Struggling to plan the perfect summer party? You’re not the only one, so we’ve put together a guide to 20 of the best summer party ideas for work dos.
Enjoy a summer party with a difference with the help of these extra special corporate party ideas. Although these suggestions are winners for corporate, startup, and SME teams, we know you and your mates will love these fun-filled summer party ideas, as well. From an old-school BBQ to a series of unusual team activities, we’ve got suggestions to impress every type of team right here. And if you want even more inspiration? Click here.
1. Host a classic BBQ
We’re kicking things off with a summer party classic. You can’t really beat a BBQ… unless, erm, the weather decides not to play ball! Presuming the skies are clear, larger companies can go all out by renting a venue space with a garden and hiring caterers.
If you’re part of a startup and seeking summer party ideas for work that don’t cost the earth, then head down to a local park that allows DIY BBQs and set up a picnic party. The advantage of a spontaneous summer BBQ party is that you won’t have to rely on the weather on any given day. Just head to the shops and make it happen!
2. Catch a film under the stars
This is another great summer party idea for work if you’ve got a smaller team. The advantage being: you can just buy enough tickets for your staff members and rock up on the day to set up camp. You can usually enter the cinema screening area a couple of hours before the film starts so just head down with blankets, picnic food, and bottles of prosecco and you’re all set. In London (and further afield) you’ll find The Luna Cinema, Rooftop Film Club, and Pop-Up Screens are all great options.
Early sale tickets are already available for some films, so if you book now for a larger team you should be able to set something up. Alternatively, contact these companies directly to see if you can set up an exclusive for your whole company. Some outdoor cinema groups even offer VIP food and drinks packages – this would definitely constitute a summer work party with a difference!
3. Host an office Olympics
Looking for summer party themes for work that suit any size of team? Sports Day used to be the highlight of your school events calendar, so why not bring that competitive spirit into adulthood and host an office Olympics? In large companies, we’d recommend splitting up departments and mingling colleagues into ‘country’ teams to get everyone working together and meeting new people. You can find some fantastic outdoor venue options here.
4. Enjoy a day at the races
The races provide the perfect, ready-made excuse to celebrate. Why not book a space at one of Ascot’s stunning private hire venues and enjoy the action in style? Their hospitality boxes are ideal for corporate summer parties and your work colleagues will certainly be impressed with the free-flowing booze and delicious buffet catering options. The roaming bookies will even come to your box, so there’s no need to leave your prime spot to have a flutter. It’s the ideal summer day out! Find out more about booking space at Ascot Racecourse.
5. Lounge about at the lido
📷: @kirstypoole
London, and indeed most UK cities, have loads to offer when it comes to outdoor swimming. Pools on the Park in Richmond (pictured) is a fantastic option for those of you located in London and looking to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city to celebrate your successes this summer. Just pack a picnic, grab a spot on the grass and settle in for a day of sun and splashing about.
6. Go for rooftop drinks
London also has plenty to offer when it comes to rooftop drinking opportunities. Queen of Hoxton (pictured) undergoes a snazzy themed makeover bi-annually, making it an excellent up-to-date summer rooftop venue. Sea Containers offers some serious wow-factor with their rooftop Thames view terrace. Roof East, which launched back in 2004, set up shop on top of a disused multi-storey car park, much to the delight of the residents of Stratford. These are just a few examples of London’s buzzing rooftop scene and each provides a unique take on a modern summer party venue. Check out amazing rooftop venues in Manchester, Bristol and Liverpool.
7. Get competitive playing mini-golf
Book a private space at Swingers West End or Swingers City for a guaranteed good time. Enjoy cocktails as you meander around the stylish mini-golf course (that’s not a sentence we thought we’d ever utter) engaging in a little friendly competition. Try Swingers for £13 per person per round of golf or £10 off-peak (Monday – Wednesday before 5 pm). Find out more here.
8. Take part in a scavenger hunt
Who doesn’t love a scavenger hunt? The Big Smoke Events put on among the very best in London. Once labelled the ‘Best Team Day’ by InStyle Magazine, their hilarious and exciting challenges reflect what they believe events should be: unique, fun, competitive and collaborative. Experience a race against the clock, lots of laughter, and create great memories. Perfect if you want summer party themes for work that are a little bit different. Check out the video here.
