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County Durham offers a unique selection of quirky conference venues that provide a memorable backdrop for corporate events. These venues blend historical charm with modern facilities, ensuring a stimulating environment that fosters creativity and engagement. Consider the importance of location, accessibility, and the distinctive character each venue brings to your conference when planning your next event.

County Durham

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has an excellent transport infrastructure, with a wide variety of options for getting around.

TRANSPORT

The United Kingdom is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the world, from Big Ben to Stonehenge.

LANDMARKS

The United Kingdom has a rich cultural heritage, with a wide variety of traditional music, art and cuisine.

CULTURE

Explore Hardwick Hall's Elizabethan splendor for gala dinners, or host cutting-edge tech seminars at NETPark. County Durham's venues cater to every theme, with tailored spaces like the Gala Theatre for vibrant performing arts events.

VENUE VARIETY

County Durham's thriving business scene is energized by the presence of Durham University's cutting-edge research hubs and the dynamic Aycliffe Business Park, home to over 300 companies.

BUSINESS

Stroll through the enchanting Crook Hall and Gardens, catch live music at Bishop Auckland Food Festival, or delve into film at the historic Redhills: Durham Miners' Hall.

THINGS TO DO

Quirky Conference Venues in County Durham

Quirky Conference Venues

An intimate Grade II listed Council Room for up to 60 guests in a historic former Old Shire Hall building.

Hotel Indigo can offer you the gorgeous, Grade II listed Council Room. With room for up to 60 guests, it is ideal for a more intimate affair. Alternatively, the hotel is also available for exclusive use, allowing your party to explore and enjoy Hotel Indigo’s grand setting

Council Room at Hotel Indigo Durham, red-brick venue for weddings and events.

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Elegant staircase in The Council Room, Hotel Indigo Durham for upscale events.

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Council Room at Hotel Indigo Durham, elegant decor, ideal for corporate meetings.

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Elegant Council Room at Hotel Indigo Durham, perfect for upscale events and meetings.

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Standing

Business

The Council Room

Newcastle

Hotel Indigo Durham

Elegant room with high ceilings and estate views, ideal for grand events and presentations.

The high ceilings, windows with far-reaching views of the estate, and exquisite furniture create a sense of grandeur in the Drawing Room at Crathorne Hall Hotel, making it an exceptional venue for any occasion. Nestled in the serene countryside of North Yorkshire, this elegant space is perfect for meetings, conferences, and special events. With natural daylight flooding in, the room exudes warmth and sophistication, complemented by period features that reflect its Edwardian charm. French doors open onto beautifully manicured lawns, providing an ideal breakout area for guests. Located just off the A19, Crathorne Hall offers easy access and ample complimentary parking. Enjoy top-notch facilities, including complimentary WiFi and the renowned Leven Restaurant, which boasts 2AA Rosettes for its outstanding cuisine. Whether you're hosting a corporate gathering or a celebratory dinner, the Drawing Room promises an unforgettable experience in a stunning setting.

Elegant Crathorne Hall Drawing Room, ideal for upscale corporate events and retreats.

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Elegant lounge at Crathorne Hall Hotel, perfect for networking events and meetings.

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Theatre

Events

Drawing Room 

Other

Crathorne Hall Hotel

A historic industrial venue with rustic charm, ideal for events, performances, and social gatherings.

Our main venue space is rich in history with an abundance of rustic and industrial-style charm. Perfect when you need a large space that can adapt to your event needs and requirements. This room provides the space and a beautiful backdrop for photo shoots, weddings, and corporate dinners.    We also have a Mezzanine event space that overlooks our main event space that and can provide that much-needed breakout room, drinks reception area, or designated VIP area.

Main Event Space in Boiler Shop with soundboard, ideal for conferences and concerts.

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Spacious Boiler Shop event venue with high ceilings, perfect for gatherings and receptions.

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Main Event Space in Boiler Shop with exposed beams, ideal for corporate and social events.

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Spacious industrial event venue with high ceilings, ideal for corporate and social gatherings.

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Modern event space with skylights, ideal for corporate meetings and social gatherings.

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Main Event Space

Boiler Shop

A restored 60-capacity old ballroom with stage, cinema screen, and automatic curtains. Ideal for diverse events.

Our 60-capacity venue room is an unearthed old ballroom that we've brought back to life whilst keeping all the original charm. This versatile space is perfect for screenings, meetings, live music, comedy, theatre, workshops, and more! Equipped with state-of-the-art features including automated blackout blinds, a large cinema screen, and high-speed WiFi, Bobiks offers an immersive experience for all your events. The enchanting atmosphere, combined with modern amenities, makes it an ideal choice for hosting memorable gatherings. Whether you're planning a corporate presentation or a private film screening, our unique venue provides the perfect backdrop for creativity and connection. Book your event at Bobiks today and enjoy a truly captivating experience!

"Meeting space with large screen, seating for collaboration, ideal for workshops and events."

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Vintage event space with yellow tables, perfect for networking and dining.

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Elegant event space with rustic charm, ideal for weddings and gatherings.

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Classroom

Screenings

Bobiks

London

A large, versatile conference centre in the North East with modern facilities and ample parking.

