20 Epic Birthday Ideas in London To Celebrate The Big Day

Are you or a loved one lucky enough to celebrate a birthday in London? This incredible city sure knows how to do a party right. With so many options available to choose from, it can feel almost impossible to decide which one to go for. 

From floating down the Thames in a hot tub to disco brunches and fancy afternoon teas – these are the birthday ideas in London you didn’t know you wanted until now. If you’re ready to celebrate in style, take a look at our list of the top 20 birthday ideas in London to make your day extra special.

1. Escape into History at the London Dungeons' New Escape Room

For those who appreciate history's dark and intriguing aspects, the London Dungeons offer an unforgettable experience. Particularly, the brand-new escape room beckons, where you have 60 minutes to outsmart prison guards and escape Guy Fawkes' cell. This experience will certainly test your nerves and your brains, so you may want to start here and then head to one of the many London bars once you’ve escaped the Dungeon! 
 

2. Helicopter Tour over London 

Take your birthday celebration to new heights with a private helicopter tour over London. Experience the city from a whole new perspective as you soar above landmarks like the Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, and the Shard. Several operators offer customised tours with champagne and personalised routes if you want to. Enjoy this experience with someone special or with a more intimate crowd. This thrilling experience is perfect for those who are in for more adventurous experiences. 

3. Exclusive West End Theater Box

For theatre enthusiasts, reserve an exclusive private box at one of London's renowned West End theatres. Enjoy a VIP experience with champagne, gourmet snacks, and the best seats in the house as you watch a spectacular live performance. Why not make the day extra special with dinner before the show? This is a great London birthday idea to do with a small group of equally theatre-loving friends. 

4. Indulge in an Elegant Afternoon Tea Experience

There is certainly no shortage of classically styled hotels that offer incredible afternoon teas complete with bubbles and cocktails if you wish. With an abundance of splendid afternoon tea spots, each offering a unique twist on this cherished tradition, you really are spoiled for choice if this type of birthday idea is what you’re after. The Ritz, The Bentley, The Royal Horse Guards Hotel, and even The Shard offer traditional and modern takes on the afternoon tea experience with lots of different types of tea to choose from. And who can forget the finger sandwiches?  

5. Sip Champagne on the London Eye

Celebrate your birthday in unforgettable style, and let it be adorned with bubbles. A surefire way to achieve this is by booking a London Eye Champagne Experience. Savour breathtaking views of the city's iconic landmarks as you clink glasses with your loved ones, making memories to last a lifetime, all to celebrate you or someone you love turning another year older. This exclusive experience will be an unforgettable moment when you decide to take to the skies with a glass of bubbles over the London skyline. 

6. Bowling with Craft Cocktails at The Croc

Bid farewell to the days of run-down bowling alleys and lacklustre arcade games. London has elevated its bowling scene to a new level, and the epitome of this transformation can be found at the Ham Yard Hotel. The Croc Bowling Alley redefines bowling with solid maple lanes, monochrome aesthetics, and vintage bowling shoes, all of which culminate in an unparalleled birthday bowling experience. This is a super fun birthday idea if you are planning on having loads of people there and looking to get a bit competitive for some good old laughs. 

7. Dance from Dawn to Dusk at a Disco Brunch

What better way to celebrate and let your hair down than by dancing the day (and the night) away at a disco-themed brunch? Blame Gloria, a retro-chic bar filled with character, lets you do just this at one of the most vibey brunches in the city. Immerse yourself in a glittering world of dance-offs, lip-sync performances, and abundant free-flowing drinks. The brunch menu offers a range of delectable dishes, so it’s the perfect place to wine and dine before heading out on the town. This is truly a brunch experience like no other.

8. Try Your Luck at Hijingo Bingo

Elevate your birthday celebration with a dash of excitement at Hijingo Bingo. Nestled in the heart of London, this upscale bingo experience combines sophistication with fun. With extravagant prizes up for grabs, you and your guests can savour a night of high-stakes gaming, champagne, and delectable cuisine. Expect the thrill of the unexpected and the allure of luxury in this opulent bingo haven.

9. Have Lunch and Drinks at BoxPark

For a refined birthday affair, head to Box Park, where culinary delights and crafted cocktails await. Revel in a stylish setting with gourmet street food offerings, exclusive wine lists, and artisanal cocktails. Toast to another year of success and indulge in an array of culinary masterpieces in this upscale urban haven. BoxPark is a market made out of old shipping containers. Set in the heart of Shoreditch, it’s also in one of the trendiest parts of London for you to be in. There are also loads of bars to choose from in the area for you to take the party elsewhere when you want to take things to the next level. 

