How long does it take to find an event space?

That all depends on how specific your requirements are and how big the event is that you’re organising. If you’re looking for a large event space, for instance for a big conference or exhibition, we’d recommend leaving yourself at least five or six months. On the other hand, if you’re after a more intimate space and your event doesn’t have any unusual criteria then you could start searching for somewhere as little as three months before your chosen event date. We wouldn’t recommend leaving any less time than this, as you’ll want some flexibility in case venues you approach take a while to respond to your enquiries, or to book in site visits.

What is the best way to choose an event space?

When you’re looking for the perfect event space, we’d recommend following these steps: Compile all your important details. This includes defining your audience, identifying your event type, choosing a rough event date and clarifying your budget. These details will guide you in your search. Pinpoint your ideal location. Before searching for an event space, you’ll need to know which area to look in. The location will need to be accessible for your attendees, speakers and suppliers alike. Find a venue that fits your needs. Now that you’ve pinpointed your location and requirements, you’ll have a strong focus for your search and it will be much easier to find the right event space. To do so, you can use Hire Space’s directory of over 12,000 venues. Our filters allow you to only search through spaces that meet your criteria. For more guidance on choosing the right event space, see our ultimate guide to venue finding.

How do you hire an event space?

Once you’ve found an event space you want to hire, you just need to contact your chosen venue. The easiest way to do so is by clicking on the big green ‘Contact Venue’ button on their Hire Space profile. Alternatively, you can get in touch with one of our venue experts, who’ll be happy to liaise with the venue for you.

How do you find a cheap event space to hire?

You can easily find an event space that’s within your budget by applying the budget filter when searching on Hire Space. Just tell us what your budget is, and we’ll only show you spaces that you can afford. It’s as simple as that!

What are the types of event space?

There are more different types of event spaces than we can count. You could categorise them by event type – for instance, by conference spaces, meeting spaces, team building spaces and so on, as we have done on this page. But you can also categorise them by what they offer, for example, some spaces will be available for all-inclusive hire (also known as wet hire), while others will be available for dry hire (where you have to source your own suppliers) – read our guide to dry hire versus wet hire for more. This means it’s impossible to say just how many types there are, as it all depends on how you choose to categorise them!

What are event spaces used for?

Event spaces are generally used for bringing people together for a specific activity, usually an event. This could be anything from a party to a conference, rehearsal, or meeting.

How do you keep event space costs down?

There are many different ways that you can attempt to keep your costs down when you’re booking an event space. Firstly, it helps to be flexible with the date. Often, venues will charge you less for their space on days of the week that are less popular, so keeping an open mind can make a big difference. You could also consider opting for dry hire. While dry hire isn’t always cheaper than all-inclusive venue hire overall, it does give you the option to source your own (hopefully, cheaper!) suppliers and even to pull in favours from friends or colleagues.

What are the most important facilities an event space should have?

The facilities that will be important to your event will depend on your event type. Make a list of all the things, big and small, that will help to make your event run smoothly, from live-streaming tech to furniture, kitchen facilities and more. Then, talk to venues about which of these facilities they can and can’t provide. A few key facilities you might want to keep an eye out for include AV, in-house technicians, kitchen facilities, toilets, cloakrooms, accessible entrances and a fast internet connection.

Our Guide To Finding The Perfect Event Space

With tonnes of event spaces to choose from across thousands of venues on Hire Space alone, choosing just one space for your event can feel a little daunting. You’ll need to find an event venue that not only looks right, but that has the right facilities and is located in the best possible location for all your attendees to get to.

No matter what type of event you’re planning, we bet the perfect space is out there just waiting for you to discover it. From quirky conference spaces to modern meeting rooms, picture-perfect private dining spaces to wonderful wedding venues, we’ll introduce you to some of our favourites right here to give you some much-needed inspiration. Once you’re ready to start your hunt, make sure to check out our guide to finding an event venue too. Enjoy!

Large Conference Spaces

If you’re planning a large annual conference and are expecting to host a few hundred or even a few thousand delegates, you’ll certainly need a large conference venue to match! We would definitely recommend taking a look at Evolution London which fits up to 3,500 delegates theatre-style or a whopping 500 standing! We’re also eyeballing the whole venue at the Eventim Apollo – another Grade II listed building that seats 3,311. This art deco former cinema is the perfect choice for those looking for something a bit more unusual.

