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Discovering free event venues in Essex offers a unique opportunity for event professionals to host memorable occasions without the venue hire cost. Essex boasts a variety of spaces that cater to corporate gatherings, networking events, and workshops, providing an economical solution for organisations looking to maximise their event budgets.

Essex is well connected by train, bus, taxi or even plane via Southend Airport, making delegate access easy as can be.

TRANSPORT

With countryside, seaside, cosmopolitan towns, high-end dining and accommodation options... there's plenty to see and do in Essex!

THINGS TO SEE

Whether you're planning a product launch or a party, there are somany different options here.

VENUE VARIETY

Essex is a historic county in southeast England. The primary town is Chelmsford, but other major towns include Basildon, Southend-on-Sea, Thurrock and Harlow.

The area has a long history dating back to the Roman occupation of Britain. Essex was an important county during the Anglo-Saxon period and later played a significant role in the Norman Conquest of England. Today, the county is known for its picturesque countryside, traditional seaside resorts and thriving towns and cities.

If you're looking for a venue to hold an event in Essex, there are plenty of options to choose from. There are a number of large hotels and conference centres in the county, as well as smaller venues that might be more suitable for more intimate gatherings. Whatever your event requirements, you're sure to find a venue to suit your brief here. Essex is well connected to London and the rest of the country, whether that's by train, bus, taxi, or even plane at nearby Southend Airport.

Essex

The London Eye, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, Marble Arch... need we say more?!

LANDMARKS

Whether you want to impress clients with French fare or marvellous mezze, London is no stranger to incredible food and drinks hotspots.

FOOD & DRINK

From cafes to conference centres, the sheer amount of venues in Central London means there is something for everyone!

Central London is a large area comprising the City of London and the innermost parts of 6 other boroughs, including Westminster, Southwark, Kensington & Chelsea, Islington, Camden and Lambeth. As this defined area stretches across many well populated and thriving cosmopolitan districts of the capital, it comes as no surprise that there is an endless stream of incredible event venues suitable for every kind of event, each with a unique cultural feel and offering. 

Whether you’re planning a conference, away day, dinner, awards ceremony, rooftop party or a simple team meeting, you’re sure to find the ideal venue in Central London. Plus with world-famous landmarks and iconic locations aplenty, your guests will always be impressed and entertained in equal measure! Central London has an abundance of train and tube stations connecting the areas, as well as buses, taxis, even boats! Plus, with countless hotels and accommodation offerings, out-of-town guests will have no shortage of convenient options.


Central London

Explore top free event venues in Essex, London. Ideal for corporate organisers seeking budget-friendly yet impactful locations.

Free Event Venues in Essex

Free Event Venues

A historic banqueting floor in a 900-year-old Norman Keep, ideal for screenings, viewings, talks, and lectures.

Seating 100, the Banqueting Floor provides a unique and historical space for special screenings, private viewings, illustrated talks, and lectures. Nestled within the stunning Hedingham Castle, a 900-year-old Norman Keep, this exceptional venue boasts remarkable acoustics and a beautiful setting that enhances every event. Surrounded by 160 acres of formal gardens and enchanting woodlands, the Banqueting Floor offers an inspiring backdrop for your presentations. With its medieval charm and modern amenities, it’s the ideal choice for creating memorable experiences that captivate your audience. Whether hosting a corporate event or a private gathering, the Banqueting Floor at Hedingham Castle promises an unforgettable atmosphere steeped in history.

Banqueting Floor at Hedingham Castle, elegant arched ceiling, ideal for events and meetings.

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Banqueting Floor at Hedingham Castle, ideal for corporate retreats and intimate gatherings.

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Theatre

Screenings

Banqueting Floor

Other

Hedingham Castle

Here at Lifehouse Spa and Hotel we have over 130 acres of land which is avaliable to hire for corporate events and team building activities. On top of this we have the opportunity to offer over night stays so the event can run late into the night!

Gardens at Lifehouse Spa, ideal for outdoor events with lush landscaping and versatile space.

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Vibrant outdoor event under a tent at Lifehouse Spa, perfect for summer celebrations.

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Outdoor team-building clay shooting at Lifehouse Spa and Hotel, fostering camaraderie.

