SoGlos’s Gloucestershire venue hire guide provides a handpicked selection of some of the best venues in the county, perfect for hosting private parties, awards ceremonies, conferences, business meetings, exhibitions and launch events – as well as exclusive use venues.
From world class sporting venues to luxurious Cotswold manor houses and unique locations, SoGlos’s Gloucestershire venue hire guide provides plenty of inspiration for your next event.
Cheltenham venues for hire
Venue hire at Ellenborough Park
About the venue
Built in the 15th century, visitors will find this characterful Cotswold country house wrapped in 90 acres of grounds and lawns. Packed with oodles of charm and country character, it's a place where unforgettable get-togethers are made even more memorable by the stunning surroundings.
Offering an Indian-inspired spa, Taittinger terrace, two unique restaurants and 61 beautifully-appointed rooms and suites, too, Cheltenham’s five-star Ellenborough Park hotel promises its guests the height of luxury.
Function rooms
From its cosy and wood-panelled private dining room, lush and leafy outdoor pavilion to the spectacular old chapel, the indoor and outdoor spaces at Ellenborough Park offer guests plenty of flexibility for any event.
There are seven different rooms and spaces to choose from, with the luxury hotel able to accommodate a wide variety of events from eight to 120 delegates. It also offers exclusive-use hire, including all 61 bedrooms.
Catering
Inspired by its proud heritage and love for the captivating countryside that surrounds it, Ellenborough Park celebrates all things local — a passion which is reflected in each of its delectable dishes, made with ingredients from some of the finest regional food producers.
For occasions, there are three catering packages available from £70 per person, each including a three-course dinner with individual menus.
Parking
Ellenborough Park has ample free parking, as well as six electric charging points. The closest train station in Cheltenham, located within just 15 minutes of the venue.
SoGlos loves
For anyone looking to make an entrance, there is a helicopter landing point in the surrounding fields, for a spectacular arrival and exit to whatever extravagant event you're hosting.
To book
Call Ellenborough Park on (01242) 545454 or visit ellenboroughpark.com/meetings-occasions.
Venue hire at Leonardo Hotels
About the venue
Formerly known as Jurys Inn, Leonardo Hotels Cheltenham is located just outside the town centre and provides an ideal place to stay, whether you’re visiting the beautiful regency spa town to explore the Cotswolds, for a day at Cheltenham racecourse, or even for a work event.
The hotel is fully equipped to ensure that, whatever the purpose of your visit, you’re able to totally relax; from comfortable beds and amenities to an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, steam room and sauna — there’s even a gym should you feel the need to work out during your stay.
Function rooms
Leonardo Hotels Cheltenham is well placed to host your event, whether it's an important business meeting or a personal celebration.
Offering 12 fully equipped meeting rooms and function spaces that hold up to 400 people, booking your event at the hotel means you will not only enjoy the personal support of a dedicated events team, but also that you don’t need to worry about technology, as all the essential equipment is already on site.
Not to forget the additional outside space for activities and even a barbecue lunch.
Catering
Tea, coffee and delicious pastries? A two-course buffet lunch? Or perhaps a four-course gala dinner?
Leonardo Hotels Cheltenham offers a variety of in-house catering options adapting packages to create a bespoke menu just for you. The onsite bar also provides a full range of cocktails and bar snacks, making it a great place for pre-dinner drinks or a post-party area for you to relax and unwind.
Parking
The venue offers 200 on-site parking spaces, with Cheltenham train station located less than a 10 minute drive away.
SoGlos loves
For those looking to tie the knot, the venue is also licensed to hold civil ceremonies within its six function rooms, with the flexibility to adapt each space as required.
To book
Visit leonardohotels.co.uk/cheltenham or call (01242) 232691.
Venue hire at Clockwise
About the venue
Handily located in Cheltenham town centre next to Royal Well bus station and just a 15-minute walk from Cheltenham Spa train station, Clockwise's stylish offices and working spaces are as well designed and equipped as you could want.
Its stylish rooms are decorated and furnished to the highest spec, with blonde wood flooring, industrial-style pendant lighting, Saatchi Gallery artwork and designer furniture.
Function rooms
On the ground floor, three meeting rooms offer soundproofing, 65-inch screens with video conferencing systems, fridges and Nespresso machines with complimentary pods and snacks.
While upstairs, you'll find desks, offices, lounges, breakout areas and an on-site artisan cafe that's exclusively for members, all fully equipped with the most up to date tech and connectivity.