Rainton Arena's Conference Centre is one of the largest indoor conference venues in the North East of England, offering purpose-built meeting and conference facilities. It is suitable for small or large conferences, training days, trade exhibitions, annual meetings, product launches, networking and corporate events. The venue provides modern technology, lighting facilities, internet access throughout, 900 free onsite car parking, nearby hotel accommodation, onsite bars and catering, flexible exhibition space, and an experienced support team. The dedicated conference team ensures outstanding attention to detail and can cater for up to 1750 delegates. The venue is well-maintained, versatile, and ideally located within the central belt of the North East. It has a very friendly, hardworking, and supportive team, making it a desirable space for a wide range of concepts to suit all demographics.

Elegant banquet setup at Rainton Arena for a gala or awards ceremony.

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Boxing ring at Rainton Arena for a dynamic gala event with elegant table setup.

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Rainton Arena conference with engaged crowd and vibrant live performance atmosphere.

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Illuminated Rainton Arena Conference Centre with carnival rides and ice skating rink.

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Elegant event space at Rainton Arena, perfect for galas and corporate events.

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Conference Centre

Rainton Arena

Five‑star Northumberland country house hotel with a grand Great Hall and multiple flexible function rooms, offering tailored corporate packages, team‑building options and a classic stately-home feel 30 minutes from Newcastle.

Great Hall at Matfen Hall: elegant venue with grand staircase, perfect for upscale events.

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Elegant Great Hall in Matfen Hall, featuring grand staircase and stained glass for events.

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Elegant staircase in Matfen Hall's Great Hall, perfect for upscale weddings and events.

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Great Hall at Matfen Hall: rustic stone venue for intimate cocktail receptions.

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Great Hall at Matfen Hall: elegant event space with high ceilings for weddings and gatherings.

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Great Hall

Matfen Hall

The largest conference and banqueting suite located on the first floor with its own entrance and natural daylight and its own private terrace and gardens. It can be divided to make two smaller spaces.  There is plenty of outdoor spaces for break out areas as well as easy access to the car park. 

Rockliffe Suite at Rockliffe Hall, elegant mansion for weddings and corporate events.

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Rockliffe Suite at Rockliffe Hall, elegant venue for meetings and outdoor events.

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Rockliffe Suite at Rockliffe Hall, elegant event space for corporate gatherings and banquets.

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Rockliffe Suite at Rockliffe Hall: elegant venue for corporate events and gatherings.

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Rockliffe Suite at Rockliffe Hall: elegant event space for networking and cocktail receptions.

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Rockliffe Suite

Rockliffe Hall

Authentic 14th‑century castle hotel near Hexham with the medieval‑style Stuart Suite for up to 120 delegates and a modern glass Pavilion for smaller meetings, ideal for atmospheric corporate away days.

Stuart Suite at Langley Castle: elegant meeting space with plush seating for networking events.

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Stuart Suite in Langley Castle Hotel, elegant decor ideal for meetings and networking events.

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Stuart Suite lounge at Langley Castle Hotel, ideal for networking and team-building events.

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Stuart Suite at Langley Castle Hotel: elegant meeting space with plush armchairs.

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Stuart Suite at Langley Castle Hotel: Luxurious lounge ideal for networking and gatherings.

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Stuart Suite

Langley Castle Hotel

The Grand Astoria has a dedicated conference and events team that will work with you from start to finish on your conference, seminar, training day or exhibition ensuring the event runs smoothly and stress free. No event is too large or small and we guarantee a friendly and efficient service throughout your event. Ideal for conferences, the Ball Room is our largest room, seating up to 400 delegates in a theatre-style or we can offer a range of seating arrangements to accommodate board/team meetings, training sessions, presentations, seminars and exhibitions

Elegant wedding event space with floral centerpieces at The Grand Astoria venue.

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Corporate event venue entrance with sleek lighting, ideal for weddings and celebrations.

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Elegant corporate event setup with floral centerpieces at The Grand Astoria venue.

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Elegant corporate event setup with round tables at The Grand Astoria venue.

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Reception

Corporate Event Hire

The Grand Astoria venue

A large Edwardian mansion hotel with meeting spaces and team-building activities on a 1,000-acre estate.

Large Edwardian mansion hotel on a 1,000‑acre estate near Hexham, with up to 10 meeting spaces for 300 theatre and extensive on‑site team‑building activities via AllOut Adventures.

Main Function Suite at Slaley Hall: elegant space for conferences and banquets.

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Main Function Suite at Slaley Hall: elegant wedding venue with floral arch and natural light.

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Elegant dining setting in Slaley Hall for exclusive meetings and networking events.

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Main Function Suite

Slaley Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort

Boutique riverside hotel in a converted Edwardian shipping building, offering characterful meeting rooms and a bistro that can host up to around 80 delegates with breakout options and full AV support.

Charming outdoor dining at Bistro in Hotel du Vin Newcastle for elegant events.

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Upscale dining table at Bistro, Hotel du Vin Newcastle, perfect for elegant events.

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Outdoor event space at Bistro, Hotel du Vin Newcastle – elegant gathering with fine dining.

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Elegant Bistro dining space in Hotel du Vin Newcastle, perfect for events and meetings.

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Elegant Bistro bar at Hotel du Vin Newcastle for networking events and cocktail receptions.