Alternative hen getaways

November

Berlin Jazz Festival - Berlin, Germany
If you're a jazz lover then you can't get much better than Jazzfest Berlin to feed your desires. This is one of the most important European festivals in the 'jazz calendar' with concerts in assorted venues around Berlin. A Fringe Jazz Festival runs alongside the main event so the city is alive with entertainment for four days.

For more information, visit www.berlinerfestspiele.de

The Chocolate Show - New York, USA
Chocoholics take note... imagine a whole exhibition devoted to chocolate! It's almost too much. You can learn all about the history of chocolate, how it's made and the etiquette surrounding it. More importantly, there are plenty of samples to try and different types of chocolate to buy. Indulge for the day but you can also combine this with a whole weekend enjoying the Big Apple, so get your bucks ready for some serious shopping with the girls.

For more information, visit www.chocolateshow.com

December

Open air ice-skating - Somerset House, London, UK
Jayne Torville will get a run for her money when you step out on to the rink to enjoy the open air skating at Somerset House. All very Christmassy and snugly for a winter's night with the girls and if you're struggling with your skates you can always take a seat and enjoy a glass of mulled wine while you watch. The rink is in place from November through til January each Christmas but is very popular, so book in advance,

For more information, visit www.somerset-house.org.uk

Edinburgh Hogmanay - Edinburgh, Scotland
New Year's Eve with bells on. Hogmanay takes the celebration to new extremes with major bands playing on stages in the street, fireworks and a huge bonfire, And, as you'd expect, it is incredibly popular, with more than 500, 000 people attending every year - so advance bookings are a must, especially for a large group. Also, it is unlikely that your hen is going to want to spend her New Year's Eve away from her future husband, so this is one to consider if you're planning a shag/hag party at this time of year for the two of them.

For more information, visit www.edinburghshogmanay.org