Choosing the right venue for your event can be hard, and the space itself can make a big difference to the feel of an event.
Choosing the right venue is a big decision. Do you opt for a blank canvas you can transform into whatever you want or go for something unusual or quirky can really bring an event to life? We’ve put together a list of some of the most unusual spaces to hire around the UK that will add a different feel to your event.
1.Museums
There are lots of museums across the UK that have space to hire, our favourites are The Science and Natural History Museums in London, they offer spectacular spaces which can cater for events, corporate dinners and meetings. The rich history of the buildings and their contents make a great talking point.
2.Wellington Arch
You can entertain your guests from the dizzying heights of one of London’s most unusual historic venues. The space has two floors able to accommodate corporate events, parties, dinners and more, you can even step out onto a viewing balcony beneath the famous Quadriga for spectacular views of London.
3.Libraries
There are a lot of libraries available to hire across the UK, with some amazing rooms with a wonder of nooks and crannies. Almost all cities have libraries available for events, but our favourite is the Signet Library in Edinburgh.
4.The Cabinet War Rooms
It is from these rooms that Churchill declared he would “direct the war.” After being sealed for almost 50 years they were re-opened to the public in 1984 and can now be used for a whole host of events, from intimate dinners to parties to celebrations and corporate events.
5.An Edwardian Swimming Pool
The Victoria Baths in Manchester provide a unique and unforgettable setting for a wide range of events. It has many different spaces; from holding your event in the actual empty pool or using one of the beautifully preserved rooms in the building.
6.Submarine
Unfortunately you won’t be in the depths of the ocean but this venue is still a pretty unique experience. With facilities to cater for all types of events and sizes, and even the option to arrive by boat, this venue will not fail to impress.
7.Lighthouse
There are a few lighthouses around the UK available for hire for events, West Usk in Newport is particularly beautiful and is a little more spacious then some others.
8.Big Brother House
For a truly different experience you can hire the actual Big Brother House for parties, conferences, training days, networking and launches. You can use the space as you like or immerse yourself in the true experience, by becoming house mates and completing tasks for some team building with a difference.
9.A Whisky Vault, Edinburgh
For the perfect blend of service and setting the Whisky vault offers a refined, elegant space in Edinburgh. It has a variety of rooms to cater for different sizes as wells as the world’s largest collection of scotch Whisky.
10.Aquarium
Again, there are a variety of aquariums across the UK that open their doors for events, parties or dinners. The lighting of these underground tanks makes for an amazing atmosphere at any event and can create an effortless tranquil feel. London Sea Life is particularly spectacular with a shark tank and underwater tunnel.
11.Cave
Certainly a more unusual setting for an event and usually hired for weddings, Wookey Hole Caves in Somerset is an ancient venue for any event. There are facilities for seating up to 200 guests and there are even options to have the witch of Wookey hole in attendance.
12.Borough Market Hall
Borough Market is one of London’s oldest markets and has beautiful architecture dating from Victorian, art deco and through to modern day making it an iconic venue in the heart of London.
13.National Space Centre
For an event that is out of this world you can hire a range of spaces at the National Space Centre, including the Rocket tower or the planetarium.
14.Zoo
There are several Zoos around the UK that allow you to hire spaces and Bristol Zoo Gardens is one of our favourites, with some beautiful Victorian buildings as well as over 400 species of endanger and exotic animals it makes an amazing venue for any event.
15.Madame Tussauds
If you want an event dotted with celebrities, or a dinner with royalty, then Madame Tussauds is the perfect venue. With space to accommodate up to a thousand guests, integrated lighting and sounds systems as well as a fully installed kitchen it is perfect for an event with a difference.