The UK's most unusual venues for hire

From a karaoke venue in Brighton to a windmill in Norfolk, there’s nothing boring about these unusual venues for hire in the UK.

Updated on 17 February 2025

Looking to stand out from the crowd when throwing your next event? We might have exactly what you're looking for.

When planning an event we can all agree that the venue is key. There are thousands of events and venue spaces for hire across the UK, offering everything from large outdoor spaces to restaurants that are available for exclusive hire. Long gone are the days where hotel ballrooms are the only options, leaving teams to get creative with the decor. Nowadays there's plenty of choice, giving you the option to let the venue speak for itself with a unique choice that's guaranteed to wow your guests. 

When someone mentions unique events venues, your mind might go straight to London. Sure, the capital is known for its creativity, offering a range of unique and versatile venues of its own. But if you’re looking to plan an event further afield, you can still have a bit of ‘je ne sais quoi’ with one of these spots all over the country.

Whether you're looking for an unusual wedding venue for a more daring alternative or a quirky venue for your upcoming Christmas party then we've got you covered. Plan an event unlike anything you've seen before, with unique locations offering fun activities for the whole group - all with plenty of food and drink packages on offer as well.

The list below contains a whole host of unusual venues for hire, offering information on locations and seating capacities. If something grabs your attention then all you need to do is click ‘book now’ and fill in an inquiry form to directly contact the venue - it’s that simple. Or why not use our free concierge service to help you track down your perfect unusual venue in the UK!

The Windsor & Maidenhead Boat Company - The Georgian

The Windsor & Maidenhead Boat Company - The Georgian

Maidenhead Riverside Gardens, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 8NP

Cruise down the Thames on this lovely 30-metre cruiser with traditional wood-panelled interiors. The Georgian hosts everything from dinner parties to cosy corporate gatherings, and you can book it for a few hours or a whole day if you feel so inclined. 

Max Meeting 80
Max Theatre 50
Max Standing 150
Max Banquet 70
Cley Windmill

Cley Windmill

Cley-next-the-Sea, Holt, Norfolk, NR25 7RP

Ever been to an event in a windmill? No, neither have we, but now is your chance. This cosy spot in Norfolk boasts an idyllic location in the marshes of the North Norfolk Coast. Here, you can have exclusive hire for up to 22 - so perfect for a unique and intimate event. 

Bustronome

Bustronome

Coach bay 40B, Charing Cross, London, WC2N 6PB

Bustronome takes you up close and personal with London's most famous landmarks, making this a great way to host a party whilst you show your guests the sights and sounds of the capital. Bustronome can host private dinners too, making this arguably the most unique way to see the city. 

Max Meeting 38
Max Banquet 38
Jodrell Bank

Jodrell Bank

The University of Manchester, Lower Withington, Greater Manchester, SK11 9DW

Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, Jodrell Bank offers cutting edge technology alongside a number of unique event spaces on the outskirts of Manchester. With an on-site planetarium and domed light pavilion, this one is sure to bring the wow factor to your upcoming party. 

Max Theatre 250
Max Standing 400
Max Banquet 100
Lee Valley VeloPark

Lee Valley VeloPark

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, London, E20 3AB

Team GB made history at Lee Valley VeloPark at the London 2012 Olympics, rounding the track to pick up a whoping eight gold medals. Now the VeloPark operates as one of the UK's most unique event venues, as well as a world-class track cycling destination - there are numerous meeting rooms on offer but the most unique spot of all is right in the middle of the track. 

Max Meeting 1000
Max Theatre 750
Max Standing 1000
Max Banquet 750
Tan House Newland

Tan House Newland

Tan House, Newland, Gloucestershire, GL16 8NQ

Tan House Newland’s Mediterranean vibe is perhaps not what you’d expect from a quick glance at this 17th century venue. But exotic foliage, teepees and zebra statues are all part of the package here, sure to add a bit of colour and magic to your upcoming event.  

Max Theatre 70
Max Standing 70
Max Banquet 70
Canteen at the London Transport Museum

Canteen at the London Transport Museum

39 Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 7BB

If your morning commute hasn't made you sick of the London Underground, consider hiring Covent Garden's TFL-themed museum for your private event. Your guests will drink or dine amongst iconic memorabilia from London's bus and rail network, with London bus-inspired upholstery and genuine light fittings and tiles from various Tube lines.

Max Standing 60
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter

Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, Hertfordshire, WD25 7LR

Warner Bros. Studio in Hertfordshire lets you host all manner of events in original sets from the Harry Potter films, including the Hogwarts Great Hall, Platform 9¾, and Diagon Alley. There's nowhere better for inspiring creative events, or hosting a big Christmas party!

Max Meeting 30
Max Standing 1200
Max Banquet 480
Roman Baths & Pump Room

Roman Baths & Pump Room

The Pump Room, Bath Stall Street, Bath, Somerset, BA1 1LZ

Bath's famous Roman Baths remain one of the UK's most magnificent standing pieces of original Roman architecture, and this stunning venue has a variety of large and small rooms available for hire. Or, take a look at the Pump Room - built in 1795 - which hosts large gala dinners and dances.

