Updated on 05 March 2025
If you’re looking for the perfect space for your next event, consider a big sporting venue. Many of the most famous sports arenas and venues around the UK host private events throughout the year, and few can match them for size and atmosphere. Imagine a venue where you can walk out onto the hallowed turf of a famous pitch, or get front-row seats at one of the UK’s many racecourses? There are even venues where you can get behind the wheel and experience what it’s like to be on a world class race track.
With the arrival of the London 2012 Olympics, the capital has truly been put on the map in terms of a hub for sport and sports venues of all kinds too. Many of the venues in and around the capital are well-equipped for private events. Whether you're looking for something super-convenient in the middle of town, or something a bit further out, to one of the football or rugby stadiums, you'll find what you're looking for in the list below.
With many of the venues on offer being world-famous, the allure to book your event in some of these iconic grounds is obvious. You'd better make sure you don't book an event in the wrong football club if you group are avid followers of the beautiful game, though!
Due to the sheer size of many of the sports venues on offer, they make an ideal location for bookings made for larger groups, some with space for over a thousand delegates or guests. Many have auditoriums or tiered seating rooms for large-scale presentations or conferences. Don't forget that sporting venues, usually due to their size and facilities, make an excellent location for team building events in London too.
Kenn Devon, Exeter, Devon, EX6 7XS
Found in the picturesque Devonshire countryside, Exeter Racecourse has a choice of spaces for hire both indoor and out. An ideal space for conferences, meetings, team building activities, weddings and private parties.
Lancashire Cricket, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M16 0PX
Manchester's iconic Old Trafford Cricket Ground has been home to Lancashire Cricket Club since the club was founded in 1864. A wide array of spaces can accommodate anywhere from 10 to 2000 guests, often with views of the cricket pitch and ground.
Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside & Lancs, Merseyside, WA12 0HQ
This famous Merseyside racecourse has a huge selection of private spaces for hire, including luxury suites with capacity for up to 500 guests. Many of the suites have views straight over the course so you get the best seats in the house for the day's racing.
Sharvel Lane, Northolt, London, UB5 6RA
Perfect for teambuilding or as a fun setting for your next conference, The West London Shooting school is just 12 miles outside of London and offers activities like shooting, archery, quad biking, 4x4 driving and even duck herding, along with plenty of spaces for a meeting or small conference.
Hangar Straight, Silverstone, Northamptonshire, NN12 8GR
Ever dreamed of driving at Silverstone? The Porsche Experience Centre makes those dreams reality with an array of track days and experiences, as well as plenty of separate private spaces and meeting rooms for hire. There's even a roof terrace with a view out over the famous circuit.
Portsmouth Road, Esher , Surrey, KT10 9AJ
With easy transport links from London Waterloo, this Surrey-based is perfectly placed to offer a countryside setting within easy reach of the city. From meetings and trade shows to parties and weddings, this versatile venue can host them all.
Goodwood , Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0PX
The iconic, Grade I listed home of the Goodwood Festival of Speed, The Goodwood Estate is actually available for private hire all year round. You can even hire the Motor Circuit itself for track days, product launches, photo shoots and more.
Badgemore Park, Henley-on-Thames , Oxfordshire, RG9 4NR
This multipurpose events venue is situated in the pretty Oxfordshire market town of Henley. Overlooking 120 acres of countryside, you can feel a million miles from everyday life - making it a perfect space for hosting an idyllic away day or an impressive party.
Prestbury Park Cheltenham , Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 4SH
Cheltenham Racecourse is an event venue steeped in history and surrounded by Cotswold countryside. Whether you are looking to host a team-building away day or a large-scale party, this venue comes with free WiFi, excellent parking facilities and the latest AV equipment.
Wishaw, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, B76 9PR
One of the country's most famous golf courses, The Belfry is synonymous with The Masters and the Ryder Cup. With over 20 difference conference and meet rooms, there's a space for all occasions here, as well as refreshment packages, ample parking and all the AV tech you can ask for.
Ormskirk Road, Aintree, Merseyside, L9 5AS
Arguably one of the most well-equipped event venues in the north east, boasting 14 conference and meeting spaces and 43 private boxes. The venue’s Exhibition Hall comes with a complete AV spec and partners with Jockey Club Catering so everything from the tech to the food will be perfectly executed.
Epsom, Surrey, KT18 5LQ
Easily accessible from London by car or train, Epsom Racecourse is an iconic venue that is often used as a filming destination. From small meetings in private boxes to 1000-person banquets, their choice of flexible spaces can be ideal for both corporate or celebratory events.
Staines Road East , Sunbury on Thames, Middlesex, TW16 5AQ
Just a short distance outside of London and with excellent travel links, Kempton Park Racecourse can host catered events for 20 to 500 delegates. Alternatively, the 400 acres of parkland mean it’s an excellent choice for summer parties.
Aylestone Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 7TR
Home to one of English rugby's most successful teams of all time, Leicester Tigers Rugby Club can also be home to your next event! The historic stadium has a massive 34 event suites to choose from, and also hosts lots of team building fun with rugby themed team activities.
Rugby House, 200 Whitton Road, Twickenham, London, TW2 7BA
You have so many options when it comes to hosting an event at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. Impressive spaces like the British Airways Rose Garden or the members’ club style restaurant are perfect for large gatherings or hold team building events like a pitch-side barbecue.
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, London, E20 3AB
An impressive legacy venue from the London 2012 Olympics, Lee Valley VeloPark was where Team GB took seven gold medals and made Olympic history. So what better place for an inspiring conference or meeting? Hold larger events in the venue’s velodrome or book a meeting in one of the concourse pods.
If you love the idea of a private venue with a bit of history and atmosphere, check out our list of London’s best historic venues, or this roundup of the best country houses for hire across the UK.
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