10. Treat Yourself to a Luxury Supercar Experience

Unleash your inner speed enthusiast on your birthday with a luxury supercar experience. Take the wheel of iconic vehicles and traverse the city's iconic streets. Enjoy the envy of onlookers as you revel in the power and prestige of these magnificent machines. Your birthday celebration will be transformed into an exhilarating journey through luxury and performance.

11. Take Your Friends to a Cocktail-Making Class

Elevate your birthday celebration with a hands-on cocktail-making class. Gather your closest friends and learn the art of mixology from London's finest bartenders. Craft bespoke cocktails using premium spirits and fresh ingredients. Sip and savour your creations in a chic setting, surrounded by the laughter of friends. It's an exquisite way to mark your special day.

12. Get a Crowd Together for A Film at a Famous London Site

Transport your birthday celebration to the silver screen at one of London's iconic film locations. Invite your friends for a private screening of a classic film, complete with gourmet popcorn, champagne, and plush seating. Whether it's a historic theatre or a rooftop cinema, your cinematic soirée will be a glamorous affair that leaves a lasting impression. Open-air cinemas are super fun to do in the centre of London as they are often set up at some historical sites.

13. Unleash Your Competitive Spirit in an Upscale Games Bar

Few things surpass the pleasure of dressing up, sipping handcrafted cocktails, and triumphing over your friends in a competitive game. London boasts a games bar for every preference, from darts at Flight Club to shuffleboard at Electric Shuffle, or even table tennis at Bounce. For a wilder experience, consider Ballie Ballerson, where you can enjoy pizza, cocktails, and plunge into an adult ball pit for a hilarious adventure.

14. Cabaret Night at the Kit Kat Club

Immerse yourself in the intimate and electrifying production of 'Cabaret' at the Kit Kat Club in Berlin. Sing along to iconic tunes and enjoy an unforgettable evening. Despite the name, the Kit Kat club is actually in London, and it is a great experience for anyone who is into theatre and all for immersing themselves in their special day classic Cabaret style! You’ll have the best time jamming to your favourite tunes and giving a cheering crowd your best renditions of some golden oldies and some new hits too. 

15. Virtual Reality Gaming With Friends 

One of the latest and coolest things to do as a group is having a virtual reality gaming party. You’ll laugh, cry and perhaps even feel a little scared when you choose to spend your birthday at one of the many virtual reality centres in London. It's a fun activity to do and is a fun challenge for you and the group to enjoy. There is a variety of quests you can choose to fulfil and is ideal for breaking the ice if you have a new group of people together.  

16. Sushi and Asian Tapas Afternoon Tea at Inamo

Indulge in a non-traditional afternoon tea at Inamo, featuring delicious sushi and Asian tapas, paired with bottomless fizz. There’s nothing better than having well-prepared food with a little bit of a part starter. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon with friends and is the perfect pregame for a big night out if you want one. 
 

17. Artistic Painting Class

Embrace your creative side with an art class, where you and your friends can create masterpieces (or amusing attempts) inspired by Van Gogh. Have a laugh with your friends and create artwork that will act as a memento for the day that you can hang onto for the rest of your life. There are a plethora of art classes in and around London. Often pubs will host art and wine evenings which makes the experience all the more fun! 

18. Elevate Your Palate with a Sophisticated Wine-Tasting

Begin a new chapter by indulging in a refined wine-tasting session at one of London's premier wineries. Humble Grape offers an exceptional balance of value and quality, starting at just £10 per person. Sample six modern wines paired with delectable nibbles, all under the guidance of a knowledgeable sommelier. Wine-tasting is one of the best things to do with a group of friends. You’ll get some of the best wines from all over the world to sample and you’ll end up learning something new too! 

19. Revel in Karaoke Royalty in a Private Karaoke Booth

Gather your nearest and dearest to revel in your inner diva as you sing your heart out in a private karaoke booth in the heart of London. Opt for the opulent atmosphere of Lucky Voice Karaoke, offering luxurious velvet sofas and walls adorned with iconic posters. It’s a fabulous experience for you to have with a group of friends and is the perfect opportunity to make some very special birthday memories. 

20. Channel Your Inner Chemist at Hackney Funhouse

Nestled beneath a railway arch in Hackney is the Funhouse, a comprehensive destination for an extravagant celebration. ABQ, located on the lower floor, invites you to don a lab suit and concoct molecular cocktails, inspired by the iconic TV series Breaking Bad. You’ll be guided by a master mixologist with all the right ingredients for you to make a cocktail that suits your palate. 

Final Thoughts

One thing is certain: a birthday celebration in London is an experience like no other. It's a chance to create lasting memories, cherish moments with friends and loved ones, and explore this magnificent city in all its glory. So, when your special day approaches, don't settle for the ordinary. Dive into the extraordinary world of London's birthday adventures and make your celebration truly unforgettable.

Looking to book an activity in London or across the UK? Use LovetoVisit for a simplified booking process as well as exclusive discounts and bundles.