Event venues that will go down in history!
Historic venues exude charm, character, and a sense of timeless elegance that modern venues don't offer. These venues offer a backstory and heritage to inspire your delegates. You can incorporate the venue's history into your event, making it more engaging and educational for attendees. This storytelling aspect can add depth and intrigue to your event's theme or purpose.
Heritage venues can also add prestige and significance to your event. It can elevate the perceived importance of your event and impress attendees, sponsors, and stakeholders.
From a 900-year-old moated castle to King Henry V111 Tudor warship and venues that are literally fit for a king! -Can we tempt you with a private dinner in the venue where HRH King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla were married?
If you want your next event to be memorable and go down in history, we hope you can draw inspiration from our curated list of conference and event venues below.
All this is possible in South East England, less than 2 hours from London.
Action Stations
Portsmouth
Hampshire
Housed in the magnificent Boathouse No.6 in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Action Stations offers a wide range of facilities for conference and event organisers. The combination of a spacious auditorium, Horizon Suite and open plan first floor make it a truly unique and versatile venue. The 275 seated auditorium and 100 seated Horizon suite both come complete with video conferencing systems, perfect for hybrid events. Both spaces also feature full sound system, radio microphones and lectern. Clients can opt to add on the open plan first floor as a networking or exhibition space.
Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower
Portsmouth
Hampshire
For a unique conference venue or beautiful dining space, consider the exclusive hire of this stunning 18th century Grand Magazine, a gunpowder store originating from 1771. The space boasts a magnificent vaulted ceiling and beautiful Georgian wood floors that are perfect for receptions or large gatherings.
Leeds Castle
Maidstone
Kent
Elevate your meetings and conferences to new heights at the historic Leeds Castle. Set amidst the idyllic Kent countryside, this historic venue offers an unparalleled backdrop for impactful and productive events. From intimate boardroom sessions to grand conferences, their flexible and well-equipped function rooms cater to every requirement. Enjoy the seamless integration of modern technology in an atmosphere of timeless elegance. Take advantage of expert event planning and attentive service, ensuring that every detail is meticulously executed. Delivering a seamless blend of professionalism and tranquillity, Leeds Castle is the ultimate choice for unforgettable and successful meetings.
Portsmouth Guildhall
Portsmouth
Hampshire
Step back in time and host your conference or event in the historic Portsmouth Guildhall. Completed in 1890 by architect William Hill, the building was originally named the Town Hall and drew inspiration from Hill's earlier design of Bolton Town Hall. Renamed the Guildhall in 1926, the building suffered catastrophic damage during WWII but survived thanks to the resilience of Portsmouth and its people. Rebuilt and reopened in 1959 by HM The Queen, the Guildhall is now a leading conference and concert venue. Experience the city's indomitable spirit at the Portsmouth Guildhall.
The Queens Hotel Portsmouth
Portsmouth
Hampshire
The Queens Hotel sits on the edge of Southsea Common just a few minutes’ walk from the beach. Within walking distance is the D-Day Museum and Historic Dockyard, home to the Royal Navy and attractions such as HMS Warrior, HMS Victory and The Mary Rose. Originally built in 1861 by Augustus Livesay, Southsea House was first constructed as a large private home for Sir John and Lady Morris. The house was situated in an almost identical position to the front half of the existing hotel, but was at that time surrounded by woodland – stone woods – and the Royal Albert Yacht Club. In the latter part of the 19th century, around 1865, during a boom in construction and tourism in Southsea, the house was converted into a hotel by William Kemp Junior. The Queens became one of the first hotels in Portsmouth. The current owners took over in April 2017 and commenced a painstaking, multi-million pound restoration and redevelopment of the hotel to return her to her former glory.
Bodleian Libraries
Oxford
Oxfordshire
The Bodleian Libraries provide a spectacular setting for all corporate and private events, including lectures, presentations, drinks receptions, dinners and awards ceremonies. The Divinity School is one of the oldest surviving purpose-built rooms in Oxford University. This hall was designed to impress and celebrate the University as a centre of great learning and importance. Over the road, Blackwell Hall, is a bright and airy atrium space with a colonnade overlooking Broad Street, a smooth stone floor, high ceilings and a visible gallery of books. The Bodleian Libraries continues to impress as some of the most beautiful event spaces in Oxford today.
HMS Warrior
Portsmouth
Hampshire
The pride of Queen Victoria’s fleet, HMS Warrior offers an iconic and unforgettable backdrop for your event. Launched in 1860, her timber frame tells over 150 years of history and is awaiting your occasion to become part of it. HMS Warrior has a variety of spaces perfect for a variety of occasions from weddings and private dining through to corporate hire from 20 to 240 guests.
Princess Royal Gallery
Portsmouth
Hampshire
With capacity for up to 100, the Princess Royal Gallery at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard boasts spectacular views of both HMS Victory and across Portsmouth Harbour. The space comes complete with historic naval objects and paintings as points of interest for your guests. Opened by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, this venue offers a large flexible space that can accommodate meetings, conferences, receptions and private dinners during both during the day and evening.
Reading Town Hall
Reading
Berkshire
Reading Town Hall enjoys a long and illustrious history. It consists of four buildings built in the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1786 the oldest building - the Victoria Hall - opened as a purpose-built town hall designed by Charles Poulton. Reading Town Hall survived the threat of demolition in the 1970s and was comprehensively refurbished in the late 1980s. It has undergone further changes to meet modern requirements and now hosts a leading conference and banqueting venue, Reading Museum, and the Berkshire Coroner's Office. The Town Hall is also the visitor hub for exploring the historic Reading Abbey Quarter with The Pantry cafe.
University of Reading | Venue Reading
Reading
Berkshire
The Meadow Suite which is a multi-functional airconditioned room located in the traditional setting of Park House, Whiteknights and boasts plenty of natural daylight. This modern room can be customised to meet your requirements and is suitable for all types of events, including training days, workshops, day meetings, and residential conferences. The Meadow suite comes fully equipped with AV & presenting technology including 4 large screens.
Cliveden House
Maidenhead
Berkshire
Cliveden is unique. One of the world's finest luxury hotels, this grand stately home is set in the heart of the Berkshire countryside, surrounded by 376 acres of magnificent formal gardens and parkland with panoramic views over the River Thames. From the French Dining Room to the Waldo's, the Motor House or Cellars Dining Room the 8 meeting/event spaces are each full of their own character, charm and history. The standards set 100 years ago by Lady Astor are still rigorously maintained today ensuring the highest quality meeting or event is achieved and every delegate leaves being inspired, rejuvenated and with a story to tell.
Guildhall Windsor
Windsor
Berkshire
This elegant grade 1 listed building, designed by Sir Thomas Fitch and completed 1689 is steeped in history and a dominant feature of the town. Set among the splendour of historic Windsor with its easy access, famous visitor attractions and superb shopping and dining offer, Windsor Guildhall is an ideal venue for meetings, gala dinners and weddings. There are two rooms available. The imposing Council Chamber houses a fine collection of royal portraits spanning the years between Queen Elizabeth I and HM Queen Elizabeth II. The Chamber also features two impressive solid brass chandeliers, each weighing over 6cwt, which are on permanent loan from HM The Queen. The intimate Ascot Room was chosen by HRH Prince Charles for his civil ceremony in 2005 and again later the same year by Sir Elton John for his civil partnership. Whether you are searching for a venue for a wedding or family celebration, gala dinner, drinks reception or meeting, Windsor Guildhall is sure to impress.