What does the more sophisticated mature man do for their stag? It wasn’t long ago that Brits were most likely to get married in their twenties, but that’s certainly not the case anymore. Figures from the Office of National Statistics show that the average age for men to get married is 37.9. With more and more people tying the knot later in life, plenty of over-40s are getting hitched and, if you’re reading this, we’ll assume you’re one of them.
Of course, age is just a number, and getting married is a magical experience regardless of how old you are. That means, as the groom-to-be, your stag do is still firmly on the agenda. After all, it’s about celebrating your last nights of ‘freedom’ with your best friends, so you can still have a good time without engaging in all of the debauchery you hear about twenty or thirty-somethings getting up to.
There’s nothing wrong with toning things down a tad, and taking part in some more age-appropriate activities. Although we’re sure a few drinks won’t go amiss, you’re surely far too grown up for all the throwing up and falling over. Plus, wouldn’t it be nice to actually remember your stag do? While dedicated stag party companies can help you organise your stag do, including some that can sort out the more mundane aspects like accommodation and travel on your behalf, our guide will get you thinking about the type of activities you could book yourself ahead of the big weekend.
Catch that big fish, whether you’re looking to compete with your pals for the biggest and best catch of the day, or just fancy a leisurely cruise with a few cans, sea fishing is the ideal stag do activity for over-40s. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned angler, or just want to try something new. There are plenty of companies offering half or full-day charter fishing sessions with all the required equipment provided, and experienced skippers to guide the uninitiated. With sea fishing spots across the UK, from Brighton to Durham, you’ve also got plenty of locations to choose from.
A flutter on the gee-gees, horse racing the sport of kings. A day at the races gives you and your group a great day out or can even be a weekend-long event. Not only will you experience the thrill of the track itself, but it’s also the perfect excuse to dress up in your best attire and have a few drinks in the sun. Of course, you’ll also get the chance to earn some cold, hard cash, adding some extra excitement of the day. With the UK home to 59 racecourses hosting major events throughout the year, you’ll be spoilt for courses and events to attend.
Be a lord for the day with some clay pigeon shooting and put your aim to the test. Perhaps the most sophisticated way to stand in a field and fire guns, with no feathers involved whatsoever. Get the best tips and tricks from your instructor before pulling the trigger, then let the competition begin as you and your chums see who has the best shot. A great test of hand-eye coordination, and another reason to rock your most dapper gear, clay pigeon shooting is an awesome experience that isn’t too taxing.
Test your wine sommelier skills. Rather than embarking on a rowdy bar crawl with people half your age, why not opt for a more laidback boozing experience? Wine tasting not only lets you drink with your mates but allows you to sample some sumptuous vinos and learn what makes them taste so good. You can find out everything, from the details of the winemaking process to how vintners manage to balance the flavours. If your stag do is a domestic affair, you can experience the fruits of the UK’s burgeoning wine scene, while France and Italy also have their own unique drinking culture. If wine isn’t your favourite tipple, gin tasting, and brewery tours may also be of interest.
Put your Tiger Woods golfing skills to use. Although golf and stag dos aren’t an obvious combination, this is the ideal activity for a more relaxed, low-key celebration. Whether you’re a golf geek or putting novice, a few hours on the links with your mates can create some healthy competition and—unlike other sporting activities—lets you sink a few drinks without things getting too dangerous. You could even base your whole weekend around the game if you and your friends are golf fanatics, while crazy golf activities are more suitable for groups without keen players.
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