We recently teamed up with our colleagues at Marketing Cheshire and the Liverpool Convention Bureau to collate a list of, what we believe to be, the most iconic north-west venues for your next business event. From majestic castles, to sporting stadiums and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, discover these magnificent venues below:
Manchester
Science & Industry Museum
Located on the original terminus of the world’s first inter-city railway, Liverpool Road, the museum offers a dedicated, purpose-built conference centre. Each suite is named after Manchester exports from scientists to steam locomotives and telescopes, and comes fully equipped with state-of-the-art AV, ergonomic furniture and WI-FI throughout. The Revolution Manchester Gallery, with its 52-plasma media wall, and The Power Hall provide guests the opportunity to dine amongst some of the world’s oldest exhibits from the world of science and engineering. Plus, opening this spring, the Special Exhibitions Gallery; the perfect space for pre-dinner drink receptions or post-conference drinks.
Website: https://www.hirethescienceandindustrymuseum.com/
MCVB: https://www.meetinmanchester.com/plan/find-a-venue/science-and-industry-museum-p334561
The Monastery
This hidden treasure is a unique and inspiring venue. Once a Franciscan Church and Friary and described as architect Edward Pugin’s gothic masterpiece the Grade II* listed Monastery is used for a variety of events. The inspirational Great Nave is an idyllic setting for a banquet dinner for up to 400 people or to host a meeting for up to 570 theatre style. Facilities include complimentary onsite car parking, complimentary Wi-Fi and a tranquil garden.
Website: https://www.themonastery.co.uk/
MCVB: https://www.meetinmanchester.com/plan/find-a-venue/the-monastery-manchester-p57991
Victoria Warehouse
An innovative, flexible event space of over 10,000sqm offers clients a blank canvas to deliver large scale events from corporate meetings and exhibitions, to music and sporting events. Built in the early 1900s the former cotton storage facility is reflective of the city’s industrial strength and innovation. The Cotton Sheds, boasting the signature industrial aesthetic with exposed brickwork, can host up to 1,600 for a conference with ample break out space. For smaller-scale projects, The Bays, The Archives and The Cellars are ideal.
Website: https://victoriawarehouse.com/
MCVB: https://www.meetinmanchester.com/plan/find-a-venue/victoria-warehouse-p333261
Emirates Old Trafford
Emirates Old Trafford, home of Lancashire Cricket Club is not only a world-class sporting venue but a flexible, multi-purpose conference and events venue. With over 3,600m² of space, 43 meeting rooms and the ability to cater up to 2,000 people across a multitude of events, from small meetings to large exhibitions, Emirates Old Trafford is a truly unique venue! Offering 700 on-site parking spaces and great transport links, redevelopment was completed with an onsite 150-bedroom Hilton Garden Inn hotel.
Website: https://emiratesoldtrafford.lancashirecricket.co.uk/events/
MCVB: https://www.meetinmanchester.com/plan/find-a-venue/emirates-old-trafford-p146071
Chester
Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo is certainly a world-class attraction to explore. It is a unique events venue too, boasting 3 meeting rooms and an exquisite entertaining space in a lovingly restored Grade II manor house. Fully equipped with AV equipment, alongside Wi-Fi access, a 75” screen and projector, in house catering, and events personnel. Alternatively, have a summer celebration with access to the 500 species of animals and incredible authentic habitats and experiences.
Website: https://www.chesterzoo.org/plan-your-visit/venue-hire/
MC: https://www.meetincheshire.com/venues/chester-zoo/
Chester Racecourse
Boasting 35 separate facilities with capacities from 2 - 2,000 delegates, Chester Racecourse’s flexibility is unrivalled in the region. All the rooms in the venue have stunning views over the Racecourse, and feature free Wi-Fi, AV facilities, PA and comms equipment, with in-house catering. All matter of events from board meetings to conferences and trade exhibitions are expertly managed by the team on site. The venue also features 600 hard standing, car parking spaces and 97 en-suite bedrooms in the adjacent Holiday Inn Express. Located less than 5 minutes’ walk from the main shopping area, and easily accessible from Chester mainline station, this is the ideal venue for a large-scale event.
