The stag do is a rite of passage. It’s that one last big weekend before married life begins, where old mates get together, stories are told and a few questionable decisions are made. But there’s one question that crops up before the first pint is even poured. How much is this all going to cost?
If you’ve ever been stuck in a WhatsApp group trying to work out what’s reasonable for a weekend away, you’ll know it’s not always simple. Some people are happy with a pub crawl in their local town, while others have their hearts set on a full-blown trip abroad. This guide breaks down the real costs of a stag do in the UK, looks at what you’ll spend your money on and offers a few ideas for keeping the lads happy and the budget under control.
Why Stag Do Costs Vary So Much
The truth is, there’s no single number that fits every stag do. Costs depend on where you go, how long you stay, what you do and how many people are coming along. A one-night blowout in your local city is always going to be cheaper than a three-day trip abroad. Some stags love adrenaline-fuelled activities, others are happy with a few pints and a bit of banter.
On average, a full UK stag weekend costs somewhere between £200 and £500 per person, while a stag do abroad costs between £500 and £1,200 each. Those numbers might sound high, but they cover everything, such as accommodation, activities, travel, food and drink. The trick is knowing where your money goes and deciding what’s actually worth paying for.
The Average Cost of a Stag Do in the UK
A typical stag do in the UK will set you back around £250 to £400 per person for a two-night weekend. If you’re keeping it local, you can definitely do it for less, but most groups end up booking accommodation, at least one activity, and a big night out.
The main things that make up the cost are accommodation, activities, food, drink and travel. Each of these can vary depending on the city you celebrate in and how much you want to splash out, but here’s a closer look at the breakdown.
Stag Accommodation
Accommodation is usually the biggest chunk of the budget. For a weekend away in a UK city, you’re looking at around £50 to £120 per person per night. Chain hotels and budget-friendly apartments are at the lower end, while boutique hotels and larger houses push the price up.
Booking a group apartment is often the best value for money. You get your own space, no strangers to worry about, and somewhere to carry on the night when the bars close. If you’re heading to a major city like London, Brighton or Edinburgh, expect to pay a bit more. Cities like Newcastle, Cardiff or Liverpool offer much better value.
Stag Activities
This is where the fun really starts! The most popular stag do activities in the UK include beer bikes, go karting, paintball, clay pigeon shooting, bar crawls strip clubs, escape rooms and comedy clubs. Prices vary depending on the activity and what’s included, but most cost between £15 and £80 per person. What you do depends on the groom’s tastes and the budget.
Food and Drink
Let’s be honest, this is where most of the stag do budget goes. Between meals, bar tabs and rounds, food and drink costs add up fast. For a two-night weekend, you can expect to spend between £100 and £250 each, depending on how generous your rounds are.
Many groups start with a big meal on the first night, either at a steakhouse or somewhere casual that can handle a large booking. You’ll probably spend around £30–£50 for food and a couple of drinks. Once you hit the bars or clubs, expect drinks prices to vary hugely depending on the city. London pints might be £7, but in Newcastle or Manchester you’ll still find decent pubs serving for £4 or less.
It’s smart to budget about £100 for drinks alone if you’re planning two full nights out. Add in a hangover breakfast and a group dinner and you’ve got a realistic number that won’t shock anyone too much on the day.
Travel
Travel costs depend on where everyone’s coming from. If the stag do is in your home city, travel might be little more than a taxi or train fare. For others, it might mean driving, car sharing or a long train ride.
For most UK weekends, travel will add £30 to £100 per person. Car sharing helps keep costs down, but make sure you factor in petrol and parking. Trains booked in advance are usually cheaper, but last-minute prices can be eye-watering if you’re travelling far.
If you’re heading somewhere further, you could consider hiring a minibus between you. It often works out cheaper per person and keeps everyone together.
The Most Expensive UK Cities for a Stag Do
London: The capital is always going to hit the top of the price list. Accommodation is expensive, nightlife costs are high and taxis or the tube are inevitable. You can expect to spend £400 to £700 per person for a full London stag weekend once everything is included. Of course, you’ll also have access to world-class entertainment once you’re there.
Edinburgh: Edinburgh has become a favourite for stag weekends thanks to its combination of history, seriously good whisky and nightlife. It’s one of the pricier UK cities, especially during summer and festival season. Most stags spend around £350 to £550 each, depending on where they stay and what they do.
Brighton: Brighton is the ultimate seaside party spot on the South coast. Between the beachfront bars, great restaurants and wild nightlife, it’s easy to see why so many groups head there. But like all popular destinations, it’s not cheap. Expect to spend around £350 to £600 per person for a full weekend once accommodation, food and activities are factored in.
The Most Affordable UK Cities for a Stag Do
Newcastle: The nightlife in Newcastle is legendary and the prices are much kinder than in the South of England. Accommodation and activities are good value and a full weekend here can cost as little as £200 to £350 per person. Nice one!
Liverpool: Liverpool is another top pick for budget-conscious groups. The bars, live music and friendly vibe make it perfect for a stag do that doesn’t drain your wallet. Expect a weekend to come in around £220 to £350 per person.
Cardiff: Compact, fun and affordable, Cardiff is great for stags. With loads of bars and activities all within walking distance, you’ll save money on taxis and transfers. A weekend here typically costs £200 to £320 each, depending on your plans.
