Planning a special last minute event in London has never been so exciting with many inspirational ideas available this year.

Now that summer is coming there are many opportunities to experience London in a unique and unusual way.

Meeting planners should take advantage of the summer weather and book an event at one of London’s exclusive venues to encourage colleagues and clients to unlock their potential. 

This summer, The O₂ will open the first indoor beach in London to offer customers an opportunity to escape the city activity and ‘chill out’ in the tropical atmosphere. From July to August the O₂ will bring in over 1,000 tons of sand and 12 palm trees to create a 30-metre wide beach and transform the space into an island paradise. The beach can be hired out by businesses for their own unique summer parties or client entertainment.

Hospitality at Twickenham Stadium, the home of England rugby, is widely recognised as the No. 1 corporate invitation in the UK. Twickenham Experience offers a variety of match-day hospitality packages. At the Investec Challenge matches on 4 and 11 August, guests can cheer on their favourite team while enjoying first class facilities, service and cuisine. 

At 135 metres above London, the London Eye offers impressive views of the city from the tallest observation wheel in the world. Whether for corporate events or office parties, guests can relax in the air-conditioned capsules while enjoying the breathtaking summer sunsets that London is able to offer. Private capsules are available in a variety of themes, including a champagne capsule, wine capsule and afternoon tea capsule.

Located above Kensington High Street, the Tudor Gardens are ideal for corporate or office summer parties every Friday and Saturday night from 26 May-15 September. Meetings and incentive professionals can organise a summer BBQ for 50-500 people in the beautiful rooftop gardens. The venue boasts outdoor space perfect for a unique corporate event during the warmer months. Guests will be able to enjoy a 3-course BBQ menu, entrance to the club, and dancing in the members club.

On the second Friday of each month from May-November, Silver Fleet’s Silver Sturgeon Lunch Cruise is ideal for summer entertaining. Guests can enjoy a champagne reception, a three-course set menu and a variety of fine wines during the charming three-hour cruise along the river Thames. With its exclusive feel it is the perfect setting for corporate entertaining.

The Cinema Screen Gaming at BAFTA allows guests to unwind and enjoy an afternoon of fun and exciting games. The Princess Anne Theatre at BAFTA is available for corporate group events where guests can escape the heat of the busy city and enjoy the air-conditioned space while choosing from a variety of Xbox 360 games to play on the full-sized HD quality cinema screen. If gaming isn’t desired, the comfortable theatre is also available for audiovisual presentations and previews, seminars and conferences.

The excitement of London never slows down, and the city is blessed to offer a variety of events and festivals this summer anyone can enjoy:

Throughout the summer, London will be celebrating its strengthening relationship with India by hosting India Now, launching in July. Events, activities and festivals dedicated to Indian art, film, food, theatre, music, fashion and business will help raise awareness of the Indian culture’s contributions to London life. Visit Trafalgar Square in August for the three-week Indian-themed festival or go to the Museum of London: Out of India exhibition, which looks at the contribution of Asian Londoners over the past 50 years.

Make the most of the summer sun at the Red Bull Air Race, which will visit London July 28-29.  The O₂ will set up grandstands along the river Thames for ticketed spectators to look on as some of the world’s best pilots participate in breathtaking air shows reaching speeds of 250 mph.