Prices start at just £20 for a desk day pass and £25 an hour for a meeting room.
Catering
Two Hands is the members-only on-site cafe, serving freshly made pastries, Bircher pots and hot dishes for breakfast, with sandwiches, baguettes and salad boxes for lunch, alongside barista-made coffees and drinks. The cafe also provides catering for meetings and colleague get-togethers.
Accommodation
While there is no on-site accommodation, workers can choose from an array of fabulous hotels, bed and breakfasts and self-catering options in Cheltenham. Clockwise can also recommend its favourites.
Parking
Members have access to the Clockwise on-site car park and bike storage on Jessop Avenue where the offices are located.
SoGlos loves
The gorgeous rooftop terrace provides spectacular views over Leckhampton Hill!
To book
Call Clockwise on (01242) 569092 or visit work-clockwise.com/locations/cheltenham.
Venue hire at Ian Coley Sporting
About the venue
Located just outside of Cheltenham in the heart of the Cotswolds, Ian Coley Sporting has one of the best shooting grounds in the UK, as well as one of the largest selections of new and used shotguns, with over 1,000 guns in stock.
The venue offers a brilliant place to learn how to shoot under the guidance of friendly and experienced coaches, as well as a unique spot to host business meetings, conferences and more.
Function rooms
Ian Coley's modern space provides the ideal setting for a wide range of events, from conferences and product launches to meetings and evening soirées.
For each event, attendees can expect complimentary tea, coffee and soft drinks to keep them refreshed; free Wi-Fi access, ensuring seamless connectivity for all; disabled access, providing inclusivity and convenience for all participants; as well as air conditioning for a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere, regardless of the weather outside.
Plus, there's a 42-inch television screen for multimedia presentations and visual displays; flip charts available for brainstorming sessions and collaborative activities; private and exclusive use of the event space, ensuring privacy for your event; and even a dedicated events manager who will be with you every step of the way, offering professional guidance and support.
The function room and terrace can cater for 120 attendees standing;100 guests in a theatre-style layout; 50 for a boardroom or classroom; and 80 as round tables.
Catering
Ian Coley's cafe delivers a lovely range of homemade treats, such as cakes, sandwich buffets and its popular Mediterranean mezze boards. For larger events, Ian Coley offers a variety of catering options from bacon rolls to a sit down three-course feast.
Parking
Ian Coley Sporting provides ample free parking on site, with Cheltenham train station just a short drive away.
To book
Call (01242) 870391 and press option three, or email events@iancoley.co.uk.
Venue hire at Cheltenham Racecourse
About the venue
Just off the M5, on the northern outskirts of the town, Cheltenham Racecourse is easily accessible, not to mention versatile enough to host events as diverse as the Darts Masters; live music acts like Jools Holland and UB40; and its world-famous race days.
Function rooms
Promising to wow guests with its facilities both inside and out, Cheltenham Racecourse has an enviable reputation as one of the UK’s premier event venues, with various spaces and suites for hire, as well as 360 acres of outdoor space, making it an ideal choice year-round.
With 10 indoor options ranging from private boxes with balconies to the impressive Centaur concert venue, the racecourse can accommodate parties big and small, catering for anywhere from two to 3,000 delegates.
Catering
The experienced team at Cheltenham Racecourse includes award-winning chefs with the ability to produce everything from canapes to multi-course meals for thousands of visitors — using local and seasonal produce wherever possible.
Parking
Not only does the racecourse have ample free parking, the closest train station is also located within 10 minutes of the venue. The racecourse even boasts its own helipad — how many conference venues do you know that can say that?
SoGlos loves
To help decide whether Cheltenham Racecourse is right for your event, the venue offers interactive 3D tours, so delegates can really get a feel for the space they have to work with, no matter where they’re based.
To book
Call Cheltenham Racecourse on (01242) 539538 or visit thejockeyclub.co.uk/venues.
Venue hire at the Malmaison
About the venue
Operating for over 100 years, the Malmaison is a unique and very chic hotel located in the heart of Cheltenham, providing visitors with a combination of beautiful and unconventional celebration spaces for weddings, events and meetings; 61 stylish bedrooms and suites; and an excellent bar, restaurant and spa.
The Malmaison's expert team promises to ensure that your meeting or event is as slick as it is stylish, with creative catering, the latest technology and excellent service.
Function rooms
Designed to be as adaptable as they are beautiful, with a range of recommended layout options to satisfy all suits, the Malmaison's four Work + Play meeting and event spaces have the capacity to inspire — as well as the flexibility to cater for a wide variety of conferences.
