Forget Manchester and Leeds, York is carving out its own reputation as a monumental stag playground with an awesome array of activities and a phenomenal party scene. Take the sting out of planning your York stag weekend and get the help of the party experts StagWeb! Check out our Big Guide to York.
York Stag Activities & Ideas...
How to Book Your York Stag Do Package
Choose from 1000s of legendary activity and accommodation options.
Pay a small £50 deposit to secure your weekend. All the stags can pay individually. Pay in easy instalments.
Head off on a legendary weekend you and the boys will be talking about for years to come!
Our York Stag Reviews
Easy to use with a good selection of activities. The individual payments are very useful for larger groups.
Andy Phillips
Super easy booking, very well priced for the activities we did and all the timings booked were bang on.
Rhys Smith
Excellent experience, definitely recommend and would book with Groupia again
Raymond Manso
Book with Groupia for a fantastic weekend, my stag do will never be forgotten. The lads are still raving about it now.
Chris McHale
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🔥 Top 10 Ideas in York for 2025
Horse Racing
Get tickets to the County Stand at York Racecourse as you enjoy a flutter and a few beers on the groom's big send-off. Either bet individually or pool your money and try and win some coins for the beer kitty!
Go Karting
Go-karting is a great opportunity to get some healthy stag vs stag competition going. Not only will you find out who the fastest driver is, but - possibly more importantly - you'll find out who the slowest driver is (aka the person who should buy the first round at the pub!).
Axe Throwing
Step up to the axe oche and hurl these hefty weapons at the targets. At our York venue, you and the boys will do battle in a 40-minute tournament before tucking into a range of Nordic-inspired small plates. What a way to channel your inner Vikings!
Bubble Football
York isn't blessed with a rich footballing heritage, so it's up to you and the boys to bring the flair this weekend. But can you still play like prime Ronaldo when you're encased in massive bubble suits and being attacked from all angles? There's only one way to find out!
Quad Biking
Quad biking is a top addition to any stag weekend. You'll have the chance to get off-road and personal with some tough terrain as you try and conquer the course and conquer the quads.
Dumper Truck Racing
Yes... it's as crazy as it sounds! You and the boys will jump behind the wheel of your very own dumper trucks and battle it out on our custom-made track. This is stag party carnage at its finest.
Archery Tag
Archery tag is paintball just without the mess. Yes, you guys will be armed with some rubber arrows before you go bow-to-bow in a range of games. Now, it's entirely up to you if you agree to gang up on the groom (not that we're trying to give you ideas or anything!).
Craft Beer Tasting with Food
A stag army marches on its stomach, gents, so be sure to fuel the guys up for an evening partying in York the right way: with 3 drink tokens and the choice of 3 burgers.
4x4 Driving
A top-class driving experience, you and the boys will take out some suped-up four-by-fours on a specially designed track as you push them and yourselves to the limit.
Clay Shooting
For those suffering with any sore heads from the night before, we've got just the thing that will cure it: really loud gunfire. Get your hands on some hefty shotguns and attempt to hit as many clays out of the sky as you can.
Unique Stag Ideas in York
York is a pretty unique place, so why would you do stuff you could do anywhere else? Check out this cracking range of options that's unique to York...
Goggle Football
Horse Racing
Nerf War
Ghost Bus Tour
Top York Nightlife Options
York nightlife is top-tier, but if you want to take that stag night even further, check these awesome ideas out...
Nightclub Entry
Lap Dancing
Beer and Shots Package
VIP Night - Manahatta
The Big Guide to Your York Stag Weekend
If you're new to York or just need some advice on how to plan a legendary weekend in this great city, you're in the right place.
Below, we dissect everything you need to know about a York stag weekend - from where to sleep to where to party and everything else in between.
But what makes us the experts?
Well, we've been helping lads party in York since way back in 2002 and are across all the latest and greatest this city has to offer.
We've helped over 700,000 people - and counting - party on their pre-wedding weekends, so we're well placed to offer your tips, inspiration and more.
But that's enough chatter, let's dive into it.
Less talk, more York!
StagWeb's York Destination Specialist
Meet Simon, StagWeb's York Destination Specialist.
Simon has been sending stags to this belting city for 6+ years and knows the city inside out.