Unusual Conference Spaces

Contrary to what you might think, it’s not just purpose-designed spaces that make excellent conference venues. There are lots of unusual conference spaces to choose from too! If you want to roll out the red carpet, cinemas can be fantastic for conferences. We particularly love the Main Screen at Odeon Leicester Square or IMAX at Cineworld Leicester Square if you’re looking for something a bit different in the heart of London.

Alternatively, if you want something completely unique, a space in a museum, such as the Wilberforce Room at the Museum of London Docklands, is sure to make an impression. And of course, if you truly want a venue to impress, you can’t get much more awe-inspiring than the historic Nave at Southwark Cathedral!

Modern Conference Spaces

Next up, if you’re after a modern conference space that oozes that slick and professional vibe, you won’t be disappointed by the choices available. Barbican Hall at the Barbican Centre has amazing acoustics, tiered seating, and second-to-none technical resources. To top it all off, AC and cushioned seats give it the ultimate air of comfort.

There are also modern spaces within historical settings if you want to strike that perfect mix of contemporary and classical. The Guy Whittle Auditorium at 1 Wimpole Street and The View in the heart of The Royal College of Surgeons of England both feature clean, contemporary decor and modern facilities in buildings that are steeped in history.

Hotel Conference Spaces

Hosting a conference in a hotel is always a great shout, especially if you have delegates coming from across the country or even the globe. Not only do hotel conference venues have space for your delegates to stay the night, but their on-site facilities are unparalleled, with catering and AV equipment all in-house.

If you’re after a seriously luxurious space in the heart of London, you’ll love the Park Suite at The Dorchester. This iconic hotel from the 1930s features sumptuous decor and fantastic facilities in swanky Mayfair. Or, if Manchester is your location of choice, we’d recommend checking out the many spaces of The Manchester Hotel, like Private Room 4 or the Halle Suite. This 5-star hotel features award-winning modern style and is situated in the centre of the city.

Exhibition Centres

Sometimes, you just want a tried and tested exhibition centre that has proven experience delivering standout exhibitions and tradeshows. If that’s the case, then we think you’ll love the Gallery Hall at the Business Design Centre. It’s huge, light, airy and even has an atrium level if you need extra space.

Otherwise, if you want something that’s a little bit unusual (but still just as safe a bet!) then The Brewery’s Porter Tun could be a great shout. It’s one of the largest and oldest unobstructed event spaces in London and has a characterful vaulted ceiling and antique wooden floor to boot.

Galleries

If you’re looking for somewhere for an art or photography exhibition, you can’t get much better than a gallery. So, you’ll be pleased to hear that there are plenty available to hire, both in London and across the UK. Just a couple of our favourite more traditional gallery spaces are One Birdcage Walk and the Ground Floor at Gallery Different.

Alternatively, if you want a space that really has the wow-factor, you can’t get more atmospheric than Arch 402 at Hoxton Arches. This carefully-restored railway arch is conveniently located just a couple of minutes away from Hoxton Station.

Blank Canvas Spaces

Not every exhibition or tradeshow calls for a characterful space. Instead, you might want a space that gives you the ability to make it completely your own, from the layout to the branding. If that sounds like what you’re after, there’s no shortage of blank canvas spaces that will give you every opportunity to make your mark.

If you want a large, warehouse-style blank canvas space, Tobacco Dock’s Great Gallery or Printworks' HSBC are two of our top picks. Or, if you’re looking for a slightly more intimate space without the industrial feel, we love the bright white Hall at Japan House.

Affordable Meeting Spaces

Let’s be honest: it might be worth splashing out every now and again for those super important meetings, but you don’t want to break the bank every time you need to gather everyone together. So, knowing where to find fantastic yet cheap meeting space is vital.

If you want somewhere that feels homely but could easily host a board meeting, we’d highly recommend the Library at Asia House. Not only is it super conveniently located (just a few minutes from Oxford Circus) but with books lining the walls, it’s certainly got the right atmosphere to get brains whirring! Alternatively, if you’re after somewhere affordable yet super stylish for a team meeting or brainstorming session, we’re big fans of Douglas at Runway East Borough Market or the Alie Room at Events@No6.

