Planning an outdoor summer party in London, whatever the weather

Choose the kind of outdoor space

Outdoor venues fall into four groups, and each handles the weather differently.

Rooftops and terraces give you views and sun, but they are exposed to wind and rain. Many have part of the space under cover. London Bridge Rooftop is fully covered with heaters, and St Paul's Roof Terrace has a conservatory with a retractable roof.

Gardens and courtyards are sheltered by the buildings around them and usually have indoor rooms next door. The livery halls in the City of London are a good example.

Marquees are the answer for big numbers on grass: the marquee is the cover. Middle Temple takes up to 750 guests and the HAC Summer Marquee up to 2,400.

Boats have indoor decks as well as open ones, so the party carries on if it rains. See all boat parties.

Ask about rain before you book

For every outdoor venue, ask three questions: what is covered, how many of your guests fit under cover at once, and whether there is an indoor space you can move into, and whether it costs extra.

Some venues answer this with the building itself. More than 20 of our listings mention a retractable roof, including Glasshouse at NYX Hotel in Holborn, Limin Southbank and the Beach at Brixton Jamm. The courtyard marquees at The Brewery have a raised clear roof, and the London Summer House has indoor space alongside its courtyard for up to 2,000 guests.

Plan for heat as well as rain

A hot evening on a roof with no shade is as uncomfortable as a wet one. Ask whether there are umbrellas or covered areas, and make sure there is plenty of water. For a daytime event, shade matters more than heaters.

On cooler evenings, heaters make a big difference once the sun goes down. More than 40 of our listings mention heating, from the heated, covered terrace at Backyard at The Light Bar to the heated booths at Brixton Jamm.

Check the finish time

Outdoor spaces in residential areas often have to close earlier than indoor ones, or move guests inside at a set time. Ask when the outdoor area closes and where the party goes next. Venues such as The Brewery continue the evening indoors after the marquees close.

Make the most of being outside

Outdoor space suits a looser format: a longer drinks reception, food from stations or a BBQ rather than a seated dinner, and games on the lawn. Our summer party ideas include garden parties, lawn bowls and funfair-style games, each with venues.

Browse all outdoor venues, or tell us your date and numbers and we will shortlist outdoor venues with a proper wet-weather plan.