The Most Unique Event Locations In The UK
The UK offers an abundance of distinctive venues that can provide an ideal setting for hosting trade shows or exhibitions. Unfortunately, what we find disheartening is that many of these venues tend to be underrated and frequently go unnoticed by event organisers. In our most recent blog post, CSDB have curated a selection of our favourites. This way, if you're in search of inspiration for a new location for your upcoming event, we've got you covered.
01) ICC, Birmingham
Birmingham is often the hub for events and exhibitions, but the ICC is, in our opinion, a hidden gem. With capacity for events of all shapes and sizes, this conference centre draws in 350,000 visitors a year from all over the world. With it's central location, the venue also is within walking distance of one of Birmingham's greats - Brindleyplace.
Based in Birmingham City Centre, this venue is accessible by train, bus, car or foot. It's convenient location and grand size makes it a great option for any event - whether it's trade shows and conferences or meetings and personal events.
- Location: Birmingham
- Nearest Train Stations: Birmingham New Street, Birmingham Moor Street, Birmingham Snow Hill
- Facilities: Shopping mall, wifi, private meeting spaces, catering, cloakrooms, nearby car parking
02) NAEC Stoneleigh, Kenilworth
Events hosted at NAEC Stoneleigh annually draw in hundreds of thousands of visitors. With more than five decades of experience and exhibition space accommodating up to 2,000 attendees, this park offers a picturesque setting for trade shows in the Midlands, including the World of Park Leisure Homes Show.
Situated just off the M40 and within a 30-minute drive of key cities like Birmingham, Coventry, Warwick, Leamington Spa, and Stratford-upon-Avon, NAEC Stoneleigh stands out as one of the most convenient and versatile indoor/outdoor venues in the United Kingdom. It's an excellent choice for conferences and trade shows.
1. Location: Kenilworth
2. Nearest City: Coventry
3. Nearest train stations: Royal Leamington Spa, Warwick and Warwick Parkway
4. Facilities: High speed broadband, Wifi, parking, on-site hotel, restaurant, catering service, gym and a number of spaces for events
03) Old Billingsgate, London
London's Old Billingsgate, originally being host to the world-famous fish market, stands out as one of the city's most unique conference and exhibition venues. It comprises three distinct spaces: The Grand Hall, Gallery, and Vaults, making the venue a fantastic choice for events such as product launches and corporate dinners.
Despite its historical roots, this renovated and breath-taking venue offers a remarkable view of the Thames, The Shard, Tower Bridge, and HMS Belfast, particularly captivating at night. Additionally, its prime location, just a five-minute stroll from London Bridge Underground and mainline stations, ensures convenient post-event entertainment options for engaging with customers.
1. Location: London
2. Nearest train station: London Bridge
3. Facilities: Catering, IT and Telecomms, WIFI, toilets, three conference spaces, kitchen, disabled access and lifts
04) The Business Design Centre, London
Located in the northern part of the capital, The Business Design Centre is an impressive venue characterized by its abundant natural light. It serves as the ideal host for a wide range of events, from fashion showcases like The London Textile Fair to financial exhibitions like Mortgage Business Expo.
Established in 1986 and remaining a well-experienced and family-owned enterprise, The BDC offers a vibrant, stylish, and conducive environment for hosting large-scale exhibitions within the city of London.
1. Location: London
2. Nearest train stations: Angel and Kings Cross St Pancras
3. Facilities: Visitor reception and concierge services, 24 hour security, on-site car parking, free conference and meeting rooms, on-site restaurant & catering, 4 Star Hilton Hotel & Premier Inn, disability access, CCTV, on-site management and facilities teams, goods and passenger lifts, telecoms system, kitchenette facilities, loading bay, basement storage, WIFI and high bandwidth internet access.
4. Square meterage/ space – 6000m²,
05) Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre
The Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre stands as one of the South East's most expansive venues. This contemporary and chic campus comprises 12 distinct event spaces, with the largest accommodating a remarkable capacity of approximately 10,000 people.
Notably, it is the proud host of the annual Farnborough Airshow, a six-day extravaganza featuring both a trade show and an unforgettable weekend of entertainment for the public. The event draws in more than 80,000 visitors!
Regardless of the size of your event, we are confident that you will discover something exceptional at this conference center!
1. Location: Farnborough, UK
2. Nearest City: Guildford
3. Nearest train stations: Farnborough and Farnborough North
4. Facilities: Disabled parking, 2 spacious entrance foyers, 10 dedicated function rooms, pillar free event space, catering options high speed WIFI, onsite parking for up to 3,500 cars, Drive in access, Runway views of Farnborough Airport
5. Square meterage/ space – Hall 1: 20,000 sqm / 12,500 sqm exhibition hall
CSDB is one of the UK's leading stand build companies in the exhibition and events industry and as part of CDI World, offers global delivery with local expertise. Our award-winning creativity and innovation keeps us firmly positioned as a top brand in the exhibition sector.
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