Most popular event spaces in York
Top venues fit for feasts, frolics, and fine revelry!
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River Room
120250Yates YorkYorkWe have a fantastic function area available for private-hire which can be used as an event space to celebrate any occasion that you wish! With a variety of amenities on offer alongside our brilliant drink packages available,from £500
minimum spend / per session -
The Atrium
840Roxy Ball Room - The Stonebow YorkYorkDDean B.
“First time attending Roxy ball and it was our staff party. Must say all staff very much enjoyed themselves.”from £54
hire fee / per hour -
Whole Bar Area
126200Sora Sky BarYorkThe space features panoramic views of York's historic skyline, modern interiors, and two event spaces: the Whole Bar area (exclusive use) and the Private Dining Room.from £65
per person / per day -
The Pioneer Room
4040Mercure York Fairfield Manor HotelYorkThe Pioneer Room has a capacity of up to 40 guests in a theatre layout. Perfect for medium to small corporate events, meetings, and training days.from £30
hire fee / per hour -
Wonderbar
70200Impossible Wonderbar & Tea Room YorkYorkWonderbar is the perfect venue for larger events and can accommodate up to 200 guests. Our Wonderbar is an opportunity for your imagination to unfold into a bespoke event.from £2500
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Exclusive Use
5880No.1 York, by GuestHouseYorkAs the name suggests, our GuestHouse can be home to your event exclusively - that's right, all yours! From cocktails in the Rhubarb Bar to casino tables in the Marmalade lounge and dancing the night away at Pearly Cow, ourfrom £14500
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Private Dining Room
4045Sora Sky BarYorkLocated on the rooftop of the Malmaison York Hotel at 2 Rougier St, York YO90 1UU, United Kingdom, Sora Sky Bar offers a stunning venue for events and gatherings.from £55
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Private Dining Room
16No.1 York, by GuestHouseYorkWe're home to the Northern-most outpost of 'Pearly Cow', our fabulous fire & ice concept restaurant and event spaces, along with the Rhubarb Bar and Marmalade Lounge.from £65
per person / per day -
The Gallery
1050Roxy Ball Room - The Stonebow YorkYorkStep into the Gallery event space at Roxy Ball Room - The York Stonebow, where an inviting atmosphere awaits for up to 50 guests. This dynamic venue is illuminated by a warm glow that enhances its modern interior, featuringfrom £68
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The Cambridge Room
3030Mercure York Fairfield Manor HotelYorkThe Cambridge Room can hold up to 30 guests in a theatre layout.This meeting room is perfect for business meetings and smaller corporate days.from £30
per person / per day -
Kuda Main Room
390Kuda YorkYorkWhether its a private party, corporate function or live music event, this room can easily accommodate up to 390 guests and is perfect for your next occasion.from £2500
minimum spend / per session -
Park Lane & Park Avenue
8070Mercure York Fairfield Manor HotelYorkA modern event space with up to 100 guests in a theatre layout. Excellent venue for conferences, presentations, and training sessions.from £30
hire fee / per hour
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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.