York Stag Do

Why is York Good for a Stag Do?

You and your fellow stags are bound to receive a warm welcome from this friendly and fun northern English city that’s full to the brim with pubs and bars. In fact, there are more than 365 of them here. How many will you visit on your stag do in York?

One of the best stag do destinations in the UK, York is known for its history (it has the longest medieval walls in the country), culture and ghostly goings on. Apparently, more than 500 ghosts live here. But do not make the mistake of thinking that it does not know how to throw a party. Fun-loving locals will really show you up if you are not ready to go all in.

For the best nightlife, you will want to head to the Old Quarter, surrounded by the historic city walls. Here you will find York’s best pubs, bars and clubs in a compact, pedestrianised area, perfect for a pub crawl down the winding streets or a few pints in a bar overlooking the River Ouse. But you are not just going to be boozing on your York stag do. Celebrate to the max with a range of top activities. Whether you want to chill or get that adrenaline pumping, there is something for every kind of stag group here.

Top 10 Stag Do Activities in York

If you are a group that loves a kickabout, it is only natural that you will want something football related in the mix for the upcoming stag weekend. But why not try a footie session with a difference? With bubble football, you will all wear giant inflatable zorbs over your top halves, leaving your legs free to run around. You will play a whole variety of games, but remember, dribbling the ball and tackling will feel completely different. Expect to crash into your mates and do somersaults all over the place.

Ready for some quality nights out in York during the big stag weekend? Make sure you do things the right way with one of these epic bar crawls. You and the group will explore some of the city’s best bars and pubs, where you can sink drinks and party until the early hours. A bar crawl is a great way to get acquainted with a new city and saves you the hard work of figuring out where to go. Each one is hosted by a fun and friendly guide who will take you to some of York’s top party spots.

Get that adrenaline pumping with an octane-fuelled quad biking experience in York. Feel the buzz as you tame these beastly machines and ride through a range of tracks and terrain. Expect steep hills, muddy bogs, fast straights and technical corners. It does not matter if you are a pro or a total beginner, as an expert instructor will give you a full safety briefing before you get behind the handlebars.

When you are on a stag do, you will want to make sure there are a couple of decent nights out planned. If you have not had time to scope out the best bars and clubs or simply cannot be bothered (we get it), choose from our top nightlife picks. We even have a handy multi venue pass for one or two nights, giving you access to a great selection of bars and clubs in York. You can also skip the queues with these passes, meaning more drinking and less waiting around.

Stag dos are all about letting loose and having a laugh, so why not throw something completely bonkers into the mix? With our inflatable knockout games, you and the lads will take on all sorts of wild challenges, from bungee sumo and football darts to giant sports day-style games and inflatable tubes. With a great mix of zones and challenges, this hilarious activity is perfect for any group and guaranteed to deliver big laughs.

Axe throwing is the activity of the moment. We all know that planning a wedding can be stressful, so why not blow off some steam on your York stag do by hurling axes at targets and unleashing your inner Viking? A professional instructor will show you the ropes before you get competitive and see who can land the perfect bullseye.

You can expect plenty of partying on your York stag do, but if you want a daytime challenge that wakes up your brain, an escape room is ideal. You and your mates will be locked in a themed room and must solve puzzles, clues and riddles to break free. The clock will be ticking, so there is no time to dawdle. Teamwork is everything here, so get ready to put your heads together before time runs out.

If you fancy testing your precision and accuracy, book an air rifle shooting session for your York stag do. Head out into the Yorkshire countryside and try your hand at hitting a range of targets. A professional instructor will guide you through a safety briefing and teach you the basics before you start competing. Expect plenty of friendly rivalry as you battle it out for the top score.

If you love football and golf, footgolf is the perfect combo. You will play on a golf course with specially adapted holes, but instead of golf balls and clubs, you will be using footballs and your feet. The aim is the same as golf, to get the ball into the hole in as few shots as possible. It is great fun, brilliant for banter and ideal for a bit of friendly competition.

There is nothing quite like a nude life drawing class for a York stag do, and luckily, there are plenty of great options. Our nude life drawing with a female model adds a cheeky twist to your weekend, but if you want to properly stitch up the groom, we have got the perfect option. The stag stitch up class means the groom-to-be will be the model. Each session is run by a professional art tutor who will give sketching tips and help you capture your model’s best side.

Looking for Stag Do Ideas in York?

You lads will be spoilt for choice on your stag weekend in York with loads of epic activities to give the groom an unforgettable send-off.

Daytime Stag Do Ideas in York

Football fans will love Bubble Football, which puts a hilarious twist on the beautiful game. You will get a very quirky kit for this one, a big inflatable zorb ball. Your dedicated event coordinator will help you into the zorbs, split you into teams and run a warm up to get you used to the gear. Then it is time to get competitive for a York stag do to remember.

