Research has shown that the more unique a venue is for meetings and conferences, the better your delegates remember the information given to them, and as Marilyn Monroe once pointed out, normal is boring. So with in-person events making a comeback, we’ve done the leg work for you and found some pretty fun locations around the UK.
London
BOUNCE
Capacity – up to 650
Ping Pong + Conference = Amazing, unforgettable fun. Combine the classic game of Wiff Waff with state-of-the-art facilities and a reputation for hosting the most talked about events and you get an award-winning conference and social destination in London. They are well set up for hybrid events with breakout areas, syndicate sessions, brainstorming and team-building activities.
THE POSTAL MUSEUM
Capacity – 275 (standing) and 150 (dinner)
The museum is highly adaptable, it can be hired for product launches, award ceremonies, corporate events and gala dinners. It also boasts an underground miniature train ride through the secret 100-year-old Mail Rail tunnels! The architectural features including vaulted ceilings and exposed brickwork are really inspiring and would give your event a unique feel and atmosphere.
PUTTSHACK
Capacity – 200
Puttshack is perfect for team socials, networking and team building all with the added bonus of having their 9-hole crazy golf course exclusively. Your guests could even add to the fun by getting togged up in plus fours. There are also have 3 locations in London so it should fit most people’s location requests.
THE NAVE AND RETROCHOIR, SOUTHWARK CATHEDRAL
Capacity: 210 seated, 800 standing, 700 theatre
This Nave and Retrochoir will give you a more traditional and classical look and feel of a black-tie event, but The Nave creates an atmosphere like no other, featuring magnificent high vaulted ceilings, intricate historical details and the beauty of London’s oldest example of Gothic Architecture. As the beating heart of busy Cathedral life, the hire of the Nave is an exclusive opportunity to hold a unique event in a soughtafter setting.
LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM
The Cubic Theatre and Foyer
Capacity – 121
So you need to get down to business and have presentations to show your delegates, well the theatre has recently had an AV refurbishment, and now has professional screening equipment including DCI/DCP playback capabilities with true 4K resolution and Dolby Digital surround sound. PLUS, all your delegates also received complimentary Museum access, on the day of your event, and honestly, it’s worth it. The museum is a feast for the eyes.
Museum Galleries
Capacity up to 500
Beneath a stunning glass ceiling, the Galleries can be transformed for a host of events including private dining, cocktail receptions and product launches, all whilst surrounded by historic London Transport.
THE ROYAL INSTITUTION
Capacity – up to 400
The Royal Institution is iconic in the science field, so if your business is science-based, this may be the perfect location for you. The theatre is home to lectures, discourses and world-changing discoveries since 1802 and made famous to modern audiences through the televised Christmas Lectures.
SEA LIFE AQUARIUM
Capacity – up to 750
An event here can literally take your delegates to another world. Entertain your guests during the drinks reception and brand the aquarium’s dive team, who will go into the shark tank for 20 minutes and communicate with your guests via underwater whiteboards. And the party can go on up to 1 am, so plenty of time to celebrate, network and look at the beautiful underwater scenery.
SHOREDITCH TREEHOUSE
Capacity up to 70
A secret garden loft, only a five-minute walk away from the City of London. High wooden ceilings, fairy lights, plants and 12 large windows that surround the venue allowing floods of natural light to come in all day are not the only things that make the space so unique. Super fast Fibre Optic broadband connection, Apple TV and an Amp to connect a laptop with a HDMI cable, 3 Metre projector screen and HD projector and 2 studio quality KRK VXT8 speakers.
South East
CADDIES, ESSEX
Capacity up to 250
Caddies features two indoor Crazy Golf Courses, a Full-Service Restaurant and a Cocktail Lounge Bar – all with eccentric 70s-inspired decor. You hire the entire venue for your delegates to have a great away day.
THE HISTORIC DOCKYARD, CHATHAM
Capacity up to 800
Used for the filming of well know historical dramas such as Bridgerton and Call the Midwife this venue is unique and awe-inspiring in equal measure. Choose between a Victoria ship, HMS Gannet for up to 100 guests or their covered slips which fit up to 800 delegates, it will be easy to find a location that suits you.
