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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 22 May 2026

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
Winchester Science Centre

Winchester Science Centre

Winchester Science Centre, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 1HZ

Never mind events under the stars, what about hosting an event with a view of the entire galaxy? That's what's on offer at Winchester Science Centre's Planetarium. It seats up to 168 in theatre style seating, has a small stage, lighting, and presentation gear, including a PA system. Naturally, there's also the option to add on a presenter-led planetarium show. 

Max Theatre 168
Max Standing 1000
Max Banquet 100
Osea Island

Osea Island

Osea Island, Maldon, Essex, CM9 8UH

One of the UK's most extraordinary venues, Osea Island offers a secluded spot for your upcoming event. This private island combines centuries of history with complete exclusivity, offering a collection of distinct spaces for hire, as well as on-site cottages and outdoor spaces. Its WWI Bomb Factory is a particularly distinctive backdrop - for those looking for something even more unusual.

Max Meeting 190
Max Theatre 350
Max Standing 500
Max Banquet 245
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 Beatles Story

The Beatles Story

Britannia Vaults, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 4AD

Whilst there are plenty of unusual venues across the country, The Beatles Story offers an immersive setting unlike anywhere else. Located just by Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock, this venue is packed with personality, with everything from its Replica Cavern Club to exhibitions filled with iconic memorabilia. Full venue hire can host up to 100, with bespoke food and drink packages available.

Max Theatre 300
Max Standing 350
Max Banquet 200
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
Boom Battle Bar Manchester Printworks

Boom Battle Bar Manchester Printworks

Unit 2A, The Printworks, Manchester , Greater Manchester, M4 2BS

For an evening steeped in friendly competition and top-tier street food head to Boom Battle Bar. The Manchester outpost sits in the buzzing printworks, boasting everything from axe throwing to augmented reality darts. Venue hire can accommodate up to 300 - so there's no need to keep the guest list short.

Max Standing 300
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
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 640
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
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

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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