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Best riverside venues for hire in London

One of London’s crowning landmarks, the River Thames offers its own selection of waterside spots that make a perfect space for your upcoming event. Boasting picturesque riverside views and a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the capital, elevate your event with one of these riverside venues.

Updated on 21 May 2024

If you’ve stumbled across this list, it’s likely that you’re on the hunt for a venue in London to host your upcoming event. Each of the spots below boasts proximity to one of London’s waterways, providing idyllic backdrops for whatever event you had in mind.

London's inland location means that seaside events are out of the picture when it comes to event planning in the capital, but what it lacks in beaches it more than makes up for with rivers and canals. Crowds are more than happy to head down to one of the various waterside locations from the famous River Thames that runs right through the middle to the various canals across the city. Come summer, the banks are packed with crowds heading to grab a drink by the water or find an al fresco spot that boasts picturesque vistas.

Riverside locations in London are plentiful, offering everything from corporate meeting rooms to spaces to host a conference, each showcasing the best of the city. These locations could be just what you're looking for and, more importantly, might even help you seal that all important deal. Similarly, those looking for wedding venues in London should find something to feed their imaginations here. Just imagine a glorious waterside backdrop to help elevate your photos!

Although united by their close proximity to the River Thames, the venues listed below are all very different with options including everything from hotels to historic venues that are bound to suit a wide range of budgets and tastes. If one of the below strikes your fancy then be sure to click ‘book now’ to find out more about the space, or even make an inquiry. Just imagine an evening by the water, a glass of fizz in hand as you take in the peaceful surroundings.

We can’t guarantee that British summertime will turn up to your event, but we can guarantee a great venue! Read on for some of our favourite riverside venues in London.

Buffini Chao Deck

Buffini Chao Deck

Buffini Chao Deck, South Bank, London, SE1 9PX

The South Bank’s National Theatre is home to the Buffini Chao Deck, an exclusive events space with a wrap-around terrace that boasts views across the Thames and beyond. An idyllic backdrop to pop open a bottle of bubbly and watch the sun set across this iconic Skyline. 

Max Meeting 120
Max Theatre 120
Max Standing 200
Max Banquet 80
Houses of Parliament

Houses of Parliament

Houses of Parliament, Westminster, London, SW1A 0AA

Events in this British landmark’s historic spaces will resonate with groups both large and small. Situated on a Unesco World Heritage site, the Houses of Parliament hosts memorable events for guests across its varied spaces. Right next to the Thames, the all-weather Terrace Pavilion marquee offers close-up views of the river.

Max Meeting 160
Max Theatre 150
Max Standing 200
Max Banquet 170
IET London: Savoy Place

IET London: Savoy Place

2 Savoy Place , Covent Garden, London, WC2R 0BL

The refurbished Savoy Place offers increased capacity and cutting-edge tech for conferences and the like. The Riverside Room and Maxwell Library both come with fine views over the Thames, whilst the Johnson Roof Terrace is made for summer parties with a spanning space for al fresco events of up to 200.

Max Meeting 50
Max Theatre 451
Max Standing 330
Max Banquet 330
Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace

East Molesey, Hampton, London, KT8 9AU

Once home to royalty, Hampton Court Palace is a truly unforgettable venue. The site has played host to lavish celebrations over the centuries, from gala dinners to festive banquets and historic meetings. State rooms, grand staircases, cobbled courtyards and riverside views make the venue one of the country’s most impressive palaces.

Max Meeting 180
Max Standing 1200
Max Banquet 600
Raven

Raven's Ait

Ravens Ait Island, Surbiton, Surrey, KT6 4HN

This island venue is about as riverside a location as you could hope for, offering scenic views from every angle. Located just outside of Surbiton, Raven’s Ait is a truly unique spot that provides a complete escape for your event. The Marquee here sits against the banks of the river and has space for a party of up to 250.

Max Meeting 250
Max Theatre 250
Max Standing 250
Max Banquet 250
Shangri-La The Shard, London

Shangri-La The Shard, London

31 St Thomas Street, London Bridge, London, SE1 9QU

Found across levels 34 to 52 of The Shard, Shangri-La Hotel is an event space that justifies superlatives. The Ren Ballroom can accommodate up to 140 guests in its glamorous space with floor to ceiling windows that offer eye-catching views in all directions. 

Max Meeting 120
Max Standing 140
Max Banquet 100
The Tower of London

The Tower of London

Tower Hill , City of London, London, EC3N 4AB

Steeped in a rich history, each of the rooms at the Tower of London’s has its own story: the White Tower houses the armour of Henry VIII, while the Medieval Palace makes a great summer party space. Plus, with picturesque views of the Thames, this venue really has everything.

Max Meeting 150
Max Standing 300
Max Banquet 240
Beit el Zaytoun

Beit el Zaytoun

Park Royal , Park Royal, London, NW10 7AE

For a cosy canalside venue in North London, look no further than Beit el Zaytoun. This restaurant combines a vibrant conservatory-like dining area complete with floor to ceiling windows and plush greenery to go alongside menus of Mediterranean fare that makes for a delightful evening.

Max Banquet 50
Sea Containers Events

Sea Containers Events

18 Upper Ground, South Bank, London, SE1 9RQ

One of the big openings of 2017, this South Bank venue at the top of the Sea Containers building turned heads with its 2,300 square metres of event space and killer river views. The Cucumber restaurant is the standout space, but those cityscape vistas get even better on the roof terrace. 

Max Meeting 215
Max Standing 600
Max Banquet 150
Sea Containers Hotel

Sea Containers Hotel

Sea Containers London, South Bank, London, SE1 9PD

Set directly on the Thames, between Blackfriars and Waterloo, Sea Containers is a popular venue well worth your time. Amongst many others, options include an elegant and large 12th Knot rooftop bar, with stunning views of London, a list of the world’s best Champagne, and its own DJ, or the Studio Floor, a versatile blank canvas space with countless reconfigurations.

Max Theatre 56
Max Standing 300
Max Banquet 22
Glaziers Hall

Glaziers Hall

9 Montague Close, London Bridge, London, SE1 9DD

This impressive riverside venue boasts seven unique spaces, alongside a pledge of sustainability with its ‘green packages’ available for your upcoming event. The River Room is the best spot for Thameside views, offering a sleek, blank-canvas option for up to 180 guests. 

Max Meeting 300
Max Theatre 300
Max Standing 300
Max Banquet 220

Are you on the hunt for an outdoor space for an upcoming event? We've got plenty more venues that could be exactly what you're looking for. Click through to find some of our favourite garden party venues in the city alongside some of the best rooftops available for private hire, if that's more your style. 

Or, if you're set on the idea of dining by the river, then we've got a list of our the best waterside restaurants and bars in London, offering cuisines and locations that are sure to suit any occasion. 

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