Summer party season is fast approaching, and we couldn’t be more excited! If you’re just as excited as us and can’t wait to get planning your summer party in London, then you have come to the right place. We wanted to make planning your event as easy as possible, so we’ve compiled a list of the best summer party venues with outside space, perfect for any summer event whether it’s a casual, sunny barbecue or a sophisticated summer cocktail party.
Every venue below is guaranteed to WOW your guests. Not only are they practical and easy to get to but all have wet weather contingencies should the weather throw a curveball in the summer months. Whatever it is you’re looking for, eve has you covered. We have even included some of our handy tips and tricks from years of experience organising summer parties in London, as well as a What3Words code for every location, so finding the venue is hassle-free and easy!
BMA House
BMA House, located on the prestigious Tavistock Square, is renowned for its architectural beauty. Steeped in history, it has been home to the British Medical Association since 1925. With two stunning outdoor event spaces, a rarity in its own right in London, it’s the perfect location for a summer party.
Surrounded by the imposing yet breath-taking architecture of BMA House on three sides, and memorial gates completing the fourth, it’s a truly unique outside space and a sophisticated setting for a summer party. An ornamental fountain sits at the centre as the focal point of the space, perfect for guests to stand around sipping champagne and sharing conversation. With the capacity of 300 guests, it’s the perfect setting for a drink’s reception, summer party or a barbecue!
Alternatively, the gardens are every bit as elegant for a smaller and more intimate summer affair, hosting up to 90 guests. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the physic garden is an experience all in itself! With a central water feature and room for guests to wander through the flowers, you couldn’t find a more elegant setting for a summer garden party.
Perfectly situated in Tavistock Square, it’s centrally located but removed from all the hustle and bustle the city location brings. BMA House couldn’t be easier to get to, just a 5-minute walk from Euston station, or a 10-minute walk from Kings Cross St Pancras, making it convenient for native Londoners and for guests travelling in from outside the capital.
What3Words: https://w3w.co/able.bucked.fear
Why choose BMA House?
- Stunning architecture
- Two outdoor spaces
- One of the easiest summer party venues to get to
41 Portland Place
An impressive Georgian House, complete with a stunning terrace amongst the prestigious Marylebone rooftops, 41 Portland Place is the ideal location for a classy summer barbecue or a three-course meal. Catering for 15-150 guests, it’s perfect for a summer get-together.
Originally a private residence, 41 Portland Place became home to the Academy of Medical Sciences in 2010. Whilst the house has been updated to incorporate an extensive AV suite, the beautiful period features that make it so unique are still prominent throughout. The suntrap terrace is warm and welcoming, shaded by olive and eucalyptus trees for those who want to escape the direct sunlight.
Located in the stylish and sought-after Marylebone, 41 Portland Place is just a 6-minute walk from Regents Park and Great Portland Street stations or a 9-minute walk from Oxford Circus station.
What3Words: https://w3w.co/narrow.coach.dawn
Why choose 41 Portland Place?
- Versatile for any summer event
- Plenty of sunshine and shade
- Situated in an iconic central London location
Dartmouth House
If you’re looking for an iconic summer party venue in London, that is sure to get your guests talking, then look no further than Dartmouth House! Featured in TV shows like Sherlock, House of Cards, and Mr Selfridge, you and your guests will be in fabulous company.
Built in the mid 18th century, guests will truly feel like they have stepped back in time, or into a movie when they arrive. Designed in the opulent rococo style, originating in Paris and becoming popular across Europe at the time, Dartmouth House creates an imposing and one of a kind backdrop for any summer event. The marble courtyard can be branded with your logo or dressed to fit whatever theme you have your eye on, and with some fantastic catering options from canapés to street food stalls, it’s sure to be the event of the season!
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Dartmouth House’s postcode is as impressive as its architecture. Located on the prestigious Charles Street, just a stone’s throw from Berkley Square it’s only a 5-minute walk from Green Park station and a 10-minute walk from Oxford Circus.
What3Words: https://w3w.co/blues.longer.fixed
Why choose Dartmouth House?
- A unique and opulent style for a grand affair
- Used in several popular TV series giving it that something special
- A blank canvas perfect for branding
Old Royal Naval College
Summer parties at the Old Royal Naval College are bound to be show-stoppers! With a total of five riverside outdoor event spaces, each with spectacular views you will have a hard time deciding which of the gardens or courtyards to use for your summer event.
