Outdoor Venues in London

Why are outdoor venues good for events?

Outdoor event venues are a great option for parties, weddings, and other gatherings. They provide a spacious and scenic setting that’s perfect for enjoying the sun (well, when it shines!) and mingling with guests in a less confined and formal environment than indoor spots. There are many different types of outdoor event venues, from roof terraces to private gardens, so no matter what type of event you’re planning, there’s sure to be an outdoor event space that’s perfect for your needs!

What types of outdoor venues can you hire in London?

Trying to decide on the perfect outdoor venue for your event can be a daunting task, but luckily London has no shortage of options. From lovely, secluded courtyards to funky canal-side terraces and rooftop bars, there are endless fantastic spaces for your open-air event in London and beyond. Here are some of the top kinds of outdoor venues you can hire for garden parties and much more. Rooftop bars for outdoor events Rooftop bars are fantastic for making the most of those lazy summer evenings, and it’s not hard to see why they’re becoming increasingly popular for a variety of events, from birthday parties to business functions. Rooftop venues often offer uninterrupted views of the cityscape, and have spacious outdoor areas that can accommodate large groups of people. They also typically have a more relaxed atmosphere than traditional event spaces, and are great for keeping events from feeling too stuffy!

A couple of our favourites include 30 Euston Square, which combines stylish business facilities with a stunning vista, and Century Club, which features a handy retractable glass roof in case the weather gets a little too British! Pantechnicon’s Roof Garden also features this safety net, as well as a beautiful adjacent interior space and South-facing views across Belgravia - what’s not to love?

Courtyards for outdoor events

Courtyards provide an ideal setting for an outdoor party, wedding reception, or corporate function, allowing guests to enjoy the beautiful weather while still being protected from the elements. In addition, courtyards can be easily decorated to create a special setting, with fairy lights, potted plants, and outdoor furniture transforming an open-air venue into a stylish and inviting space. Best of all, courtyard venues are typically more affordable than other types of event spaces, so if you're looking to host a summer event on a budget, a courtyard venue is the perfect option.

Check out the beautiful Courtyard at Merchant Taylors’ Hall for a historic and secluded spot in the heart of The City, or book up BMA House for an exceptionally elegant space that’s perfect for corporate functions.

Private gardens for outdoor events

Private gardens are great to have on your radar as they can accommodate large groups of people, and they’re generally expertly-maintained, beautiful backdrops for all event types.Some of the best garden venues to hire in London include the lush lawns at [De Vere Devonport House] (https://hirespace.com/Spaces/London/134868/De-Vere-Devonport-House/Private-Lawn/Events), and the secluded space at Shoreditch Gardens, which provides a private park-like space with plenty of trees for shade.

And while we’re on the subject of private parks, there are plenty of large outdoor spaces for hire in London, from the National Maritime Museum’s private area at the bottom of Greenwich Park, to the picturesque Ranelagh Gardens, home to the Chelsea Flower Show.

Boats for outdoor events

For an unusual event setting that’s sure to be memorable, why not bob down to the river and book a boat? The one-of-a-kind open-air experience is ideal for impressing guests, and the outdoor deck area is perfect for mingling and socialising with the cool breeze coming off the water. Best of all, boats provide a hassle-free event space - everything you need is already on board, so you shouldn't have to worry about renting additional equipment or furniture!

A couple of classic canal spots in London are the Number Group Boat in Hackney Wick, and the Battersea Barge, both of which are funky, unique venues for a birthday bash! There are also plenty of boats that offer something suited to corporate occasions, like the Dixie Queen, which can accommodate everything from conferences to gala dinners on the water.

What should you think about when planning an outdoor event?

When planning an outdoor event, there are a few things you should keep in mind in order to ensure that the event is successful. First, you’ll need to find a venue that also offers indoor space in case of bad weather (after all, this is Britain…), and on the flipside you'll also need to make sure that there’s some shade available in case the sun decides to make an appearance! Most venues with outdoor space on Hire Space offer the addition of an indoor area, whether in a reception room, restaurant, or even dining pods - but be sure to consider the size of the space and the amenities that will be available if you need to move indoors.