Unique Meeting Spaces

After a meeting space that’s going to help inspiration strike? Then opting for a unique meeting room as opposed to a traditional one should be a done deal. For somewhere to bounce ideas around, where better than Bounce's Jaques Room? This one-of-a-kind space not only has state-of-the-art AV equipment but also has multiple ping-pong tables that are perfect for shaking things up between brainstorming sessions (or even during!).

On the other hand, if you’re looking to impress your board or your investors, why not call them to a meeting at a London landmark? Cricket nuts will appreciate the Tavern Meeting Rooms at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, while fans of the Olympics will love The BM6 at London Olympia (the former Olympic Stadium). Both spaces feature pitch-side views guaranteed to inspire!

Hotel Meeting Spaces

If you’re looking for a hotel meeting space where your guests could opt to stay the night, you’ll have no shortage of choice – from the luxurious Albert Suite at The Chelsea Harbour Hotel to the cosy Living Room at The Hoxton Holborn.

For a cool and quirky meeting room that just so happens to be in a hotel, the Club Room at Artist residence London is sure to get those creative juices flowing. This boutique hotel can be found near Victoria station and is jam-packed with gorgeous vintage furniture.

Fun Team Building Spaces

Want a fun venue designed to bring your team together? Where do we start?! There are so many cool team building spaces in London and across the UK. Some of our favourites are bars that are centred around a super fun activity – hire a private area in one of these and you have the perfect set-up to make memories with your teammates.

Want to practice your golf swing? Check out Sapphire at Puttshack White City. Fancy challenging your colleagues to a ping-pong tournament? You’ll love the private Play Room at Bounce Old Street. Dreaming of trying clay target shooting? Take a look at the Booth for 20 at Clay's. Keen to show off your footie skills? The Players Lounge at TOCA Social was made for you.

These spaces are equally fun for complete beginners as they are for sports enthusiasts. But if you are looking for something a bit less physical, you’ll absolutely love the The Necko Box at Hijingo. Hijingo is a multi-sensory immersive bingo experience that has the atmosphere of a futuristic nightclub. A team-building activity here is one you won’t forget in a hurry!

Training Spaces

Looking for somewhere to train new starters or to upskill your current team? There are plenty of options. If you’re after a contemporary training space with excellent tech facilities and transport links, you’ll love One Birdcage Walk or the choice of 18 Ground Floor Rooms at 30 Euston Square.

Want to combine your training session with a fun team-building activity? In this case, you’ll love Private Room 1 at Puttshack Bank or The Midnight Lounge at All Star Lanes White City. These on-trend venues both have all the tech facilities you’d want from a training space but they also give you access to a bar and games – indoor golf at Puttshack and ten-pin bowling at All Star Lanes. Perfect for taking the opportunity to show off your team culture!

Workshop Spaces

If you’re hosting a workshop, you’ll want a space that facilitates collaboration and discussion.

For large workshops, we love the relaxed, open-plan Georgian Townhouse at Anomalous Space. With a studio, lounge, library, and kitchenette, it’s the perfect option for workshops where you want to be able to divide attendees up into smaller groups to work on tasks together. For more intimate workshops, check out the The Library at {10-11} Carlton House Terrace. This is a historical yet comfortable space where your guests can take inspiration from the literary works lining the walls.

Swanky Award Ceremony Spaces

If you want to treat your guests to a super swanky awards ceremony, there are a few spaces you’ll simply have to check out. BMA House’s Great Hall is one. With pillars and a balcony that looks out over a pretty courtyard, this imposing room feels like it’s straight out of a storybook.

Similarly, the stunning Main Hall at Conway Hall has gorgeous wood paneling, high ceilings, and a traditional stage that’s perfect for those all-important acceptance speeches! And if historic splendour is your cup of tea, you can’t get much more impressive than RSA House’s Great Room, where you’ll be surrounded by celebrated paintings such as The Progress of Human Knowledge by James Barry.

Unusual Award Ceremony Spaces

Looking for something a little bit more unusual? How about rocking the boat (quite literally!) with an awards ceremony on Cutty Sark? We’re picturing welcome drinks on the Weather Deck overlooking the Thames, followed by the main event under the hull of the ship, in the impressive Dry Berth.

