Top 5 Epic Stag Do Ideas

Want to organise the best stag party yet? Whether you’re a boozy bunch or prefer action-packed activities, we’ve rounded up our top 5 stag do ideas unique to Essex, all within minutes of London #SecretEssex

Brew your own Beer 

Beer has been brewed at the Brentwood Brewing Company since 1700. Get hands-on and make your very own beer, learning about the brewing process along the way. One week later, get the lads together again and crack open your brew, just delivered. All the beer produced here is gluten free. £119pp (includes light lunch). 8-5 Tuesdays and Thursdays, max. 4 people. 

Or, if you are a larger group, why not book a brewery tour, visit their tap room, or time your party around one of their beer festivals or curry club? 35 min train from London, 10 min drive from Brentwood train station.

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Sail the River Blackwater 

Explore the secret waters of the East Coast, on a 2-day sail under a 100’ mast and huge brown sails. Hoist the sails, take the wheel, or relax on deck while the 2 experienced crew do the hard work! Reminder can sail with max. 12 guests and offers 6 cabins. Food shopping lists and menus can be provided, or a cook can be pre-booked. From £2500. Or if you prefer to stay on dry land, use the barge as unusual accommodation for up to 14 guests, moored at Maldon Quay. £950.

Looking for a day activity? Book a hands-on day sail private charter and learn the ropes. From £130pp. Or go on an exhilarating sail on one of the barge race days! Follow the racing fleet, a highlight of the sailing season. From £75pp, fully catered. 
40 min direct train from London, 15 min drive from Hatfield Peverel train station.

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Hire a Hotel 

Take over The Clockwork Hotel for the night… but you have to find the keys first! Enjoy a glass of bubbly on arrival before racing against the clock to solve the puzzle together. After using all that brain power, relax in the hot tub and sauna or get competitive over the games table. Sip on another gin and tuck into a 3-course dinner cooked and served by your private chef. From £170pp, 16-22 people, 1 hour 10 min train from London, 2 min walk from Burnham-on-Crouch train station. 

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Make your own Gin 

Make your own gin with East Coast Distillery. Enjoy a cocktail on arrival and tour the micro distillery. In groups of up to 5, create 3 different London dry style gins from an array of botanicals, bottle and label a 20cl bottle of your team's gin to take home! Your recipes will be recorded so if you’d like to order your creation at a later date, you can! From £28 pp. Max. 15 people. Dates on request, 2.5 hours.

Or if you are looking for a shorter activity, book on to a free gin tour and tastings on Saturdays. Max. 10 people. Time doesn’t suit? They offer bespoke tours so get in touch! 1 hour 18 mins direct train from London, 5 min drive from Thorpe-le-Soken train station. 

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Glamp at Teybrook Orchard

Sleeping up to 40 guests across Teybrook Orchard, choose from Bell tents or traditionally hand-crafted Mongolian yurts, nestled within woodland. Tailor your stay down to the tee, from relaxing in a wood-fired hot tub, gin tastings and bushcraft to water sports and wakeboarding (off site). Gather round the BBQ or wood-fired pizza oven, request on-site catering or walk to nearby pubs, or the farm restaurant, only 5 mins walk away. From £80pn. 1hr from London by direct train, 10 min drive from Marks Tey train station.

If you liked this blog, follow us on Instagram @visitessex for lots more #SecretEssex ideas.