10 Fun Things to Do for 21st Birthday Celebrations in the UK

Turning 21 is a big deal, but planning the perfect celebration can feel like a lot of pressure. Between finding the right venue, keeping everyone entertained, and making sure the food is great, it’s easy to get caught up in the details and forget to enjoy the day. And with so many options for things to do for your 21st birthday out there, figuring out the best way to celebrate can leave you second-guessing your choices. You don’t want your 21st—or a loved one’s—to be just another party that comes and goes. It should be a day filled with fun, laughter, and memories that last a lifetime, but narrowing down the ideas can be tricky. To help take the stress out of planning, this blog offers the 10 most exciting things to do for 21st birthday for both boys and girls. Whether you're thinking about adventurous outings or something more low-key, these suggestions will ensure the celebration is special, memorable, and perfectly suited to the birthday person's style.
5 July 2023 9 min read
Birthday girl celebrating with friends, showing things to do for 21st birthday.

Elevate the Celebration with These Cool 21st Birthday Ideas for Guys

Celebrating your 21st birthday should be all about fun and memorable experiences that fit your style. Whether you’re searching for unique 21st birthday ideas for boys or simply wondering what to do for your 21st birthday, these ideas will help you create an epic day full of excitement and adventure.

1. Outdoor BBQ Party

An outdoor BBQ party is a great way to bring friends and family together, especially if you’re after 21st birthday party ideas at home that are both relaxed and fun. It gives you the chance to enjoy the outdoors while serving up a BBQ menu tailored to your taste, from burgers to gourmet grilled veggies. 

If you’re exploring unique 21st birthday dinner ideas, a BBQ adds a casual twist that’s still special.

If you’re unsure how to celebrate 21st birthday in a way that feels personal and memorable, a BBQ offers the ideal combination of fun and relaxation. You can even elevate the experience with outdoor games or a custom drinks bar. 

If you’re not confident with the grill and still thinking, “What to do for my 21st birthday UK?”, you can always use platforms like Yhangry to book a BBQ chef, and leave the hard work to the experts.

Man grilling at a BBQ, showing what to do for 21st birthday.

2. Brewery Tour

If you’re wondering what to do for 21st birthday that’s both fun and unique, a brewery tour might be just what you’re looking for. It’s perfect for beer lovers and a laid-back way to celebrate, offering great company, drinks, and a chance to learn about the brewing process—one of the ideal 21st birthday ideas for guys

Brewery tours often come with tastings, giving you the chance to sample a range of craft beers, making it one of the more interactive 21st birthday party ideas for guys. It’s also an excellent option for smaller groups, allowing you to have a memorable experience without the pressure of hosting. 

When considering 21st birthday ideas men will genuinely appreciate, this option strikes the perfect balance between fun, learning, and celebration.

Friends toasting with drinks, showcasing 21st birthday ideas for guys.

3. Road Trip Adventure

If you’re looking for what to do for 21st birthday UK, a road trip adventure is a fantastic option. It’s the perfect excuse to grab your friends, hit the open road, and explore somewhere new together. 

Whether you’re thinking of visiting the coast or taking a scenic drive through the countryside, a road trip offers endless possibilities for an exciting day. You can personalise your experience with plenty of things to do for 21st birthday UK—plan your route, pick your stops, and make the journey just as memorable as the destination. 

It’s among the most enticing 21st birthday ideas for men, combining adventure, spontaneity, and quality time with mates. It guarantees a day full of memories and new experiences, making it one of the most unique 21st birthday celebration ideas UK folks should not miss out on. 

Friends on a road trip, highlighting 21st birthday ideas for boys.

4. Paintball Party

If you’re thinking about what to do for your 21st birthday and are after something thrilling and action-packed, a paintball party is the way to go. It’s one of the best 21st birthday ideas for boys, keeping everyone engaged and on their toes when you want a bit of excitement and adrenaline. 

It combines outdoor activity with the excitement of a team-based game, making it one of the more adventurous 21st birthday ideas for men. This activity offers non-stop fun in a way that few other activities can match and guarantees a day filled with laughter, action, and lasting memories. This makes it one of the most fun and memorable 21st boy birthday ideas.

Group of men playing paintball, showcasing 21st boy birthday ideas

5. Bar Crawl

If you’re looking for a fun and social way to celebrate, a bar crawl is a fantastic option for what to do for 21st birthday. It’s a popular choice among things to do for your 21st birthday because it lets you explore different bars, try signature drinks, and fully embrace the freedom and fun that come with turning 21 in an energetic, social atmosphere.

It’s one of the ideal 21st birthday ideas for guys who want a bit of excitement and variety—each stop along the way offers a new vibe and something different to experience. 

As far as twenty first birthday ideas go, a bar crawl is a classic way to mark the milestone in the UK, mixing fun, freedom, and the chance to celebrate in style with your closest mates.

Men on a bar crawl vehicle, showing things to do for your 21st birthday.

Plan the Ultimate Celebration with These 21st Birthday Ideas Girl Squad Will Never Forget

Turning 21 is a huge milestone, and planning to celebrate your birthday with your closest friends can make it even more special. If you’re looking for creative 21st birthday ideas for girls or fun things to do for 21st birthday UK celebrations, these activities are perfect for making memories with your girl gang.

6. Themed Costume Party

If you’re asking yourself, “What to do for my 21st birthday,” a themed costume party is a fun and memorable choice. It allows you to customise the event with a theme that reflects your personality or interests, giving the night a unique vibe. 

If you’re in need of classy 21st birthday outfit ideas, you can go for vintage glam, a Great Gatsby theme, or even a favourite movie character. A themed party also ranks high among good 21st birthday ideas because it gets everyone involved and sets the stage for a night of laughter and fun. 

