London's best museums for hire

Kensington Palace dates back to the 1600s, long standing as one of the capital's finest royal residences. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, this venue has been open to the public for over 100 years, though it makes a majestic setting for private events. The Kings Gallery can host up to 170, whilst the Hub boasts space for 300, with its extensive collection of paintings and sculptures. 

Welcoming countless visitors through its doors each year, Banqueting House is a stand-out spot for those looking to host in St James’s. The Main Hall is particularly impressive, with its painted ceilings, sprawling columns and Baroque design, bringing that classic museum feel and capacity for up to 380 guests for a banquet.

Bringing together a selection of world-class performance spaces, The Royal College of Music has trained some of the world’s greatest composers. The Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall is particularly grand, with capacity for up to 370 theatre-style, or more intimate events can take over the Museum for up to 30, surrounded by over 14,000 music-related objects from the past five centuries.

Just a few miles from central London, this royal residence was once home to Henry VIII, and has been hosting banquets and gala dinners for centuries. The Cartoon Gallery is well-suited for drinks receptions for up to 300, complete with murals and historic garments, whilst the Great Hall is perfect for large-scale banquets for 270.

Moored at St Mary Overie Dock in Bankside, this reconstructed 16th-century ship offers a genuinely one-of-a-kind setting for private events, inviting you and your guests to explore a living piece of history. Expect candlelit timber interiors and sweeping views across the Thames, creating an atmospheric backdrop for anything from intimate dinners in The Hold to full ship takeovers for 120.

Steeped in 1,000 years in history, the Tower Of London stands as one of the capital’s most iconic landmarks, offering a unique backdrop and several versatile spaces for up to 250 guests. Exclusive tours are part of the package, so you and your guests can be escorted through the ancient stone walls by a dedicated Yeoman Warder.

Housed in Covent Garden's original flower market, London Transport Museum offers a distinctive setting, inviting your and your guests to delve into the capital's transport history. The interactive Museum Galleries is the most striking space. With capacity for up to 600 guests, host large-scale gatherings, surrounded by a collection of red Routemaster buses and early Tube carriages. 

Nestled within Covent Garden's famous piazza, Canteen is a vibrant space within London Transport Museum. Its retro-inspired interiors showcase the evolution of the Underground over the years, with moquette upholstery as well as vintage tiles and light fittings. It's perfect for those looking for a smaller, stand-alone space, with capacity for up to 60 guests. 

If a conventional event space won’t cut it, Paradox Museum could be the answer. With capacity for up to 250 guests, here you can take over the entire venue with plenty of reality-defying rooms to explore. Perfect for team building activities and corporate gatherings alike, an event here is sure to be as engaging as it is memorable - with plenty of great photo ops too.

Located on the South Bank, the Florence Nightingale Museum adds an immersive and historic touch to any event, with the option to hire out the museum itself. With space for up to 80 guests, surround yourself with exhibitions and artifacts, or go all out with guided gallery tours, and performances for costumed actors who'll help bring the history to life.