Organising a party can be a difficult feat, and if you’re stuck for inspiration then you’ve come to the right place. If you’re planning a special surprise for someone, or are turning a special age yourself this year, we’ve put together a comprehensive round-up of memorable birthday party ideas. Whether you fancy celebrating with an action-packed day out, an engaging masterclass or simply toasting the occasion with a bottomless brunch, there’s an option for you in the list below.
When it comes to planning a birthday party, there are a few things you need to think about. How big is your budget? Where do you want to host it? Is there a theme? How many people are you inviting? It might sound like a lot of hassle, but a birthday party can be as elaborate or low-key as you choose to make it. That’s why we’ve included everything from small-scale gatherings, such as an intimate dinner party, through to all singing, all dancing affairs, like a weekend spa getaway or a karaoke extravaganza. There’s options here for all ages too, whether you’re just hitting 18 or celebrating a 50th!
We promise that every single idea in this list is guaranteed to be memorable. Birthdays are a wonderful chance to celebrate the birth of YOU, and it’s important you make the most of your years around the sun with a brilliant bash. Our roundup below includes suggestions for a wide range of birthday party ideas, with options for indoor and outdoor birthday parties, as well as parties with different sized guest lists. So, put your party planning cap on and have a little scroll – it's time to make some memories.
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Outdoor birthday party ideas
Lucky enough to have a summer birthday? Or just wanting to delay the celebrations for the UK’s sunnier periods. Make the most of the good weather while celebrating with friends and family with one of these outdoor birthday party ideas.
What better way to celebrate your special day than by heading out into nature? The possibilities are rather endless, whether you’re looking to hire out a rooftop bar for a sophisticated afternoon of carefully crafted drinks with sprawling city views, or are planning to escape to the country for a tour around a vineyard. Hosting your celebration outdoors also allows you to take advantage of larger spaces, making it perfect for bigger guest lists and activities that wouldn’t fit indoors. Plus, you’ll find sun-drenched spaces with open air and natural lighting that is sure to make your birthday a memorable event. Keep things natural, or add a bit of charm to your celebration with some of these summer party decorations.
![Wine tasting at Albury Vineyard, Surrey; rooftop drinks at Los Mochis City, London; a dinner cruise with Thames Luxury Charters, London.]()
Wine tasting at Albury Vineyard, Surrey; rooftop drinks at Los Mochis City, London; a dinner cruise with Thames Luxury Charters, London.
However, there are a few considerations that you’ll want to bear in mind when planning your al fresco celebration. Firstly, you have to think about the weather - this is the UK after all - and be sure to have a backup plan in case things turn unpredictable. Comfort is also key - ensure there’s enough seating for all your guests as well as plenty of shaded areas where guests can escape if needed. Don’t forget logistics like permits for certain public spaces, and add an extra bit of flair with a themed event, tailoring any dress codes and activities to the outdoor environment.
Our recommendations for an outdoor birthday party:
- Host a picnic in the park
- Hire out a rooftop bar
- Visit a vineyard
- Go camping (or glamping!)
- Host a garden BBQ party
- Get a projector for an outdoor movie night
- Head out in nature for a birthday hike
- Go on a river cruise
- Take part in a scavenger hunt
- Have a day at the races
Indoor birthday party ideas
Why tempt fate when there’s a whole world of indoor entertainment just waiting to be discovered? For those who like activity-focused celebration you’ll find a selection below with everything from go karting and crazy golf to karaoke and bowling.
Let’s face it, the UK weather can be unpredictable. And if you, like us, don’t fancy leaving it to chance, then you might be better off keeping things indoors. That being said, the world of indoor entertainment is extensive, with action-packed activities across the country, whether that be heading to a karaoke bar, booking a paint and sip class, embracing the excitement of an immersive experience or plenty more. The flexibility of an indoor setting ensures your party can be as extravagant as you like.
![Crazy golf at Swingers West End, London; karaoke at Lucky Voice Liverpool Street, London; paint and sip at Rembrandt Van Wine, London.]()
Crazy golf at Swingers West End, London; karaoke at Lucky Voice Liverpool Street, London; paint and sip at Rembrandt Van Wine, London.
As well as being weather-resistant, and offering a selection of our favourite activities, you’ll also find plenty of excellent catering, with set party menus and drinks galore so you can really amp up the festivities, whilst keeping the planning process pretty straightforward. When planning an indoor party, consider the size of your guest list and choose a space that accommodates everyone comfortably. Transform your space even further with lighting, music, and themed decor.
Our recommendations for an indoor birthday party:
- Hire out a karaoke room
- Enjoy an escape room experience
- Play a game of crazy golf
- Host a murder mystery dinner party
- Get lost in an immersive experience
- Book a paint and sip class
- Grab some friends and go bowling
- Go on a spa getaway or host an at home spa day
- Plan a bar crawl
- Go, go karting
Small birthday party ideas
We know that birthdays aren’t as much of a big deal for everyone, but if you’re still wanting to mark the occasion without going all out, then check out one of the selections below.
