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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 08 April 2024

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!

 

Brighton i360

Brighton i360

Lower Kings Road , Brighton , East Sussex, BN1 2LN

Plan a truly unique event at Brighton i360, a 450 feet high viewing platform that boasts spectacular 360-degree views of this seaside resort, as the name might suggest. Whether you’re looking to host a canape reception or a three-course sit down meal, this space is sure to create a memorable evening.

Max Meeting 35
Max Theatre 90
Max Standing 300
Max Banquet 230
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
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
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
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. 

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.  

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
Crazy Bear Stadhampton

Crazy Bear Stadhampton

Bear Lane , Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX44 7UR

This playful venue is known for its eclectic decor making it one of the area's most beloved event spaces. Located in the heart of Oxfordshire, Crazy Bear offers several spaces, each more unusual than the last, with a selection of team building activities also on offer. 

Max Standing 400
Max Banquet 250
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 800
Max Standing 2000
Max Banquet 650
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 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. 

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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