Incorporating a theme not only adds excitement but also gives structure to the night, making it one of the most engaging things to do for a 21st birthday that your guests will love.

Friends in costume blowing balloons, showcasing 21st birthday ideas girl will love.

7. Karaoke Party

If you’re looking for fun 21st birthday ideas girl groups will love, a karaoke party is a fantastic option. It’s the perfect mix of entertainment and laughter, giving everyone the chance to sing their hearts out and have a blast together. 

Karaoke stands out as one of the more interactive 21st birthday event ideas, ensuring that your friends are actively involved and having a great time, whether you’re looking for 21st birthday ideas for a girl who loves to perform or simply enjoys a fun night with friends. 

If you’re still unsure what to do on 21st birthday, you can make this more fun with duet challenges, themed song playlists, and even a friendly competition with prizes that everyone will be talking about long after the party ends.

Friends enjoying karaoke, highlighting 21st birthday ideas for girls.

8. Game Night

If you’re thinking about fun 21st birthday ideas party lovers will enjoy, hosting a game night is a fantastic option. Game nights are perfect as 21st birthday entertainment ideas because they get everyone involved, whether you’re playing board games, trivia, or even interactive video games. 

For those looking for more unique 21st birthday activity ideas, you can include a mix of classic games and modern favourites, ensuring there’s something for everyone. If you’re considering 21st birthday ideas for girls, you can make the night engaging by mixing in fun elements like themed games, a DIY snack bar, or even prizes for the winners too. 

Whether it’s card games, charades, or group challenges, adding personal touches like inside jokes or favourite childhood games will ensure everyone has a memorable time.

Friends taking a selfie on game night, showing things to do for 21st birthday UK.

9. Casino Night

If you’re wondering what to do for 21st birthday celebrations that feel a bit more upscale and exciting, a casino night is a perfect choice. It’s one of the more glamorous 21st birthday ideas for girls, allowing you to dress up and experience the thrill of live gaming in style. 

You and your friends can visit some of the UK’s top casinos, like the iconic Hippodrome in London or Manchester’s classy Grosvenor Casino, for an unforgettable night of poker, roulette, or blackjack. 

If you’re searching for 21st birthday ideas girl groups will love, beyond the games, these venues often feature live entertainment, fine dining, and signature cocktails, adding even more luxury to your evening. 

A night of betting and winning could be one of the things to do for a 21st birthday to make it truly extraordinary!

Three women enjoying a night at the casino, showing what to do for your 21st birthday.

10. Outdoor Movie Night

If you’re asking yourself what to do for daughters 21st birthday, and looking for something unique yet personal, an outdoor movie night might be the perfect fit. 

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It’s one of the most charming 21st birthday celebration ideas for daughter,  giving her the chance to relax under the stars with her closest friends while enjoying a favourite film. This idea works beautifully as part of 21st birthday party ideas at home, where you can set up a cosy outdoor space with blankets, pillows, and fairy lights for a magical atmosphere. 

You can even create a DIY snack bar with popcorn, candy, and drinks to add to the experience. The intimate atmosphere makes it one of the ideal 21st birthday celebration ideas for daughter to celebrate this milestone in a meaningful, low-key way.

Friends watching a movie outdoors, showing what to do for 21st birthday UK.

Celebrate Your 21st with a Party Everyone Will Be Talking About

Now you know what to do for 21st birthday to make it a hit, but it wouldn’t be complete without fantastic food. Planning a dinner party can be a lot to handle—between cooking, setting up, and serving, it’s easy to feel stressed and unable to enjoy the celebration. Plus, keeping guests entertained while managing the kitchen is nearly impossible if you’re stuck behind the stove.

Going to a restaurant might be an option, but it can feel impersonal, especially if you’re after something more intimate with close friends or family. And let’s not forget the challenge of catering to different tastes and dietary requirements, which can be tricky to manage.

So, why not hire a private chef instead?

A private chef can craft a bespoke menu that caters to all dietary preferences. Whether you’re after a multi-course dinner, an Italian feast, or modern British cuisine, they’ll tailor everything to suit your theme. They can even bring an interactive touch with live cooking demonstrations and if you prefer a more casual dining experience, buffet food ideas for 21st birthday party can also be seamlessly integrated.

The best part? They handle everything, from sourcing ingredients to tidying up afterwards, so you can focus on enjoying all those things to do for 21st birthday.

And with platforms like Yhangry, accessing top-tier birthday party catering in the UK becomes even simpler, offering you a selection of over 1,000 vetted chefs across various cuisines, budgets, and customisation needs.

FAQs

In a 21st birthday card, you can write a heartfelt message celebrating the milestone, offering warm wishes for the future, and acknowledging the excitement of entering adulthood. Add a personal touch by reflecting on shared memories or offering advice for the journey ahead.

For your boyfriend’s 21st birthday, consider gifts that reflect his interests, such as personalised items, an experience like a weekend getaway, or something symbolic like a quality watch or custom whiskey set to mark the milestone. Tailor the gift to his hobbies or passions for a thoughtful and meaningful present.

For your sister’s 21st birthday, consider gifts that are both meaningful and memorable, such as personalised jewellery, a keepsake photo book, or a unique experience like a spa day or concert tickets. You can also choose something symbolic of adulthood, like a luxury handbag or a custom engraved accessory.

Among many ways to celebrate 21st birthday with family, you can organise an intimate dinner at home, a relaxed garden party, or plan a fun family outing with activities for 21st birthday everyone enjoys, such as a day trip or movie night. For a truly memorable experience, consider booking a private chef through platforms like Yhangry to get stress-free restaurant-quality birthday catering in the comfort of your home.