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York's quirky conference venues offer a unique backdrop for corporate events, blending historical charm with modern amenities. These distinctive spaces provide an inspiring environment that fosters creativity and engagement, ideal for companies seeking an unconventional setting. Consider the ambiance, technological needs, and accessibility when selecting the perfect venue to ensure a memorable conference experience.

Easily accessible by road via the A64, York provides ample coach parking near Clifford's Tower. The city's Park & Ride services facilitate smooth transit for event attendees.

TRANSPORT

Explore York's Shambles, an inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter, and JORVIK Viking Centre, offering a glimpse into the city's Norse past—perfect for captivating event themes and cultural experiences.

TOURIST HOTSPOTS

Savor York's culinary scene with Betty's Tea Room's traditional afternoon tea and local craft ales from York Brewery. Ideal for event catering with a taste of Yorkshire heritage.

FOOD & DRINKS

York offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern amenities, making it an ideal location for hosting events. With its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the iconic York Minster, one of the largest cathedrals in Northern Europe, the city provides a stunning backdrop for any gathering. The National Railway Museum, the largest of its kind in Britain, offers event spaces amidst an impressive collection of trains, providing a distinctive setting for conferences or social events.

Transport links to York are excellent, with direct train services from major cities like London, which can be reached in under two hours, and Edinburgh. The city's compact nature means that venues, hotels, and attractions are often within walking distance of each other, simplifying logistics for event planners and attendees alike.

York Racecourse, another prime location for events, not only hosts horse racing but also offers extensive indoor facilities and over 2,000 square meters of exhibition space. For a more intimate setting, the Merchant Adventurers' Hall, dating back to the 14th century, adds a touch of historical elegance to corporate events or private functions.

The city's range of accommodation options caters to various preferences, from luxury hotels like The Grand to budget-friendly options. With its combination of accessibility, unique venues, and historical significance, York stands out as a compelling choice for event organizers seeking a memorable location.

York

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

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

The United Kingdom is a country in northwestern Europe, off the coast of France. It is made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The UK has a long and rich history, and its culture has been influenced by many different peoples and nations. The UK is a leading economic and political power, and is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, such as Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. The UK is an excellent place to hold an event, with a variety of world-class venues and a wealth of experience in hosting events of all kinds.

United Kingdom

Discover unique and quirky conference venues in York, UK. Perfect for creating an engaging and memorable corporate event experience.

Quirky Conference Venues in York

Quirky Conference Venues

STEM-focused conference venue with inspiring architecture, 290-capacity lecture theatres, atrium breakout space, full AV, labs and exhibition areas from £550 daily.

Our atrium provides the ideal space for networking and exhibitions.

Conveniently located off the lecture theatre and at the heart of the National STEM Learning Centre, the atrium is a versatile space with natural daylight which can be used for catering, exhibitions, poster displays and wine receptions.

Modern event space in National STEM Learning Centre with pink lighting for conferences.

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Spacious atrium in National STEM Learning Centre, ideal for conferences and receptions.

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Vibrant meeting space with round tables at National STEM Learning Centre for workshops.

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Astronaut figures in National STEM Learning Centre for tech and aerospace events.

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Standing

Business

Atrium

National STEM Learning Centre

Grade II listed Wonderbar with stage and projector, ideal for quirky conferences. Accommodates 100 seated, 170 standing. From £500 weekdays in York's St Helens Square.

Impossible Wonderbar is located on the 1st floor and is the largest area of the venue, accommodating x100 seated and x170 standing.

The space lends itself to corporate events, whether this be meetings, conferences, work shops or networking and boasts private facilities and a private bar. 

The space is available to hire as a room or alongside various food and drinks packages. Both professional lighting sound equipment are available as well as a projector and screen which are located on the stage at the front of the space, making it perfect for formal presentations. 

Elegant event space with circular stage, ideal for meetings and gatherings in York.

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Elegant event space at Wonderbar, featuring natural light and versatile seating for gatherings.

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Reception

Wonderbar

Impossible York - Restaurant & Wonderbar

Historic 300-year-old State Room overlooking St Helen's Square, ideal for quirky conferences. Theatre-style seating for 80, surrounded by civic regalia, from £300 daily.

With seating available for 80, and standing room for 100, there is no end to the events that could be showcased in the State Room.

Take advantage of a single room hire, having an intimate civil ceremony and reception, using the caterers of your choice. Host a conference or workshop; we provide the flips charts, stationery, projectors, and refreshments. Or throw a decadent banquet, fit for the Lord Mayor, using a caterer of your choice.

Elegant State Room at York Mansion House, ideal for upscale events and meetings.

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Elegant State Room in York Mansion House, perfect for corporate meetings and social events.

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Elegant State Room at York Mansion House, ideal for weddings and corporate events.

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Elegant State Room at York Mansion House, perfect for upscale events and gatherings.

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Elegant State Room at York Mansion House with cherry blossom decor for upscale events.

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Events

State Room

Other

York Mansion House

Historic Edwardian railway hotel's Grand Boardroom with original parquet floors, York Minster views, accommodates 120 reception-style, from £45 per delegate including lun

The Grand Boardroom is our flagship space accommodating up to 120 delegates. A vast, majestic room with floor to ceiling wood panelling, huge windows, and an original parquet floor, the room enjoys grand views of York Minster and the City Walls.

The board table that once hosted meetings between the railway elite, political players and the great and good of Yorkshire business was so large it had to be cut up to be removed! Today we deploy the space in much more flexible ways, making it suitable for an event, party, private function or presentation.

Grand Boardroom at The Grand, York: elegant wedding venue with floral decor and festive tree.

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Grand Boardroom

The Grand, York

Elegant oak-paneled room with garden views in a historic Victorian hotel. Ideal for grand events.

In the early years of the alst century, a new wing was added to the original hotel building. Known as the Klondyke Wiine - because it opened in the same year as the famous gold rush - it boasts some of the grandest most beautiful crafted rooms in the entire hotel. Chief among these is the Oak room, which combines oak panels and decorative carvings with double-height sash windows and sweeping views of the hotel gardens and Minster.



Elegant banquet hall at The Principal York with floral centerpieces for upscale events.

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Elegant wedding ceremony in Oak room, The Principal York with floral arrangements.

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Elegant staircase in Oak Room, The Principal York, ideal for events and gatherings.

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Theatre

Oak room

The Milner York

Named after the legendary steam locomotive Mallard, the Mallard Suite is perfect for larger conferences. 
The space benefits from a dedicated breakout room for catering, networking or accompanying exhibitions.   
It includes integral data projection, LCD screen, PA system and free WiFi. Air conditioning and natural daylight ensure a comfortable conference experience. A hearing loop is also available.   
The Mallard Suite can also be combined with the Rocket Room.


Mallard Suite in National Railway Museum, a bright meeting space with black chairs and pink accents.

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Mallard Suite meeting room with oval table, perfect for collaboration and presentations.

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Vintage Mallard train with polished exterior at National Railway Museum for events or meetings.