How Much Stag Dos Abroad Cost?
Heading abroad for the stag do has become more popular than ever. A few years ago, it was seen as a big extravagance but now it’s pretty common for groups to jump on a short flight and celebrate somewhere sunny or new. The big advantage is that accommodation, food and drink are often cheaper once you arrive, even if you’ve paid a bit more upfront.
A typical stag do abroad will cost between £400 and £1,200 per person, depending on the destination, length of stay and time of year. That covers flights, accommodation, activities and spending money. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular destinations.
Prague: Prague has built a reputation as one of the best stag do destinations in Europe, and it’s easy to see why. Beer is cheap, the nightlife is non-stop, and the city is packed with bars, clubs, and activities.
A weekend in Prague usually costs between £400 and £700 per person. Flights are around £80 to £150 return if you book in advance. Accommodation is great value too, around £100 to £200 each for three nights in a decent central apartment or hotel. Pints can cost less than £2 and meals rarely go over £20 per head. Activities like shooting ranges, brewery tours and river cruises are popular, averaging £30 to £70 each.
Magaluf: If you’re after a wild, sun-soaked weekend, Magaluf is the classic choice. It’s got the beach, the clubs and nightlife that starts when the sun goes down and doesn’t stop until it comes up again. It’s a place to go big or go home!
A three-night Magaluf stag do usually costs between £500 and £900 per person. Flights from the UK are around £100 to £200 return, depending on the season. Hotels near the beach range from £150 to £250 per person, and drinks are generally cheaper than in most UK cities. Activities like boat parties, beach games and bar crawls sit around £50 to £100 each.
Riga: Riga is becoming more and more popular and is known as one of the best value destinations in Europe. It’s full of bars, outdoor activities, gorgeous locals and surprisingly affordable places to stay.
A weekend in Riga costs roughly £400 to £600 per person. Flights are usually £100 to £180 return, while central hotels or apartments average £100 to £180 for three nights. Drinks are cheap and pints for £2 or £3 are easy to find. You can do activities like shooting, snow sports or quad biking for £40 to £70. It’s ideal if you want something different without spending a fortune.
Budapest: Budapest combines great nightlife, history and culture with fantastic value for money. The city is known for its thermal baths, ruin bars and boat parties and it has become a serious stag hotspot.
You can expect to spend between £450 and £800 per person for a three-night stay. Flights are usually £100 to £180 return, and accommodation is affordable at around £120 to £200 each. Drinks are cheap with generous pours and beer often costing less than £3, and meals averaging £15 to £25. Activities like spa parties, shooting ranges, and private river cruises add another £50 to £100.
Travel Costs for Stag Dos
Travel can easily become one of the biggest expenses if you’re not organised. Within the UK, driving or taking the train are usually your best options. A car share helps keep costs down, and if you split petrol and parking, you’re looking at £15 to £30 each. Trains are convenient but can shoot up to £100 per person if you leave booking too late.
For stag dos abroad, flights will generally be between £80 and £250 return, depending on the destination and time of year. Don’t forget to factor in luggage fees, airport transfers, and taxis once you arrive, which can add another £30 to £60. Booking early and flying midweek can shave a big chunk off the total price.
Hidden Stag Party Costs You Might Forget
Even the best-planned stag dos have a few sneaky extras that people forget to budget for. Airport parking, baggage fees, taxi rides, decorations and tips can all creep up. If you’re going abroad, travel insurance is essential, and that’s usually another £20 to £30. For UK weekends, local taxis and takeaway runs are the usual suspects. It’s smart to keep a small contingency fund of around £40 to £60 per person for unexpected costs.
Who Pays for What?
Traditionally, the groom’s costs are covered by the group, but that’s not set in stone. It’s totally up to your group how you split payments. Some groups split everything equally to keep it simple, while others chip in for the groom’s drinks or activity fees. The important thing is to agree early so there are no awkward moments later. Collecting deposits upfront also helps lock in numbers and stops people dropping out after bookings are made.
What You Should Budget
To give you a quick idea of what’s realistic:
- One night in your home city: £80–£150 per person
- Two-night UK weekend: £250–£450 per person
- Weekend abroad: £400–£900 per person
- Luxury or long-haul stag trip: £1,000+ per person
If you’re aiming for something balanced, a proper weekend away without going overboard, around £350 per person is a good figure to plan around. You don’t need a massive budget to have a great stag do. The best ones are about the company, not the cost. To keep things affordable, book early, look for group deals, and avoid peak travel dates. A self-catering apartment or shared house can save a fortune compared to hotel rooms and cooking breakfast together can be a good laugh after a big night out.
The Bottom Line on Stag Do Costs
Whether you’re heading for a night in Newcastle or a weekend in Prague, the cost of a stag do comes down to choices. The average UK weekend sits around £250 to £450 per person, while trips abroad average £400 to £900 each. Plan ahead, be upfront about budgets and focus on what’ll actually make the groom’s weekend memorable.
The best stag dos aren’t the ones that drain your bank account. They’re the ones that bring all the lads together for one last great laugh before the wedding. Don’t forget to check out the activities and accommodation on offer at The Stag’s Balls, available to suit a massive range of budgets.
