60 Special Things to Do for Your Birthday in London in 2024

Standard birthday routines can feel a bit stale, especially if you’re seeking something extraordinary. Thankfully, London boasts no shortage of hidden gems and exclusive experiences, delivering the perfect playground for an unparalleled birthday bash.

From secret rooftop bars with stunning city views to private dining rooms in exquisite locations, the city offers a blend of luxury, adventure, and charm.

We know the sheer number of choices can be overwhelming. Fear not! In this article, you’ll find 60 fun London birthday ideas to make your special day stand out, all categorised and easy to scroll through.

Without further ado, let’s jump right in!

🎂 Classic Birthday Celebrations in London

Let’s start with the classics – our handpicked selection of the city’s top-rated brunch spots, chic dinner party locations, and vibrant nightlife destinations.

Birthday Brunch and Lunch Ideas in London

If you’re looking for something fun to do during the day, here’s where to go for a birthday brunch or lunch in London.

1. The Terrace at Doggett’s Coat and Badge

Indulge in a sumptuous brunch or lunch with the panoramic view of St. Paul’s Cathedral and the city’s iconic skyline as your background. If the weather goes south, the venue also boasts a heated pavillion and a large indoor space.

📍 Location: South Bank
👫 Capacity: 35 seats
💰 Price: from £350 hire fee + £3500 min. spend
✨ Highlight: amazing views of London

2. The Outside Stage Deck at Tamesis Dock

If you’re looking for an outdoor brunch spot for a small group, The Outside Stage Deck at Tamesis Dock is a great option. You can also hire The West Facing Deck for a larger group, book the indoor Lower Deck, or even have the whole barge to yourself.

📍 Location: Lambeth
👫 Capacity: 15 seats
💰 Price: from £300 hire fee + £1200 min. spend
✨ Highlight: party-on-the-water experience

3. Small Vault at Tuttons Brasserie Private Dining

Step into this cosy vaulted space for a unique and intimate birthday brunch. Gather your closest friends for a feast surrounded by the warm checkerboard charm, where every toast feels like a secret shared in good company.

📍 Location: Covent Garden
👫 Capacity: 20 seats
💰 Price: from £15 per person
✨ Highlight: an intimate private dining space

4. Rooftop Terrace at Bow Street Tavern

Kick back on this vibrant rooftop terrace for your birthday and sip on cocktails as colourful as the cushions. The terrace at Bow Street Tavern is the perfect urban oasis for toasting to another fabulous year with your favourite people.

📍 Location: Covent Garden
👫 Capacity: 22 seats
💰 Price: from £500 min. spend
✨ Highlight: an enchanting rooftop retreat with a view of the Royal Opera House

5. Summer Terrace at Brasserie Blanc Southbank

Imagine sipping bubbly surrounded by a cascade of flowers at your birthday brunch as you laugh and chat with your guests. With every corner bursting with greenery, it’s a secret garden party in the heart of the city just for you. 

📍 Location: Waterloo
👫 Capacity: 15 seats
💰 Price: from £1125 min. spend
✨ Highlight: a wisteria-canopied oasis offering tropical tranquillity

Birthday Dinner and Night Out Ideas

Let’s move on to birthday party ideas for those who want to explore London’s nightlife!

6. The Cocktail Lounge at Near & Far Camden

Throw a birthday bash in this retro lounge with energetic vibes and cocktails as funky as the decor. It’s the perfect spot for a laid-back night out with pals, where every selfie is as bright and bold as the laughter in the room.

📍 Location: Camden
👫 Capacity: 20 seats
💰 Price: from £100 min. spend
✨ Highlight: a throwback to 60s Palm Springs glam with a twist of modern karaoke fun

7. Cocktail Cabinet at Dirty Martini Monument

Dive into the electric Cocktail Cabinet for a birthday night out where the past and present mingle under moody neon lights. It’s the perfect setting for clinking glasses, indulgent conversations, and dancing the night away to the soundtrack of your new birthday milestone.