South West
CLIFTON OBSERVATORY, BRISTOL
Capacity up to 100
Overlooking Brunel’s infamous Clifton Suspension Bridge is enough to inspire any delegates so this is a great choice as an event venue. With indoor and outdoor space available to hire, including the striking rooftop terrace and the William West room, You can entertain guests with exquisite views, a distinctive atmosphere and excellent food and drink.
HAYNES MOTOR MUSEUM, SOMERSET
Capacity up to 300
Haynes International Motor Museum’s Somerset-based venue can facilitate all types of corporate events, including product launches, conferences, meetings, training days, team-building, exhibitions, auctions, networking events, AGMs, awards dinners and client hospitality days. Allow your delegates to let their hair down by taking a spin in a go-kart around their track as well as looking at the stunning collection of cars and motor vehicles.
THE MEDIEVAL HALL, WILTSHIRE
Capacity up to 120
This 800-year-old building is privately run so not only is it an impressive space, it’s exclusive too. We have it on good authority that the hosts are super knowledgeable, and helpful and have lots of local suppliers to suggest for all aspects of a corporate or leisure event. It is also equipped to a modern professional standard with AV & lighting rigs.
ESCOT HOUSE, DEVON
Capacity – Up to 80
Not only can you have a sit-down, theatre-style conference, but you can also have some team-building activities in the afternoon, including segway races, a 750m-long go-kart course, an Inflatable obstacle course, Axe throwing, gladiator duels and lots more. Escot can also arrange all your food and beverage needs so very little to organise once there so you have time to take in the beautiful surroundings.
CARNGLAZE CAVERNS, CORNWALL
Capacity – Up to 400
If you’re looking for a meeting space to wow your guests, Carnglaze Caverns on the southern edge of Bodmin Moor is sure to stay in their minds. A former slate mine with an interesting history, Carnglaze holds up to 400 guests and even has its own crystal-clear underground lake. The largest of the spaces, The Rum Store, was one of the nation’s safe storage areas during World War 2 and is now used as a concert and an interesting corporate event venue with outstanding acoustics and a unique atmosphere.
The Midlands
THE OLD LIBRARY, BIRMINGHAM
Capacity – up to 100
The main space is light and airy, flooded with natural daylight. Full of period features including vaulted ceilings and iconic arch windows, this space will conduct a positive and warm atmosphere, ensuring you have a stimulating and productive event with us. This large open space is perfect for team-building workshops or training seminars, giving your group space to move around and divide into smaller teams throughout the day. All of the windows have remote-controlled blinds so you can darken the room for your presentations. There are also wall-mounted air-conditioning units giving you full control over the environment.
For larger conferences, the adjoining Reading Room is available either as a breakout space, buffet area or cloakroom to serve your needs. There are also several spaces available within the Old Library and Zellig buildings, from small pods to breakout spaces, and interesting locations for drinks receptions there is a variety of choices.
ESCAPE LIVE, BIRMINGHAM
Capacity – between 10 and 80 (at their venue) up to 1,000 (if they come to you)
Escape Live is the perfect venue to bring the smaller teams together for unadulterated fun combined with a team meeting, conference or away day. Our venues are equipped with full AV facilities, high-speed internet, flipcharts and stationery to make your event room smoothly. We also have licensed bars onsite with various catering options to fuel the body and mind while you tackle our escape rooms.
MAMA ROUX’S, BIRMINGHAM
Capacity – contact location
This vivacious New Orleans-themed venue boasts an array of comfortable seating throughout including booths for hire and Mama Roux’s Voodoo Lounge.
FOREST OF MARSTON VALE, BEDFORD
As a social enterprise and the home of the charity, The Forest Centre & Millennium Country Park is a great venue for meetings and conferences, you can even do a team-building activity of planting trees too. It’s also a really brilliant, sustainable and eco-conscious choice because all the money raised from booking your event will go towards planting more trees and looking after local woodlands. Win, win!
