Outdoor Venues for Hire in London

Outdoor Venues Hire Guide

London summer never seems long enough, so make the best out of it and enjoy the warm days by organising your event outdoors. The city offers various types of outdoor venues for hire to choose from, with each one fitting a different occasion. A casual pub to celebrate your best friend’s birthday or maybe an elegant garden for a corporate function? We’ve prepared for you a list of different types of outdoor venues in London. Decide which will suit your event best and make your reservation with Tagvenue in no time!

Pubs with an outside area. You can never go wrong with a classic get-together in a pub. Look for venues that offer an outside area to add a summer feeling to your event. As you can never be sure with the English weather, in case of rain you can hide away in the pub and continue with your party. Pubs are a great choice for a casual birthday party or live music event.

Our venue recommendation:

The Minories - a traditional pub with an outside garden to enjoy the weather, located within walking distance from London’s famous spots. Guest rating: 5.0/5

Rooftop terrace. London has one of the most recognised skylines in the world. Wouldn’t it be lovely to sit back with a tasty Pimm’s cocktail and enjoy the view? Invite your guests to one of the many spots overlooking the rooftops of the city to add the wow factor to your event. A rooftop venue can be enjoyed during the day as you soak up the sun, or during the night to admire the city lights. Rooftop venues are a great option for a casual business meeting or a memorable celebration.

Our venue recommendation:

Roof Terrace at Uncommon Borough - a unique and flexible space overlooking the rooftops of London. Located minutes away from the London Bridge. Guest rating: 4.8/5

Gardens. Set your event in the charming surroundings of nature. Gardens make a great backdrop to photos and videos, so if you’re organising an event where you will hire a photo or videographer, or you know your guests will take a lot of photos on their own, look for space that will look good from any angle. The good news is, with the plethora of outdoor venues for hire in London, you are sure to find a great garden venue within the city, without the need to travel outside of it. In garden venues, you can organise professional photoshoots or personal celebrations like a baby shower or hen party.

Our recommendation:

The Hyde Garden at The Hyde Restaurant - an intimate space to unwind in a peaceful environment. The venue can be adjusted to fit private functions as well as corporate events. Guest rating: 4.8/5

Patios. A floor-level space can be a great option for an event where accessibility is the key requirement in your venue hunt. Usually paved, patios should be convenient to anyone attending. Patios are also a good choice for events like concerts or gigs, as there won’t be many obstacles for the performers to bring in their gear.

Our recommendation:

Private Outdoor Patio at Uncommon Fulham - a stylish coworking venue offering outdoor party packages, ideal for team outings. Guest rating: 5.0/5

Yachts or boats. Make your event more unique and memorable by organising it right on the River Thames. Usually providing an open-deck area as well as a sheltered one, yachts are great for organising events despite the weather. A boat party can be enjoyed during the day, where the panoramic views of the river add extra to your event. On hot days, a gentle breeze will serve as a natural cooler. A night party will be lit up by the city lights. Yachts and boats are great if you’re organising a stag party or a product launch.

Our recommendations: 

West End On The Thames - offering multiple rooms and river cruises, it can be adjusted to fit any event. Guest rating: 4.9/5

Hotels. Hotels with private gardens or backyards are great outdoor venues for hire in London when you need an all-in-one package. With hotels usually having restaurants you won’t need to hire external catering for your event and if you’re planning to invite guests who will travel from outside of town, they will already have a place to stay. In case of bad weather, you can move your event inside the hotel. Hotels are fantastic venues to host weddings or corporate events.

Our recommendations:

Wellington Hotel by Blue Orchid - located in the heart of Westminster this hotel has everything to please your guest, including a charming garden. Guest rating: 4.9/5 

Lawns. You can look for lawns adjacent to museums or galleries. Usually available in a dry hire, you can adjust them to fit your event. Lawns are great for large functions like a family picnic or networking event. Before you decide on hiring such a venue though, contact the venue manager to make sure the place can host the event you have in mind.

Our recommendations: 

The Lawns and Garden Atrium at Shoreditch Gardens - a green space close to the city, naturally shaded by trees, it makes a great spot for any large event. Guest rating: 4.8/5

Garden Games and Entertainment for All Ages

Organising an outdoor event in London presents an excellent opportunity to create an unforgettable experience for all your guests, regardless of their age! Integrating fresh air games and entertainment is a fantastic way to add fun and engagement to all the outdoor events in London - from birthdays to family reunions. Here's how to choose and set up activities that will keep everyone entertained, from toddlers to grandparents.