The Upper and Lower Grand Squares, beneath one of the finest architectural masterpieces, designed by the Italian artist Canaletto, are made up of lush green lawns and paved areas. With the famous twin domes in the backdrop, this large space has been featured in a number of Hollywood blockbusters and is the perfect setting for a large-scale summer party. The King William and King Charles Lawns alternatively are ideal for anything from a sophisticated drinks reception to a corporate summer event. With the Thames on one end, these stunning gardens are divided into four quadrants with a fountain sitting in the centre.
The Pepys Lawn, Monument Gardens and Chapel Gardens are stunning choices for a more intimate outdoor event. Overlooking the Cutty Sark, the Monument Gardens create a picturesque and iconic backdrop for the summer party of the season. Not to be outdone by the King William Courtyard, decorated with shells and sea creatures, this space is arranged to echo the pattern of the Union Jack with an ornate lantern at the centre of the cobbled courtyard. The Queen Mary Courtyard is another popular choice, just slightly larger than the King William Courtyard, both are popular choices for a summer drinks reception. Finally, the Colonnades, either side of the Upper Grand Square are perfect when used in conjunction with an indoor space, or on their own. The detailed baroque ceilings and distinctive outdoor lanterns are sure to take your guest’s breath away!
The Old Royal Naval College is situated just a 5-minute walk from the Cutty Sark DLR and 10-minutes from City Cruises Greenwich Pier which makes a unique alternative for guests travelling to the venue.
What3Words: https://w3w.co/tuned.lace.pace
Why choose Old Royal Naval College?
- Multiple, versatile event spaces to choose from for all sorts of summer parties
- Stunning architecture and London landmarks bordering the venue on all sides
- Easily accessible via the Thames Clipper riverboats, putting an interesting twist on travelling to the venue
The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn
The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn is the ultimate summer party venue. With 5-acres of outside space, complete with a grand, purpose-built marquee, ‘The Walks’ makes outdoor entertaining effortless. Did you know it even has a built-in cloakroom, luxury toilets and air conditioning? We think that’s pretty impressive for a marquee!
With so much space, there are endless opportunities to make your London summer party one for the ages! How about some sophisticated garden games to pass the time on an elegant summer’s afternoon? Or perhaps you want to challenge your guests to some friendly competitions with a bouncy castle and sports day games? Whatever you decide, it is sure to be a huge success at The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn.
Just a 1-minute walk (yes you read that correctly, 1-minute!) from Chancery Lane station, you couldn’t feel further away from the hubbub of London life! Farringdon station is only 9-minutes connecting the venue to major train routes throughout the country.
What3Words: https://w3w.co/action.humble.hint
Why choose The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn?
- 5-acres of outside space
- Space for a luxury marquee to escape the heat or summer showers
- The perfect combination of quiet greenery and London hustle
Events @ No6
If you’re after something a little more contemporary for a summer party in London, then Events @ No 6 is your ticket. A bright and airy purpose-built event space, complete with a stunning open-air terrace is the perfect setting for a summer drinks soiree. Not only is this a gorgeous venue, but it’s environmentally efficient too! The building even features a ‘living roof’, providing a natural habitat for birds and insects and reducing the rainwater run-off, that’s sure to get your guests talking!
Out on the terrace, you will be surrounded by the London skyline, with impressive views of the Shard. Enjoy watching the landmarks light up as the sun goes down whilst you sip on summery cocktails. Plus, there’s no need to worry about the temperatures dropping! The terrace has the use of outdoor heaters, sofas, and umbrellas, so you and your guests are covered whatever the weather!
Situated just a 5-minute walk from Aldgate station, 8-minutes from Tower Hill, and Liverpool Street mainline station is within easy reach for those travelling in from further afield.
What3Words: https://what3words.com/labs.adults.proof
Why choose Events @ No6?
- Beautiful rooftop terrace
- Wet weather contingencies
- Environmentally sustainable
Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
Looking for something a little more unique to WOW your guests? The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is packed with original Art Deco features (yes, even the gents still have original 1930s fixtures!). RIBA is a summer party venue sure to captivate your guests with its impressive features. The bright, leafy terrace, situated on the first floor, is ideal for a smaller summer party where guests can mingle over seasonal drinks and expertly crafted canapés. Their award-winning events team on-site will ensure your summer party is perfectly organised from start to finish, so you are free to relax safe in the knowledge your event will be a hit!
RIBA is just a 10-minute walk from Oxford Circus station or a 6-minute walk from Regents Park station. It is situated in Marylebone, perfect for guests who want to get out and experience some of London’s most loved attractions, like Madame Tussauds Museum.