Website: https://www.chester-races.com/our-venue/meetings-and-conferences/
MC: https://www.meetincheshire.com/venues/chester-racecourse/
Peckforton Castle
With a choice of six stunning, individually designed conference rooms and meeting suites, and catering for up to 180 delegates, Peckforton Castle is undoubtedly one of the most breath-taking meeting venues in the North West that will certainly create the WOW factor for your delegates. Featuring free high-speed internet access, fast-track check-in and business facilities (which are charged accordingly), as well as onsite parking and 48 luxury bedrooms, this venue promises memorable events for all the right reasons.
Website: https://www.peckfortoncastle.co.uk/meetings/
MC: https://www.meetincheshire.com/venues/peckforton-castle/
Halliwell Jones Stadium
Home of the Warrington Wolves since 2003, the Halliwell Jones Stadium is also Warrington’s largest Conference and Events venue. Featuring 13 executive hospitality boxes alongside 5 lounges, each playing homage to the rugby league through name or décor, there is plenty of flexibility offered and capacity for up to 400 delegates. All of the rooms are pitch-facing and feature natural daylight, Wi-Fi and Plasma Screens as standard. Free onsite parking is also available.
Website: http://www.halliwelljonesstadium.co.uk/#suites
MC: https://www.meetincheshire.com/venues/halliwell-jones-stadium/
Liverpool
Events at The Spine
The Spine is the new destination for events in Liverpool, offering world-class dynamic event space for conferences, workshops and dining, as well as event production services to accommodate virtual and hybrid events. Its name derives from the striking geometric staircase to the north of the building, inspired by the form of the human vertebrae. It boasts panoramic views across Liverpool City Centre and beyond, with an impressive internal biophilic sky garden with high oxygen-producing plants, which reconnects people with nature, creating a healthier environment that is proven to help productivity.
It is one of the healthiest buildings in the UK, with a platinum WELL Standard accreditation. It has ergonomic, modern and intelligent spaces showcasing the best-in-class building connectivity and lighting design, and offers a flexible design and layout to create bespoke events time and time again.
Website: https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/about-us/what-we-do/rcp-spine
Museum of Liverpool
Credit: Robin Clewley
Set in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Museum of Liverpool sits alongside the city’s most iconic buildings, including the Three Graces and the Royal Albert Dock. Overlooking stunning views of the River Mersey, our People's Republic gallery is perfect for glamourous drinks receptions. Our spectacular ground floor atrium space, with its elliptical staircase, makes the perfect setting for stylish dinners. There is also a variety of outdoor terrace spaces which are perfect for BBQs and even morning yoga classes! For more information about events at National Museums Liverpool and to read the team’s Covid-19 Event Guide, please visit here.
Website: www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/venuehire
St George’s Hall
St George’s Hall is the perfect combination of magnificence and spectacle as a historic Grade I listed building that is the epicentre of the community and cultural history of the city. Grand Columns, a Concert Room frequented by Charles Dickens or our spectacular Minton tiled floor make this a unique and special venue of grand proportions and outstanding facilities able to assist both small intimate gatherings or large celebrations in equal measures making it the ideal place for all events.
Website: https://www.stgeorgeshallliverpool.co.uk/
LCB: https://www.liverpoolconventionbureau.com/venues/st-georges-hall/
Knowsley Hall
Knowsley Hall is a magnificent stately home steeped in history and situated within 2500 acres of private parkland, making it the most idyllic backdrop for any event. Ancestral home to The Earl & Countess of Derby, expect only the highest of standards. The flexibility to use a combination of indoor space and outdoor facilities make the Knowsley Estate the perfect option to host a glamorous client party, conference or team building day. We offer competitive day delegate rates with the option for tailored packages. The opportunity to stay overnight in luxurious 5* accommodation allows you to immerse yourself in a true stately home experience.
Website: https://knowsleyhallvenue.co.uk/
LCB: https://www.liverpoolconventionbureau.com/venues/knowsley-hall/
We hope that you have enjoyed reading about our iconic venues in North-West England! Please be sure to contact each venue’s relevant convention bureau (details below) if you wish to make a booking!
Meet in Cheshire
Website: https://www.meetincheshire.com/
Email: conferences@marketingcheshire.co.uk
Liverpool Convention Bureau
Website: https://www.liverpoolconventionbureau.com/
Email: conferences@marketingliverpool.co.uk
Manchester Convention Bureau
Website: https://www.meetinmanchester.com/
Email: conference@visitmanchester.com