London's best historic venues for hire

Hosting an event where you need to impress? London’s best historic venues have got you covered. Our round-up has been compiled with a range of occasions in mind, so whether you’re organising a wedding, birthday party, fundraiser or corporate event, there’ll be something on the list to meet your needs.

Updated on 19 February 2025

Nothing creates a sense of occasion quite like a venue with a fascinating past – and the vast number of historic venues in London mean that you’re totally spoilt for choice for your next big bash. From cool party venues that can cater for the largest of crowds to intimate halls and houses that will elevate your event from the realms of the ordinary to ultimate luxury, our edit of the best historic venues for hire will make the process of planning your event easier than ever.

Whatever your dream setting, London can make it a reality – set up shop in the dining room of an esteemed hotel, or channel your inner duke or duchess by hosting a soiree in the grounds of a Royal Palace. For a more quirky alternative, think outside of your usual “venue” and look for listed buildings that are just filled with impressive architecture and a host of historic stories. Whatever type of event, meeting or conference you’re organising, there are dozens of hidden gems in this collection just waiting to be discovered and enjoyed.

From elegant hotels in the heart of the city to imposing historic halls with a serious sense of grandeur, the capital’s most spectacular locations all have a story to tell – and the jaw dropping décor and impeccable service will wow your guests from the moment they step through the door. Scroll down the page for all of the historic venue inspiration you could ever need – and if you like what you see? Simply click through on the individual listings to find a full breakdown of the vital info you need to make your booking.

The Tower of London

The Tower of London

Tower Hill , City of London, London, EC3N 4AB

Dinners, receptions, private tours; the Tower of London (steeped in Tudor history, and still home to the dazzling Crown Jewels) can offer anything your party requires. If size is a factor, this imposing castle is capable of hosting an impressive 2,000 guests.

Max Meeting 150
Max Standing 300
Max Banquet 240
The View at The Royal College of Surgeons

The View at The Royal College of Surgeons

38-43 Lincoln's Inn Fields, Holborn, London, WC2A 3PE

The View is named as such thanks to the impressive views this building offers. But that is not all you get from this space. A grand entrance will be the perfect kick-start to your event, while the food is taken care of by the UK’s longest established caterer Searcy’s.

Max Meeting 63
Max Theatre 300
Max Standing 300
Max Banquet 180
Armourers

Armourers' Hall

81 Coleman Street , City of London, London, EC2R 5BJ

Armourers' Hall is one of London's oldest, most historic venues - dating all the way back to 1346. If you are booking this venue then expect historic suits of armour and a host of paintings featuring famous figures who have been part of the venue’s history.

Max Meeting 100
Max Standing 125
Max Banquet 85
Mansion House

Mansion House

Walbrook, City of london, London, EC4N 8BH

Mansion House is a Grade-I listed building which dates all the way back to the 18th century. Today it is the home and office of the Lord Mayor of the City of London, as well as an impressive event space.

Max Meeting 400
Max Theatre 400
Max Standing 500
Max Banquet 360
Brown

Brown's Hotel

33 Albemarle Street , Mayfair, London, W1S 4BP

With a history dating back all the way back to 1837, Brown’s Hotel - found in Mayfair - is a stunning historic location for your next event. The exterior features beautiful Georgian detailing, while the interiors have a historic luxe feeling. Choose from a range of suites in varying sizes for your next event.

Max Meeting 32
Max Theatre 70
Max Standing 120
Max Banquet 70
Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace

East Molesey, Hampton, London, KT8 9AU

Fancy hiring Henry VIII’s home? Located just outside London in the borough of Richmond-upon-Thames, Hampton Court Palace’s manicured grounds and awe-inspiring architecture are, unsurprisingly, fit for royalty; whether you’re planning a wedding, formal dinner, gala or commercial event.

Max Meeting 180
Max Standing 1200
Max Banquet 600
Founders

Founders' Hall

1 Cloth Fair, Barbican, London, EC1A 7JQ

This magnificent venue combines heritage with contemporary style and is conveniently just a few minutes walk from Barbican, Farringdon and St Paul’s tube stations. For more relaxed drinks receptions, The Parlour Room is a great option or for something more grand book the Livery Hall.

Max Meeting 24
Max Theatre 84
Max Standing 100
Max Banquet 75
Houses of Parliament

Houses of Parliament

Houses of Parliament, Westminster, London, SW1A 0AA

For an iconic venue, you can’t get much better than the Houses of Parliament. The venue was designed by Charles Barry in the 19th century and has ten historic spaces available to hire for meetings and events.

Max Meeting 160
Max Theatre 150
Max Standing 200
Max Banquet 170
Asia House

Asia House

63 New Cavendish Street , Marylebone, London, W1G 7LP

A Grade-II listed town house, Asia House has been beautifully restored and designed to host a range of events from meetings and conferences to parties and even weddings. The revenue raised from events then goes towards maintaining this beautiful building as part of their non-profit organisation.

Max Meeting 84
Max Theatre 140
Max Standing 170
Max Banquet 120
Inner Temple Hall

Inner Temple Hall

The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple, City of London, London, EC4Y 7HL

Found in the heart of the City of London, Inner Temple Hall is one of just a handful of original Georgian event halls found in London. High ceilings, the latest tech and beautifully restored decor make Inner Temple Hall a great choice for your next event.