• Classic Lawn Games: Start with classic lawn games that are easy to play and universally loved. These can include croquet, lawn bowls, or giant Jenga. These games are not only fun but also serve as great icebreakers, encouraging guests to mingle and interact with each other.
• Interactive Stations: Set up interactive stations that can accommodate various interests. For example, a DIY kite-making station is perfect for a breezy day, while a flower crown station adds a creative and whimsical touch to garden parties. These stations not only entertain but also allow guests to take home a memorable keepsake from your event.
• Family-friendly Competitions: Organise competitions that families can participate in together, such as a three-legged race, sack race, or a water balloon toss. Offer small prizes to add a competitive edge and watch as teams of families and friends band together for some lighthearted fun.
• Treasure Hunts: A treasure hunt can be tailored to any outdoor venue and is a surefire way to keep both kids and adults engaged. Hide clues around the garden that lead to a treasure chest filled with goodies. This game encourages exploration and teamwork and can be themed to fit the occasion.
• Outdoor Crafts: Consider setting up an outdoor crafts table where guests can make something related to the theme of your event. Whether it's painting stones, making friendship bracelets, or decorating hats, it's a relaxing way to engage guests who prefer a quieter activity.
• Musical Entertainment: Live music can transform any outdoor event. Consider hiring a band, a string quartet, or a solo guitarist to provide a live soundtrack to your garden party. If that sounds like something for your outdoor gathering in London, have a peek at the guide section below! For children, entertainers like magicians or puppeteers can provide captivating performances that enchant and delight.
• Movie Under the Stars: If your event stretches into the evening, a movie screening under the stars can be a magical conclusion. Set up a screen and project a family-friendly film. Provide blankets and popcorn for a cosy cinema experience in the garden.
• Chill-out Zones: Not all entertainment has to be active. Create chill-out zones with comfortable seating, perhaps around a fire pit or under a canopy of lights. This is perfect for guests who prefer to relax and chat away from the hustle and bustle of games and activities.

When planning garden games and entertainment, consider your guests' accessibility needs. Ensure that all areas are accessible to those with mobility challenges and that there are activities everyone can enjoy regardless of their physical abilities.

Entertaining activities are essential components of a successful outdoor event in London, adding excitement, laughter, and memorable moments. If you’d like to see even more ways to make your fresh air party amazing, have a look at 16 Top Outdoor Party Ideas for 2024!

Guide to Selecting and Booking Live Music for Outdoor Parties

Outdoor venues in London offer a beautiful setting for any celebration. Adding live music can elevate the atmosphere, making your event truly outstanding. Here's a guide to help you select and book the perfect live music for your outdoor party.

Understanding Your Event Theme and Audience

First, consider the theme of your event and the demographics of your guests. Whether it's a private garden party, an elegant wedding, or a corporate gathering, your choice of music should complement the occasion and appeal to your audience.

Exploring Musical Genres and Acts

Diverse musical genres suit different tastes and settings. Here are a few options:

• Acoustic Duos or Soloists: Ideal for closer gatherings, offering a personal and laid-back vibe.
• Jazz Bands: Bring sophistication and a smooth ambiance, perfect for cocktail hours or formal events.
• String Quartets: Elevate the elegance of weddings or high-end functions with classical melodies.
• Cover Bands: Play popular hits across decades, ensuring guests of all ages have something to enjoy.
• Folk Bands: Infuse your event with a bohemian feel, ideal for countryside or garden settings.

Venue Considerations

Outdoor event spaces in London come with their own set of challenges and considerations for live music:

• Space: Ensure there's adequate space for the performers, their equipment, and the performance.
• Electricity: Verify the availability of power sources for amplification and lighting, especially for evening events.
• Sound Restrictions: Be aware of any sound ordinances or restrictions in the area and discuss sound levels with the band.
• Weather Contingency: Have a plan for unexpected weather changes. Can the party move indoors, or is there cover available?

Finding and Booking Musicians

• Start Early: Popular musicians and bands book up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
• Research: Use social media and music agency websites to find bands with good reviews and a reliable track record.
• Watch Performances: If possible, attend live shows or watch videos of their performances to gauge their style and audience interaction.
• Communicate Clearly: Discuss your event's details, expectations, and any specific song requests with the musicians. Clarify the duration of the performance and any breaks.
• Consider Logistics: Discuss arrival times, set-up requirements, and whether the band will need a PA system or other equipment.
• Contract and Deposit: Secure the booking with a written contract outlining all details, including payment terms. A deposit is typically required.

Ensuring a Smooth Performance

• Sound Check: Allow time for a sound check before guests arrive to adjust levels and prevent audio issues.
• Guest Interaction: Encourage the band to interact with the audience to create a more engaging experience.
• Show Appreciation: Ensure the performers have everything they need (e.g., refreshments) and thank them for their contribution to your event's success.

Live music can transform your outdoor venue in London into a lively, memorable party scene. Just by carefully selecting a music act that suits your event well and considering the practicalities of outdoor performance, you can ensure a joyous celebration that resonates with all your guests!

FAQs about Outdoor Venues in London

How much does it cost to hire an outdoor venue in London?

The prices of outdoor venue hire in London vary depending on the size of the venue and its offer. The cost of packages per person may come in as low as £12 and for an hourly hire at £50. If you want to hire a venue for a day you can find small venues that will charge you only £50, but the hire costs of bigger venues usually start at around £800. The prices may vary depending on the day of the week and the time of the day, so make sure you check all the deals the venue is offering. (Based on Tagvenue data.)

Which areas of London are best to look for an outdoor venue?

For the best outdoor experience look for venues along the River Thames. You can either hire a riverside venue or a boat, where you can ask for cruise options. Look for venues in The City or Canary Wharf to enjoy London’s famous skyline. You can hire venues in one of the many parks of London, such as The Battersea Park or The Regent’s Park for an outdoor experience not too far away from the city centre.

Can I hire an outdoor venue with an enclosed area in case of rain?

London is known for its unpredictable weather, so many venues have backup options for outdoor spaces in case of sudden weather changes. Many open air spaces either have an option of putting out umbrellas, or indoor spaces where they can reseat you. However, make sure to discuss this with the venue manager before booking your chosen venue.

Can I hire an outdoor venue for free?

Free venue hire is another way of referring to minimum spend venues. That is a pricing option that allows you to only commit to a certain amount for you and your guests to spend on food and drinks, while not having to pay a hire fee for the space itself.