Step Back in Time with Historic Venues Just Beyond London
Step into the past while planning for the future. Our collection of historic conference venues across South East England offers inspiring, character-filled spaces, all within 1–2 hours of London - perfect for PAs, EAs, corporate bookers and event managers seeking something truly distinctive. From medieval castles and grand country estates, these venues combine historic charm with professional modern facilities, ideal for conferences, corporate dinners, away days and team-building events.
Why Choose a Historic Venue for your next event?
Historic venues naturally create a sense of occasion. Whether it’s a leadership retreat, a strategy day or a client dinner, the setting instantly enhances the experience.
Spaces Designed to Impress
Grand halls, panelled rooms, stone courtyards, manicured gardens and historic architecture provide settings that make a lasting impact. These spaces aren’t just functional — they’re memorable, which helps to reinforce key messages from your event. Delegates remember the setting just as much as the content, and the venue does part of the storytelling for you. .
Memorable Experiences Built in
From falconry experiences to historic tours, garden walks to themed dining experiences, these venues offer ready‑made talking points and team-building opportunities that strengthen engagement and boost attendance.
Contemporary Facilities behind the Scenes
Although the venue might be historic it doesn't mean the amenities are. Many historic venues feature mordern high quality AV and projection equipment, fast Wi-Fi and hybrid meeting capabilities and have dedicated on-site teams who have years of experience to help your meeting or event go well.
Find Your Historic Venue Today
Imagine hosting your event in a 900-year-old moated castle or dining besides King Henry VIII’s iconic Tudor warship,. Historic venues in South East England offer the perfect backdrop for meeting and events of all sizes. The striking architecture, beautiful grounds and modern facilities help present your organisation at its best.

4 Meeting Spaces | Theatre Style 80

Meeting Spaces 4 | Theatre Capacity 180

4 Meeting Spaces | 50 Theatre Style

4 Meeting Spaces | Theatre Style 80
Discover Featured Venues
Historic Venues Across the South East

Chapel House Estate
Ramsgate
Kent

Chapel House Estate, with its rich history spanning over 700 years, is a testament to timeless elegance and heritage. The centerpiece, a 732-year-old converted Chapel, exudes historic charm, providing a captivating backdrop for weddings and events. The Estate's historic elements are woven throughout its architecture and surroundings, offering guests a glimpse into the past while celebrating in the present. From the meticulously preserved Chapel to the traditional barns and lush gardens, every corner of Chapel House Estate tells a story of centuries-old craftsmanship and enduring beauty.
De Vere Wokefield Estate
Reading
Berkshire

A Mansion House hotel in Berkshire there has been an estate at Wokefield since the first house was built in the 1560s for the wealthy Plowden family. Set in 250 acres of Berkshire parkland, its history is etched in the different architectural features that greet you throughout. Now De Vere Wokefield Estate, the 376 bedroom hotel has been completely transformed following a £20 million restoration throughout: whether you choose to stay at Wokefield Place, Wellington Lodge or the estate’s historic Mansion House.
Weald and Downland Living Museum
Chichester
West Sussex

The Weald & Downland Living Museum is set in 40 acres of the beautiful South Downs National Park in West Sussex. Our collection includes over 50 historic buildings dating from 950AD to the 19th century, re-erected from their original sites in the South East England, together with period gardens, transitional farm animals and a mill pond. The unique site makes the Museum a wonderful location for conferences, team building days and client hosting events. The exhibit buildings range from a reconstruction of a Saxon Hall House to working buildings of the late 19th century.
Royal Maritime Hotel
Portsmouth
Hampshire

The Royal Maritime Hotel is steeped in history, and, as a former sailors’ home the maritime theme is captured in the hotel’s décor with wartime navy memorabilia, artifacts, paintings and relics that reflect its past. The hotel is a registered charity with its surplus income going to support the needs of UK veterans. The hotel's has a library that host several maritime publications dating back to the 1800s. As the former Sailors' Home it was set up to look after sailors and mariners who were "between ships". The hotel has been visited several times by Royalty such as Queen Elizabeth 11 and King George and Queen Victoria. The guests book with their signatures exists to this day, dating back to 1863. The hotel building did not make it through World War II unscathed. On 10th January 1941, half the building was bombed, only for the remainder to be destroyed two months later on 10th March. However, the hotel was not abandoned. The Royal Navy built it again reopening on 4th March 1952.
The Castle Hotel
Windsor
Berkshire

