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You could describe London as England's New York or France's Paris. England's capital is undoubtedly an intriguing place and one of the global destinations that are tourist magnets. Still, so many other aspects make London one of the world's culturally vibrant cities.
London is where you'll find three of the top ten galleries and museums on the global list. The city has an estimated 857 art galleries, showcasing its profound appreciation for art, perfect for organizing creative events.
They say that Londoners are a cross-section of people who have immigrated from across the planet, hence the 300-plus different languages spoken within the city. This diversity is celebrated in about 200 festivals annually, including the Mayor's Thames Festival, one of the largest and biggest street festivals in Europe. From Harry Potter to A Clockwork Orange, the city has also hosted several film productions, further highlighting London as a prime location for unique venues.
Start your search for unusual event spaces in London with these tips, whether you're looking for a versatile space in East London, quirky venues in Central London, secret gardens in North London, or a secret bar in Notting Hill.
From hotspots like London Bridge to historical performance spaces in the West End like Wilton’s Music Hall, there's plenty to see and do around the city, offering an array of memorable experiences.
London Eye
The Millennium Wheel, commonly known as the London Eye, is the tallest cantilevered observation wheel in Europe that offers magnificent views of the city. The best aspect of the ride is that it moves slowly, enabling you to relax and take in all the beauty London has to offer. Hop on the ride in the evening for an unforgettable night.
Warner Bros Studios
A sister venue to its US counterpart, London's Warner Bros Studios is located just outside the city in Leavesden. If you want to experience first-hand the filming of Harry Potter, Warner Bros Studios is a must-visit. Here, you will walk into a mystical land with iconic sets, costumes, props, special & visual effects, and animatronic creatures. You may never want to leave once you set foot in these incredible studios.
SEA LIFE London Aquarium
Just a short walk from the London Eye, SEA LIFE London Aquarium lets you dive into an exciting underwater world. The aquarium currently displays over 5,000 creatures and introduced robotic fish designed like real fish a couple of years ago. Nothing beats learning about the marine world and testing your nerves than spending time at the aquarium.
James Bond Walking Tour of London
Walk in the shoes of the most famous secret agent in the world on a James Bond Walking Tour in London. Discover some of the most iconic locations from successful James Bond films like No Time to Die and Spectre. Explore aspects of the British Secret Service and marvel at the Old War Office Building, a Grade II listed building completed in 1906.
Covent Garden
Covent Garden is an entertainment hub in London's West End. With its diverse shops and cultural activities, such as British cuisine, live music, and theatre, this unusual venue is ideal for hosts looking to provide an amazing experience for their guests. This unique venue is an excellent place to explore the history of one of London's liveliest districts.
London is where you'll find more than a fifth of the UK's cinema screens, making it the prime location for film screenings. In fact, the city is considered the country's film mecca. With a project always in the works, you'll also come across diverse selections of production spaces in London.
London Studios and Flats
The unique events of the 1955 comedy The Ladykillers unfolded at the King's Cross townhouse with exposed brick walls, where a criminal gang congregated to make their nefarious plans. While most of the other film shoot locations in London have gone through aggressive redevelopments, it's easy to see how the city's studios and flats provide a unique backdrop for production.
Supermarkets
Supermarkets are great film shoot locations in London for a wide range of creative projects. They mainly work for music videos, documentaries, news video segments, and company profiles. For instance, in 2019, the BBC released a documentary profile titled Inside the Supermarket, focussing on the popular Sainsbury's stores. This is just what you need for your upcoming filming project.
Popular Attractions
Popular attractions are great filming locations in London when you want to set the scene or record establishing shots. Trafalgar Square in Central London is a world-famous landmark, which is why it features in several productions. You've probably seen it in Captain America: The First Avenger, Edge of Tomorrow, and St Trinian’s. Wembley Stadium served as the setting for a high-paced car chase scene in Fast & Furious 6.
Rooftops
Thanks to special effects, Austin Powers in Goldmember used the old County Hall roof as Austin's pad. The 2020 drama Rocks did justice to the city by showcasing some of the rooftop locations in East London. The street-level realities further added to the film's overall cinematic appeal.
Film/Photography Studios
The BBC television studios provided a backdrop for the 1964 comedy A Hard Day's Night. Narrating the story about a Liverpool band, the film also used several other unusual venues in London for production, including the Marylebone Station. Film studios offer controlled environments that are decked out with arrays of filming equipment.
Although London inspires fun, it also means business. The city hosts several major networking events each year. As you search for a unique venue in London for your next event, you may come across unusual venues that pique your interest.
Boardrooms and Business Lounge Spaces
London's corporate event venues, available for private hire, vary from boardrooms to business lounge spaces. Boardrooms are where great deals are made, and they equally serve as ideal settings for diverse business-related functions such as office parties, corporate meetings, or team-building events. Business lounges favour occasions when you want to impress a group of investors or upper management. They offer full venue hire with the luxury of a private entrance.
Tapas Bars and Cafes
Cafes and tapas bars also work as unique venues in London for diverse functions like corporate events or birthday parties. These are the best venues for party planners seeking a fine dining experience or cocktail bar service at their event space. The airy spaces provide the perfect spot to host baby showers, small performances, and mixers enriched by the sounds of live music. The added benefit is having access to an in-house catering and planning team.
Converted Subways
From van conversions to subway transformations, the upcycling movement has contributed to the selection of funky venues in London. Converted subways, in particular, allow you to treat your event guests to a unique setting with railway arches. These unique venues favour occasions like engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, and occasionally fashion shows. A quirky venue hire like the Subway East in London will be the perfect venue for a fun private party.
Libraries
Libraries also double as unique event venues in London and they suit arrays of functions. From book launches to TedTalk-type events, libraries provide the ideal setting to host knowledge-based events. The layout of these unique venues also works as a perfect space for public lectures, product launches, workshops, and discussion-related functions.
Lofts
Lоfts typісally favоur prе-wеdding-rеlatеd оссasions, but the versatility of this unique event space also makes it great for other types of social gatherings, like private parties and birthday celebrations. Even better, the entire venue benefits from the natural light provided by its top-floor location. You can set up a cosy open bar for your guests to enjoy a refreshing drink while taking in stunning views of the London skyline.