📍 Location: the City
👫 Capacity: 90 seats
💰 Price: from £500 min. spend
✨ Highlight: a secluded cocktail haven with bespoke art and a private bar

8. The Private Dining Room at The Last Talisman

Gather around this inviting table in your own cosy corner of London and enjoy a birthday dinner where rustic charm meets chic elegance. Let the glow of the candles make your special day feel even more magical.

📍 Location: Bermondsey
👫 Capacity: 20 seats
💰 Price: from £100 min. spend
✨ Highlight: an intimate hideaway with a sizzling Asian grill

9. Private Dining Room at Ninth Ward London

Step back in time and surround yourself with the warm glow of history for your celebration in Ninth Ward’s private dining room. With its plush patterns and antique wood, this opulent space will make your birthday dinner a true feast.

📍 Location: Farringdon
👫 Capacity: 14 seats
💰 Price: from £100 min. spend
✨ Highlight: a storied room blending industrial chic with vintage flair

10. The Wildwood Room at The Green Man

Here’s to a night where the glimmering of string lights meets the clatter of toasts among the comfy cushions and historic charm that make your birthday feel just like home – only better because here, you don’t have to do the dishes.

📍 Location: Fitzrovia
👫 Capacity: 30 seats
💰 Price: from £200 min. spend
✨ Highlight: a cosy retreat from Oxford Street offering a classic pub experience

🎂 Unique and Unusual Birthday Ideas in London

How about something a little different this year? Let’s explore a few fun activities and unique spots for your London birthday.

Quirky Birthday Places

Choose one of these venues for a standout birthday party.

11.  Bonkers Bar

Get lost in a kaleidoscope of colour and quirky charm. Bonkers Bar is a place where the unexpected is the norm – perfect for a night of unforgettable fun, laughter, and dancing to your own beat.

📍 Location: Dalston
👫 Capacity: 60 seats
💰 Price: from £100 min. spend
✨ Highlight: psychedelia and Roald Dahl-inspired madness

 12. Sunset Area at Sugar Cane

Throw an unforgettable birthday bash in this jungle-esque nook that feels like an island escape right in the city. Let the tropical vibes and laid-back rattan seating transport you and your guests to a carefree paradise for the evening.

📍 Location: Clapham
👫 Capacity: 20 seats
💰 Price: from £20 per person
✨ Highlight: Polynesian allure meets SW London’s most tropical party vibe

13.  Cosy & Stylish Loft Dalston at Hoxtonlab Ltd

Celebrate your birthday in this chic loft, where eclectic charm meets homely warmth. And the best part? You can bring your own bottle and favourite dishes along with external catering to tailor your feast.

📍 Location: Dalston
👫 Capacity: 20 seats
💰 Price: from £180 hire fee
✨ Highlight: an intimate nook for trendy, tailor-made gatherings

14.  The Nave at St Ethelburga’s Centre

This former church offers a majestic setting that transforms a simple birthday gathering into a banquet fit for royalty. Here, in the embrace of stone and stained glass, your party becomes an evening etched in time.

📍 Location: the City
👫 Capacity: 85 seats
💰 Price: from £70 per hour
✨ Highlight: a harmonious fusion of historic grandeur and modern amenities

15. Exclusive Gallery Hire at Crafts Council Gallery

Celebrate your birthday among the echoes of history in a space where every corner tells a story of craftsmanship. This beautifully restored and reimagined 18th-century chapel is sure to impress your guests.

📍 Location: Angel
👫 Capacity: 65 seats
💰 Price: from £4200 hire fee
✨ Highlight: a creatively stimulating atmosphere for celebrations

Arts and Culture-Based Birthday Activities

If hiring a private screening room or throwing a birthday party in a live music bar tickles your fancy, this section is for you.

16.  Whirled Cinema

Celebrate your birthday in this atmospheric underground cinema, where the drama of film meets the joy of a party. It’s your own private screening room amidst the picturesque backdrop of London’s historic brick vaults.

📍 Location: Brixton
👫 Capacity: 60 seats
💰 Price: from £300 hire fee
✨ Highlight: vintage cinema charm with underground buzz

17. Backstage at Eastcheap Records

Gather your crew for a birthday bash at Eastcheap Records, where the walls are lined with vinyls and the air thrums with live music. It’s a place to groove to the beats, raise a toast, and let the rhythm of the night turn your celebration into an epic tale.

