Alternative hen getaways

Henley Royal Regatta - Henley, UK
You don't need to be a water sports fanatic to attend the Henley Royal Regatta. A group of chicks can have a gorgeous day by the river, eating a huge picnic lunch and cracking open a few bottles of Pimms in the sunshine. This event is quintessentially British, with men in boaters and ladies in frocks, and has a real garden party feel about it.

For more information, visit www.hrr.co.uk

Ollesummer - Tallinn, Estonia
This is an increasingly popular destination for stags so there is no reason why hens shouldn't join in the fun. Tallinn hosts the Baltic region's biggest beer festival at the beginning of July each year, attracting crowds from all over the neighbouring countries, not forgetting local celebs. Not that you'll recognise any of them, but who cares as the beer will be flowing and you'll be caught up in a singalong with the locals in no time.

For more information, visit www.ollesummer.ee

August

Great Tomato Fight - Bunol, Spain
If you harbour a secret desire to get into a massive food fight, the annual Tomatina will allow you to live out your fantasies. The fiesta kicks off with the week of parades, fireworks, music and dancing to mark a historic food fight of yesteryear. On the day of the great tomato war, 20, 000 locals and tourists take to the streets to pelt each other with 125, 000 kilos of ripe tomatoes. The main sparring event lasts for just over an hour before the local fire department arrives to dowse everyone off, so a spare set of clothes is a wise move. Then it's back to the local bars and restaurants in great spirits to swap stories on you chucking prowess over a glass of Sangria.

For more information, visit www.pilot.co.uk/festivals/Tomatina

Edinburgh Festival - Edinburgh, Scotland
Every street and building in the city comes alive during the Edinburgh festival. There are endless plays, comedy shows and concerts to see every hour of the day with loads of up-and-coming and established acts. The festival runs concurrently with the jazz, book, fringe and film festivals and the Military Tattoo, so, as you can imagine, the city is heaving and one of the most exciting places to be at the end of the summer. Combine this with the buzzing nightlife and a weekend at the Edinburgh Festival can't fail to be a hit for your hen.

For more information, visit www.eif.co.uk