Max Meeting 270
Max Theatre 270
Max Standing 400
Max Banquet 240
The Lansdowne Club

The Lansdowne Club

9 Fitzmaurice Place, Mayfair, London, W1J 5JD

Found in the heart of Mayfair, The Lansdowne Club is a private members' club that is available to book for events. Built in 1763, this impressive space includes a Grade-II listed ballroom that comes complete with vaulted ceilings covered in 24-carat gold leaf.

Max Meeting 30
Max Theatre 150
Max Standing 200
Max Banquet 190
Glaziers Hall

Glaziers Hall

9 Montague Close, London Bridge, London, SE1 9DD

Found right along the South Bank, Glaziers Hall is in an impressive location that your guests will love. Along with riverside views, the venue is a treasure trove of historic rooms for hire having been built in 1808.

Max Meeting 300
Max Theatre 300
Max Standing 300
Max Banquet 220
Furniture Makers

Furniture Makers' Hall

12 Austin Friars, City of London, London, EC2N 2HE

Originally built in 1882, Furniture Makers' Hall offers Victorian charm in the heart of London's financial district. This elegant venue retains many original features, including an ornate oak staircase. With its bespoke wood furniture and fittings, it exudes a warm, refined ambience across several versatile spaces.

Max Meeting 80
Max Theatre 120
Max Standing 120
Max Banquet 80
Vision Hall

Vision Hall

Town Hall , King's Cross, London, WC1 9AU

The impressive Vision Hall was built in 1937 by local architect Albert J. Thomas - originally as Camden Town Hall to replace the old and tired council buildings. The elegant Portland stone facade and marble interiors still stand today, so you can enjoy historic charm and grandeur, paired with the latest tech for hosting fantastic events, dinners and parties.

Max Theatre 700
Max Standing 1100
Max Banquet 420
RSA House

RSA House

8 John Adam Street, Charing Cross, London, WC2N 6EZ

Located in Charing Cross, RSA House is a versatile event space. The 18th century building combines historic style with modern amenities, meaning you get the best of both worlds when it comes to hosting your event.

Max Meeting 35
Max Theatre 180
Max Standing 220
Max Banquet 130
10-11 Carlton House Terrace

10-11 Carlton House Terrace

10-11 Carlton House Terrace , St. James's, London, SW1Y 5AH

Home to The British Academy, 10-11 Carlton House Terrace is a Grade-I listed property that has been thoughtfully maintained. You can choose from a selection of spaces so whether it’s an impressive meeting location or the perfect party spot, you will find a space to suit.

Max Meeting 34
Max Theatre 104
Max Standing 150
Max Banquet 100
Vintners

Vintners' Hall

68 Upper Thames Street, City of London, London, EC4V 3BG

As one of the Great Twelve City of London Livery Companies, Vintners' Hall is a stunning space that can host events large or small. The Livery Hall itself is perfect for large scale banquets and dates back to the late 17th century.

Max Meeting 156
Max Standing 250
Max Banquet 156
Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace

Kensington Gardens, Kensington, London, W8 4PX

For a venue that is truly impressive, you can't get much grander than hosting a party at Kensington Palace. The building itself dates all the way back to the 1600s and was designed by renowned architect Sir Christopher Wren.

Max Meeting 200
Max Standing 300
Max Banquet 200
1901 Arts Club

1901 Arts Club

7 Exton Street, Waterloo, London, SE1 8UE

An arts-focused event venue inside a converted schoolmaster's residence, 1901 Arts Club boasts a fantastic salon space complete with a Steinway grand piano, luxurious touches, and flexible seating arrangements for seated dinners, standing events and more. Plus, there's a lounge and bar area for guests to relax and mingle.

Max Meeting 45
Max Theatre 45
Max Standing 45
Max Banquet 22
Pewterers

Pewterers' Hall

Oat Lane, Barbican, London EC2V 7DE, London, EC2V 7DE

Found in the City, Pewterers Hall dates back to 1495, and while the current hall venue was finished in 1961, it remains an elegant spot for banquets, meetings, and events. Think period chandeliers, pewter artefacts, and 17th-century style panelling. Plus, it’s got all the modern amenities you could wish for.

Max Meeting 100
Max Theatre 100
Max Standing 120
Max Banquet 86
The London Library

The London Library

14 St James's Square, St. James's, London, SW1Y 4LG

Literary-lovers - we found you the perfect venue! The London Library is home to over a million books and was founded in 1841. With a number of spaces for hire, it can perfectly suit everything from meetings to networking events.

Max Meeting 100
Max Theatre 90
Max Standing 200
Max Banquet 100

The best thing about historic venues in London is that they all come with a story, the perfect thing to base an evening of entertainment around. Perhaps you’ll plump for one of the royal residences and ask guests to come in their Sunday best or maybe you’d prefer hosting a grand event at one of the many headquarter halls across the capital.

Got a very special occasion to celebrate in style? Check out these spectacular venues with a view that are guarenteed to impress your guests.

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