📍 Location: the City
👫 Capacity: 70 seats
💰 Price: from £1500 min. spend
✨ Highlight: bespoke cocktails and live beats

18. Boutique Karaoke Room at Exhibit

Tonight, you’re the star! Step up to the spotlight for your birthday in this plush karaoke lounge, where the velvet seats invite you to settle in, and the stage is waiting for you to belt out your favourite tunes. Psst! The karaoke room also serves as a boutique cinema.

📍 Location: Balham
👫 Capacity: 20 seats
💰 Price: from £97 per hour
✨ Highlight: cinematic style, plush comfort, and state-of-the-art surround sound

🎂 Luxury Birthday Experiences in London

Discover London’s most sophisticated birthday treats and celebrate your day in style.

Upscale Dining and Exclusive Clubs

Let us show you around the city’s lavish party spots.

19. Albert’s Champagne Bar at Beaufort House

Step into the exclusive Albert’s  Champagne Bar for a sophisticated and intimate birthday dining experience. Whether it’s an extravagant soirée with a hundred friends or an intimate dinner for fifty, this mesmerising space promises a night of elegance and glamour.

📍 Location: Chelsea
👫 Capacity: 50 seats
💰 Price: from £100 per hour
✨ Highlight: a dazzling penthouse setting

20. Cellar Bar at The King’s Head Pub

Descend into the intimate Cellar Bar at this atmospheric pub for an exclusive birthday celebration that combines old-world charm with modern comfort. 

📍 Location: Mayfair
👫 Capacity: 50 seats
💰 Price: from £500 min. spend
✨ Highlight: A historic Mayfair retreat for polished gatherings

21.  Lounge Bar at Lost Society

Sink into the plush velvet seats of Lost Society’s lounge bar and have a special celebration under a canopy of greenery and the warm glow of bespoke lighting. You can also throw a party in their lush garden or hire the entire venue if you’re inviting a large crowd.

📍 Location: Battersea
👫 Capacity: 40 seats
💰 Price: from £500 min. spend
✨ Highlight: sumptuous art deco design that makes for the most Instagrammable setting

22. Smith’s Cocktail Bar

Experience the vintage elegance of Smith’s Cocktail Bar, where the warmth of exposed brick walls pairs with the comfort of velvet sofas. Raise a toast under the lush orange tree, and let the bar’s old-world charm and luxurious decor make your special day unforgettable.

📍 Location Hammersmith
👫 Capacity: 60 seats
💰 Price: from £1000 min. spend
✨ Highlight: a hip and cosy space with opulent decor

Luxury Day Experiences

Make your day extraordinary and spoil yourself with luxurious experiences.

23.  Exclusive Spa Retreat and Afternoon Tea

Indulge in a day of relaxation and pampering at one of London’s top spa retreats. Opt for a package that includes a variety of treatments like massages, facials, and aromatherapy. Following the spa experience, continue your day of luxury with an elegant afternoon tea.

24. Private Shopping Experience with a Personal Stylist in Mayfair

For a luxurious and personalised birthday, arrange a private shopping experience in Mayfair. Feel like a celebrity and let a personal stylist guide you around high-end boutiques and designer stores.

Complement the experience with a chauffeur-driven car to navigate the city in style, and conclude with a gourmet dinner at a nearby luxury restaurant, perhaps with a personal chef or in a private dining room for an intimate celebration.

25. Luxury Yacht Cruise Along the Thames

Hire a yacht and enjoy the soothing river that creates a serene yet opulent setting for birthday celebrations. You can customise the cruise with fine dining, a selection of premium beverages, and even live music. After the cruise, continue the day with a visit to an upscale lounge or a rooftop bar in central London, enjoying cocktails as you watch the sunset.

🎂 Group Birthday Celebration Ideas

While all the recommendations above work for groups, we also know that there are some moments that are best enjoyed with a few close friends.

