Historic Venues Perfect for Hosting a Business Event
Liverpool City Region is a city steeped in heritage, where iconic architecture and rich cultural legacy meet contemporary innovation.
Whether you're planning a conference, networking reception, or corporate dinner, these spaces offer more than just a backdrop, they create a sense of occasion.
In this blog, we’ll take you on a tour of the region’s most iconic heritage venues, each offering a unique blend of character, charm, and professionalism that are perfect for hosting memorable and impactful business events.
St George’s Hall
A true symbol of Liverpool’s heritage, St George’s Hall stands as one of the finest examples of neoclassical architecture in Europe.
Since its opening in 1854, the Hall has served a dual purpose - hosting the city’s law courts and acting as a cultural hub for music events and public gatherings. Its rich history includes royal visits, landmark civic events, and more - making it a space deeply woven into the city’s identity.
St George’s Hall offers a stunning selection of event spaces, from the awe-inspiring Great Hall featuring its renowned mosaic floor and the magnificent Willis organ, to the elegant Concert Room, famously used by Charles Dickens for his public readings.
With capacities ranging from 20 to 1,200 guests, the venue is ideal for conferences, exhibitions, gala dinners, and more. Blending historic splendour with modern amenities, St George’s Hall provides a truly memorable setting for business events that aim to impress.
Town Hall
A jewel of 18th-century architecture, Liverpool Town Hall is a Grade I listed Georgian masterpiece and the official residence of the Lord Mayor. Built in 1749, it remains one of the finest surviving town halls of its era, with its iconic dome, sweeping staircases, and glittering chandeliers offering a truly regal setting.
The venue features a range of beautifully appointed rooms, including the opulent Large Ballroom, the light-filled East Reception, and the intimate Dining Room - each ideal for hosting everything from private meetings and ceremonies to gala dinners and drinks receptions. With flexible capacities and timeless charm, Liverpool Town Hall brings a sense of occasion to every event.
Liverpool Cathedral
Towering over the city skyline, Liverpool Cathedral is not only the largest cathedral in the UK but also one of the most breathtaking venues for hosting a business event. Designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott at just 22 years old, its construction began in 1904 and spanned over seven decades, surviving two World Wars and shifting architectural trends. The result is a monumental example of Gothic Revival architecture, complete with soaring arches, intricate stonework, and one of the world’s largest collections of stained glass.
This iconic space offers a versatile setting for corporate events of all kinds, from candlelit gala dinners and awards ceremonies to large-scale conferences and cultural showcases. With a main space that can accommodate up to 2,000 guests and the more intimate Scott Suite for up to 100, Liverpool Cathedral blends historic majesty with modern flexibility, making it a truly unique venue for seamless business occasions.
The Bluecoat
Nestled in the heart of Liverpool, The Bluecoat is a striking Grade I listed building with a layered history that stretches back to 1708. Originally founded as a charity school for destitute children, it has since evolved into the UK’s first arts centre and a vital part of the city’s cultural landscape.
Following a £12.5 million refurbishment, The Bluecoat now offers a blend of heritage and contemporary design, with award-winning event spaces equipped with high-quality AV and full accessibility. Whether you're planning a conference, meeting, reception, or creative workshop, the venue provides a flexible and inspiring setting. Spaces like the Sandon Room and the Library reflect the building’s rich past, while the dedicated events team and exceptional catering ensure every occasion is delivered with care and creativity.
The Bluecoat’s unique character and central location make it a standout choice for business events with a cultural edge.
Royal Liver Building
Opened in 1911 as the headquarters of the Royal Liver Group, the Royal Liver Building is one of Liverpool’s most iconic landmarks and a powerful symbol of the city’s maritime and industrial legacy. Its towers are famously crowned by the mythical Liver Birds, said to protect the city and its sailors, while the building itself showcases pioneering engineering as one of the first in the world built with reinforced concrete.
The clock faces are the largest electronically driven clocks in the UK and once hosted a celebratory banquet in honour of British engineering. In 1953, electronic chimes were added to commemorate Royal Liver staff sadly lost in the World Wars.
For corporate event organisers, the Royal Liver Building offers a suite of elegant and versatile spaces. The Royal Liver Suite blends traditional charm with contemporary style, while the Ballroom with its decorative ceiling, marble flooring, and Royal Balcony views, provides a stunning setting for receptions and parties.
The Mersey Suite, a bright and adaptable space overlooking the river, is ideal for conferences and dining events, and the oak-panelled Historic Boardroom offers an intimate, heritage-rich environment for meetings and private dinners. With capacities ranging from 30 to 200 guests across various formats, and a modern atrium space for more casual gatherings, the Royal Liver Building delivers a truly memorable backdrop for business events in the heart of Liverpool’s waterfront.
The Atkinson
Located on Southport’s Lord Street, The Atkinson is a Grade II-listed building that has long stood as a beacon of arts and culture in Sefton. Originally built in 1874 as Cambridge Hall, with its grand stone facade and clock tower, the venue later expanded thanks to a generous donation from cotton manufacturer William Atkinson, who funded the creation of an art gallery and library.
Today, following a £17 million redevelopment, The Atkinson brings together four cultural institutions under one roof, offering a dynamic and flexible space for business events.
With a 420-seat proscenium theatre, a versatile studio space for up to 300 guests, and a range of workshop rooms and galleries, the venue caters to everything from conferences and lectures to launches and private meetings. High-spec projection systems, catering from The Bakery, and a dedicated events team ensure a seamless experience.
Knowsley Hall
Set within 2,500 acres of private parkland, Knowsley Hall is one of the North West’s most prestigious historic venues. As the ancestral home of the Stanley family, the Hall’s rich heritage is woven into the fabric of British history - from royal succession and Shakespearean patronage to political influence and equestrian excellence.
The Hall itself is a masterpiece of evolving architecture, with elements dating back to the 15th century and refined through Georgian and Victorian eras. Knowsley Hall offers a truly magnificent setting for corporate events, with spaces including a grand ballroom, state dining room, and elegant drawing rooms.
Whether you're hosting a conference for up to 200 delegates, a reception for 250 guests, or an exclusive private dinner, the estate’s in-house catering and dedicated events team ensure every detail is delivered with exceptional service. With team-building options like safari experiences, spa days, and golf excursions, Knowsley Hall transforms business events into unforgettable experiences.
Norton Priory
Steeped in centuries of history, Norton Priory Museum & Gardens offers a truly unique setting for business events. Once home to a medieval abbey founded in 1134, it is the most excavated monastic site in Europe, revealing the impressive foundations of a vast Augustinian complex.
The atmospheric 12th-century undercroft, with its vaulted ceiling, stands as the only surviving part of the original monastic buildings and now forms the heart of the museum. Surrounded by tranquil gardens and evocative priory ruins, the venue blends historical depth with natural beauty. Whether hosting a corporate retreat, networking event, or seminar, Norton Priory provides a memorable backdrop that connects guests with the rich heritage of the region.