Ceremonies and Parties Around the UK
There are times in our lives where we want to put together an event, like a family party, a celebration, a wedding reception or a corporate incentive weekend. Here are some of the more unusual establishments in the United Kingdom offering a venue for your event to make it extra special.
Cley Windmill
Cley Windmill on the North Norfolk coast offers an intimate space for a group gathering or party. The Windmill holds a wedding licence and ceremonies take place in the round room followed by a champagne reception, a cream tea or wedding breakfast for up to 24 people. Take over the Windmill for your event, with rooms for 20 people in 9 rooms on a B&B basis, though evening meals and lunches are also available.
North Cadbury Court
The sixteenth century North Cadbury Court in Somerset is a private house set in 1500 acres at Yeovil, Somerset. Available for exclusive use, the property has 25 bedrooms, a dining hall with seating for 96, and a ballroom that can accommodate up to 150 people. Other amenities include golf, tennis, croquet, fishing and archery, an indoor pool and spa and with exclusive use you gain access to an underground casino.
Pinewood Studios
Pinewood Studios is built around the beautiful Heatherden Hall, a Georgian Style mansion set in formal gardens. There’s an oak panelled ballroom with its original oak sprung dance floor, crystal chandeliers, open fireplace and French windows leading out onto the terrace and gardens. Its long history includes being the venue for the negotiation and signing of the Irish Free State Treaty in 1921. Pinewood studios began in 1936.
Malmaison Oxford
Close to Oxford’s centre, this former prison is now a 95-room hotel and wedding venue with a cocktail bar and brasserie. With event spaces perfect for evening parties, receptions, blessings and chic civil ceremonies, this unique venue offers the exclusive use of the A-Wing Atrium for 120 people, with 38 surrounding cell bedrooms. The roof terrace is perfect for a drinks reception for up to 100 guests.
Treehouse Hotel
A traditional country house five-star hotel on the edge of the New Forest in Hampshire has in its grounds a set of contemporary treehouse suites accessed from the house by electric buggies. With hardwood private decks, wood burning stoves and floor-to-ceiling windows. The hotel is also home to a world-class spa and an award-winning restaurant. Other amenities include an indoor and outdoor pool, a gym, golf, tennis, archery and duck herding.
Cluny Castle
Cluny Castle, dating back to the 14th century and located in Aberdeenshire is hidden in two hundred acres of landscaped grounds and offers exclusive use for those looking for a fairytale wedding. It has its own chapel with beautiful stained glass windows and dark oak pews set up to 100 guests. The grounds offer the perfect setting for a marquee reception, with the castle as a stunning backdrop.
The Napoleonic Fortress
A sea fort full of history, that can only be accessed by boat or helicopter, is a unique and impressive venue a mile off the coast, in the middle of the Solent, close to Portsmouth. The fort has retained many of the original features including the windows, the vaulted ceilings and the gun emplacements. An exclusive use package is available, for up to 18 people staying overnight. There’s a dedicated Champagne bar, a function room with incredible views, a Library, a gym, two rooftop sun-decks, a sauna, an open-air hot tub for 10 people and a light house.
Abbey Road Recording Studio
London’s Abbey Road Recording Studio is an exclusive, unique and unforgettable events venue, being the most famous recording studio in the world. The studios can be adapted to suit an array of corporate or private events; including dinners, receptions, conferences and live performances. You can also book the bespoke Record a Song Experience, offering the chance to make music in the rooms used by famous artists. Drinks receptions for 350, dinner for 250 and conference for 300 can take place in the largest Studio One. Studio Two and Three are also available for smaller events.
The Gherkin
London’s famous Gherkin has an events venue located in the glass dome at the top two floors of the The Gherkin, offering panoramic views 180m above London. The Gherkin also has two private dining rooms for between 18-260 people. The venue offers excellent wines and divine food and has a wedding licence.
Aviator Hotel
Overlooking Farnborough Airport, the 169-room Aviator Hotel in Hampshire, offers award winning catering at events. The 4th Floor and Sky Lounge is the ultimate choice event space and when combined with the atrium and 19 Sky Suites creates an exclusive venue for up to 150 guests. The bedroom interiors are contemporary yet rich and comfortable.