Most popular event spaces in York

Top venues fit for feasts, frolics, and fine revelry!

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Discover top event spaces across the UK

London
Make it happen in the capital
Manchester
Business and culture by the docks
Birmingham
Second city, first class event venues
Leeds
Top event venues in the heart of Yorkshire
Edinburgh
Beauty and heritage in Scotland's capital
Liverpool
The very best event spaces of Merseyside
Bristol
History and creativity in the West Country
Glasgow
Culture and character along the River Clyde
Nottingham
Picturesque spaces rich in culture
Brighton
Fun and frolic in seaside spots
Oxford
Beautiful venues filled with history
Newcastle
Discover elegant spots for your event
Cambridge
Unique and beautiful venues for hire
Reading
Unique spaces in gorgeous Berkshire
Sheffield
Venues that take your breath away
Cardiff
An event to remember at these Welsh venues
Bath
Atmospheric spaces in Somerset's grandest city
Wolverhampton
Lovely spaces for your event in central England
Bradford
Top event venues in West Yorkshire
Coventry
Charming historic venues for every event
Stockport
Charming venues for an eventful occasion
Solihull
Venues for events that impress
Chelmsford
Breathtaking venues in a rural setting
Wirral
Top event spaces for any occasion
Harrogate
Postcard-worthy venues for your next celebration

Your Guide to Venue Hire in York

York isn’t just old buildings and Viking ghosts (though, fair warning, if you book a venue in certain parts of town, you might get both). This city is packed with quirky spaces, hidden gems, and places that locals swear by but which rarely make it into the mainstream guides.

Hiring a venue here isn’t just about finding a space. It’s about understanding York’s weird, wonderful, and sometimes downright inconvenient quirks

So let’s get into it: the best venues, the sneaky good-value venues, local hacks, and the kind of knowledge only a proper York nerd would know.

Practical Tips for Booking a Venue in York

How to Get the Best Deal

  • Avoid Friday and Saturday bookings – Weekday rates can be a lot cheaper.
  • Ask about ‘dry hire’ options – Some places charge way more if you use their catering or suppliers. If they allow outside food and drink, you’ll save a fortune.
  • Look outside the city walls – Nearby spots like Fulford, Acomb, and Heworth have amazing venues at a fraction of the price.
  • Book directly or through a platform like Tagvenue – Some venues give lower rates if booked in advance online.
  • Ask about minimum spend deals – Some bars offer free hire if you agree to spend a set amount on food and drinks.
  • Check for ghost stories – Some venues (we won’t name names) are so famously haunted that staff refuse to work late. If your guests aren’t into that, maybe check before booking.

Transport & Parking Hacks

  • City Centre venues? Forget parking. Use Marygate for parking or Park & Ride.
  • Need taxis? Uber does work here and is generally more affordable than local taxis. Local taxi firms like Streamline and Drive Taxis York ( Formerly 659 Taxis) are still the main competition.
  • Countryside venues? Arrange group minibus transport.

Avoiding Common York Venue Pitfalls

  • Check closing times! Many venues have strict licensing cut-offs.
  • Ask about heating in winter—some historic halls are freezing in colder months.
  • If booking a medieval venue, check accessibility—many have no lifts or step-free access.

Licensing Rules for Events in York 

  • Alcohol and Late Night Licenses
    • Most York venues require a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) for selling alcohol past regular hours.
    • Pubs/bars must stop serving alcohol by 11 PM unless they have a late license.
    • Private venues can extend serving hours with permission.
    • Official source: York City Council Licensing Rules
  • Noise Restrictions
    • Many historic buildings have strict sound restrictions after 10:30 PM.
    • Outdoor venues have to follow Environmental Protection Act 1990 on noise levels.
  • Corkage Fees and External Catering
    • Some venues charge £10–£20 per bottle for BYOB.
    • Hotels and event halls often require in-house catering only.

Please verify all necessary licensing and restrictions information with your venue manager on Tagvenue to avoid any surprises.

York’s Best Venues for Every Kind of Do – From Grand Feasts to Boozy Shenanigans

If there’s one thing York does well, it’s throwing a good event in a spectacular setting. This city isn’t short on venues that ooze character—whether it’s a medieval guildhall where merchants once plotted their fortunes, a swanky rooftop bar with views of the Minster, or a country estate where you can dance under the stars without a single noise complaint from a grumpy neighbour.