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Buffet

Events

Gardens

Lifehouse Spa and Hotel

A picturesque country estate in Essex, ideal for large corporate events and celebrations.

Set within 500 acres of stunning Essex parkland, Braxted Park Estate offers all the modern amenities you would expect from a high level conference and event venue, while retaining the elegance and character of one of the most beautiful country estates in the East of England.

Braxted Park is located just five minutes from the A12, 50 minutes from London, and a short drive from Stansted Airport/

Whether for team building activities, conferences, product launches, celebrations, or hospitality events, Braxted Park is here to offer a solution for your corporate events for up to 350 guests.

Braxted Park venue with elegant architecture, perfect for outdoor events and gatherings.

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Braxted Park outdoor venue with spacious tent, ideal for events and gatherings.

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Braxted Park venue with rustic charm, ideal for intimate meetings and events.

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Festive dinner at Braxted Park with elegant table settings for corporate events.

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Elegant round table setup at Braxted Park for a sophisticated event.

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Cabaret

Business

Braxted Park

South East

Braxted Park Estate

The Ambassador Suite is ideal for small gatherings such as baby showers, private celebration dinners and wakes.  This room has access to the Laker Foyer for buffets and Laker Lounge for the function bar.

Ambassador Suite banquet table at Holiday Inn Southend, ideal for weddings and corporate events.

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Ambassador Suite at Holiday Inn Southend, elegant banquet room for gala events.

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Dining 

Ambassador Suite

Southend

Holiday Inn Southend

A 530-capacity main theatre in Colchester with technical and catering services included, plus an usher.

A large theatre with a capacity of 530, the Mercury Theatre is an exceptional venue for a variety of events beyond traditional performances. Ideal for conferences, corporate events, and private functions, we offer a comprehensive range of accompanying services, including state-of-the-art technical support and bespoke catering options to suit your needs. Our pricing includes the presence of an usher to ensure a seamless experience for your guests. With modern amenities such as Wi-Fi and air-conditioning, your attendees will enjoy comfort and connectivity throughout their time here. Located in the heart of Colchester, the Mercury Theatre is easily accessible and surrounded by vibrant local attractions, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a large-scale presentation or an intimate gathering, our versatile space can be tailored to meet your requirements, ensuring a memorable event for all.

Modern Mercury Theatre Main Theatre with glass facade, perfect for corporate and social events.

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Modern Mercury Theatre with vibrant red decor, ideal for performances and conferences.

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Main Theatre

London

Mercury Theatre

A historic Georgian manor with elegant reception rooms, ideal for weddings and versatile events.

The Ceremony rooms at Fennes provide a beautiful and elegant setting for weddings and other special events. This versatile space is perfect for hosting ceremonies, receptions, and intimate gatherings. With a focus on creating memorable experiences, the Ceremony rooms can be tailored to suit your specific needs, whether you are planning a traditional wedding or a more unique celebration. The venue offers a range of catering options, including classic, deluxe, and vegan menus, ensuring that all dietary requirements can be accommodated. The Ceremony rooms are designed to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for couples looking to celebrate their love in style. Additionally, the space is suitable for various events beyond weddings, such as corporate functions and private parties, making it a flexible choice for any occasion.

Elegant reception room with floral centerpiece, perfect for weddings and upscale events.

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Elegant reception room with floral centerpieces, perfect for weddings and upscale events.

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Elegant reception room with round tables, floral centerpieces for weddings and corporate events.

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Elegant wedding reception room with floral arch and ambient lighting. Perfect for upscale events.

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Elegant dining table with floral centerpiece in Fennes reception room for events.

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Wedding

Reception rooms

Fennes

A spacious, beautifully decorated ballroom for up to 200 guests, ideal for events and parties.

Our beautifully decorated ballroom is a perfect place to hold any event, be it a birthday party or corporate business meeting. 

Holding up to 200 people, our ballroom is a fantastic size and can be decorated to your preferences, sitting or standing.  

Elegant round table with gold accents for weddings and corporate dinners at The Garrison Tavern.

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Elegant dining table in Garrison Tavern ballroom for formal events and corporate meetings.

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Festive ballroom table setting with champagne for holiday celebrations at The Garrison Tavern.

