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Stag parties in the south west

Stag parties in the south west


Modern, fun and personality-packed ideas for a stag do in the south-west





Today's stags should be seeking to put as much of an individual stamp on their final single moments as they will on their first matrimonial ones, and the south-west is full of things to keep himself and his posse amused. From wine tasting and private cinema nights to more esoteric experiences like bushcraft and horror-themed day trips, here's our top pick of stag party offerings close to home...

For adrenalin-fuelled antics...
Adrenalin Quarry
For adventuring made easy, Adrenalin Quarry's huge mix of things to do and pick 'n' mix style of itinerary building means that a stag party can be customised to include whatever kind of big-kid fun you want. And thanks to a booking system that automatically discounts as you go, with bargain Flexi tickets to add on to your day, it's at a budget to suit.

Situated near Liskeard in Menheniot, the spectacular site provides a giant playground for a plethora of activities including go-karting and axe throwing - or sample a thrilling ride such as the 150ft clifftop swing or 490m-long 50m-high zip wire as you fly at 40mph over the jaw-dropping flooded quarry.

Particularly popular for stags is the immense inflatable Aquapark, which is home to fun features including extreme trampolines, monkey bars, slides and swings; or book an exclusive Grand Prix at the all-weather outdoor track at Kartworld.

And with a variety of spaces to sit and recharge after an energy-depleting day, such as a lawn, lake-fringing beach and marquee, the venue also caters for a prime spot of pasty-munching downtime.
www.adrenalinquarry.co.uk/stag-do-and-hen-party-cornwall/

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For top-tasting tipples...
Trevibban Mill
Tucked away in the spectacular heart of the Cornish countryside near Padstow, Trevibban Mill provides the perfect spot to slow down the pre-marital celebrations as you sample some award-winning wines at a stunning venue.

Select a session of tutored wine tasting as you knock back no less than eight of the working vineyard's finest offerings (with light lunch options also available); or make it a night-time event of self-testing, courtesy of Trevibban's tasting notes and wines being pre-delivered to a destination of your choice.

So whether you wish to wander the wild flowers and explore the venue and vineyards with a guided tour or opt for a more intimate wine-tasting experience in the comfort of your own home as a delicious party-starter, Trevibban's tantalising offerings are sure to hit every stag's sweet spot.
trevibbanmill.com

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For quality downtime...
Woolacombe Bay Hotel
Offering an alluring mix of things to do, Woolacombe Bay Hotel makes a top-notch venue to enjoy some quality time with your best buds on the Devon coast.

Not just for girls, if you fancy slowing things down a little and relishing some pamper time, then pay a visit to the new Alchemist Spa, where a range of treatments are available. Most treatments are vegan-friendly and feature products exclusively from the Natural Spa Factory in Bath that are jam-packed with natural and uber-nourishing ingredients - helping you to polish up ahead of the day of "I dos".
 
Continue the kickback vibe with a stint in the hotel's new Neo Cinema, where a classic dinner served with expertly muddled mojitos can be followed by a blockbuster-filled film night. Seating 30 on snug sofas and armchairs, you can even stake sole use of the cinema for a private screening of your favourite film - or stage a superhero marathon as you sink into your comfy surrounds for the night.
 
If you fancy breaking a sweat as part of your stag do, a one-night Fitness Bootcamp includes dinner, stay, spa access, and two exclusive training sessions from the pros at SALT Gymnasia.

Alternatively, let the team craft a bespoke break. For example, stags keen to improve their surf skills can enjoy a tailor-made workout before hitting the waves with surf tuition, paddleboarding and coasteering that can all be organised (along with fat bikes and hiking tours).

Or for a mini-break experience, the hotel's self-catering accommodation includes flats and apartments that sleep up to six guests. Spend time in the spa, head out for refreshing beach walks, or hit the surf on Woolacombe Beach.
woolacombe-bay-hotel.co.uk

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For a house party with a difference...
Deer Park Country House
More than 80 acres of private Devon countryside estate await visitors to Deer Park Country House, where they'll also discover a beautifully restored 18th century country house. The perfect place for escapism, immerse yourself in the sublime natural surrounds as you forget about guest lists and grooms wear and relish some best-bud downtime.

Whether you're keen to chill, play or eat, Deer Park offers a tailor-made approach and a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces for a personality-packed stag party. Learn to fly-fish, schedule a wood-fired cookery class, try a Land Rover off-roading experience, or host al fresco fine dining from award-winning chefs.

Menus are a well thought-out affair, presenting rustic food with warmth and an "obsession with provenance - fig trees bask in the sun, and fresh rosemary or lemon basil might adorn a gin and tonic at sundown", says events manager, Georgie. "Our guests have the freedom to ask for anything: wild cherry compote, fresh fruit salad with our own apricots and peaches, organic juices, garden vegetable tempura, red mullet sashimi... Everything can be picked and made to order."
deerpark.co.uk

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For thrill-seekers...
Hell In A Cell
If fright nights are your thing, then Bristol's Hell I A Cell was made for you.
Named the Scare Awards' top escape room attraction in Europe, the adrenalin-pumping game experience will ensure the ultimate terrifying trip.

In short, the 19th century former underground cells in the dark depths of Bristol's Old Crown Courts is the lair of a chainsaw-wielding maniac 'Pigface' who hoods, handcuffs, 'kidnaps' and imprisons each visitor who must then work in teams under petrified pressure to escape.

Lasting an hour-and-a-half, you will enter the 'deliberately dramatic' set of a horror escape film (think 'Saw', 'Hostel' and 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre') where you'll use clues and puzzle solving to elude captivity before Pigface returns.

Once your stomach has settled, the centrally located venue is in close proximity to a variety of bars and clubs in which to continue the party (not to mention numb your terror) with a night out in the city.
hellinacellbristol.co.uk

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words Hannah May

Copyright Wed magazine 2019