What3Words: https://w3w.co/works.activism.mixer
Why choose RIBA?
- Unique Art Deco features for a picture-perfect summer party
- The perfect size for a more intimate drinks reception
- In an ideal city of London location for pre- or post-summer party entertainment
Royal College of Physicians
Described as a “modernist masterpiece”, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is possibly one of London’s more iconic post-war buildings. A vision of the late Sir Denys Lasdun, the RCP is a truly striking building and the only one of its era to be granted Grade 1 listing!
The Medicinal Garden is a remarkable space to host a summer party. The imposing, contemporary building in the background harmonises with the scenic gardens, creating the perfect blend of modern and tranquil. If that isn’t enough, the gardens house over 1,100 plants from across the globe, telling stories from diverse cultures and throughout history. It is a truly remarkable venue, where guests can enjoy expert catering as well as experiencing all that the Medicinal Gardens have to offer.
The RCP is centrally located just 5-minutes from Regent’s Park and Great Portland Street stations and 10-minutes to Euston station. King’s Cross St Pancras is only 20-minutes away, connecting London with mainline routes throughout the country and the Eurostar.
What3Words: https://w3w.co/entry.remote.pizza
Why choose Royal College of Physicians?
- Its iconic infrastructure is sure to be a talking point for guests
- The Medicinal Garden is the perfect setting for a stroll in the sun
- Central London location making it easy for everyone to get to
City Central at the HAC
A rare gem in the heart of London, City Central at the HAC boasts 5 acres of garden surrounded by some of the most iconic London landmarks. With so much outside space to play with, you can really go to town when thinking about summer entertainment ideas! Really push the boat out and make the most of City Central’s one of a kind funfair! With a big wheel, carousel, dodgems and even side stalls it’s the perfect immersive experience to give your event that creative flair and make it stand out from the rest.
An event at City Central will be like no other and is sure to have your guests talking about it for months on end! With so much room, City Central is capable of hosting events for up to 2,400 people so you won’t need to worry about cutting back the guest lists or refining the invites if you go with this venue!
Looking for more summer party entertainment ideas? eve has your back… check out this blog on some of our favourite summer party ideas, your guests will be sure to have the time of their lives!
Bang in the middle of four central London train stations, City Central at the HAC couldn’t be better connected. No mean feat when you think about all that outside space, nestled away in Central London! Simply 5-minutes from Moorgate and Barbican stations, or 9-minutes from Liverpool Street or Old Street stations, it couldn’t be easier to get to.
What3Words: https://w3w.co/sing.hush.wells
Why choose City Central at the HAC?
- 5-acres of garden surrounded by the City of London skyline
- Plenty of summer party entertainment options
- A huge capacity for a big summer bash
Prince Philip House
If you’re searching for a regal venue to host your summer party, then Prince Philip House couldn’t be a better fit. In the heart of Royal London, overlooking St James’s Park and surrounded by the grand columns of Carlton House Terrace you couldn’t find a better backdrop for a summer party. Perfect for a royal affair, it’s the dream location to host an elegant summer drinks reception or garden party. With scenery like that, just think about the photo opportunities!
Located on the Royal Estate, Prince Philip House is only a 10-minute walk from Charing Cross station, making its St James’s postcode an easy one for everybody to get to.
What3Words: https://w3w.co/thinks.teach.allow
Why choose Prince Philip House?
- In an impressive, regal location
- Beautiful backdrop for a summer drinks reception or garden party
- Easy for everyone to get to
Goldsmith’s Centre
We all know the Great British weather is anything but predictable… so, if you’re looking to host a summer party but worried about it getting rained off then Goldsmith’s Centre might be exactly what you’re looking for! The architecturally impressive glass atrium opens out onto a small terrace. If the sun is shining, guests can enjoy the views and the warmth from inside the atrium or out on the terrace. If the weather takes a turn, your guests will still be able to appreciate the London skyline from inside the glass-walled atrium.
Just a 3-minute walk from Farringdon station, with mainline connections to airports, the coast, London Bridge and St Pancras International, Goldsmith’s Centre is well connected and easy to get to whether you’re already in the city or travelling in from the continent.
What3Words: https://what3words.com/played.boats.photo
Why choose Goldsmith’s Centre?
- Perfect for the unreliable British weather
- City skyline views, inside and outside
- Well connected to major transport routes into and out of London
If you’re on the hunt for your dream summer party venue with outside space, and one of these takes your fancy then get in touch with the eve team to start the ball rolling. Our experienced team will be happy to help you find the perfect location and ensure your summer party in London is one for the ages!