Suitable for up to 18 delegates, Mal One is a chic and contemporary lower ground floor room with a private entrance, its own wall of wine and inter-connecting break-out space. It's hooked up with technology, including complimentary Wi-Fi and easy connections to flat screens.
Slightly wider and shorter than Mal One, the second
meeting room, Mal Two, is a perfectly secluded space away from
prying eyes, with its own flat screen. This room is suitable for up to 6 delegates in a boardroom set up, or for dining.
The Drawing Room is on the ground level and has all the
splendour of the villa with floor to ceiling windows
that flood the space with light. This area can cater for up to 30 delegates.
And finally there's The Library, which serves up to 80 people at one time. These spaces offer the quickest and most intuitive way to collaborate and share ideas, switching effortlessly between laptops and inputs, ensuring the conversation flows quickly and nothing stands in the way of progress.
Catering
No matter the occasion, the Malmaison promises to keep visitors batteries charged morning, noon and night with a range of delicious dishes from its Work + Play nibbles to warming plates.
If you want to keep it simple, the Malmaison recommends going for its Posh
Sarnies & Sides buffet, from its ever-popular bar menu; or if you prefer something a bit more comforting, the Hot Stuff
buffet includes a selection of bowl food from its a la carte.
Parking
Parking is available at £10 per night either in the on-site car park or via digital permit parking on Parabola Road. Please inform the team at check-in to register your vehicle in either parking facility.
Please note, car parking is subject to availability and cannot be reserved in advance.
Accommodation
As part of its 24-hour meeting package, the Malmaison offers an overnight stay in your own boutique bedroom, inclusive of a continental breakfast in the morning.
SoGlos loves
The Malmaison allows visitors to mix and merge its flexible rooms to give you as much capacity as you need for your occasion.
To book
Visit malmaison.com/Cheltenham or call (01242) 370655.
Cotswolds venues for hire
Venue hire at the Corinium Museum
About the venue
The Corinium Museum is located at the heart of Cirencester, the ‘Capital of the Cotswolds’, and plays host to one of the largest collections of Romano-British antiquities in the UK, as well as taking visitors on a journey through time – from its prehistoric landscape to the modern day — and provides an unparallelled backdrop for venue hire.
Function rooms
Offering space for meetings, team building, lectures and seminars, the museum boasts a fully equipped and easily accessible lecture theatre on the ground floor that can accommodate up to 72 people, featuring specially installed retractable tiered seating which enables quick conversion of the space from lecture theatre to a large meeting room, to suit your needs.
The full multi-media suite in the lecture theatre is all controlled from a central control panel and provides a digital projector, WiFi, DVD and video presenter, slide projector, visualiser, projection screen and white board, microphone systems, built in hearing-loop and temperature control.
The museum also offers the use of its new Winstone Learning Centre — a dedicated space for understanding and interacting with the museum's heritage and over 200,000 years of archaeology. This space is best suited to meetings and social events.
For a party to impress, the iconic Hare Mosaic provides guests with an expansive and atmospheric gallery which can be hired out for exclusive entertaining when the museum is closed to the public. With a capacity of 100 people standing or 50 seated, the area can be laid out to suit your specific requirements. With a graceful view of the Roman Garden to one side, this spacious area provides a unique space for entertaining everyone from clients and employees to friends and family.
Or opt for a cinema party with the museum's fully equipped and easily accessible theatre on the ground floor that can accommodate up to 72 people. A lunchroom will also be available for you to decorate and to serve your party cake and refreshments.
Catering
The Corinium Museum works with several local catering suppliers who can provide working lunches, canapés or buffets.
Parking
Corinium Museum is located close to generous car parking and within easy access of the M4 and M5.
SoGlos loves
With gallery hire, the rest of museum and its galleries are open exclusively to your guests. In addition to the extensive Roman collections, the museum also houses prehistoric, Anglo Saxon, medieval, Tudor, civil war and local 18th and 19th century artifacts for guests to peruse.
To book
Call the Corinium Museum on (01285) 655611 or visit coriniummuseum.org.
Venue hire at The Lygon Arms
About the venue
A stunningly characterful 14th-century coaching inn, The Lygon Arms sits stoically in the heart of the Cotswolds — with the signature honey-hued stones proudly showcased.
Guests aren't just met with a warm welcome, a roaring fireplace and a freshly poured drink from the bar — though of course, that's included — but three elegant and historical function rooms, presenting a plethora of opportunities for events and meetings.