Sometimes all you want for your birthday is an intimate celebration with your nearest and dearest. Of course, if you ask us, the best way to celebrate is over food. Whether you’re looking for a luxury private dining room to discover some Michelin-starred cuisine, wanting to tuck into tiered stands of cakes and sarnies with an afternoon tea, or grab yourself a pre-theatre dinner, before heading out to a show, these ideas work best with a smaller group.
![Afternoon tea at Cliveden House, Berkshire; cocktail making at Farzi, London; bottomless brunch at Tattu, Leeds.]()
Afternoon tea at Cliveden House, Berkshire; cocktail making at Farzi, London; bottomless brunch at Tattu, Leeds.
Small birthday parties allow you to really interact with your guests, and celebrate with those closest to you for a more personal celebration. It’s also much easier to book for smaller groups, and definitely a more affordable option for those wanting to celebrate without breaking the bank.
Our recommendations for small birthday parties:
- Book a bottomless brunch
- Host a wine and cheese night
- Head out for afternoon tea
- Book a private dining room at a fancy restaurant
- Try a mixology masterclass
- Host a pottery painting party
- Learn a new skill at a cooking class
- Grab dinner and a show
- Throw a games night
- Host an intimate dinner party
Big birthday party ideas
If you’re celebrating a milestone birthday, or just really want something that will blow your guests away, then opt for something a tad bigger with our round up of big birthday party ideas.
Why keep it calm and quiet when you could go all out? Birthdays are a time for celebrating, and in our opinion, the bigger the better - right? If you're hitting a milestone this year, and really want to amp up the partying, then you've come to the right place. When it comes to big birthday parties it's all about the venue hire, opting for large-capacity venues that you can make your own, whether you're looking to host a black tie gala with Champagne and canapes galore, hire out an entire cinema for a stylish movie night, or find a venue with a marquee where you can opt for live music or extravagant multi-course feasts. It's completely up to you.
![Hire out a cinema at Curzon Victoria, London; hire a marquee at Raven's Ait, Surrey; hire a venue with live music at 28-50 By Night, London.]()
Hire out a cinema at Curzon Victoria, London; hire a marquee at Raven's Ait, Surrey; hire a venue with live music at 28-50 By Night, London.
Big birthday parties allow you to invite absolutely everyone! If you're struggling to keep the guest list down, then a large celebration might be the way to go. It's also the perfect option for those looking to mark a milestone birthday - you only turn 50 once!
When booking a larger birthday celebration, checking venue capacities is key. You don't want to over-invite and realise too late that the venue can't accommodate everyone. You might also want to spend some time thinking about the budget, larger affairs are obviously pricier than small ones, so you'll want to make sure you've factored everything into your plans. You don't want to end up having to skimp on the food as you've overspent on the venue!
Our recommendations for big birthday parties:
- Hire a private cinema
- Throw a fancy dress party
- Host your own music festival
- Plan a black tie gala
- Hire a marquee
- Host a masquerade ball
- Host a casino night
- Hire out a venue with live music
- Throw a silent disco
- Host a boat party
Birthday party theme ideas
Now that you’ve solidified your birthday idea, it’s time to switch to the planning. Elevate any idea with a theme, whether that be for dress code or decor. Spruce up your celebration with one of these birthday party themes.
Whilst there’s absolutely no need to add a theme to your celebration, it can help add an extra bit of flair and it gives you an excuse to dress up - which is always a bonus in our opinion. Why not lay down a red carpet and get dolled up to the nines? Or hire out a marquee and don your bucket hats to reimagine your very own Glastonbury? The possibilities are never-ending.
![Roaring 20s at The Bloomsbury Ballroom, London; A Touch of Magic at Warner Bros Studio Tours, Hertfordshire; Cirque du Soleil at The Bloosmbury Big Top.]()
Roaring 20s at The Bloomsbury Ballroom, London; A Touch of Magic at Warner Bros Studio Tours, Hertfordshire; Cirque du Soleil at The Bloomsbury Big Top, London.
There’s no strict rules on how you imagine your chosen theme, you can dabble with a couple of decorations or go all out and completely transform your venue. It’s up to you, so let the creativity flow. But be sure to check with your chosen venue that they allow for additional decoration. Certain venues may not allow you to put up your own decorations, or may limit your customisation choices to their partner vendors. These are questions to ask during the initial planning process.
Our recommendations for birthday party themes:
- Roaring 20s Gatsby
- Masquerade Ball
- Black and White Party
- Old Hollywood Glamour
- 80s or 90s Retro Throwback
- Cirque du Soleil
- Pretty in Pink
- A Touch of Magic
- Music Festival
- Winter Wonderland
The fun doesn't stop there. If you're looking for more birthday party inspiration, you can browse our full directory of event and party venues for hire to find a killer backdrop for your next event. Need a quirky venue that's a bit different from the rest? Or want to book the coolest venue in town? We've got 'em all.