The days are getting longer, summer’s on the horizon and let’s be honest – everyone likes an excuse to get out of the office for some sunshine (and maybe a cocktail or two). A company summer party is the perfect excuse to get the team together, take a breather from the office, and actually have some fun.
But here’s the thing: not all summer parties are created equal. A few folding chairs in the car park and some lukewarm sausages on a BBQ probably aren’t going to cut it if you want your colleagues talking about your office summer do for the right reasons.
Whether you’re planning something laid-back or going all-out with a big party, a bit of creativity goes a long way. As a corporate event magician, summer is my second busiest season for office parties after Christmas, and I’ve been lucky to work at some brilliant events.
In this post, I’ll share some crowd-pleasing corporate summer party ideas, from themes and activities to entertainment tips, that will help you organise an event your team won’t forget.
1) Rooftop Party with a view
Treat your team panoramic views, great cocktails, and that proper summer vibe by hiring a rooftop venue for your summer bash. Everyone loves a good rooftop bar and there are some brilliant venues available to hire in London (Florattica, Madison, or Queen of Hoxton are great options for starters).
If you want a rooftop vibe with really spectacular views, but don’t want to stress about the weather, Sky Garden in the City could be just the place you need.
2) I’m on a boat
Cruise along the Thames with drinks, canapés, and a DJ. A boat party makes a brilliant and unique event, and it’s perfect for selfies with London landmarks.
If you like the idea of a boat party, but want people to be able to come and go as they please, you can also book a boat that stays moored – Tamesis Dock near Vauxhall and Floating Garden at Kings Cross for instance.
3) Garden Party in a private square
Host a classy garden party in one of London’s hidden private gardens or squares. Think lawn games, Pimm’s, and deckchairs.
There are loads of options in London for this – St Paul’s Church in Covent Garden, Middle Temple Gardens or Inner Temple Gardens in the City or The Hurlingham Club in Fulham
4) Private Walking Tour
Explore part of London’s rich history on an educational summer party on one of the many walking tours available for private bookings.
A few options to whet your appetite: Walking London offers a range of tours with bespoke options, as does London Walks. And it would be amiss if I didn’t’t recommend The London Spy as he’s a good friend of mine (and even does some magic on some of his tours!)
5) Private Pod on The London Eye
Let’s face it – while we always hope for a warm summer, the English weather doesn’t always deliver. Why not enjoy 360 degree views over London, without worrying about the chance of a spot of rain?
With a private pod on The London Eye, you and 24 colleagues can enjoy spectacular views while you eat canapés and sip bubbly. Perfect!
6) Music Festival Vibes
If you’ve got a big team and the budget to match, organise your own private music festival. One of the most memorable summer parties I was booked as a magician in London was exactly this.
The company had booked out a racecourse, added a main soundstage with bands playing throughout the day, a huge covered festival bar and various smaller tents with other entertainment (including yours truly performing hourly magic shows!)
7) Company picnic
Not all corporate summer party ideas need to break the bank! If you’re on a tight budget, take the team to one of London’s many outdoor spaces for a staff picnic. Get some big blankets, outdoor games and Pimms and make your own party in the park.
8) Dragon Boat, Paddle Boat or Canoe Racing
Add a bit of water-based fun and adrenaline to your summer celebration with some boat racing. I often work with Team Activity Group who organise Dragon Boat Racing, Paddleboat racing and canoeing, as well as other river-based activities just outside of London.
They’re a lovely, family-run events business and I’d highly recommend them.
9) Community Give-Back Day + Summer BBQ
Combine your summer party with a touch of corporate social responsibility by organising a community give-back event. There are several organisations in London who can facilitate this (take a look at Hands On London and Be on Hand for starters).
Head to the pub afterwards to celebrate with some food and drink, safe in the knowledge that you deserve it.
10) London Landmark Treasure Hunt
Explore the sights of London in the sunshine with a team treasure hunt. Split the office up into teams and send them racing around iconic locations like Tower Bridge, Covent Garden and Soho, while solving clues and challenges.
Great for team-building, with drinks at the office or a nearby watering-hole afterwards for prize-giving to the winners and runners-up.
11) Mini-Golf
Head for some crazy golf fun at Putt in The Park in Battersea, Crazy Putt Adventure Golf in Greenwich or Lost Jungle in Edgware.
If you want to plan for less-than-ideal summer weather, Swingers offers an indoor mini-gold alternative, with multiple London venues.
12) BBQ Beer Garden
I love a good beer garden in the summer and I’m sure you do too. Combine a beer garden with a BBQ and you’ve got the perfect summer afternoon to treat your colleagues.
London has many great pubs with outdoor spaces to hire for company events – The Edinboro Castle in Camden, The Magic Garden in Battersea, The Doggetts Coat and Badge on the South Bank and The Crown and Shuttle in Shoreditch for starters.
There you have it—12 corporate summer party ideas to help you throw an event that’s a far cry from soggy sausage rolls and awkward mingling.
A well thought-out summer party isn’t just a nice perk, it’s a brilliant way to bring your team together, boost morale, and show everybody some well-earned appreciation.
Whatever you choose, make it yours. Pick an idea that fits your company culture, don’t be afraid to get creative, and most importantly, make sure it’s something your team will actually enjoy.
If you’re looking for more inspiration for places to host your summer do, I wrote a separate post with more company summer party venues in London . And of course, if you need some help with the entertainment side of things and want to hire a magician, I’d love to chat with you!
