Finding the perfect Summer party venue

With the Summer events season almost upon us, it can be tricky to find the perfect Summer party venue. Whether you’re planning a large-scale corporate dinner or a small private celebration, our team of venue-finding experts have the perfect space…

No.4 Hamilton Place
An ideal Summer party venue with its roof terrace overlooking Hyde Park, No.4 Hamilton Place (pictured above) is a home from home for guests as they enjoy exclusive hire of this Edwardian townhouse for relaxed Summer celebrations.

Summer of culture

As the first purpose-built public art space in England, elegant Dulwich Picture Gallery offers lots of space for medium to large-scale marquee events – all with a stunning backdrop. Adding a daring colourpop to its classic backdrop this Summer, the Gallery is hosting The Colour Palace – a temporary structure designed by Pricegore and Yinka Ilori which is part of the London Festival of Architecture.

The National Portrait Gallery offers a unique backdrop of impressive collections of portraits, perfect for any Summer event. Tate Modern events may include a private tour of Olafur Eliasson: In Real Life – exploring ideas about climate change and energy. The Wallace Collection is hosting a fascinating Manolo Blahnik exhibition running until September which features over 100 shoes.

The world-famous Summer Show at Royal Academy of Arts is not to be missed! Last year saw its 250th show, critically acclaimed and curated by Grayson Perry. The 2019 show coordinated by John McFadyen will not disappoint.

Close by, the National Gallery offers a stately set of spaces and recently launched the charming National Gallery Garden, perfect for intimate outdoor receptions – they’re also offering, for a limited time only, 25% off venue hire discount for bookings in August! Cultural hub, Somerset House, is always a popular destination for Summertime activities, offering the grand Edmund J Safra Fountain Court and ambient River Terrace.

Packed full of treasures, The V&A boasts the John Madejski Garden which has a beautiful water feature and is enclosed within the ornate facades of the Museum.

From the west to central
Event organisers looking for leafy Summer party venues in West London are spoilt for choice with the range of spaces set in acres of sublime greenery and elegant structures at Kew Gardens, the hidden gem that is Chelsea Physic Garden with its fascinating story of botanical delights, The Chelsea Gardener – an oasis of green in the centre of Chelsea and Royal Hospital Chelsea with its magnificent Figure Court and vast spaces for marquees.

Moving more centrally, tucked away in Westminster Abbey’s College Garden is a tranquil 900-year-old garden which is thought to be the oldest in England. Events can include fascinating tours of the Abbey itself.

Banqueting House is the perfect purpose-built party spot and the venue are offering free early access from 13:00hrs on selected dates in August.

East side
For Summer party venues close to the City, look no further than iconic St Paul’s Cathedral with its pretty grounds, complementary Cathedral floor access and 15% off the Crypt and Nelson’s Chamber spaces in July.  Stationers’ Hall and Garden features a delightful garden space and dramatic Tower of London with its enchanting alfresco Wall Walk complete with river views.

Two Temple Place boasts exquisite heritage features and an intimate outdoor space with 10% off July and August venue hire rates.

Armourers’ Hall offers a range of historic spaces adorned with magnificent paintings, antique furniture and heritage features. Another perfect spot for history buffs, Guildhall has only a couple of dates left across their site, including the atmospheric Roman Amphitheatre.

Situated opposite London’s modern financial district, are the spectacular venues that make up Royal Museums Greenwich – climb on board the Cutty Sark  with its views of London’s modern financial district from the characterful top deck.

Enjoy Summer receptions on the Meridian Line at Royal Observatory, with spectacular views over Greenwich and Canary Wharf. There’s also park-dwelling Queen’s House and Peter Harrison Planetarium, or the National Maritime Museum with its extensive grounds for marquees.

English Heritage
From iconic London landmarks to medieval palaces English Heritage’s historic venues make a unique setting for Summer events and weddings. Planners can choose from magnificent Eltham Palace with its charming moat and extraordinary interiors, dreamy Kenwood House, eccentric Wrest Park, charismatic Ranger’s House in the heart of Blackheath or distinguished Wellington Arch with its magnificent views.

Heading out
For event organisers wishing to shake off the capital, Harrow School offers sensational views of London from its impressive hilltop location. Syon Park is a beautiful country estate complete with a Great Conservatory adorned with palms, exotic flowers, and trees.

Graceful Grove House is situated close to Putney and its blissful grounds offer views of Richmond Park. Majestic Blenheim Palace is a lavish Baroque venue surrounded by 90 acres of formal gardens  alongside grand interiors and has a few midweek dates left in July/August.

The famous home of King Henry VIII, Hampton Court Palace is an awe-inspiring Summer party venue with its rich history, landscaped gardens and intriguing maze.

More information
To discuss your perfect Summer party or for more information on our unparalleled venue portfolio, please contact our venue-finding experts on 020 7733 3151 or at hello@bluestrawberry-tabletalk.com

Photo credits include:
Paulo Ferla Edward Bishop Noah Two By Two Tell Your Story The Makers Holly Clark Matt Chung Aidan Synott Madison Phipps