Cheers to 18: Unique London Birthday Ideas for Your Big Day
Turning 18? Time to celebrate your coming of age like a true Londoner! Whether you are searching for creative or crafty birthday ideas or how to throw an epic birthday bash in the capital, we’ve got you covered with our most unique things to do for an 18th birthday in London!
Forget the tacky London Eye or Dungeon tours. Think Star Wars birthday bashes or romantic dinners in an igloo gazing at stunning city views! Let’s start planning a milestone birthday to remember.
Creative Things to Do for an 18th Birthday in London
For crafty, creative types who want more than just another pub crawl or afternoon tea, we’ve got you covered. From cocktail crafting and pizza making to dance classes or paint and wine sessions, we’ve planned something for everyone.
💡 For more creative activities, look at our 18 creative party ideas for a fun birthday celebration!
🍕 1. Pizza Making
💷Pricing: From £200 min. spend
📌Location: Peckham
If, like most young adults, pizza is your favourite food, why not learn how to make the perfect crust and whip up delicious toppings at Mamma Dough Peckham? Get hands-on using the best local ingredients to craft your very own sourdough pizza!
Mamma Dough offers more than just pizza nights! Book a pizza-making class or bottomless brunch for a slice of birthday magic. It may even change your mind about anchovies!
🕺🏽2. Join a Drop-in Dance Class
💷Pricing: From £30
📌Location: Isle of Dogs
Life is full of surprises at 18! Try something new and unpredictable before you get lost in worries about the future. Embrace adulthood through dance.
You’ve been showing off your moves on TikTok but have yet to find your groove? Drop into a class at Pineapple Dance Studios.
They offer more than 40 different types of dance, ranging from Samba and Zumba to Burlesque or Reggaeton! Let’s Dance!
You can always host a dance party and ask a private dance instructor to teach your crew some moves at a hired studio like Solo Studio in Camden!
🎨 3. Painting Class
💷Pricing: From £14
📌Location: Barnet
It’s time to paint the town (literally)!
Forget about hitting the bars and queuing up at a restaurant; why not try something as unique as a painting or pottery class for the big 1-8?
You’ve got the talent. We’ve got the spot. Draw and paint your destiny at Paint the Town as you tap into your creative side!
🎮 4. VR Magic
💷Pricing: From £700 (hire fee per hour for a venue)
📌Location: Enfield
Creative people are fond of things that tickle their brains! And VR takes creativity and imagination to new heights. It adds an element of adventure and fun to any party.
You and your guests can explore various VR worlds at Centre VR in Enfield. With genres like Music, Puzzle, Adventure, Co-op and PvP, there’s something for everyone!
And you can bring your cake, food, and drinks to enjoy after the games!
So, are you ready to unlock level 18?
🍸 5. Cocktail Making at Beaufort House (18+)
💷Pricing: From £55 per person
📌Location: Chelsea
How could we skip a cocktail when celebrating your birthday? Cocktail making is a favourite among party planners, and it’s not surprising why; it’s fun and engaging, and you get to learn a new skill!
Bring your friends along as you learn to craft and mix delicious cocktails in a hands-on cocktail-making class with pro mixologists, where you’ll get tips, tricks, and plenty of drinks to enjoy.
⚠️Just make sure all the guests are 18+ when booking the venue as guests under 18 are not allowed!
💡 You may also like our curated 18th birthday party suggestions.
18th Birthday Party Ideas in London for Small Groups
A small guest list means a more intimate party with your favourite people! While you may invite hundreds of guests, there’s nothing like celebrating with your closest crew. Their presence, jokes, and love make your birthday special. So, let’s look at some of the top things to do if you’re a small group searching for birthday party ideas in London.
🎤6. Karaoke and Nintendo Party (18+)
💷Pricing: From £120 (hire fee for the venue)
📌Location: Paddington
Love belting out tunes and gaming like a pro? We know a party venue blends the excitement of karaoke, the thrill of Nintendo gaming, a variety of games, and mouthwatering food – all under one roof!
Heist Bank in Paddington is any 18-year-old’s dream birthday venue! Gather around for some epic karaoke sessions, battle it out in Nintendo games, and indulge in delicious bites that will satisfy your taste buds.