Also on offer are 86 unique guestrooms and suites; a gorgeous spa; a fully air-conditioned gym complete with 14-metre swimming pool, hot tub, steam room and sauna; a dedicated Champagne bar; a three-acre garden space; and James Martin's Grill restaurant — featuring menus designed and perfected by the TV chef himself.
Function rooms
Filled with history, the Cromwell Room is named after Oliver Cromwell to commemorate the night he stayed at the Lygon in 1651, the night before the Battle of Worcester.
The Cromwell Room offers seating style options from boardroom, theatre, long dining and rounds, as well as standing room for 15 people.
Similar to the Cromwell Room, the Drawing Room can offer a variety of seating styles as well as cabaret style and standing room for up to 25 people — plus, its ample natural daylight provides a gorgeous outlook to the Lygon's courtyard.
The third and final function room on offer, the Edinburgh Room features large windows for natural light as well as access to its own balcony for added theatrics. It promises to be ideal for any purpose, from large theatre-style presentations to private dining and banqueting, with standing room for up to 50 people.
Catering
Delegate rates for day meetings, away days and residential meetings booked at The Lygon Arms include food and beverages — quotes are available upon enquiry.
Parking
Accessible from major cities like London, Birmingham and Bristol, The Lygon Arms offers ample free parking, electric charging points and even its own helipad.
SoGlos loves
Exclusive use of The Lygon Arms in its entirety is available on enquiry to ensure a showstopping event to impress guests.
From its cosy lounges and nooks to its magnificent restaurant and gardens, take over the hotel's expansive space fit for any event ranging from corporate events, conferences and product launches — always with impeccable attention to detail.
Better still, The Lygon Arms can offer bespoke creative experiences and activities to add to your booking.
A selection of country pursuits such as treasure hunting, walking tours, cycling, tree planting, shooting and horse riding, can all be organised by its experienced team.
Or really up the ante and book a prestigious experience such as taking a tour of the Morgan Motorcar Factory, followed by hiring one of its sports cars for the day; sipping the day away at a local wine, whisky, gin or beer tasting tour; or sitting back and enjoying a guest experience from affiliated chef, James Martin.
To book
Call (01386) 852255 or enquire at lygonarmshotel.co.uk/meetings-parties-events.
Venue hire at Wild Thyme and Honey
About the venue
Wild Thyme and Honey is tucked away in the quintessential Cotswolds village of Ampney Crucis, just outside of Cirencester, where a 16th-century pub has been transformed with 24 luxury bedrooms as well as exclusive events spaces.
Pretty Ampney Crucis is the largest of the three Ampneys — local villages all named after the babbling trout-filled brook which the inn overlooks.
Wild Thyme and Honey sits snugly with its popular pub, The Crown at Ampney Brook. Both of which have been lovingly restored to create a beautiful and long-lasting space for the local community.
The team ethos is all about sharing the best of Cotswolds living with guests.
Spaces have been thoughtfully designed to let the idyllic countryside in, so there is a fantastic feeling of being immersed in nature.
Exposed Cotswold stone and natural timber cladding sits alongside a calming palette of soft greys, rich creams and inviting textiles.
This philosophy shines through with menus, too, which roll with the seasons and the surrounding centuries-old Cotswolds farms.
Function rooms
Wild Thyme and Honey is all about enjoying a taste of the good life and celebrating moments, whether big or small.
In addition to the relaxed pub and dining space, there's also a selection of stylish and welcoming private dining spaces, which are perfect if you're planning something a little more special, from shoot lunches and milestone celebrations to corporate events and family gatherings.
Choose from one of its two stunning private dining rooms, which are located upstairs, the secret garden room or one of three alfresco domes situated along the Ampney Brook.
There's also the Wild Thyme and Honey Suite which is ideal for larger conferences and wedding parties.
Catering
Food and drink is Wild Thyme and Honey's pride and joy. Seasonal, farm-to-table menus are inspired by the idyllic Cotswolds surroundings, focusing on top quality meats, fish and vegetables, sourced as locally as possible.
At the centre of the action is the open copper kitchen, where chefs cook up hearty dishes such as ribeye's on a Robata Grill, as well as jazzed-up classics like prawn cocktail and crème brulée.
Soak up the atmosphere in the bar and watch cocktail shakers mix classic and bespoke recipes, or take advantage of the enomatic machine dispenser and sample a selection of fine wines by the glass.
