Venues in Bristol & Bath suitable for over 400 delegates

Bristol, Bath and the West of England are fantastic locations for business events, offering a plethora of historic and unique venues, as well as major hotel brands and purpose-built conference facilities. 

Check out our roundup of venues able to accommodate seated conferences for 400 or more delegates in the region: 

Bristol Beacon

Reopening to the public on 30 November 2023 following an ambitious five-year transformation project, the once in a generation redevelopment is underway to create one of the finest and most accessible music performance and education venues in Europe. The Beacon’s brand-new spaces, which are available for private hire, will inspire music lovers and artists alike to come together to create, learn, and experience the joy of live music. When completed, the Beacon will boast two world-class performance venues, a bright new restaurant, and see the building’s historic cellars in use for the first time. The venue has also set a target to become the UK’s first net-zero concert hall by 2030.  

Ashton Gate Stadium

The Lansdown Suite is an excellent choice for major conferences and meetings. Based in the Stadium’s Lansdown Stand, this conference centre can hold up to 1,000 people theatre-style or 850 for a dinner. What’s more, there are fantastic public transport links to Bristol city centre, and a huge choice of hotels nearby, making Ashton Gate an immensely popular choice.

Propyard

This incredible new space features two indoor hangars, retaining many of the building’s original Ministry of Defence fittings, including huge industrial cranes. The outdoor space has space for street food trucks, stretch tents and a capacity of 500+, even with social distancing still in place. The huge blank canvas that offers 80,000 ft² of production space can be transformed to suit your event or production, including award ceremonies, parties, experiential events, exhibitions or immersive experiences. 

Propyard’s capacity ranges from 150 to 3000 people depending on the nature of the event. The spaces can be hired separately or include both indoor and outdoor spaces. Situated on Feeder Road, minutes away from Temple Meads Railway Station, this thriving new creative hub for Bristol born out of the city’s industrial past is within easy reach.

The Grand Pier

The Grand Pier at Weston-super-Mare offers more than just amusement rides and attractions; you will also find a variety of versatile spaces available for private and corporate events. Choose the perfect setting for your event from six venue rooms catering for up to 600 people. The seafront location also provides a memorable backdrop, making The Grand Pier an ideal choice for anyone seeking a distinctive event venue.

Image: The Grand Pier 

Aerospace Bristol

Aerospace Bristol offers an exciting opportunity to stage your event under the wings of Concorde. The Concorde Gallery is a truly one-of-a-kind venue for corporate and private events, trade shows, conferences, weddings, gala dinners, and award ceremonies, with the last Concorde in the world to fly as the centrepiece of your special occasion. 

The Concorde Gallery seats up to 600 guests for a three-course first class dining experience under the wings of the supersonic jet, while the adjacent Concorde Balcony is the perfect location for a glamorous drinks reception. The Concorde Hangar features a dedicated conference suite to suit a range of events, from 10 to 70 attendees, and is the perfect setting for business meetings, anniversary celebrations and memorials. 

The conference spaces also include a lecture theatre with raked seating for up to 146 guests including 4 wheelchair users, but can be expanded to accommodate 200 guests. The space is ideal for conferences, talks, film screenings and product launches. Larger conferences, events or exhibitions can be held alongside Concorde in the main hangar. 

Image: Aerospace Bristol 

The Bath and West Showground

With vast open-air spaces, a woodland area, a 4x4 off-road course, a miniature railway, and a lake, The Bath and West Showground makes an ideal setting for corporate getaways. The venue combines modern requirements typically found in the city with the relaxing and beautiful green surroundings of the Somerset countryside. Set in a stunning site of 240 acres, the Bath & West Showground features a variety of sizeable indoor spaces, with the ability to host large conferences for as many as 800 people. Smaller spaces are also on hand, including a theatre with a stage & seating for up to 120. 

Delta Hotels by Marriott Bristol City Centre

Situated close to Bristol Temple Meads railway station and Cabot Circus shopping centre, this venue boasts 20 event spaces. Among these is the Bristol Suite, one of the largest in the South West, comfortably accommodating 450 people for a seated meal.

The Winter Gardens

The Winter Gardens Pavilion is a significant part of Weston-super-Mare's seafront and the town’s rich history as a major player in British seaside tourism. The venue’s ballroom is one of the most spectacular event spaces in the UK, and can cater for a variety of corporate events, including product launches, exhibitions, business meetings and team building exercises - the possibilities are endless! The ballroom features impressive audio visual technology, including a large screen, state-of-the-art colour changing lighting system, and a stage featuring various microphone options. 