⚠️Guests under 18 are not allowed at most karaoke bars so, make sure to ask parents to join in!
🥗 7. Dinner Party in an Igloo
💷Pricing: From £30 per person
📌Location: Islington
Ever wondered what it’s like to live in an igloo? At Aviary Rooftop Bar Restaurants, a dinner party in an igloo is a real thing!
You’re probably thinking, why head to an igloo when you dislike the cold? Luckily, your private igloo is a warm, cosy escape with stunning city views!
Head on a birthday journey where every moment feels like a winter fairy tale.
🧗 8. Boulder Climbing
💷Pricing: From £25 per hour
📌Location: Limehouse
Celebrate your 18th birthday in style with an adventurous twist!
Take on the challenge of boulder climbing and step into adulthood with confidence and determination.
Not only will you strengthen your muscles, but you’ll also improve your concentration and mindfulness.
Head over to Limehouse Sports & Events Centre for a challenging climbing experience that will leave you feeling stronger and more determined than ever.
And the best part? Prices start from £25 only per hour! So gather your friends and make your birthday party an experience to remember!
🧑🌾 9. Visit a City Farm
💷Pricing: Free
📌Location: Isle of Dogs, Wimbledon, and many more
Looking for a fresh take on birthday celebrations? Why not visit a city farm in LDN?
Experience the magic of nature right in the heart of the city and get up close and personal with adorable animals like alpacas, owls, and ducklings.
Mudchute Park and Farm in Isle of Dogs and Deen City Farm in Wimbledon are great options. Best of all, it’s completely free!
💡 Quit wondering, start planning! With the ultimate birthday party guide, organising your next celebration will be a breeze.
☕ 10. Afternoon Tea Party
💷Pricing: From £65 per person
📌Location: Mayfair
Want to add a touch of British charm to your 18th birthday celebration? Plan an afternoon tea party with a small group of friends! London offers a wide range of venues for afternoon tea, but for a truly luxurious experience, head to The Chesterfield Mayfair.
Located in the heart of Mayfair, this venue is just a short stroll away from London’s iconic sights – The Royal Academy, Buckingham Palace, and the Royal Parks! Indulge in delicious tea, scones, and pastries while enjoying the elegant ambience. It’s the perfect way to celebrate your milestone birthday in true British style!
Could your birthday affair be any more regal? We doubt it!
🌌 11. Star Wars Costume Party
💷Pricing: From £300 min. spend
📌Location: Clapham
Costume parties are always a blast, so why not go all out with a Star Wars-themed birthday bash?
You can pull it off at home or, for a special touch, try The Cocktail Club Clapham (18+).
Ask your guests to dress up in Yoda or Darth Vader getups and serve galactic drinks like Spotchkas or Dasanis.
And, of course, remember a BB-8 or Millennium Falcon cake for all your Tatooine pals!
Get your Yoda or Darth Vader costume on Amazon, or DIY your own! Serve drinks inspired by the saga, such as Spotchkas or Dasanis!
💡Themed parties make party planning way easier! Check out our 150+ party themes for a killer celebration. Whether big or small, it’s your call!
🕵️♂️ 12. Escape Room Adventure
💷Pricing: From £25
📌Location: Canter Way
Say goodbye to boring birthdays with an escape room bash! Solve clues, crack puzzles, and break out of a room. To spice it up, you can even dress up for the occasion!
At AIM Escape Rooms, you’ve got over five themes to choose from. Try out the Psychopath’s Den, go undercover on the Spy Heroes Mission, or dive into some augmented reality fun. Take on one or two escape rooms, then treat yourselves to a meal at a nearby restaurant – you’ve earned it!
Luxurious Things to Do for an 18th Birthday in London
It’s all glitz and glamour on your 18th in London! There are plenty of ways to throw a luxurious bash in the capital. Rain or shine, here are a few of the best things to do for a classy celebration!
⛵ 13. Party on a Boat
💷Pricing: From £6,000 per day
📌Location: Waterloo
Partying on a boat offers you exclusivity and stunning views of London’s iconic skyline while sipping bubbly. It’s also a great venue far from regular bars and clubs!