Max Meeting 300
Max Standing 320
Max Banquet 200
Forever Green

Forever Green

Southwell Road, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, NG21 0HJ

This unique conference venue is tucked away in the heart of 70 acres of Sherwood Forest woodland. Exclusive hire gives you free roam of the whole space to live out your Robin Hood fantasies (or host a cracking birthday in the wilds of Nottinghamshire). 

The Signet Library

The Signet Library

Parliament Square , Edinburgh Old Town, Edinburgh, EH1 1RF

Found right in the heart of Edinburgh city centre, The Signet Library balances historical architecture with contemporary features making it ideal for everything from corporate drinks to a birthday bash. Library by day, event space by night, surround yourself in the splendour with classical pillars, gold leaf detailing and a whole lot of books.

Max Meeting 300
Max Standing 400
Max Banquet 220
Lucky Voice Brighton

Lucky Voice Brighton

8 Black Lion Street, Brighton , East Sussex, BN1 1ND

Perhaps an evening of Karaoke is on the cards for your upcoming event? Seven pods are available for hire here, boasting a tracklist of over 11,000 songs to choose from, or you can book out the entire space for an unforgettable evening for up to 170 guests - get your vocal chords warmed and ready to go! 

Max Standing 170
Max Banquet 20
Mercedes-Benz World

Mercedes-Benz World

Brooklands Drive , Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 0SL

Car enthusiasts, this one’s for you. An exhibition arena with classic vehicles on display to adrenaline-fuelled driving experiences, Mercedes Benz World offers versatile spaces and activities perfect for team-building or corporate events. A private outdoor terrace or cinema screening room are also both available, providing unique locations for your event.

Max Meeting 160
Max Theatre 350
Max Standing 450
Max Banquet 450
Aviator Hampshire

Aviator Hampshire

55 Farnborough Road, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 6EL

This striking hotel was purpose-built to serve the demands of frequent flyers and travellers at nearby Farnborough Airport, and has been built in the shape of a propeller when viewed from above! Inside you'll find a huge range of blank canvas rooms for hire, as well as overnight rooms and an excellent brasserie.

Max Meeting 70
Max Theatre 110
Max Standing 125
Max Banquet 80
Lee Valley White Water Centre

Lee Valley White Water Centre

Station Road , Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, EN9 1AB

Nothing forges new relationships in a team like a bit of white water rafting! Lee Valley White Water Centre was purpose-built for the London 2012 Olympics, but these days it hosts all manner of corporate events, as well as 160 metre long white water slalom course, and a water sports lake.  

Max Meeting 450
Max Standing 450
Max Banquet 400
The Compound

The Compound

80 Water Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B3 1HL

Once a textile factory, The Compound now functions as a fully hireable events venue in Birmingham city centre. Spanning multiple levels, here you’ll find an art studio, 25 seat cinema and a speakeasy bar. No matter your style or type of end, this multifunctional space is the quintessential blank canvas inviting you to create your perfect event. 

Sketch

Sketch

9 Conduit Street, Mayfair, London, W1S 2XG

Iconic and distinctive, Sketch is instantly recognisable for its unique artwork and design. Every area in this Mayfair townhouse is available to hire, from the breathtaking enchanted forest styling of The Glade, to the three Michelin-starred Lecture Room and Library on the top floor.

Max Standing 100
Max Banquet 40
The Grand Pier

The Grand Pier

Marine Parade, Western-Super-Mare, Somerset, BS23 1AL

Another seaside spot, why not plan your event at Weston-super-Mare's ionic Grand Pier? Venue and exhibition spaces are available alongside the rides and amusements to provide a unique and fun backdrop for your event. Cocktail bars, fish and chip buffets and superb coastal views really seal the deal with this one. 

Max Meeting 800
Max Theatre 670
Max Standing 2000
Max Banquet 650
The Conservatory & Garden Room at The Barbican

The Conservatory & Garden Room at The Barbican

Barbican Centre, Silk Street, Barbican, London, EC2Y 8DS

Host your next event surrounded by over 2000 species of tropical plants, not to mention shoals of exotic fish! The Barbican is renowned as a brutalist landmark, but on the rooftop you'll find the stunning Conservatory & Garden Room, which hosts everything from corporate networking events to weddings and gala dinners.

Max Meeting 150
Max Theatre 150
Max Standing 300
Max Banquet 220

Struggling to find a location that works for the whole team? Why not just keep things central with an event in the capital? We have plenty of venues on offer with these helpful guides to London's best cinemas and screening rooms for hire, or a selection of our favourite cool party venues in London.

These lists have everything from museums to conference centres to restaurants with a view - bound to impress for your upcoming event. Excellent transport links make these venues easy to reach with varied options no matter the style of taste of your event. 

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