting yourself into. Having said that, Budapest is absolutely stunning, with a great river (with some nice riverside bars) and a big spa scene.

1. Bobsledding Experience – I LOVE this activity, you sit on a bobsleigh on a metal pathway and fly along along the route. If you book this with us, we include the private transfers to and from the activity, which is ideal as it is a bit out of town. We also chuck in a couple of beers each, as well as a hot dog, a guide and a game of mini golf at the same venue, talk about an all-round activity!
2. Sparty – This might be better if the group is mainly single, as it’s a bit of a wild party and I don’t know how happy the partners would be about you going to a pool party. The whirl pool is great fun, your inner child will take over as you float along with a beer in-hand. This all takes place at the beautiful spa that is visited during the day for relaxation, it becomes a very different scene in the evening.
3. Booze Cruise – Well, you have to check out the river while you’re here, but why bother with a traditional river cruise when you can have unlimited alcohol on board, perfect! The Danube River is spectacular with some brilliant architecture alongside, so you can say you’re having a cultural experience while being off your trolley.

Benidorm

A Benidorm lads weekend has always been a popular option, but it’s really taken off recently and become the number one destination for groups of guys looking to get away. The combo of beach, mad parties and a relaxed atmosphere, while not having to learn the language, make this an easy overseas option.

1. Sticky Magic Show – OK, sadly the legendary stripper who started this activity has passed away, but her daughter has taken over and the act is still...Well...It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
2. Catamaran Cruise – Better on day one before people get hungover, just remember to bring the sun tan lotion as you will be in direct sunlight for around 2.5 hours out at sea. You can even book these to have a DJ on board playing music for your group, as well as a bar to serve the drinks.
3. Aqualandia – I don’t care what anyone says, a waterpark is the pinnacle of a lads holiday activity. You can tear down the slides and splash into the pool all day, it will leave you feeling like a five year old again.

Popular Lads Day Out Activities

Sometimes it’s not the location that will direct you, it’s the type of holiday you want, whether that’s adventure or nightlife focused. Below I’ve broken it down into some core groups.

Adventure Activities

Getting the adrenaline up is a key aspect for many lads, therefore you might want some form of racing activity, such as go karting, mud buggies or blind driving (that’s blindfolded).

If you head to Eastern Europe then the adventure could be more gun based, while in the UK a lot of groups opt for an assault course, where you have to work together in order to tackle the whole track.

Sporting Events

If you all collectively love a single sport, whether it’s football, rugby or cricket, the weekend can be built around this. You could book tickets to see a game live, or you could book a venue to play. You might want to tour a stadium, or book out a section of a sports bar.

There are some modern fun alternatives, such as bubble football, which is intense in the best way possible.

Nightlife

Hey, let’s be realistic, a lot of group events for men revolve around the nightlife aspect, so if this is true for your group then you can pick activities that either include a nightclub entry or lead up to it.

It could be some beer tasting, a brewery tour, or even visiting an arcade bar where you can play some retro games. In the UK, arcade bars are expanding rapidly, the fastest growing area of the nightlife scene.

Relaxation

Well, this might not be relevant for all lads days out, but many of us just need to clear the mind and get away from it all.

You could get back to nature, maybe go for a hike with the lads in the great outdoors. Then again, that’s still pushing the body, so if you truly want to relax then you could opt for a beach holiday and get a hotel with a pool. If it’s all inclusive then you have cocktails on tap all day.

How To Plan The Ultimate Lads Day Out

You first want to get an idea around where you would like to visit, are you staying in the UK or heading abroad. Try to work out everyone’s budget so you know how wild to go, you don’t want to pressure someone to stay in a 4 star hotel when they envisioned a hostel.

You then want to synchronise on booking the transport as well, if you book it together then you’ll most likely be sat together, you don’t want to be opposite ends of a plane.

Our company lists a number of activities that are ideal for group activities with the guys, while we can also handle booking the accommodation.

The only aspect we don’t handle is the transport, but we can arrange transfers to the activities or an airport transfer.

So if you want help with planning the lads holiday, do reach out to us, we’re more than happy to help.