1st Birthday Venues for Hire in London

First birthdays are a major milestone—and finding the right space matters just as much as choosing the cake. Tagvenue has gathered the best family-friendly, baby-friendly spaces across London, whether you're after soft play areas, safe outdoor spots, or halls where you can bring in your own entertainment.

Practical Tips for Hosting a 1st Birthday Party

• Plan around nap schedules: Morning slots often work better for 1-year-olds. The Upper Norwood Library Hub in Crystal Palace offers full daytime availability for £60 per hour and gives you full control over the schedule.
• Look for easy access: Venues near transport links—like Ranelagh Sailing Club by Putney Bridge Station—make life easier for guests with strollers.
• Check the kitchen facilities: Hosting your own caterer? Spaces like The Event Rooms in Croydon and Hackney Studio Space offer affordable hire rates and the flexibility to bring in your choice of food and drink.

What Parents Need to Know:

Where can I host a 1st birthday party in London?
Anywhere safe, accessible, and easy to manage. Great options include:

• Magdalen Hall (Bermondsey) – Spacious, affordable (£32/hour), and walking distance from London Bridge Station. Excellent for large family groups and DIY parties.
  
  
• The Upper Norwood Library Hub (Crystal Palace) – Fully accessible and community-focused, ideal for under-5s with plenty of seating and space for activities.
  
  
• Timber Lodge (Stratford) – Set in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park with indoor space and nearby green areas for outdoor fun.
  
  
• Arena Music Venue (Norwood) – Big, versatile, and just £30/hr. Great for hosting entertainers or soft play equipment.

Key Tips for Planning a Baby-Friendly Bash

• Choose a venue with soft flooring or carpeted areas.
  Crawlers and wobbly walkers need safe, padded space. Avoid hard floors or open staircases unless gated.
• Ask about baby-changing facilities and pram access.
  Venues like 601 Queen’s Road (Wimbledon) and St Paul’s UR Church and Halls (Croydon) are known to cater to families and often have ground-floor access and essentials like highchairs or baby stations.
• Don’t over-plan.
  Babies don’t need full schedules. One or two structured activities (like a puppet show or sensory play station) are more than enough. Keep it short—2 hours max works well for this age.
• Bring your own entertainment.
  Most venues allow external suppliers. Soft play hire, a mobile sensory setup, or even a baby music group can turn a blank space like Ranelagh Sailing Club (Putney) into toddler heaven.
• Keep food simple and allergy-aware.
  Finger foods, cut fruit, and baby-friendly snacks keep things clean and easy. Venues may offer in-house catering options for both babies and adults.

Party Planning Tips Parents Love

• Time it right – Avoid nap overlap. Late mornings or post-nap afternoons are safest bets.
  
• Set up a quiet area – A rug, some books, and soft toys go a long way in giving overstimulated little ones (and their parents) a break.
  
• Consider all-weather options – Spring party? Don’t rely on sun. Check out places like The Event Rooms (Croydon) or Victoria Hall (Harrow) where you can host no matter the weather.
  
• Assign helpers – One-year-olds are mobile but unpredictable. Ask a few friends to keep an eye on safety zones while you greet guests and enjoy the party.
  

Do venues offer packages for children's parties?​

Most venues do offer packages or are open to tailoring something special for children's parties, especially those with flexible hire fees and accessible locations. While the specific data you shared doesn’t list dedicated children’s party packages, several venues clearly suit that purpose based on capacity, setup, and pricing.

Here are a few standout options that could work beautifully for kids' events:

• St Paul's UR Church and Halls (Croydon) – Affordable at £55/hour with a large capacity — ideal for party games, decorations, and bouncy castles.
  
  
• AAVO Cafe (Walthamstow) – This one’s quirky — they charge per person, but it’s geared toward social gatherings and can work well for themed parties.
  

If you’re planning something specific like a magic show, puppet theatre, or disco, just check with the venue directly — many are happy to accommodate children's entertainment, snacks, and decoration setups.

Thoughtful Extras for Guests

Forget party bags filled with plastic – here’s what works:

• For kids: Mini books, bath toys, or bubbles (always a hit).
  
• For parents: Coffee tokens from a nearby café, a photo magnet from the day, or even just a thank-you note with a photo of their child from the event.
  
  

Final tip? Don’t aim for perfect—aim for calm, safe, and happy. Babies won’t remember the balloons, but they will feel your joy. And you’ll remember the moment you made it through the first year with laughter, cake, and good company.