Best large summer party venues in London

Thames-side Sea Containers offers a host of different spaces to accommodate every possible type of event or party, but it’s the rooftop terrace that’ll interest you most if you’re organising a big summer bash. You can get 200 people on the Sea Containers roof and enjoy 360 degree views of Central London.

Yes, you can hire Will and Kate’s official London residence for your garden party. The glass-fronted Pavilion can hold up to 800 guests and opens up onto the immaculately manicured outdoor spaces, which include the palace’s famous sunken garden. When it comes to décor and catering, Kensington Palace runs its events in conjunction with preferred suppliers, so you can relax knowing you’re in good hands.

Always dreamed of having your own island? Raven’s Ait Island is surrounded on all sides by the River Thames, and though it’s just a ten minute walk from Surbiton station, the island has the feeling of a complete escape and tranquillity. There is a selection of suites available for hire, but in the summer you can also rent the whole island - a perfect, secluded green space for around 400 people to get away from the big city.

The totally secluded garden at Stationers’ Hall is one of the City of London’s greatest hidden treasures. With space for up to 150 standing, this serves as a refreshingly tranquil space for any outdoor party or events.

Just minutes away from the hubbub of Oxford Circus, this four-storey Grade II-listed Georgian townhouse is a flexible and elegant space, with a variety of rooms to suit all occasions. By far the most impressive, though, is the bright and airy Orangery and attached Courtyard Garden. The two combine to have a max capacity of 280, and are equipped with lighting, PA systems, multiple screens and a private entrance.

Grade-I listed Inner Temple makes a striking space for any event, but with a total capacity of up to 600 it’s perfect for big summer parties. The venue’s gardens are available to hire in May, June and July as well - ideal for a big garden party.

Without a doubt, The Barbican’s rooftop conservatory is one of London’s best kept secrets. This beautiful verdant space is totally incongruous with the rest of the Barbican’s concrete jungle - it houses exotic fish and over 2,000 species of tropical plants under its glass roof. Its treetops are overlooked by the large Conservatory Terrace, while the Garden Room on level three works well for drinks receptions, dinners and small awards ceremonies.

Three bespoke crazy golf courses, a host of bars and street food vendors and room for a whopping 800 guests - Swingers should always be in consideration when you’re organising a big event. The team offers a huge range of packages for big groups, so you’re in good hands here.

The highly Instagrammable Langham Hotel boasts one of the largest private garden spaces in London’s West End - a gorgeous, south-facing 250-capacity courtyard with climbing greenery and enough space to host a banquet or a standing drinks reception. As well as the space you also have the exceptional Langham events team on hand to help you organise your do, which is a treat in itself.

The Tower of London is famous for its ancient vaults, armouries and towers, but there are also outdoor spaces for hire at this historic venue. The Tower’s newest space is The Reveller - a contemporary out-building nestled under the arches of Tower Bridge, with private riverside terrace and beautiful skyline views. And of course, there’s always the Tower of London moat area, with capacity for up to 2,000 people.

Who needs a holiday in the Caribbean when you can have your very own beach in London? Play games, build sand castles, bury your mates and relax on the beach area, or in the colourful VIP beach huts. There’s an indoor area available as well in case the weather gets a bit dicey, and the City Beach events team can help out with organising street food and entertainment.

If you’re looking to impress your guests, then the Johnson Roof Terrace at IET London: Savoy Place may be the venue for you. With space for up to 200 guests, you can take to the terrace and marvel at the 180° views of London’s iconic skyline, whilst dining on plenty of delicious canapes and bowl food.

Grade II-listed Goodenough College sits within the confines of a pretty garden square in Bloomsbury, but within the college’s red brick walls you’ll find the Quad - a beautiful manicured lawn, which is the perfect tranquil, secluded spot for garden parties in the summer months. 

The Honourable Artillery Company (HAC), a six-acre estate in Finsbury Park, is a historic events venue with a list of impressive spaces, but most notably, its large garden boasting both modern and traditional surroundings. It also gets extra points from us for being easy to travel to, as it sits just a stone’s throw from Liverpool Street Station.

What more is there to say about Hampton Court Palace? Built for Cardinal Thomas Wolsey in 1514, then handed over to King Henry VIII, this is one of the most majestic venues in the country, and has played host to many historic events over the years. If you’re planning a big outdoor summer party, take a look at the tranquil 20th Century Gardens, or the spectacular Fountain Court, built for William III and Mary II in the early 1700s.

With a range of global cuisines all under one roof, Arcade Tottenham Court Road is perfect for a big bash where you’re feeding a lot of people and you want to provide options. Exclusive hire gives you capacity for up to a whopping 400 guests, with spaces including a games room, private bar and outdoor terrace.

Edgware's enormous conference and events complex The Hive seems almost impossibly vast. Its 13 different spaces can cater for up to 700 guests, and they have a wide range of experience organising weddings in various cultural traditions, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, and bespoke events for a range of customers. Don't miss their in-house catering, focussing on delicious South Asian flavours.

Sitting right on the banks of Teddington Lock, The Wharf has the large al fresco space you need for a big summer party. You can host around 300 people across both floors of this bright, airy space, and the menu focuses on fresh fish and seafood, which is perfect fodder for summer.