Group Activities and Workshops in London

If you want your birthday to be an immersive and engaging experience for all, look around for some fun activities or workshops around the city.

26. Private Cooking Class with a Renowned Chef

Fancy a birthday bash with a twist? Book a cooking class where you can whip up some culinary delights together, and then sit down to savour your creations. For Italian food lovers, we recommend Enrica Rocca Cooking School.

📍 Location: North Kensington
👫 Capacity: 24 seats
💰 Price: from £500 hire fee
✨ Highlight: a homely Italian vibe

27.  Art Workshop at a London Gallery or Studio

Booking an art workshop is a fun and unique way to spend your birthday and add a splash of creativity to your celebration.

Whether you’re a budding artist or just looking to try something new, these workshops offer a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. You get to learn from experienced artists, play with different materials, and create your own masterpiece as a special souvenir.

28. Themed Escape Room Challenge

Embark on an exhilarating birthday adventure at AIM Escape Rooms. Gather your friends and step into the immersive world of mind-bending puzzles, heart-pounding excitement, and gripping narratives.

📍 Location: Whitechapel
👫 Capacity: 5 people
💰 Price: from £23 per person
✨ Highlight: an exciting, immersive experience with realistic sets and props

London Party Venues and Dining Spots for Large Groups

Go big or go home: here are some venue recommendations for large groups.

29. Secret Bar at Looking Glass Cocktail Club

Celebrate your birthday at the Secret Bar! With its ambient lighting and vintage charm, this cosy nook feels just like stepping into a mate’s living room. Taste their signature cocktails, mingle with your guests, and dance into the next year of your life.

📍 Location: Shoreditch
👫 Capacity: 80 seats
💰 Price: from £2500 min. spend
✨ Highlight: a speakeasy with a whimsical and surreal ambiance

30. Lockes Bar Covent Garden

Round up your friends for a special birthday bash in the bright and airy Lockes Bar, where the mix of plush sofas and stylish art creates the perfect setting for a memorable soirée.

📍 Location: Covent Garden
👫 Capacity: 160 seats
💰 Price: from £3000 hire fee
✨ Highlight: a bespoke cocktail experience amplified by a curated soundtrack

31. Patch East

Toast to your special day amidst the dazzling disco balls and chic decor of Patch East. Reserve a spot for your squad and revel in an evening filled with stylish sips and funky beats.

📍 Location: the City
👫 Capacity: 100 seats
💰 Price: from £2000 min. spend
✨ Highlight: the eclectic mix of themed rooms offering a personalised party experience

32. Balls Brothers Austin Friars

Gather your friends for a birthday feast in this open and inviting space. Let’s raise a glass at the bar before tucking into a celebratory meal surrounded by lively chatter and good company. 

📍 Location: the City
👫 Capacity: 175 seats
💰 Price: from £5000 min. spend
✨ Highlight: the industrial chic meets British comfort

33. Heist Bank

Step into this modern urban space for a birthday bash that combines sleek, industrial vibes with a touch of greenery. Pull up a stool at the bar and celebrate with crafted drinks.

📍 Location: Paddington
👫 Capacity: 150 seats
💰 Price: from £1000 hire fee + £7000 min. spend
✨ Highlight: the fusion of retro gaming and modern fun, from the full-sized pool table to the classic Nintendo 64

🎂 Romantic Birthday Ideas in London

Spark romance on your special day with our selection of intimate and enchanting birthday ideas.

Intimate Dining and Cosy Spots

Choose the perfect spot and set the scene for a romantic and memorable birthday celebration.

34. The Salon Bleu at L’Escargot

Celebrate your birthday in the intimate embrace of Salon Bleu, where soft lamplight and rich, navy walls create a secluded haven perfect for a romantic evening. Let the warm and rich ambiance of the room set the scene for a cosy celebration with your nearest and dearest.

📍 Location: Soho
👫 Capacity: 12 seats
💰 Price: from £1000 min. spend
✨ Highlight: the room’s tranquil blue serenity

35. Private Room at Beasy Soho

In the warm glow of this intimate room, spend your birthday evening wrapped in the romance of leather sofas and soft lighting. Complete with its own private bar, this secret spot offers a relaxed and elegant setting for the ultimate personal celebration.