St George's Bristol

Steeped in Regency elegance and equipped with modern sophistication, the elegant Grand Hall and Glass Studio are available to hire for corporate events – from conferences to award ceremonies, meetings, and networking for up to 580 people. Located just off of Park Street, beside Brandon Hill, the hall, gardens and contemporary extension combine Georgian charm with modern architecture. The on-site team can provide delicious, locally-sourced food and drink options, which can be enjoyed on the beautiful, terraced lawns. The peaceful green setting’s convenient location in the heart of the city centre makes St George’s an ideal choice for your event.

Image: St George's Bristol 

Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel

Located on Broad Street, just a short walk from Bristol Temple Meads railway station, Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel provides an ideal venue for business events or family occasions. The hotel’s largest function room, the Wessex Suite, seats up to 600 guests, making it suitable for large conferences. There are also an additional nine rooms perfect for team meetings, training sessions, presentations, interviews, and private dining. Choose from a wide range of refreshments, including healthy options, as well as on-site eateries Tyrell’s Restaurant and Marlow’s Bar.

Bristol Old Vic

Originally opened in 1766, Bristol Old Vic is the oldest continuously working theatre in the English-speaking world, and a magnificent venue for corporate events. With such a rich history, central location, and flexible event spaces ranging in capacity from 12 to 550, Bristol Old Vic offers endless possibilities to make your event truly remarkable. Event spaces include the elegant Grade I listed Coopers’ Hall, intimate Foyle Room and spectacular Auditorium. 

Image: Bristol Old Vic

We The Curious

Situated in the heart of the city’s Harbourside, We The Curious has established itself as one of the most prestigious corporate event venues in the South West. Choose from air-conditioned rooms flooded with natural daylight and private outdoor roof terraces with superb city views, where you can host everything from unique drink receptions and team-building activities among inspiring, award-winning exhibitions. Featuring a range of dynamic and versatile event spaces within an imaginative and exciting hands-on science centre, We The Curious is the perfect venue for conferences, meetings, training and networking events, awards ceremonies and dinners.

University of Bristol

The University of Bristol is custodian of many fine buildings which help shape the city’s character. With its impressive property portfolio, the University offers a diverse array of excellent venues for conferences, meetings and social events. As a centre of higher education and research, the University’s flexible facilities include modern tiered lecture theatres, large halls, exhibition areas, attractive meeting rooms and extensive sports facilities. The magnificent neo-gothic oak panelled Great Hall in the University precinct seats up to 800 delegates or a banquet for 250. 

Apex City of Bath Hotel

Apex City of Bath Hotel is home to Bath's largest purpose-built conference facility, with the main conference room catering for up to 300 delegates for a seated meal. The hotel is well-located in the heart of Bath, just a short walk from Bath Spa railway station, the famed Thermae Bath Spa, Roman Baths and Royal Victoria Park. 

The hotel features 177 modern bedrooms, including family and double rooms, some of which feature balconies and spectacular city views. The stylish rooms, each bearing their own distinct personality, are spacious and comfortable, featuring walk-in showers, baths, and Elemis toiletries, alongside all the latest technological innovations. The hotel also features a fully equipped gym, swimming pool, restaurant, and bar to make your stay all the more convenient and enjoyable. 

Image: Apex City of Bath

The Bristol - a Doyle Collection Hotel

The Bristol is part of a family-owned collection of luxury and urban hotels, providing modern style and warmth on Bristol’s Harbourside, one of the city’s many creative and colourful quarters. Against the attractive waterside backdrop is the hotel’s dedicated Meetings & Events Centre, which features its own separate entrance, lobby and lounge area. Offering nine elegantly appointed event spaces, spacious lobby and break-out areas, the latest conference technology and 187 bedrooms, The Bristol ensures that doing business is always a pleasure.  

De Vere Tortworth Court

Set in picturesque, landscaped gardens, De Vere Tortworth Court is a historic hotel in stunning surroundings – a place where a centuries-old story meets a thoroughly modern experience. A popular choice for meetings, events for up to 400 delegates, business stays, and getaways, the Grade II* listed hotel is nestled in gorgeous Gloucestershire countryside on the edge of the Cotswolds, close to Junction 14 of the M5, 40 minutes away from Bristol Airport and just 20 minutes from Bristol Parkway railway station. Plus, with the recent introduction of direct trains from London Paddington railway station taking just over one hour, De Vere Tortworth Court has never been so accessible. 

Image: De Vere Tortworth Court

How can Meet Bristol & Bath help? 

Each of these venues has plenty to offer, giving you ample opportunity to arrange an event to remember. Meet Bristol & Bath are able to offer impartial advice and help you find your perfect venue - please contact the friendly team via events@meetbristolbath.co.uk, who are always happy to help.