Put the plastic wobbly willies down. Hen parties are still one of the best bits about getting married, but the days of having a screaming gaggle of girls covered in sashes, feather boas, flashing genitals and - shudder - bright matching amateur printed t-shirts are thankfully on their way out.
Edinburgh is a hugely popular hen party destination and there are lots of fantastic original activities to get stuck into, so if the idea of a typical hen party sends shivers down your spine, read on. You can have a fantastic time with your girls doing something a little bit different in Edinburgh!
Get your thinking cap on
What better way to put your gal pals' friendship to the test than being locked in a room for 60 minutes? Lots of live room escape games have popped up in the city, and they are a great way to test out your smarts and teamwork while having a lot of fun. Work your way through intriguing challenges and puzzles against the clock, and try to escape the room before the time runs out. Whether you manage to beat the game or not, you can always celebrate/drown your sorrows in a round of cocktails afterwards! Escape room games in Edinburgh include Can You Escape?, Escape Hour, Escape and Dr Knox's Enigma.
Test your tastebuds
After testing your teamwork to its limit by busting out of a locked room, you might need a stiff drink. If that's the case, why not use it as an excuse to broaden your knowledge of one of Edinburgh's favourite tipples at a gin tasting masterclass? There are lots of fantastic gin bars in Edinburgh, and a handful of these offer a guided tour of some of the best gins on offer. The knowledgeable staff help you appreciate the fine tasting notes of each gin, as well as tips on how the spirit should be served in terms of accompanying tonic and garnish. A must for any gin lover! Gin bars that offer tastings include 56 North, Mother's and One Square.
Get those crafty juices flowing
For those brides-to-be who enjoy being crafty and making things, there are some fantastic pottery party options available. Paint your own ceramic mugs, plates, ornaments - whatever you fancy. It's a great way to have a bit of fun, and you'll have your very own keepsake at the end of it to remember your perfect hen do by. You really can't go wrong with that! Pottery studios that offer painting workshops include Doodles in Marchmont and The Ceramic Experience in Leith.
Enjoy a movie
Any seasoned Edinburgh local will tell you that the Dominion Cinema is the place to watch a film. With their copious stock of vino at the snack stand and their gloriously comfortable sofas, there is really no other way to watch the latest releases in the capital. If your pal is a bit of a film buff, then treat her to the ultimate movie going experience with a private party at the quintessential Edinburgh cinema. Get the wine in, get comfy and watch the latest Chris Pratt offering. Swoon.
Afternoon tea, anyone?
Afternoon tea is quickly becoming one of the most popular hen party activities and it's no surprise why - can you think of anything more indulgent than enjoying sumptuous bite sized treats along with a glass of the finest champagne? There are plenty of options in the capital for afternoon tea, but perhaps one of the most glamorous is the Colonnades at the Signet Library. Just off the Royal Mile, its location is surprisingly calm and serene, and the fine furniture and books are fantastic surroundings for enjoying their delicious selection of savouries and delectable sweet pastries. Other fine options include Palm Court at the Balmoral Hotel, Peacock Alley at the Caledonian Waldorf Astoria, The Bonham Hotel or the regal surroundings of the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Get acquainted with the afterlife
If your bride to be has an interest in the paranormal, you can test her mettle with a spooky guided tour of Edinburgh's haunted underground. Explore the underbelly of Edinburgh in the Blair Street Vaults with Mercat Tours, who will terrify you with tales of revenge, death and ghostly spirits. You can also try The Real Mary King's Close, who do private showings of their chilling 'Dark Truth' tour on request, or find out more about some of Edinburgh's scariest legends at the Edinburgh Dungeon.
Warm up your vocal chords
Of course, no post on Edinburgh hen parties could possibly go by without honourable mention to the wonderful karaoke booths our city has to offer. The two most popular ones are Electric Circus and Supercube, each with booths that can accommodate groups big and small. Belting out your favourite anthems with your best girlies by your side is undoubtably one of the best ways to wrap up your hen do in Edinburgh!
In the mood for cocktails? See Time Out's guide to Edinburgh's best cocktail bars.