📍 Location: Soho
👫 Capacity: 30 seats
💰 Price: from £70 per person
✨ Highlight: the exclusive private bar

36. Scullery at The Mitre Lancaster Gate

Nestle into the nooks of the Scullery for a snug birthday celebration, where the flicker of candlelight and the warmth of the hearth invite whispered stories and shared smiles.

📍 Location: Paddington
👫 Capacity: 12 seats
💰 Price: from £500 min. spend
✨ Highlight: the clandestine allure, where jazz, cocktails, and history come together

37. The Wine Room at Gaucho Tower Bridge

Celebrate your birthday enveloped in the golden glow of The Wine Room, a luxurious haven where fine wines line the walls, waiting to be uncorked for your special day.

📍 Location: Southwark
👫 Capacity: 12 seats
💰 Price: from £1000 min. spend
✨ Highlight: exclusive atmosphere, surrounded by a curated selection of wines set against elegant mirrored walls

Couple’s Activities

London offers plenty of activities perfect for couples, from romantic walks to couple’s spa days and sunset cruises. Here are our suggestions.

38. Gourmet Picnic in Kew Gardens

For a more tranquil celebration, plan a gourmet picnic in the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. Its lush landscapes, exotic plants, and stunning floral displays offer a peaceful retreat from the city.

Prepare a luxury picnic basket and find a secluded spot to enjoy a leisurely meal together. After the picnic, take a romantic walk through the gardens, exploring the greenhouses and art installations.

39. West End Theatre Night and Dinner

Treat yourselves to an evening of culture with a show at one of London’s renowned West End theatres. Choose a play or musical that suits your taste and immerse yourselves in the world-class performances.

Before the show, dine at one of the intimate restaurants in the theatre district, where you can enjoy a pre-theatre dinner with exquisite cuisine. Post-show, continue the evening with a nightcap at a nearby bar, where you can discuss the highlights of the performance.

🎂 Adventurous and Active Birthday Ideas

Are you one of those who just can’t sit still? No worries, we’ve got some ideas that don’t involve sitting round a table.

Outdoor and Adventure Activities

Let’s start with some outdoor activities to get your blood pumping.

40. Go Ape in Battersea Park

Fancy swinging through the trees? Go Ape offers a thrilling treetop adventure with zip wires and rope bridges. It’s a fantastic way to get your adrenaline pumping!

41. Kayaking on the Thames

Paddle your way through the heart of London with a kayaking tour on the Thames. It’s a unique way to see the city and great fun, too!

42. Horseback Riding in Hyde Park

For a touch of elegance, how about horseback riding? Hyde Park Stables offer rides for all skill levels, and it’s a wonderful way to experience one of London’s most famous parks.

43. Outdoor Climbing at The Castle

If you’re up for a challenge, try your hand at rock climbing. The Castle Climbing Centre, set in an old Victorian building, offers outdoor climbing that’s suitable for all skill levels.

44. Rowing in Regent’s Park

Hire a rowboat and enjoy a peaceful time on the lake in Regent’s Park. It’s a relaxing way to spend an afternoon, and the park is filled with lovely spots for a birthday picnic, too.

45. Kite Flying on Hampstead Heath

For a laid-back activity, go kite flying on Hampstead Heath. The stunning views from Parliament Hill offer a wonderful setting for a birthday celebration.

Sports and Fitness-Based Activities

With London weather, you never know. To be 100% safe, you can always book an indoor activity.

46. Yoga Class

Start your birthday with a peaceful yoga class, stretching into another year with poses that relax the body and mind. It’s a perfect way to gather your friends for a calm and centred celebration before the day’s festivities.

47. Pilates

Begin your birthday with the core-strengthening moves of a Pilates class, finding balance and energy. It sets a strong and focused tone for a day of joy and celebration ahead.

48. Dance Class

Slide into your new age with a fun-filled dance class where you and your friends can groove to the rhythm and laugh as you all learn some new moves.

49. Bowling

Hit the lanes for your birthday with a game of bowling, where cheers, strikes, and the occasional gutterball make for a memorable day with mates.