The tackles are very different from your usual match. You can sprint full speed into your mates and try to knock them over as you battle for the ball. Expect huge laughs as you spend half the time stuck on your back trying to stand up again.

If you want something less energetic that still gets the heart racing, head to Locked In Games on Museum Street for one of their escape rooms. With an hour on the clock, you will work together to crack codes, find clues and solve challenges. Think your group can beat the room?

Night Time Stag Do Ideas in York

When night falls, it is time to party. Kick off with a big meal at one of York’s many top restaurants. You can line your stomachs, enjoy a few pre-drinks and plan the pubs and clubs you want to visit. If you fancy an interactive drinking experience, gin tasting is always a hit. A gin expert will teach you all about this popular spirit, share samples and show you how to make brilliant gin cocktails. Games and challenges keep the banter flowing.

Getting Around During Your Stag Do in York

You can hop on a direct train to York from a number of major UK stations. If you are driving, the city is around 45 minutes from Leeds, an hour and a half from Manchester and about four hours from London. Once you arrive, the cobbled streets are great to explore on foot, but it is also easy to grab a bus or taxi to wherever you need to be.

York Stag Do FAQs

Is York good for a stag do?

This medieval city has a buzzing atmosphere, loads of quirky pubs, modern bars and tons of stagtivities to suit any group. You can explore centuries-old streets like The Shambles during the day and hit wild hotspots at night. You might even hear some ghost stories! Locals are welcoming, the beer is top-notch and the city’s compact size means everything is within easy reach. Whatever you choose to do, there’s plenty here to keep the whole crew entertained.

Which famous attractions should we visit in York?

Between pints and pranks, York’s packed with sights worth checking out. Stroll along the medieval York City Walls for awesome views or explore The Shambles, a narrow, historic street that’s full of character. York Minster is a must-see with stunning Gothic architecture. For something spooky, try the York Dungeon or a ghost walk. If you’re into history, the JORVIK Viking Centre gives a glimpse into York’s Norse past.

What are the most popular stag do activities in York?

York has a huge range of activities to keep your stag group happy. Go karting is perfect for unleashing your inner speed demon, while quad biking offers a muddy adrenaline rush. Bubble football brings hilarious chaos to the pitch as you wear zorbs and bounce and crash into your opponents. Of course, no stag do is complete without a classic bar crawl through York’s famous pubs and bars. For something cheekier, you can round off the night with a strip show or a naughty activity like steak and strip with a topless waitress.

Where’s best to go for a stag night in York?

York has a compact but lively city centre that comes alive at night. The Micklegate area is legendary for its pub crawls with loads of bars lining this historic street. The Shambles Market area is full of quirky pubs and hidden gems. Stonegate and Swinegate are ideal for bar crawls, offering everything from cocktail lounges to modern bars and nightclubs where you can drink and dance all night. For live music and a buzzing atmosphere, check out venues around Coney Street. Whether you want traditional pubs or modern clubs, York has the perfect spot.

Is York easy to get to?

York is well-connected and easy to reach. By train, it’s just two hours from London, two and a half hours from Edinburgh and under one and a half hours from Manchester. The station is right in the city centre so you won’t have any long treks to start your stag weekend. If you’re driving, major routes like the A1(M) and M62 make getting there a breeze. There are also good coach connections if you’re on a budget. Just make sure to plan your journey in advance to avoid any last minute stress.

Yes, it’s very wallet-friendly here! York can be as affordable or as fancy as you want it to be. You’ll find great-value pubs, cheap eats and brilliant stag activities with something for every budget. Our best tip is to book as soon as you can to make sure you get the best deal on your accommodation and train tickets if you’re going by rail. We recommend getting your preferred activities booked ASAP too so you get your first choice. The last thing you want is to miss out!

When it comes to dress codes, York is pretty relaxed. Most places are smart casual, so you’ll be fine in jeans, clean trainers and a decent shirt. If you’re planning a full bar crawl, comfy footwear is a must as you’ll be walking between venues. Fancy dress is always a bit hit or miss, so it’s best to check with each bar beforehand if you’re planning to go wild with costumes.

100% yes. York is brilliant for groups of all ages. Whether you’re keeping the weekend to just the stag and his mates or some family and soon-to-be in-laws are joining, there’s something for everyone here. There are chilled out pub sessions, great spots to grab a bite and activities that range from laid-back to all-out adrenaline.

York has a brilliant food scene that caters to both picky eaters and adventurous lads. You’ll find classic British grub, hearty roasts, street food stalls, gourmet burgers and some cracking Sunday roast spots. If you’re nursing a hangover, there are loads of cafes serving big hearty fry-ups and strong coffee to get you back in the game. If you’re part of a bigger group, it’s always worth booking in advance to make sure there are enough tables for everyone.