Another space that’s at the top of our list of unusual awards ceremony venues is the Museum Galleries at the London Transport Museum. We’re talking two floors worth of interactive exhibitions, surrounded by early tube carriages and iconic red London buses. Or, if you’re looking for something a bit edgier, check out Village Underground.

Finding the perfect private dining space depends entirely on the occasion and guest list. If you’re hosting a corporate entertainment event, you’ll likely be after something impressive and elegant, whereas for a big birthday or retirement celebration, the brief may be more casual and quirky.

Fortunately, Hire Space features every kind of private dining space you might be looking for, from sky-scraping restaurants to intimate underground nooks, so whatever kind of event is on the menu, we’re confident you’ll find the ideal space with us!

Affordable Private Dining Spaces

It’s no secret that ‘private dining’ and ‘affordable’ often aren’t on the best of terms, but with some pointers, you should be able to find some truly special spaces that won’t break the bank. The Private Legends Room at Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus provides a brilliantly located base for private dining, with its rock ‘n’ roll-inspired menu lending a cool vibe to your event. Looking just outside the centre of the city can drastically reduce the cost of hiring a private dining space, and often introduce you to some spectacular spots that are off the beaten track.

Private Dining Spaces With A View

Dinner with a view: the ultimate pairing! If a stunning vista is top of your priorities for a private dining event, there are plenty of spaces in London that have a spectacular lookout across the city’s skyline. Few, however, compare to the breath-taking panorama on offer on Level 38 at Searcys at The Gherkin: set at the top of one of London’s most iconic buildings, it’s quite the setting to stage an impressive dinner.

The understatedly-named Room (it’s more of a rooftop conservatory!) at The Trafalgar St James is another gorgeous glass-bounded space with views across the city’s most share-worthy sights. And equally inspiring for a daytime event or surrounded by city lights in the evening, OXO2 provides a fabulous vantage point across the Thames.

Small Private Dining Spaces

If you’re after a more intimate setting, allow us to present our proof that great things come in small packages! Some of our top picks for small private dining spaces include COMO The Halkin, with space for up to 24 guests to mingle and dine, and The Captain’s Table at The Oyster Shed, a light and airy space for 20, overlooking London Bridge and the Thames. Unlike some small spaces, both are fantastic for daytime events with large glass windows to let in plenty of natural light.

If you’re after something really exclusive, check out The Ground Round at luxurious private members’ club 12 Hay Hill. An elegant circular space (complete with a round table for up to 10 guests) overlooking Berkeley Street, this is the perfect spot to sample 12 Hay Hill’s reputation for delicious fine dining. Or treat a select group of guests to a French feast in the Small Private Dining Room at Brasserie Blanc, Southbank, another jewel of London’s culinary scene.

Luxurious Private Dining Spaces

If you’re not convinced by the ‘less is more’ approach, we’re equally happy to recommend luxurious private dining spaces! Both Room 30 and Room 32 at The National Gallery provide a picture-perfect setting for your event, with guests dining surrounded by the nation’s most treasured artwork. Just as grand, the Reading and Writing Room at The Royal Horseguards Hotel is a sumptuous space in the most prestigious of buildings and the most convenient of locations.

And while we’re on the topic of royal spaces, we couldn’t not mention the closest you can get to dining with the Queen – an elegant private dining event in The Great Hall at The Queen’s House in Greenwich. With a marble tiled floor and the most famous staircase in Britain, this venue is a true jewel in London’s crown, even if Liz isn’t likely to make an appearance in real life!

Intimate Networking Spaces

Let’s start small - but strong - with a selection of intimate spaces for a small-scale networking event. First up, the Full Space at Cobalance Cafe features a flexible lower ground gallery which makes it ideal for a stylish networking event for up to 90 guests.

One of our favourite networking spaces, The New White Loft at Lumiere Underwood is the perfect mix of airy and intimate and can host between 40 and 120 guests for networking. And for something a little more traditional, the Rutland Room at the Royal Over-Seas League is ornately decorated and provides views over private gardens and Green Park.

Impressive Networking Spaces

If you’re looking to really make an impact with a networking event, your best bet is going super classical or super contemporary. For some inspiration, here are our top venues in both categories.

