Historic venues

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. 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.

Updated on 03 January 2020

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 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 establishment like Claridge’s in Mayfair, channel your inner duke or duchess by hosting a soiree in the grounds of Kensington Palace, or hire a quirky alternative like the Grade II listed Victorian Bath House in Bishopsgate Churchyard. Whatever you’re organising, there are dozens of hidden gems in this collection just waiting to be discovered and enjoyed.

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.

Skinners

Skinners' Hall

8 1/2 Dowgate Hill , City of London, London, EC4R 2SP

Stately Skinners’ Hall has nine different areas for entertaining, but it must be hired as a whole, rather than individually. If you’re looking for a location with exclusive use, it’s a great option which includes a library, roof terrace and courtyard in addition to the dramatic Great Hall.
Max Meeting 170
Max Standing 300
Max Banquet 170
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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
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Banqueting House

Banqueting House

Whitehall, St. James's, London, SW1A 2ER

Hire the main hall at Banqueting House and you can host under the beautiful Baroque ceiling, a three-panel canvas painted by the legendary Sir Peter Paul Rubens. Or, for a more intimate gathering, consider the Undercroft, an atmospheric former royal ‘drinking den’ with great acoustics for live music.
Max Meeting 400
Max Standing 500
Max Banquet 380
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Victorian Bath House

Victorian Bath House

7-8 Bishopsgate Churchyard, Liverpool Street, London, EC2M 3TJ

Situated a stone’s throw from Liverpool Street station, this underground venue’s appointment-only cocktail bar is the stuff of legends, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The converted Turkish bath can cater anything from canape receptions to sit-down dinners, and prides itself on providing creative food and drink for every affair.
Max Meeting 60
Max Standing 150
Max Banquet 90
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Saddlers

Saddlers' Hall

40 Gutter Lane, City of London, London, EC2V 6BR

Within glimpsing distance of the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral, the neo-classical interiors of Saddlers’ Hall make a picturesque backdrop for any occasion. The main hall is so splendid you can even hire it as a backdrop for film and TV.
Max Meeting 170
Max Standing 250
Max Banquet 152
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Middle Temple Hall

Middle Temple Hall

Middle Temple Lane , London, EC4Y 9AT

Dating back as far as the 1500s, legal headquarters Middle Temple has retained many of its original features, including stunning oak panelling and stained glass, making it a historic venue of the highest order. In addition to the traditional indoor spaces, the private outdoor area can accommodate sophisticated garden parties under an all-weather marquee.
Max Meeting 400
Max Standing 750
Max Banquet 400
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Apothecaries

Apothecaries' Hall

Black Friars Lane, Blackfriars, London, EC4V 6EJ

Bookworms arranging a smaller meeting will love the cosy, compact library at Apothecaries’ Hall, which has space for 8 people. Need more space? The Great Hall offers round table dinners for 120, or receptions for up to 200.
Max Meeting 150
Max Standing 200
Max Banquet 135
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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
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Brewers

Brewers' Hall

Aldermanbury Square, City of London, London, EC2V 7HR

Beer lovers, this is the coolest historic venue you’re likely to find in the Big Smoke – it’s home to the Brewer’s Guild, and has stood on this site in some form for over 600 years. The wood-panelled rooms vary in size to suit your group, but all have the same classical yet comfortable feel.
Max Meeting 120
Max Standing 120
Max Banquet 80
Book now
Claridge

Claridge's

Brook Street , Mayfair, London, W1K 4HR

Luxury in London doesn’t come much finer than an event at Claridge’s. The iconic 5-star hotel houses multiple spaces, from professional meeting rooms for ten or less to the showstopping ballroom, with magnificent chandeliers and capacity for up to 500 guests.
Max Meeting 260
Max Standing 500
Max Banquet 240
Book now
Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace

Kensington Gardens , Kensington, London, W8 4PX

Famous as the official residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, as well as a number of other British royals, the palace offers multiple, sumptuously decorated rooms to rent, as well as immaculately landscaped gardens that can be used for larger-scale events such as festivals, concerts and private parties.
Max Standing 800
Max Banquet 300
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Kew Palace

Kew Palace

Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Kew, London, TW9 3AE

Once the home of George III and Queen Charlotte, this Grade-I listed red-brick building boasts lavish gardens and opulent décor which makes it the perfect pick for intimate drinks receptions and dinners. The team can also recommend suppliers from their own directory, for everything from catering to flowers.
Max Meeting 10
Max Standing 60
Max Banquet 24
Book now
The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn

The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn

Lincoln's Inn, Clerkenwell, London, WC2A 3TL

This medieval venue is an amazing example of what it calls ‘distinctive old Legal London architecture’ – think vaulted ceilings, ceremonial artwork and original timbers. There are six spaces to choose between, the most striking of which is the Great Hall, which was opened by Queen Victoria all the way back in 1845.
Max Meeting 300
Max Standing 450
Max Banquet 250
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Barber-Surgeons

Barber-Surgeons' Hall

1a Monkwell Square, Wood Street , City of London, London, EC2Y 5BL

Standout features at Barber-Surgeons’ Hall include Japanese oak panelling, Waterford crystal chandeliers and historic oil paintings of figures such as King Henry VIII. From dinner for 12 in the charter room to seating for 120 in the Great Hall, there are options to suit all parties – the terrace can also host alfresco receptions and barbecues.
Max Meeting 140
Max Standing 250
Max Banquet 120
Book now

Got a very special occasion to celebrate in style? Check out these spectacular venues with a view.

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