On that note, it's also a good idea to choose a flexible venue that can accommodate a variety of activities to keep guests entertained, such as garden games or performers. And catering is usually on offer at events, so make sure there’s space for caterers to set up, plate up, and serve your guests from a kitchen or portable unit. Finally, accommodation and transport is a key consideration - if your guests can’t get to you, it doesn’t matter how beautiful your backdrop is! With a little bit of planning, you can ensure that your outdoor event is a success!

How much does an outdoor venue cost?

Planning an outdoor event can be a great way to celebrate a special occasion or simply to enjoy the good weather. However, before you start sending out invitations, it's important to have a clear budget in mind. The cost of an outdoor event will vary depending on a number of factors, including the minimum spend at the venue, the cost of food and drink, and the number of guests in attendance. If you’re looking for cheap outdoor party venues, minimum spend venues are often a good option, with plenty of outdoor bars allowing the cost to be spread over the drinks that your party buys over the course of the evening.

To get a rough estimate of the cost, check with a few different venues to see what their flat rates or minimum spends are - they’re likely to range between around £500 for a roof terrace, to £10,000 for a really prestigious central London private garden. On top of the venue cost, remember to factor in the cost of catering and any other extras like entertainment or decor before you commit to the contract. Once you have an idea of the total cost, you can start planning your event within your budget.

What kinds of events can you have in an outdoor venue?

An outdoor venue can be the perfect setting for a variety of events at any time of year (though in winter we recommend heaters!). If you're looking to host a party or reception event, an outdoor venue can provide the perfect amount of space for guests to socialise, and often makes networking easier as guests can move around freely. Summer parties are especially popular, as the warm weather is perfect for enjoying the outdoors, and sunny days pair perfectly with a glass of fizz.

Outdoor venues can also be ideal for weddings, graduations, and corporate receptions, with the natural surroundings providing a beautiful backdrop for these special occasions (and a great spot for photographs as well!). If you're planning a birthday party, an outdoor venue can be a great option for accommodating larger groups and incorporating some entertainment or games. There are endless possibilities for what kinds of events you can host in an outdoor venue, so whatever the occasion, an outdoor venue can help make your event truly memorable!

What are the best outdoor event venues in London?

London is a great city for hosting outdoor events, with a wide range of venues to suit every occasion. Whatever your budget or preferences, and whether you’re looking for outdoor venues for graduation parties or corporate events, there's sure to be an outdoor event space in or near London that's perfect for hosting your special celebrations. Here are some of the best we’ve come across!

Best outdoor wedding venues in London

When it comes to outdoor wedding venues, London has no shortage of beautiful and affordable options. From riverfront landings to secluded gardens, there are endless locations that are perfect for both the ceremony and reception in central London and beyond.

If you’re just looking for an outdoor wedding ceremony, the beautiful Asylum is an unbeatable place to tie the knot, with a fairytale-esque aesthetic in an old open-air church. Meanwhile, for a best-of-both-worlds venue that’s near enough to central London for guests to make the trip in less than an hour, Nonsuch Mansion is a beautiful spot, set in acres of parkland that’s sure to make your big day really special.

For a more intimate setting, The Rooftop at The Trafalgar St James is a great option if you’re after a small outdoor wedding venue, with its stunning skyline views providing a perfect backdrop for photos. And for couples on a budget, affordable outdoor wedding spaces are plentiful: is a lovely, low-cost option that still offers a range of beautiful outdoor spaces to choose from.

If you’re after something more unusual, The Barbican Centre’s Conservatory offers a tropical paradise of plants and rainforest vibes in central London. Looking to push the boat out? Check out Bateaux London’s glass-roofed river boat, where you can enjoy the great outdoors from the water! Or, go the whole hog and rent a bit of the river for yourselves on the beautiful Raven’s Ait Island - after all, it’s the one day you get to be king or queen, so you may as well have a beautiful kingdom to rule over!