The Marshall of Cambridge & Foyer at No. 4 Hamilton Place is a great example of the former, with ornate ceilings and an ingrained sense of sophistication. Another space that’s caught our eye is the impressive Main Reception Room at One Moorgate Place; with its stunning domed ceiling and impressive pillars, this space is straight out of Downton. Likewise, the gilded Freemen’s Room in the Watermen’s Hall is a seriously impressive setting for drinks and canapés.

Meanwhile, the 7th Floor at LABS House Holborn is the model of an inspiring contemporary setting for a networking event, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. Or, if you’re after even more panoramic vistas, the Helix and Iris at Searcys at The Gherkin include jaw-dropping views across 360 degrees of London skyline - perfect for getting guests talking.

Memorable Networking Spaces

London has no shortage of wonderful networking spaces that stick in your mind, but we pride ourselves on being able to round up the very best out there. First up, the Cutty Sark. This famous ship needs no introduction, and neither will guests at a networking event here – with a choice of the Dry Berth or Weather Deck to stage your event, these fantastic spaces are sure to stick around in guests’ minds.

Meanwhile, for sports fans, there’s plenty afloat to catch your guests’ attention, like the President’s Box at Lord’s Cricket Ground, which accommodates up to 48 with an incredible pitch view. Or take your networking up a gear with an event in the London Transport Museum’s spectacular Galleries.

Affordable Wedding Spaces

If you’re looking for a spot that’ll blow your guests away without blowing too much cash, check out The Balcony Room at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, an iconic space that costs far less than you’d expect and lets you live out your theatrical fantasy. The Club Room at ISH Venues is another affordable option for your nuptials, with all-inclusive packages and stunning park views from its huge windows.

The Courtyard at BMA House also packs a punch for an affordable wedding space, with an outdoor courtyard and quirky school-style decor. With a fun and relaxed vibe, it’s ideal for a popping wedding party, and better yet, you’ll have some pocket money left over for the bar!

Intimate Wedding Spaces

A short guestlist grants you access to some of the best venues around for a wedding, with intimate spaces and exclusive snugs for tight parties. After you set eyes on the utterly lovely Long Drawing Room at Dartmouth House (fit for up to 40 guests), there’s no going back – you’ll just have to whittle down the guestlist!

You’ll be equally swept off your feet by the elegant Dining Room at Clissold House, set in stunning grounds of parkland, where up to 50 guests can attend your special day. Elegant and intimate, this small wedding space proves that less is more.

Unique Wedding Spaces

If you’re after something really different, we’ve got plenty of exciting and unique wedding spaces up our sleeves, from the truly ethereal, crumbling Chapel at Asylum, with its stained glass windows hinting at its faded splendour, to the totally quirky ArcelorMittal Orbit, constructed also as a slide!

Boutique, chic, and completely unique, hiring The Whole Venue at The Zetter Townhouse gets you the keys to the quirkiest wedding venue around. With rooms filled with bizarre collections from around the world (including a stuffed kangaroo!) and luxurious bedrooms for guests to stay in, this spot is about as individual as they come.

Wedding Halls

If you’re on the hunt for a big and beautiful wedding hall that sets the stage for a classic ceremony, One Great George Street is a genuinely jaw-dropping option. Mixing modern and traditional, with stunning chandeliers and high arched ceilings, alongside a state-of-the-art sound system, you’ve got a recipe for a fabulous wedding here.

Or check out The Assembly Hall at Hackney Town Hall, an impressive building with a grand staircase and 1920s features. Far from being an imposing event space, it’s a lovely, light setting for a wedding, with fantastic acoustics so everyone can hear you say ‘I do’.

Spaces With A Wedding Licence

If you’re looking for a stylish venue to officially tie the knot, many fabulous venues hold a wedding license. The Palm Court at The Waldorf Hilton Hotel provides a grand, 1920s-era backdrop to a glamorous wedding ceremony, and can be transformed into the reception venue at the drop of a hat.

Spacious and beautiful, the Argyll Room and Terrace at No. 4 Hamilton Place can accommodate up to 300 guests in an ideal Central London location. And with space inside and out, your party can enjoy the best of both worlds – as well as both the ceremony and reception – in one fantastic space!

