Thanks to our centuries of Kings, Lords and Ladies, the UK isn’t shy of impressive venues. We’ve picked our favourite selection of castles, palaces, manor houses and stately homes, each available to hire for your exclusive events…
Hedsor House, Buckinghamshire
Once the royal residence of Princess Augusta, mother of George III and the founder of Kew Gardens, Hedsor House is as striking as its history. From regal to celebrity, many guests have entered the country mansion which has played host to hundreds of exclusive events. Suitable for anything from retreats to Christmas parties, Hedsor House is suitable for up to 200 guests within its 8 function rooms.
Hillsborough Castle, Belfast
Reopening in the summer, Belfast’s official residence for HM the Queen is an undeniably royal venue. Albeit more of a fine mansion house than a Castle, the Georgian interiors and 96 acres of stately gardens are a striking backdrop for a variety of events. 7 spaces are available for hire for up to 250 guests and marquees on the lawns can accommodate 350.
Kensington Palace, London
The future home of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, among many other Royals, is perhaps London’s most magnificent venue. Up to 700 guests can be hosted among the 10 spaces including the State Apartments which are as much regal as they are art.
Bleinheim Palace, Oxfordshire
Despite being the only non-royal palace in the UK, this 18th century venue is exceptionally regal. Bleinheim Palace, home to the Duke of Marlborough, was built as a gift from Queen Anne and was the birthplace of Winston Churchill. Indoor facilities can host up to 300 guests with large-scale events available on the South Lawns. For spectacular dinners, The Long Library boasts the second longest room in a British stately home with two walls of over 10,000 books.
Holkham Hall, Norfolk
A noble venue on the Norfolk coast, Holkham Hall is truly impressive from its dramatic Marble Hall to its 25,000 acres of parkland and beach. The ancestral home of the Earls of Leicester takes you make to the 18th century, surrounded by wildlife, farming and nature trails. Holkham Hall is perfect for team building, away days and luxury events.
Warwick Castle, Warwickshire
Take your event to the medieval times at Warwick Castle, which takes the form of William the Conqueror’s original build. Banquets, team building and exclusive events are hosted within the artefact filled Great Hall (up to 180 guests), separated Georgian Coach House and grounds with theming and accommodation available.
Hever Castle, Kent
Once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Hever Castle and its 125 acres of glorious gardens is now a historical site open to the public. Corporate events can be held in the Astor Wing and the Guthrie Pavilion within the Italian Garden, with dinners available in the castle for up to 200 guests and onsite golf, tennis and various other activities available in the grounds.
Hampton Court Palace, Surrey
This Tudor palace is perhaps one of the UK’s most well-known if not for its ice skating in the winter months. Henry VIII’s former home with its famous maze and pruned gardens has 14 spaces available for events with room for up to 3000 guests among the grounds. Celebrate where Shakespeare once performed, dance within Henry VIII’s beer cellar or dine in the King’s Eating Room where William III ate with an important crowd.
Leeds Castle, Kent
For almost 1000 years, Leeds Castle has been a property for Kings, Queens and influential stars. From being a Royal Court to hosting Hollywood parties, the castle has seen hundreds of celebrations and offers three separate venues for events. The Castle itself can host up to 100 guests exclusively for drinks in the library, croquet on the lawn or dinner in the Banqueting Hall. Additionally are The Maiden’s Tower and Fairfax Hall with space for dancing and dining as well as 44 onsite bedrooms.
Farnham Castle, Surrey
As one of England’s few remaining medieval houses, Farnham Castle is a significant building among the Surrey countryside. Onsite teambuilding, world-class cuisine and 30 onsite bedrooms are available in addition to the 12 meeting spaces that can host up to 270 guests. The Great Hall is the most spectacular with 11th century high ceilings and a Gallery Bar overlooking the room.
Knebworth House, Hertfordshire
Known for rock royalty and headliner concerts, Knebworth House is one of England’s most recognised stately homes. Guests can dine in the beautiful Banqueting Hall where many Prime Ministers, Royals, artists and explorers have sat in front of the fireplace. Two further rooms are available within the house as well as two Tithe Barns, landscaped gardens and a variety of fields for outdoor events of large capacities.
Berkeley Castle, Gloucestershire
This 14th century medieval fortress contains characterful interiors and sweeping grounds for exclusive hire. For over 850 years Berkeley Castle has remarkably remained intact, complete with traps, arrow slits and murder holes. More than war stories are contained within its walls which boasts the oldest building in England to still be lived in by the family who built it.
Addington Palace, Surrey
Once a royal home and host of various regal events, Addington Palace is a Palladian Style mansion with many luxurious rooms for hire. 21st century facilities are met with period style features in spaces for up to 200. For bigger groups the Royal Pavilion has over 1000 square meters of space for up to 800 guests.
Cardiff Castle, Wales
In the centre of the city, Cardiff Castle has over 2000 years of history. It tells tales from the Romans to the Tudors, passing through many noble families until it was given to the city. 5 spaces are available for up to 200 guests including the stone-vaulted Undercroft from the 15th century where servants once lived.
Fulham Palace, London
For 12 centuries this historical site was home to various Bishops, used as a summer residence until 1975. Today Fulham Palace continues to host events of all sizes just minutes from the City of London. Chaplain’s Garden is available for large groups with a medieval Great hall and 18th century Terrick rooms for events among the history.
Dundas Castle, Edinburgh
The 5* Dundas Castle is purely an exclusive use venue, with a variety of rooms and outdoor space for all kinds of corporate events. Modern menus feature healthy, seasonal ingredients with an element of history that is continued into the restoration of the interiors.
If you are looking for a venue for your next event, then don’t hesitate to contact the Banks Sadler team on 0207 424 3333.
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