Both Hackney City Farm and Spitalfields City Farm provide charming escapes from the hubbub of the city – they are great spots to get back to nature. Hackney City Farm is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm and boasts a weekly calendar of various events. Spitalfields opens on the same days and also features regular, nature-focused events. Be warned though, this unusual suggestion works best when built into a larger summer party plan as activities are somewhat limited! Why not combine a visit to the farm with a reception at WWT London Wetland Centre?
10. Go Ape!
Here’s you and your colleagues, safely on the ground and sniggering away as your boss freaks out at the prospect of jumping off a 50 foot-high platform. With multiple locations across London and the UK, Go Ape is an excellent summer party for teams looking for a laugh. They’ve got a number of corporate event packages available too, so every detail should be quite simple to sort out. Find out more about team days at Go Ape.
11. Catch some waves
Another excellent option for teams looking for summer party ideas for work with a difference. Lee Valley White Water Centre are pros at corporate events, and they’re on hand to help you sort the perfect summer party. And not only do they offer watersports galore, they also boast the Lee Valley Velodrome. The venue comes equipped with loads of meeting and breakout spaces so you’ll be able to tailor your venue hire to your specifications.
Why not take a trip back to the early 1900s and host an old fashioned garden party as your next corporate event? Think finger sandwiches, tea, croquet and formal attire, and you’re somewhere close. The Garden at Stationers’ Hall makes the perfect setting for your classy event. Plus, you can bring the proceedings into the 21st century with teapot cocktails and a snazzy social media hashtag.
13. Roadtrip to the beach
Everybody loves the beach and, believe it or not, the UK has lots of fantastic options on the south coast. Bournemouth is a particularly popular seaside destination, and it’s not too far a jaunt from the capital. Organise a couple of coaches and pick a spot on Bournemouth waterfront to hire, then combine your party with beach games and a BBQ to really help your team embrace the sunny season vibes.
14. Set up a Regent’s Canal flotilla
We’ve thought about it and are ready to announce our conclusions: there’s nothing better than messing about on a boat on a sunny day in London. Take to the water with GoBoat who offer private boat hire for up to eight people available on Regent’s Canal. Why not hire a whole fleet and picnic along the canal in a flotilla? It’s a great summer party theme for slightly smaller offices. Find out more here.
15. Host a BYO cocktail party
Summer party ideas for work just got a whole lot boozier, with this bring your own cocktail party theme. Have your employees team up into cocktail groups and ask each group to provide the ingredients for their chosen signature cocktail. Find a venue that’s willing to allow you to provide your own alcohol and get cracking. Your teams will certainly bond over creating their drinks, and there’s sure to be loads of cocktail-fuelled fun.
16. Surround yourself with flowers at Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens comes alive during the summer months, so you’d better make the most of it. Head west and enter an urban oasis unlike any other. Kew’s landmark buildings include the Palm House and the Orangery, which can be rented out for private events. These ideal summer party settings will give you a tranquil spot to set up, while your guests can feel free to roam around the grounds. Find out more about hiring space at Kew Gardens.
17. Opt for a good old-fashioned beer garden
Sometimes, you don’t need to overthink it: you can’t go wrong with a few drinks in the pub garden. While it would be great to set up shop in your local fave, London has some absolutely cracking pubs with outdoor space if you fancy venturing further afield. Take The Belle Bar and Terrace at The Carpenters Arms, for example, or FEST (pictured) in Camden. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a low-key – but seriously fun – summer party with a glass of Pimm’s never out of arms reach.
18. Try out Moo Canoes
Embrace your adventurous spirit with a canoe (or kayak) down one of London’s famous waterways followed by a few celebratory pints. Opt for a guided tour or commandeer your own vessel with a summer party activity they’ll never forget. Find out more here.
19. Enjoy an extra special boat trip with HotTug
This unusual summer party idea involves taking a heated hot tub tug boat (try saying that fast five times) down Regent’s Canal. You’re sure to attract some attention as you proudly make your way along the water in 38-degree comfort. Just crack open the champagne and toast to the great British summertime! Find out more here.
20. Fill your face with street food at Pergola Paddington
The perfect place to follow up your HotTug or GoBoat adventure, Pergola Paddington even allows you to book tables online for groups. Enjoy street food and cocktails in flower-covered comfort; there’s lots of outdoor eats to savour here. Find out more.
