16 Ideas for Corporate Summer Parties in the UK

Corporate summer parties and gatherings can be a bit samey, so why not ring the changes and try something different this year?

Here are some UK-specific ideas for corporate summer parties which can be tailored for the weather, and can be held in many iconic settings:

1. Classic British Garden Party

• Location: A stately home, local gardens, or countryside manor
• Activities: Lawn games like croquet and giant Jenga, live string quartet, and hat-decorating stations
• Food & Drinks: Traditional afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, scones, Pimms, and champagne

2. Pub Garden Party

• Location: Charming pub with a spacious garden
• Activities: Pub quiz, darts tournament, and live folk music
• Food & Drinks: BBQ burgers, fish & chips, and craft ales

3. Riverside Boating Event

• Location: River Thames (London), Avon (Bath), or Cam (Cambridge)
• Activities: Punting, small boat races, or a boat cruise with sightseeing
• Food & Drinks: Fresh seafood platters, British ales, and Prosecco

4. Festival-Style Party

• Location: Open fields or local park
• Activities: Live bands, DJs, face painting, and festival-themed challenges
• Food & Drinks: Street food stalls offering pies, pasties, and Eton mess, plus a gin bar

5. Coastal Seaside Escape

• Location: Brighton, Bournemouth, or Cornwall
• Activities: Beach volleyball, sandcastle building, or fish-and-chip tasting tours
• Food & Drinks: Freshly caught seafood, cream teas, and summer cocktails

6. Royal Ascot or Horse Racing Day

• Location: Ascot, Newmarket, Doncaster or another local racecourse
• Activities: Watching the races, betting games, and dressing up for the day
• Food & Drinks: Fine dining, bubbly, and classic Pimms

7. Countryside Escape

• Location: Cotswolds, Lake District, or Scottish Highlands
• Activities: Guided nature walks, archery, clay pigeon shooting, and foraging workshops
• Food & Drinks: Farm-to-table meals, whisky tastings, and cider

8. Themed Afternoon at a Castle

• Location: Warwick Castle, Leeds Castle, or Edinburgh Castle
• Activities: Medieval-themed games, falconry displays, and historical tours
• Food & Drinks: Traditional British roast, ales, and medieval-style mead

9. Outdoor Theatre or Cinema

• Location: Regent’s Park (London), Minack Theatre (Cornwall), or a local venue
• Activities: Shakespearean plays, classic films under the stars, or immersive performances
• Food & Drinks: Picnics, charcuterie boards, and wine

10. Traditional Summer Fayre

• Location: Village green or large lawn
• Activities: Tug-of-war, sack races, coconut shies, and a raffle
• Food & Drinks: Hog roast, Victoria sponge cake, and local cider

11. Canal Boat Cruise

• Location: Canals in Birmingham, Manchester, or London
• Activities: Team quiz on board, sightseeing, and light games
• Food & Drinks: Finger foods, Prosecco, and fresh lemonade

12. Wimbledon-Themed Party

• Location: Lawn or park setting
• Activities: Mini tennis matches, photo booths, and Wimbledon trivia
• Food & Drinks: Strawberries and cream, cucumber sandwiches, and sparkling wine

13. Gin Tasting Garden Party

• Location: Gin distillery or scenic garden
• Activities: Gin tasting sessions, cocktail-making classes, and live acoustic music
• Food & Drinks: Gin cocktails, grazing boards, and summer tarts

14. City Rooftop Party

• Location: Rooftop venues in London, Manchester, or Bristol
• Activities: DJ sets, city views, and networking games
• Food & Drinks: Canapés, champagne, and summer-inspired cocktails

15. Highland Games-Themed Event

• Location: Outdoor area or Scottish countryside
• Activities: Caber toss, tug-of-war, and team challenges
• Food & Drinks: Traditional Scottish fare like haggis, whiskey, and shortbread

16. Nature Reserve Adventure

• Location: National Trust property or RSPB nature reserve
• Activities: Wildlife spotting, birdwatching, and team nature challenges
• Food & Drinks: Picnic hampers and local cheeses with sparkling cider

If you would like any help or advice in planning your corporate summer party, get in touch with the experts today.