THE GRAND STATION, WOLVERHAMPTON
Capacity up to 1,000
Originally opened in 1854, this Grade II listed building was formerly known as the Low-Level Train Station in Wolverhampton. In 2012, after the building was derelict for almost thirty years, two private investors discovered the enormous potential of the building and then decided to transform it into the city’s most sought-after venue for Weddings, Events & Conferences in Wolverhampton with three opulent suites and five meeting rooms.
WARWICK CASTLE, WARWICK
Capacity up to 180
Invite your guests to make their mark in our history books alongside the Kings and Queens who have feasted in our halls since the 15th Century. Whether your event is small and intimate or grand and gracious, the castle’s spectacular spaces suit all kinds of events, from receptions and banquets to live music and parties, all set by the banks of the River Avon in the heart of England.
SILVERSTONE CIRCUIT
Capacity varies depending on the location
The world-famous track has multi spaces which work perfectly for conferences, parties and exhibitions (in the pit garages no less). Or you can get out on track and enjoy a fast-paced team-building day.
North East
TRINITY KITCHEN, LEEDS
Capacity up to 1,000
Award-winning, rotating street food vans every 6 weeks and the finest permanent street food vendors all year round! It’ss a fully flexible space which lends itself perfectly to live music and entertainment! With an overall capacity of 1,000 guests, Trinity Kitchen can be hired exclusively or for lower numbers, smaller sections can be used. With a late licence available it means the party can continue giving your guests an event to remember and one they will want to repeat again and again…
ROYAL ARMOURIES, LEEDS
Capacity up to 2,500
With 13 versatile rooms, we host events of countless sizes and layouts. Whether you need full venue hire or smaller conference facilities for up to 40. Their unique spaces and exciting tournament gallery will give unusual entertainment for your attendees.
BEAMISH OPEN-AIR MUSEUM, COUNTY DURHAM
Beamish is a world-famous open-air museum which brings the history of North East England to life at its 1820s Pockerley, 1900s Town, 1900s Pit Village, 1940s Farm, 1950s Town and 1950s Spain’s Field Farm exhibit areas. They offer unique locations and tailored packages to make any event, no matter how large or small, a real success.
ALNWICK CASTLE, NORTHUMBERLAND
Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited castle in England and not only can you hire it for conferences, parties and events but your delegates could also be trained in the ways of broomstick flying (some parts of the Harry Potter films were filmed here), or have guided tours (including historic or film location tour)
North West
CITY CRUISES, YORK
Capacity up to 60
No matter what type of company event you are hosting, what better way to do it than on a boat? Host your networking event on The River Ouse. They can accommodate parties, meetings, product launches, awards and VIP events. They can organise, food, drink and entertainment and you and your guests get to pretend you’re on a yacht in the South of France!
STOCK FARM EVENT BARN, CHESHIRE
Capacity up to 1,000
Stock Farm Barn is a rustic yet blank canvas for businesses wanting to stage something with a creative difference to impress their guests. Flexible space provides opportunities for: Large set builds, Free-standing high-rise rigging, Staging & catwalks, dancefloor & DJ sets. Equally, with clever dressing, the barn can be partitioned and their selected catering partners can produce wonderful dining experiences to fit your event. With access to plenty of outdoor space Stock Farm is the ideal venue for meetings, team-building events and corporate festivals with a beautiful backdrop to boot.
CONCORD CONFERENCE CENTRE, ALTRINCHAM
Capacity – up to 700
This aircraft hangar is ideal for large meetings, dining and exhibitions under the wings of the world-famous aircraft. With 1600m2 of space and a seating capacity for 700 people, this is an impressive venue to stage your corporate event.
Within the main building, there are two smaller meeting rooms for 40 and 50 delegates (theatre style), ideal for breakout sessions. For a real aviation flavour and a memorable event, you also have access to the aircraft and cabin interior of a DC-10.
THE AUDITORIUM SPACE @EKM, PRESTON
Capacity up to 120
OK, so the first thing to mention is this place has multicoloured seating and a 3-storey slide! If they aren’t reason enough to book it then they will also tempt you with their AV System, Full HD Projectors, Microphones, Apple TV, Chromecast, WiFi, Stage, Flipchart, Whiteboard, HD TV Screen, Pads, Pens.