There's something for everyone, whether it's a casual weekday lunch in the pub, dinner at the chef’s table or a party in one of the private dining rooms or alfresco domes.
Parking
Wild Thyme and Honey has plenty of free parking. The closest train station in Kemble is located within just 15 minutes of the venue.
SoGlos loves
This is a spot for the seriously stylish. Every attention to detail has been carefully considered and it exudes beauty and warmth with a wonderful welcome for all guests. This is a venue where the team knows what it's doing and does it exceptionally well. You're in safe hands with an event here.
To book
Call (01285) 851 806 or visit crownampneybrook.co.uk/private-dining-and-events/
Gloucester venues for hire
Venue hire at Gloucester Ski & Snowboard Centre
About the venue
Gloucester Ski & Snowboard Centre may be home to one of the longest outdoor artificial ski slopes in the UK, but its attractions don’t end there. Ten minutes from the M5, the venue is easily accessible and set up to cater for corporate or social events of all shapes and sizes, whether you are planning meetings or get-togethers for anywhere from six to 40 guests.
Function rooms
There are certain things you might expect if you’re going to hold an event at a venue like Gloucester Ski & Snowboard Centre – if a function space with slope views is one of them, you won’t be disappointed! Of course, there’s free Wi-Fi as well.
Catering
With a fully licensed on-site café and bar in the shape of Eddie’s Ski Shack (named for and opened by Eddie the Eagle), Gloucester Ski & Snowboard Centre has the facilities to serve arrival drinks to delegates, while keeping them well fed, whether buffets or barbecues are called for – with classic après-ski dishes like poutine on offer, too.
Parking
With plenty of free parking available, visitors can concentrate on having a good time!
SoGlos loves
Looking to add on some teambuilding activities to your corporate event? As part of its bespoke packages, Gloucester Ski & Snowboard Centre offers activities including ski taster sessions, tubing and laser tag in the woods.
To book
Call Gloucester Ski & Snowboard Centre on (01452) 501438 or email enquiries@gloucesterski.com
Stroud venues for hire
Venue hire at The Sub Rooms
About the venue
With big names like The Waterboys, Squeeze, KT Tunstall and Macy Gray having taken centre stage at The Sub Rooms, it really is both culturally — and physically located — at the heart of Stroud. Originally built in 1833 by public subscription, The Sub Rooms is now run as an independent, charitable organisation with the local community still central to its ethos.
As well as outstanding performers, the Sub Rooms also hosts a variety of exhibitions and events, including private functions in its beautiful Grade II listed building.
Function rooms
The Sub Rooms has a great selection of spaces to hire for private
events, from parties, concerts and meetings to weddings. As well as being
able to offer bespoke catering for functions, The Sub Rooms has an extensive range
of technical facilities to support individual events. Accommodating from two up
to 500 people, the spaces also work well as meeting and training rooms, or alternatively, for
fairs, rehearsals, or auctions.
Spaces available include the Studio Room which is great for smaller meetings or classes suited to a maximum of 12 people; the stunning Art Deco bar which works well for private parties, catering for up to 100 people; the George Room, well-suited to art exhibitions, larger meetings, workshops and smaller performances for 60 people; the Regency-style Ballroom, perfect for film screenings, conferences, receptions, markets and more, as well as the Central Bar and Kitchen, a cosy space for parties or small music events. Additionally, the pillared Forecourt outside the front of the building is available to hire for stalls, promotional events or rallies.
Catering
The Sub Rooms can offer guests a variety of catering options,
tailored to their specific needs and events. From simple tea, coffee and cake through to cold buffets — or even three-course dinners and lunches.
All food is prepared fresh on-site by The Sub Rooms' in-house chef, who can create bespoke menus as well as advise on and supply wines from local suppliers. Central Bar and Kitchen, the Sub’s internal cafe, is open Tuesday to Friday from 10am until 4pm and from 9am to 4pm on Saturdays, offering a range of cakes, hot drinks, local beers and food options, including sandwiches on homemade bread and Meze sharing platters — and weekly Tuesday Paella nights!
Parking
There is plenty of parking within a short walking distance to The Sub Rooms, as well as Stroud train station being less than half a mile away from the venue.
SoGlos loves
The Sub Rooms offers excellent technical facilities, which includes front of house PA systems, microphones, monitors and lighting.
To book
Call The Sub Rooms on (01453) 796880, email roomhire@thesubrooms.co.uk or visit thesubrooms.co.uk more information.