If you have any questions for him or want any advice, give him a call today on 01225 474200 (Mon-Fri 08:30 - 17:30). Or send in your free York stag enquiry.
✅ Simon's Top Tip for York
"Because York is quite compact, parking is famously very limited and pretty pricey.
"I'd highly recommend either getting the train or car sharing to avoid hassle and save money."
🍺 Simon's Night Out Top Tip
"Whilst there are loads of great pubs dotted about the city, Swinegate is a great place to head to start the night out with plenty of stag-friendly venues that will be happy to welcome you in."
Contents
York Stag Activities
York is a top-class destination.
With up to 40 different activities and nightlife options available, whatever the groom has in mind, we've got a range of York stag do ideas to suit.
Have a scroll through them and send us a free enquiry to get that stag planning started.
Our York Specialist will then build a weekend based on your requirements and get your quote across to you with a price (usually within 24 hours).
And don't forget to book your York stag accommodation through us, too.
We exclusively partner with stag-friendly houses and hotels, so you can relax in the knowledge you won't have any issues checking in a big stag group on arrival.
Also, we frequently visit York to make sure we're up to speed with the greatest stag offerings in the city.
What's not to love?!
Is York Right for Your Group?
York has built a reputation as one of the UK's top stag cities.
Boasting a phenomenal party scene, a wide range of activities, and awesome pubs, it's a recipe for the ultimate stag do.
No matter what time of year you head there, you're bound to have a blast.
Ideal For...
- Big Nights Out
- Classic Activities
- Unique Activities
- Cracking Stag Stays
- Budget Friendly
Not Ideal For...
- Coastal Activities
- Guaranteed Sun
Where to Go on Your York Stag Night
Little Stonegate & Swinegate
A great place to start the party. From independent pubs and bars to stag-friendly hits like Turtle Bay and Slug and Lettuce, you won't be short of options in and around these streets.
Micklegate
On the west side of the river, this street is perfect if you're after cosy pubs and some classic bars.
Goodramgate
The highlight pub here is The Habit, which serves ice-cold pints and top-quality food in a friendly and lively atmosphere. Plenty of other historical pubs crowd this street.
Clifford Street
Home to York's biggest nightclub, Kuda, this place is ideal for late-night party animals.
Top 10 York Pubs, Bars & Clubs
🍺Revolution
Located right on the river, Revolutions is a solid option for somewhere to start the night. These guys are super stag-friendly, so you'll be welcomed in with open arms.
Where: Coney St, YO1 9NA
🍺Flares
Blasting out hits from the seventies right through until the noughties, Flares is a cracking option and it's just over the other side of the river from Revolution.
Where: 6 Tanner Row, YO1 6JB
🍺Kuda
Kuda is big for stag and hens, so head there for a big night out. Open 'til 3 am on Friday and Saturday, it's for the seasoned party animals amongst you.
Where: 12 Clifford St, YO1 9RD
🍺Popworld
Playing five decades' worth of party and dance classics, Popworld is always good value on a night out.
Where: George Hudson St, York YO1 6JL
🍺Manahatta
A bit of New York brought to the OG York. Manahatta is a lively venue with plenty on offer for a group of stags to enjoy.
Where: 3 Little Stonegate, YO1 8AX
🍺Vudu Lounge
This quirky little joint is very York. This place loves a bit of hip hop and RnB and is a great alternative to some of your bigger chain bars.
Where: 39 Swinegate, YO1 8AZ
🍺Stone Roses Bar
Brit pop. Pool. Live sports. This place was made for stags. Even if it's just for a couple of pints, we'd highly recommend heading here for an afternoon.
Where: 4 King St, YO1 9SP
🍺Sora Sky Bar
On the 7th floor of the Malmaison is a rooftop bar with stunning views out across this city. This place is a bit more upmarket, so dress and behave accordingly.
Where: 2 Rougier St, YO90 1UU
The Best Time to Go
Our stats for 2023 show that 50% of groups head to York between February and May.
Why?
Well, Spring is always popular because it usually means better weather and it's just before summer - AKA peak wedding season.
It also avoids the summer holiday price hikes and overcrowding.
However, the beauty of York is that you can rock up anytime of the year and you'll still have an absolute blast.