Located right in the heart of Windsor, directly opposite the elegant Windsor Guildhall and a short walk from Windsor Castle, you will find the town’s most historic hotel; The Castle Hotel, part of Sutton Hotel Collection. With a history that spans nearly 500 years and holder of a Royal Warrant, we have the largest conference and meeting spaces in the heart of Windsor for up to 400 delegates and can be reached by train from London in just under an hour. For those travelling by car, we have an onsite car park that allows easy access to the conference centre.
National Museum of the Royal Navy Galleries
Portsmouth
Hampshire

The National Museum of the Royal Navy has 3 truly unique gallery spaces, ideal for corporate events, reception drinks, conferences and private dining experiences. Storehouse 11, home to the Nelson and Princess Royal Galleries, is steeped in naval heritage fully equipped with modern audiovisual equipment this is the perfect location for corporate events and meetings. The Victory Gallery houses our ornate collection of original naval figureheads and artefacts from HMS Victory. Split across two-levels, this space also has a balcony tucked away on the top level, with looks out into Portsmouth Harbour ideal for networking drinks and canapes.
Royal Holloway
Windsor
Surrey

Royal Holloway University was founded in 1886 by Thomas Holloway, a self-made multi-millionaire. The flagship, Grade 1 listed Founder’s Building boasts flamboyant Victorian architecture, making it one of the most impressive university buildings in the world. Within the building, the Picture Gallery houses one of the finest collections of Victorian art the country has to offer. It provides a perfect space in which to host a reception or banquet of up to 120 people and is also suitable for meetings and small exhibitions. Curator lectures and guided tours can also be arranged.
Royal Adelaide Hotel
Windsor
Berkshire

Welcome to The Royal Adelaide, an independent family owned boutique hotel in Windsor. This elegant and historic property dates back to the 1800s and is situated in a coveted location opposite the famous Long Walk and a short stroll from Windsor Castle, Windsor and Ascot racecourses, local shops & restaurants. Named after Queen Adelaide, the hotel can trace back trading as far back as the 1830s.
Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower
Portsmouth
Hampshire

For a unique conference venue or beautiful dining space, consider the exclusive hire of this stunning 18th century Grand Magazine, a gunpowder store originating from 1771. The space boasts a magnificent vaulted ceiling and beautiful Georgian wood floors that are perfect for receptions or large gatherings.
Leeds Castle
Maidstone
Kent

Elevate your meetings and conferences to new heights at the historic Leeds Castle. Set amidst the idyllic Kent countryside, this historic venue offers an unparalleled backdrop for impactful and productive events. From intimate boardroom sessions to grand conferences, their flexible and well-equipped function rooms cater to every requirement. Enjoy the seamless integration of modern technology in an atmosphere of timeless elegance. Take advantage of expert event planning and attentive service, ensuring that every detail is meticulously executed. Delivering a seamless blend of professionalism and tranquillity, Leeds Castle is the ultimate choice for unforgettable and successful meetings.
Portsmouth Guildhall
Portsmouth
Hampshire

Step back in time and host your conference or event in the historic Portsmouth Guildhall. Completed in 1890 by architect William Hill, the building was originally named the Town Hall and drew inspiration from Hill's earlier design of Bolton Town Hall. Renamed the Guildhall in 1926, the building suffered catastrophic damage during WWII but survived thanks to the resilience of Portsmouth and its people. Rebuilt and reopened in 1959 by HM The Queen, the Guildhall is now a leading conference and concert venue. Experience the city's indomitable spirit at the Portsmouth Guildhall.
The Queens Hotel Portsmouth
Portsmouth
Hampshire

The Queens Hotel sits on the edge of Southsea Common just a few minutes’ walk from the beach. Within walking distance is the D-Day Museum and Historic Dockyard, home to the Royal Navy and attractions such as HMS Warrior, HMS Victory and The Mary Rose. Originally built in 1861 by Augustus Livesay, Southsea House was first constructed as a large private home for Sir John and Lady Morris. The house was situated in an almost identical position to the front half of the existing hotel, but was at that time surrounded by woodland – stone woods – and the Royal Albert Yacht Club. In the latter part of the 19th century, around 1865, during a boom in construction and tourism in Southsea, the house was converted into a hotel by William Kemp Junior. The Queens became one of the first hotels in Portsmouth. The current owners took over in April 2017 and commenced a painstaking, multi-million pound restoration and redevelopment of the hotel to return her to her former glory.