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Elegant ballroom table setting with champagne and roses for weddings or anniversaries.

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Ballroom

The Garrison Tavern

A versatile garden suite for events, accommodating 80 to 250 guests in a hotel and spa setting.

With the capacity to seat between 80 and 250

Elegant banquet hall in Greenwoods Hotel & Spa, perfect for weddings and corporate events.

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Elegant Garden Suite at Greenwoods Hotel, ideal for weddings and formal gatherings.

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Garden Suite 

Greenwoods Hotel & Spa

Caddies is a venue with striking retro decor, and a host of exciting photoshoot possibilities with our Crazy Golf Courses, Shuffleboard, Pool Tables, Cocktail Bar, and Street Food Vendors providing a host of enviable backdrops that would perfectly compliment a variety of shoots. 

Situated in Southend-on-Sea, we are less than one hour from Central London - and located near to over 7 miles of Award Winning Golden Beaches, making Caddies a great base for wider filming potential in the Southend area. 


Retro arcade game "Yogurt Cop" at Caddies Southend for engaging event entertainment.

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Vibrant event space with interactive gaming setup for corporate events and social gatherings.

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Vibrant Caddies Southend venue with neon lighting, perfect for networking events.

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Miniature Ferris wheel at Caddies Southend for family-friendly events and gatherings.

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Vibrant event space at Caddies Southend for team-building and creative workshops.

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Reception

Film and Photo

Whole Venue

Caddies Southend

The Premiere Studio at Adagio School of Dance, the Van Laast Studio is the perfect space for filming or a photo shoot. With a ceiling height of 7m (22.9 ft), there is plenty of space for overhead boom lighting and high camera angles.  Being a high end and fully equipped dance studio, this is the perfect space to capture movement on film!

Spacious dance studio with mirrors, perfect for rehearsals and fitness classes.

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Spacious dance rehearsal studio with black piano, ideal for events and workshops.

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Spacious dance studio with mirrored wall and ballet barre for workshops and events.

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Van Laast Studio: spacious dance studio with mirrors, ideal for rehearsals and workshops.

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Sleek black piano in spacious dance studio for music recitals and rehearsals.

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Van Laast Studio

The Studios - Adagio School of Dance

Recently refurbished, Chantry House is a luxurious and comfortable location. A Jacobean house and former royal property once owned by Queen Elizabeth I, the building is timber-framed and plastered, with fine doorways and original features. It is perfectly designed for filming, commercial and non-commercial photoshoots.

There are a total of five bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, two reception rooms, a dining area, kitchen, multi-use studio, beauty facilities and an outdoor area with beautiful garden furniture and a fire pit adding to the peaceful greenery.

Chantry House venue with classic architecture, ideal for retreats and gatherings.

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Chantry House outdoor venue with lush greenery, perfect for weddings and garden parties.

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Chantry House outdoor event space with stone patio and lush greenery for gatherings.

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Chantry House outdoor event space with fire pit, ideal for receptions and networking.

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Chantry House event space with natural light, ideal for meetings and gatherings.

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Standing

Chantry House

Carbon Retreat

A dessert restaurant with iconic Marvel-inspired artwork, offering options for sweet or savory menus.

Iconic marvel inspired artwork! Option for a dessert or savoury menu at an additional price. Simply Wafflez is the perfect venue for your next celebration, accommodating up to 50 guests in a vibrant and unique setting. Whether you're planning a baby shower, birthday party, or any special gathering, our delightful dessert restaurant offers a memorable experience. Indulge in our exquisite menu options, featuring both sweet and savoury delights that will tantalise your taste buds. With a creative atmosphere and dedicated service, Simply Wafflez ensures your event is not just a gathering, but a celebration to remember. Book your pop-up experience today and let us help you create unforgettable moments!

Modern meeting space with bar-height table, ideal for creative brainstorming sessions.

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Casual meeting space with air hockey table for team-building and social events.

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Trendy dining space with "WAFFLEZ & Chill" mural for casual meetings and events.

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Vibrant dining space with superhero murals for casual meetings and team-building events.

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Modern event space at Simply Wafflez, ideal for networking and workshops with casual seating.