Below is a proper selection of venues—all available on Tagvenue—that fit every kind of gathering, whether you’re after history, elegance, or a good old-fashioned knees-up. 

Historic & Iconic Venues

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall (City Centre, York)

If you’re looking for a venue that embodies York’s medieval grandeur, Merchant Adventurers’ Hall is a standout choice. Built in 1357, this historic guildhall is one of the best-preserved medieval buildings in the UK, offering a setting that feels like stepping back in time. The Great Hall, with its imposing oak beams, leaded glass windows, and centuries-old stone floors, provides a stunning backdrop for formal banquets, corporate galas, and weddings.

Hornington Manor (Bolton Percy, North Yorkshire)

Hornington Manor is a Grade II-listed estate just outside York. Originally a Georgian farmhouse, this venue has been transformed into a luxurious wedding and event destination, complete with expansive grounds, rustic barn conversions, and beautifully restored interiors.

The biggest advantage here is exclusivity—when you book Hornington Manor, it’s yours alone. This means multi-day celebrations, private catering options, and no interruptions from other guests. Since it’s in a rural setting, transport must be arranged in advance, but the stunning scenery and tranquil atmosphere make it worth the extra effort.

Modern & Stylish Venues

Sora Sky Bar (Micklegate, York)

Perched atop Malmaison York, Sora Sky Bar is one of the city’s most stylish modern venues, offering unparalleled panoramic views of York Minster and the historic skyline. This Japanese-inspired rooftop bar is a perfect match for cocktail parties, networking events, and upscale private gatherings, with an elegant yet relaxed ambience.

Interactive & Social Venues

Roxy Ball Room – The Stonebow (Guildhall, York)

If you’re looking for a fun, interactive venue, Roxy Ball Room at The Stonebow is a refreshingly different event space. Instead of the usual formal setting, this venue offers a lively atmosphere with pool tables, bowling alleys, shuffleboards, beer pong, arcade games, and a full bar, making it ideal for team-building events, informal corporate meetups, birthday parties, and activity-filled social gatherings.

Unique Countryside & Estate Venues

Low Osgoodby Grange Wedding Venue (Thirkleby, North Yorkshire)

Set in the rolling North Yorkshire countryside, Low Osgoodby Grange is a secluded, picturesque venue perfect for rustic weddings and private events. What makes this venue stand out is its natural surroundings and flexibility—you can opt for an open-air celebration, a traditional wedding banquet, or a countryside retreat with outdoor seating and firepits. Being in a remote location, guest transport must be arranged, but this venue is a dream setting for those wanting a private, nature-filled event.

Bowcliffe Hall (Bramham, Near York)

A truly remarkable country house venue, Bowcliffe Hall is a Georgian estate with a unique aviation-themed twist. While the main house exudes classic country house charm, the real gem here is the Blackburn Wing, a stunning, wing-shaped events space inspired by aviation heritage.

Bowcliffe Hall is perfect for corporate events, weddings, and exclusive dining experiences, with beautifully landscaped gardens and elegant interiors. Unlike many historic venues, it’s been carefully restored with modern amenities, excellent accessibility, and top-tier catering options.

If you want to compare all of these venues, look at more venues all in one place and find the perfect match for your event, check out our handpicked listings today!

Want to dig even deeper? Have a look at these frequently asked questions:

How do I find a cheap venue in York?

  • Go outside the city walls – It’s always cheaper in places like Skelton, Fulford, and Clifton.
  • Ask about minimum spend instead of hire fees – Some bars/pubs let you book for free if you agree to a minimum spend.
  • Avoid weekends – Midweek bookings are often cheaper.

Where can my guests park for events in York?

Marygate and Bootham Row are convenient options for parking near city centre venues, while Park & Ride offers a cheaper alternative to city centre parking—it's best to avoid driving in York if possible.

Can I bring my own food and drinks to a venue in York?

  • Some venues allow it, but charge corkage (typically £10–£15 per bottle).
  • Hotels and big venues tend to force you to use their catering.
  • Pubs often allow ‘BYO cake’ but charge for cutting and serving.

What kind of venues can I find in York?

You can find meeting rooms, private bars, wedding venues, corporate event venues, birthday party venues; basically any type of event venues you can dream up, you can find here in York. We’ve got the best ones listed on Tagvenue.

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