Christmas Party Spaces

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, which means it’s time for a fun, festive, and fabulous Christmas party for your team and clients. Whether you’re envisioning an exclusive private dinner in the Long Room at Lord’s Cricket Ground, a sophisticated soirée with cocktails and canapes in the Court Room at the Foundling Museum, or a multi-company shared party at the ever-impressive Battersea Evolution, there are endless options to make this Christmas the best one yet.

How about taking a historical twist by inviting your guests to the Gallery spaces at the London Museums? Why not treat your team to an art-deco evening of debauchery at the Bloomsbury Ballroom’s Ballroom? Or, for an uber-festive experience, don’t delay in checking out the Main Room at The Curling Club. We can taste the mulled wine already!

Summer Party Spaces

On the opposite side of the spectrum, don’t forget about glorious summer parties! Whether you want to celebrate in the sunshine with your team or throw a seriously chic event for your key clients and stakeholders, there’s no end to stunning summer party spaces in London.

If you’re dreaming of a ridiculously gorgeous rooftop to soak up the sun, try Trafalgar St James’ jaw-dropping outdoor roof terrace, or Soho’s best-kept secret, the rooftop at Century Club (retractable roof included in case our wonderful British weather changes its mind!). All these heights making you dizzy? The Postal Museum has a gorgeous courtyard perfect for summer cocktails. And if you’re looking for a cool, underground haven to escape the city heat, try Arch 1 at Shoreditch’s Kachette!

Bar Spaces For Parties

When it comes to parties, most of us aren’t that fussy. Delicious food, plenty of drinks, and a good atmosphere is usually enough to sweeten even the most straight-laced of corporates! That’s why we love bar spaces – you know there will be enough of everything to go around, and that the setting and vibes will be spot-on. Plus, who better to accommodate the after-party!?

Some of our favourite bar spaces for parties include the Sunken Bar at edgy Fabric, the opulent Wave Bar at Park Chinois, perfect for an exclusive celebration. You could also try out the Secret Bar at Shoreditch’s Looking Glass Cocktail Club – a tried and tested Hire Space favourite!

Activation And Product Launch Spaces

Product launches and pop-up brand activations need to be eye-catching, fun, and immersive in order to entice customers to try out the new product and experience it for themselves. Whatever the product is, the event has to take guests on a journey and leave a memorable impression of your brand and products.

We love fun, unique venues for product launches. Some of our favourites include the Main Space at trendy club XOYO, the Fire space at Vauxhall Arches, and the warehouse backdrop at Village Underground. We also love the Vault at RSA House for a more upmarket, but still edgy, product launch. The opportunities are endless, so get creative when it comes to the space and how you can transform it.

Fashion Show Spaces

Similarly to product launch spaces, spaces for fashion shows need to be creative, interesting and unique. Blank canvas spaces, galleries and minimalist spaces are fantastic for fashion shows, such as Arch 4 at Behind The Bike Shed, OXO2, The Grand Ballroom at The Landmark, the whole space at Steel Yard, or Lindley Hall at the Royal Horticultural Halls.

Having said this, some fashion shows can work in spaces you wouldn’t expect, such as the leafy Conservatory at the Barbican or the stunning crumbling Chapel at Asylum. Just make sure you have enough space for the models to walk and that you have plenty of space backstage for outfit changes, hair and makeup. Think outside the box – you could even run a show around the fountain at Somerset House!

Performance Spaces

For a jaw-dropping performance, the right venue is crucial. You’ll need the right lighting, acoustics, staging, crew, and more, as well as a performance space that can accommodate all of this. Think carefully about the type of performance you’re planning and compile a list of requirements you’ll need to fulfill.

For example, if you’re planning a full-blown theatrical performance, you’ll need a space with the right setup such as the whole venue at Indigo at the O2. If your performance is going to be a little more casual, on the other hand, you could delight your guests with a dance performance in the courtyard of No.11 Cavendish Square, raise the roof with a DJ set in Studio 1 at Shoreditch Studios, or plan a promenade performance around the magical Drawing Room of Drapers’ Hall.

You could even add a touch of uniqueness to your performance by holding it at the shabby-chic Theatre at EartH, or Studio 9294 for a water-side performance. The only limit is your imagination!