📍 Location: Spitalfields
👫 Capacity: 45 seats
💰 Price: from £500 hire fee + £1000 min. spend
✨ Highlight: vintage decor and a speakeasy vibe

50. Crazy Golf

Tee off your birthday with a twist at this crazy golf club, where each putt is part of the fun and ‘Vinnie Van Gogh’ is just one of the quirky holes to conquer. It’s a guaranteed giggle-filled day, perfect for sinking shots and creating funky memories.

📍 Location: Shoreditch
👫 Capacity: 75 standing
💰 Price: from £23 per person
✨ Highlight: four golf courses with distinct themes

🎂 Budget-Friendly Birthday Ideas in London

Of course, you don’t have to spend a fortune to have a good time on your birthday in London, and here’s proof!

Affordable Dining and Entertainment

Start planning your birthday party by deciding how much you can afford to spend. Once you know your number, you can easily set your price range on Tagvenue and browse venues that match your budget. Here are a few venues that can help you save without compromising on quality.

51. Courtyard at Brixton Jamm

Soak up the sun for your birthday in Brixton Jamm’s vibrant courtyard, bursting with blooming flowers and a laid-back vibe. Clink glasses under the pergola and celebrate another year of adventures with friends.

📍 Location: Brixton
👫 Capacity: 100 seats
💰 Price: from £5 per person
✨ Highlight: the newly refurbished terrace with cosy, heated booths and outdoor bar

52. Nine Elms Corridor at The Riverside

Toast to your special day in Nine Elms Corridor, where the fusion of vintage charm and contemporary design creates an unrivalled setting for birthday festivities. 

📍 Location: Vauxhall
👫 Capacity: 24 seats
💰 Price: from £10 per person
✨ Highlight: chill vibes and a huge range of drinks

53. Upper Arch at SAMA Bankside

Gather for your birthday in the Upper Arch’s eclectic embrace, where the blend of exposed brick and modern art sets the stage for a night of laughter and lively conversation.

📍 Location: Bankside
👫 Capacity: 30 seats
💰 Price: from £500 min. spend
✨ Highlight: a bright and airy space with the option for beer pong

54. DJ & Club Lounge at Sugar Cane

Escape to a tropical hideaway for your birthday at Sugar Cane, where the special cocktails are as colourful as the venue’s decor. Unwind with friends and celebrate island-style without leaving London!

📍 Location: Clapham
👫 Capacity: 50 seats
💰 Price: from £20 per person
✨ Highlight: a vibrant dance floor with hot beats

Free Activities and Attractions

Last but not least, peruse our list of free attractions and activities in London for budget-conscious celebrants!

55. Visit the Sky Garden

Book a free visit to the Sky Garden at the top of the ‘Walkie Talkie’ building. It offers spectacular views of London’s skyline – perfect for a birthday photo!

56. Explore Camden Market

Dive into the eclectic and vibrant atmosphere of Camden Market. It’s a great place to wander, soak up the unique culture, and maybe catch some live music.

57. Attend a Free Gallery or Museum Late Opening

Many of London’s galleries and museums, like the Science Museum and the National Gallery, have late openings on certain days, offering a more adult-friendly atmosphere with special events and sometimes even live music.

58. Join a Free Fitness Class

Look out for free fitness classes or group activities in London parks, like yoga, pilates, or boot camps – a healthy way to start your birthday.

59. Street Art Tour in Shoreditch

Explore the famous Shoreditch street art on your own or join one of the free walking tours to discover hidden gems and learn about the artists.

60. Explore the Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel

For an edgier experience, visit the Leake Street Tunnel near Waterloo Station, a legal graffiti area that’s always changing and vibrant with street art.

Conclusion

Well, there you have it – a treasure trove of splendid ideas to make your birthday in London truly unforgettable. Whether you fancy a classic brunch, a quirky art experience, or a dash of luxury, there’s something in this magnificent city for everyone.

So go ahead, choose your adventure, and let the charm of London make your birthday extraordinary. Cheers to a fantastic birthday celebration!

FAQ