Best outdoor summer party venues in London

There’s nothing like a summer party outside in the fresh air, and London’s a sweet spot of fantastic venues. The Hurlingham Club is one of the most popular choices for outdoor parties, offering a beautiful garden to serve drinks and food - and an elegant interior to set up your dance floor later on!

For a stunning outdoor reception venue, consider hiring one of the many beautiful outdoor spaces usually open to the public, like the incredible courtyard at Southwark Cathedral, an ideal choice that offers plenty of space for guests to mingle and enjoy the outdoors with a choice of sun or shade. Or, for a more private affair, some gardens can be hired for summer parties: check out the incredible 5 acre space at The HAC, or the Harris Garden at Lord’s Cricket Ground for some serious inspo!

If you’re looking to put on an evening event, why not really treat your guests and give them an exclusive view of the capital’s skyline as the sun sets? The stunning roof terrace at Aviary is just the place to pull it off, and we’re pretty sure you’ll be in everyone’s good books with a sky-high event setting like this one!

Best outdoor birthday party venues in London

For birthday parties, you’re likely to be after something slightly more fun and informal - a rooftop like the one at Sea Containers Events or NT’s Loft could be just what you’re after, with sun, delicious drinks and great food on the menu. Meanwhile, Studio 9294 packs a punch with an outdoor canal-side courtyard alongside its dancefloor and restaurant!

While we’re on the topic of canals, why not go a step further and hire a boat to buoy your birthday celebrations? London is home to many houseboat hotspots, so you're sure to find a vessel to suit your needs, like Darcie and May Green next to Paddington Station. Alternatively, elevate your event by setting it on the roof of 30 Euston Square, complete with barbecue facilities, indoor space, and one of the best views in the city.

Best outdoor function venues in London

If you're looking for a more formal setting for a networking reception or graduation party, the courtyard at 4 Hamilton Place offers a lovely outdoor location for a summer do, as well as plenty of equally-elegant space inside. Meanwhile the garden at the Royal Overseas League is on hand to offer stunning surroundings that are sure to make your event extra special - plus at just a stone’s throw from St James’ Park, it’s your own exclusive oasis on a busy day!

How to find an outdoor event venue in London or the rest of the UK

If you're looking for the best outdoor event venues in the UK, you've come to the right place! Whether you're planning a summer party, wedding, graduation, reception, corporate event, or birthday, there are plenty of great options to choose from on our platform.

On the Hire Space website you’ll find hundreds of the top options in London and beyond, from sprawling private gardens in the capital to rooftop terraces in Manchester and beautiful courtyards in Edinburgh. Just use the search function on the page to put in your requirements - from the location of your event, to the number of guests you’re hoping to invite - and we’ll show you a tailored selection of the best venues around.

If you’re looking for a specific area to set your event in, just select your location to narrow down the pickings, from outdoor venue hire in Shoreditch to venues with outside space in Brixton or private event space in Soho. Wherever you’re looking there’s certain to be something that’s perfect for your event. Need a bit more help? Just get in touch with our Venue Experts!

How to plan an outdoor event

Planning an outdoor event can be a lot of fun, but it's also important to take some time to consider all the details. First, think about what kind of food you'll serve. You’ll need to know whether the venue provides catering so you can decide on the menu - or you might want to bring in an external caterer to complete your event. If you decide to go down the external caterer route, there are a number of options to choose from. For example, you could hire a food truck, set up a buffet, or have a barbecue in the event space. If you're planning on serving hot food, be sure to rent a catering tent or have a backup plan in case of bad weather. Don't forget to think about drinks and dessert, too!

You'll also need to think about entertainment, which can play a big part in getting your guests enjoying themselves. Will there be music? Games? Performers? If so, you'll need to make sure you have enough space for your guests to enjoy the entertainment. You may also want to consider renting equipment such as croquet sets or garden games.

Check out our supplier marketplace for some fun party options, and make sure to choose activities that will suit your guests. And finally, don't forget the details! Decorate the space to match your theme, and make sure to have plenty of ice cream and cold drinks on hand to keep everyone cool and comfortable. Enjoy!