Make West End on the Thames your private chartered birthday vessel this year! Their open decks are ideal for lounging in the sun with Pimms and a BBQ while taking in pretty sights of London’s architecture.
If you want a themed party, they also provide props, decor, and catering to match — from grass and games to lanterns and bands.
🌇 14. Rooftop Party at Good Hotel London
💷Pricing: From £60 per person
📌Location: Royal Docks
Nothing screams classy like a rooftop party! Make the most of warmer days and throw an outdoor bash as grand as you.
The Rooftop Terrace at Good Hotel London offers sweeping views of Canary Wharf and the Thames. It’s perfect for a large summer birthday party of up to 120 guests. The venue provides catering and drinks for a hassle-free party with scenery.
🎶 15. Classy Retro Disco Party
💷Pricing: From £500 per hour
📌Location: Enfield
Whoever said retro parties can’t be classy hasn’t been to KBO2!
Located in the heart of North London in Palmers Green, KBO2 offers a fun and unique retro venue with a spacious dancefloor. They have a retro arcade room and a photo booth with unlimited printouts, all for you to enjoy all night!
With its retro vibes straight out of Grease, vintage games, and fantastic birthday offers, KBO2 promises you a retro party experience like no other!
🥂16. Experience Royalty at The Ritz
💷Pricing: From £182 pp
📌Location: Mayfair
Step into The Ritz in Mayfair and instantly feel like royalty. You’ll be treated to exceptional service and attention to detail from the moment you enter.
The luxurious hotel offers a range of dining options, each providing a unique and unforgettable experience.
Plan a dinner at The Ritz Restaurant, their signature dining venue, which is renowned for its exquisite cuisine and impeccable service. Talk about a luxurious way to celebrate your 18th birthday in London!
🍲 17. Dinner at SUSHISAMBA
💷Pricing: From £3600 min. spend
📌Location: City of London
SUSHISAMBA, what a fantastic name! The venue itself is just as impressive and unique as its name suggests!
This trendy restaurant brings together the best Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisine, culture, music, and stunning design.
With Europe’s highest outdoor dining terraces, you’ll enjoy breathtaking 360-degree city views and feel like you’re on top of the world!
SUSHISAMBA is an elegant and lively spot, perfect for hosting an unforgettable 18th birthday party!
Blow Out the Candles
This year, skip the typical birthday activities and try something completely new! Marking another trip around the sun is worth celebrating however you wish. Birthdays are truly a gift, no matter your age. Each is a reason to gather your favourite people and have fun.
FAQ
What are some of the top 18th birthday venues in London?
Here are two standout choices in London for you to consider for your party:
Dirty Martini St Paul’s: Known as the go-to bar in Covent Garden, this stylish and contemporary basement venue has a New York theme, serving classy cocktails and martinis.
The Aviary Rooftop Bar & Restaurant: With various spaces, from igloos to cosy indoor restaurants offering stunning views of the London skyline, this venue is a popular choice for birthday celebrations in the capital.
What are the best places for a party in London?
Soho: Located in the West End, Soho boasts quirky bars, pubs, and energetic scenes. From BrewDog to The Boudoir Bar, Soho’s nightlife is filled with diverse options.
Leicester Square: Home to famous spots like All Bar One and Zoo Bar & Club, Leicester Square is vibrant with restaurants, shops, and bars. The Light Bar offers cocktails and fancy décor for a lively experience.
Chelsea: This affluent area is ideal for an upmarket party. Notable venues include The Jabberwocky, hidden under Callooh Callay Chelsea, and Albert’s Champagne Bar for a luxurious atmosphere.
Mayfair: Known for exclusive clubs, Mayfair offers options like The Chesterfield Room at The Market Tavern for a pink-themed birthday or Tabu London for a night of dancing influenced by Japan’s culture.
How much does it cost to hire a birthday venue in London?
Costs typically start around £100 per session with a minimum spend. Hourly fees can begin at £15, and birthday party packages may offer deals starting from £10 per person. Keep in mind that prices may vary based on the time and day, with weekends generally having higher rates. Whether you seek a luxurious or budget-friendly venue, our platform has options that suit your expectations and budget. (All data from Tagvenue.)
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