Scotland
THE COW SHED, CRAIL
Capacity up to 300
Marquee, Barn, Courtyard, countryside or sea views? Well, you can have any or all of these at The Cow Shed. It’s been in the family for 70 years, and gosh do they know events. They will organise everything you need including tech for your corporate event and you will love everything they do. The venue is also sustainably run, 90% of its energy is from solar, wind or recycled battery power.
THE TALL SHIP, GLASGOW
Capacity up to 200
Lacking funding, abandoned in Seville, Spain, the Glenlee was stripped of her brass work and damaged by fire, masts and yards lowered, the Spanish Navy decided she had to be sold. Threatened with scrappage, the Clyde Maritime Trust bought her for £40,000 planning a voyage to Glasgow for restoration. Vital repairs and support has enabled a return to her former glory and is not only a tourist attraction but an amazing events venue. On deck and below this ship is stunning and would be a great place to network, meet and party. They have an in-house catering company that is big on sustainability and flexitarian menus that will find out what makes your business tick and come up with a bespoke menu.
MOUNT STUART MARBLE HALL, ISLE OF BUTE
Capacity up to 200
They have several locations on-site to suit different sizes of events, but we have to say, the Marble Hall just takes your breath away. Its marble columns, night sky ceiling and stained glass windows will make your event an opulent occasion. Accommodation and catering are also supplied, plus you can arrive on the Isle of Bute by boat or helicopter, very James Bond, Sean Connery would be proud.
Wales
DEPOT, CARDIFF
Capacity up to 1200
Do you need a big venue? Is 22,000 sqft big enough? Depot is an industrial warehouse that is used to big crowds and events, they boast 2 warehouse rooms, a 20-metre bar in the main room, 2 x permanent street food kitchens, a Vintage Citroen Cocktail/Prosecco Bar, a large outdoor area (subjective to events) vast amounts of lighting and AV capabilities and in house experts. Plus it’s seriously cool, with a venue this size there are no limitations to designing the look of your event either.
TECHNIQUEST, CARDIFF
Capacity up to 1000
Here you can get down to the nitty-gritty business meeting or conference but then, BAM: get your science on! As well as the main exhibition space, they have lots of unusual event spaces for hire including a planetarium, a theatre and a laboratory. Guests can even interact with hands-on exhibits during events. They have a fully equipped boardroom facility complete with a breakout room, private kitchen and waterfront balcony.
THE ARCADE VAULTS, CARDIFF
Capacity up to 35
On the other end of the scale, size-wise is The Arcade Vaults, a unique not-for-profit community and venue. Whilst it can only hold a small meeting or team-building event, it will be super fun. Why? Because they have every games console you can think of and you can challenge your employees to a gaming tournament as part of a morale-boosting session. Perfect especially for tech or gamer businesses.
Northern Ireland
TITANIC MUSEUM, BELFAST
I’m not sure we need to give this much of an introduction, however, did you know that you can have your event with the lectern in front of the iconic 1st class staircase? I know, it’s super exciting. They have several options for rooms, but it’s sure to be a memorable event for your delegates but luckily much more successful than the ship herself.
*Also, we should point out here, to end the argument once and for all: that there was, in fact, plenty of room on that floating door for Jack too.
CRUMLIN ROAD GAOL, BELFAST
Capacity up to 250
Offer your guests a chance to spend a day or evening locked up, but with a free ‘get out of jail free card’ included. This venue is seriously unique and would make a real talking point, especially hosting in the Matron’s Gallery (pictured) which really gives us Porridge vibes.
THE LARCHFIELD ESTATE, COUNTY ANTRIM
Capacity up to 250
They can do it all here, meetings and conferences, team building, experiences (from fly fishing to circus skills!) corporate retreats and awards ceremonies. Plus the food and scenery they provide are second to none. With a choice of venue to suit your numbers and business, this venue is well worth a visit.