With their distinctive blend of charm, character and prestige, unique venues have the power to transform any event into a truly unforgettable experience. Leeds Castle’s sales manager Jenny George explains why she feels unusual and historic venues are a winner for impactful meetings and events.
The whole package
In an industry filled with purpose-built, blank canvas conference venues, historic or unique venues can sometimes be overlooked. While purpose-built spaces absolutely have their place, I would like to argue that there is a role for more unusual spaces too. These spaces offer the exact opposite of a blank canvas, and that, I believe, is the point. Their character and charm are there to be enjoyed, and are always part of the experience.
Whether it’s the chandeliers and tapestries in the 80-guest capacity meeting room of The Maiden’s Tower or the vaulted ceiling and archways of Leeds Castle’s newest event space, The Gatehouse, unique venues offer their personality as part of the package, adding style, gravitas, and something a little out of the ordinary to an event. I personally wouldn’t have it any other way.
Talking points
We’ve all had that experience of walking into a unique venue and exclaiming ‘ooh’ or ‘wow’ out loud. I still feel this way whenever I see the 900-year-old Leeds Castle (complete with moat and drawbridge) where I work every day. With its mix of medieval, Tudor and gothic architecture – and fascinating history as a home to kings and queens such as King Richard III, Katherine of Aragon and Queen Eleanor of Castille – it is a truly inspiring place to work.
Unique and historic venues can pep you up and spark the imagination in a way that purpose-built venues often can’t. They invite discussion and feelings of wonder, and this is a perfect starting point to engage attendees, whether for a glittering networking event or a corporate brainstorming session. Being removed from the everyday world, surrounded by nature and immersed in history is the perfect setting to inspire out of the box thinking and creativity.
An event to remember
In recent years, it’s become more important to add value to events, to entice people from their desks or homes, especially against a backdrop of increasingly stretched budgets and resources. An event in a unique or historic venue offers delegates something that little bit different: a one-of-a-kind experience that leaves a lasting impression long after the event has finished, and this can provide the extra pull to attract people to your event.
Unique venues have a remarkable ability to inspire and engage attendees, spark discussions and foster creativity. Offering a refreshing break from the ordinary, they leave event planners and delegates with a truly memorable and impactful experience.