How Long Do People Go For?
In 2023, 58% stayed for 3 days and 2 nights, which is the perfect amount of time if you ask us.
You'll be able to enjoy a range of activities, see the city sights and check out the nightlife without having to take any additional days off work.
How Soon Do People Book?
People heading to York in 2023 ended up booking a lot later than we'd recommend.
Yes, according to our end-of-year stats, people usually book 4 months in advance, but for York, the average was 3 months.
Why do we say to book earlier?
Well, York is a very popular city and hotels, activities and restaurants can book up months in advance.
It's also a hugely popular hen party destination, so you're there's double the demand.
Where to Stay in York
From central hotels to stag houses, we've got an impressive range of York stag accommodation to suit every group.
If you're looking to save some money, we'd advise staying at least walking distance to the centre, so you don't have to break into the beer kitty to pay for expensive taxis or faff about with public transport.
Best York accommodation options
- Budget option - Travelodge
- Upgrade option - DoubleTree by Hilton York
- Self-catering option - The Old Barn
What to Do in York
With up to 40 different York stag do ideas as well as an impressive number of bars and pubs to choose from (there's one for each day of the year), you won't get bored on your big weekend away.
On top of that, York has a popular horse racing scene if you and the boys wanted to build your weekend around that.
Things to See in York
The Shambles
One of York's most iconic streets. Definitely worth a little stroll down when you're in the city centre.
Snickelways
Snickleways are twisting, narrow, medieval pathways that make up central York, and it's an area that houses some of the best pubs in the UK! This is a great place for a medieval pub crawl and many of the pubs are reputed to be haunted... or it could just be really old regulars!
Ghost Tour
As York is supposedly "the most haunted city in Europe", it's only right that you check out a ghost tour to scare away the hangovers.
How to Get to York...
Check out how easy it is to get to York...
Train - York Station is situated on the western side of the river, not far from the best that the city has to offer.
Visit Trainline to book your train tickets.
Car - Carpooling is always a good option, but parking in the city is difficult, so check if your accommodation has a car park or visit Parkopedia for the nearest one.
Plane - If any of the boys are going to fly in, Leeds Bradford Airport is 31.5 miles away with plenty of transport to get you to the city.
Visit the Leeds Bradford Airport website for more info.
Tips On Getting Around York
Walking - The beauty of this city is it's one of the most walkable of them all. It's easy to navigate between bars and restaurants, and much of central York is pedestrianised.
Bus - York has an extensive bus network that covers the entire city. Check the First Bus website for further details.
Taxis - If you're staying out of town or one of your activities is slightly further afield, a taxi is a solid option. There are plenty of taxi companies to choose from (we recommend Streamline taxis: 01904 656565), plus Uber also operate here.
Common York Stag Do FAQs
Is York good for stag dos?
The historic city is perfect for stag dos. With an awesome range of activities, plenty of stag-friendly pubs and bars, and an impressive amount of accommodation, it's a real crowd-pleaser.
Does York have a good nightlife?
York is famous for its nightlife. Aside from the 365+ pubs and bars available (that's one for every day of the year), the nightclubs, comedy shows, and live music tick every box for a great night out.
Does York have clubs?
While you won't find as many as some of the bigger UK cities, the nightclubs that are here certainly make up for it. It's quality over quantity, after all. From chains such as Popworld or independent dancefloors like Kuda, there are buzzing spots to party all night.
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Here at StagWeb, we regularly send our team of experts to their locations to test out the experiences so we can give you genuine, first-hand guidance.
Why 700,000+ have booked with StagWeb!
👍Booking with StagWeb
- ABTA & ABTOT bonded (your booking is protected)
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- Your mates pay us directly (so you don't have to chase)
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👎Doing it yourself
- Not ABTA & ABTOT bonded (all of your money is at risk)
- Spending hours chasing hotels, activities, bars, etc
- Bigger upfront costs
- Awkwardly asking your mates for money
- Less stag do experience
- Get an average stag do
Over 700,000 partiers since 2002
Become a Stag Legend
Each stag pays us direct!
Hassle-free Stag Dos
Over 700,000 partiers since 2002
Become a Stag Legend
Each stag pays us direct!