National Gallery, London

There are famous buildings, and then there is the National Gallery, a striking piece of architecture overlooking London's iconic Trafalgar Square- and quite the British emblem itself. Built in 1824, this splendid Victorian building houses 2,300 artwork, and is visited by millions a year to marvel at its artistic masterworks. 

The building itself is eye-catching, with majestic dome ceilings and intricately crafted interiors, even before you start looking at works by Constable, Da Vinci, Van Gogh, Monet... But this spectacular slice of British history also hosts corporate events. 

You could, for example, host a business reception in the Julia and Hans Rausing room, an Italian palazzo adorned with Baroque masterpieces by Caravaggio and many others - it can accommodate 450 standing guests or 300 for dinner. Or Room 34, which is decorated with 18th-century British artworks from Turner, Constable, and Stubbs - 350 standing guests, 270 seated. Or the Portico Terrace for an al fresco event: it hosts up to 100 guests, on a lovely terrace overlooking Trafalgar Square, framed by grand columns and mosaic floor tiles. 

Excitingly, the Gallery is currently re-designing their daytime events spaces - from 2025 they are promising more flexible meeting rooms and an auditorium. Watch this space!

Crumlin Road Gaol, Belfast

Dispel the notion that working life is a prison by showcasing what a real jail is like. Crumlin Road Goal, otherwise known as HM Prison Belfast, is a former Victorian prison - built in 1845 and Grade A Listed building. It ceased operating as a penitentiary in 1996 and was re-opened as a visitor attraction and conference centre. 

If that sounds a little grim, rest assured - it's an architecturally spectacular site. The largest space, the Lanyon suite, formerly served as a Prison Chapel, but now operates as a conference room that can accommodate 250 people for a drinks reception or 150 for cabaret-style seating. Other, small rooms are steeped in the Gaol's history, such as the Matron's Gallery, which makes for a distinct setting for an event. Most morbidly, there is an 8-seater boardroom named for Pierrepont, the most notorious executioner in UK history. 

If you're looking to ensure your event schedule is livened with fun activities, there's the option for a guided tour of the prison, or team-building activities in a uniquely atmospheric location such as Murder Mystery, or CSI. 

The venue is conveniently located near Belfast City centre, a ten-minute drive from George Best Belfast City Airport.

Clifford's Tower, York

Put aside any corporate espionage - instead, take your team to a location groaning with medieval intrigue and gore. Clifford's Tower, in York, is the largest remaining building of York Castle, a former keep built by William the Conqueror to subdue the rebels of the north. Twice burnt to the ground, the current incarnation was built by Henry III in the 13th century and takes its name from Roger de Clifford - executed for treason against Edward II and hung in chains from the tower walls. 

Its gruesome past certainly lends the locale a grisly allure, but nowadays it has been revivified as an events venue with a new roof deck, proffering extensive, 360-degree views of York's gorgeous skyline. 120 guests can be accommodated on this deck for a drinks reception, or hire the Tower Floor, an open-air, captivating architectural space, with soft acoustics and proud tower walls - you'll feel transported to a different epoch, ideal for a memorable corporate event.  

Important to note, though, that the Tower is accessed via 55 stairs, with handrails, but there are no accommodations for wheelchair users, making it an unappealing choice if you're looking to keep your event accessible. 

Bodleian Library, Oxford 

Steeped in history, and suitably grand, the Bodleian Library is best known as the main research library of the University of Oxford - and one of the oldest libraries in Europe. Initially built in 1488, it was rescued from disrepair in 1602 by Sir Thomas Bodley, who refurbished and restocked it. Some of its buildings have remained in continuous use since the Middle Ages, and now it houses 13 million manuscripts, making it Britain's second-largest library (after London's British Library). 

Its pedigree and elegance are palpable, and make the historic rooms of the Bodleian Libraries a pleasantly heady locale for events large and small. 

Spread across three buildings in the city centre (The Weston Library, The Old Library, and the Radcliffe Camera), The Bodleian offers three iconic rooms for hire: the 15th-century Gothic Divinity School, Convocation House, a 17-century room, and the University's former courtroom, Chancellor's Court. Within the Weston Library, there are more modern rooms for hire, including a lecture theatre equipped with AV equipment, and the roof terrace, which offers unparalleled views across Oxford. 

The largest room has capacity for 400 standing, and 250 seated for dinner, while the smaller venues accommodate 100 seated. Oxford is under an hour by train from Paddington, with the library a 15-minute walk from Oxford Station. 

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh

Any first-time visitor to Edinburgh gapes in wonder at the sight of Edinburgh Castle, the fortress and former royal residence dramatically positioned atop a volcanic rock outcrop, in the very centre of the city. It's an unmissable sight - literally, you can't miss it if you're in the city - and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Scotland's Crown Jewels are displayed within the castle's crumbling walls. 

At night, it's particularly arresting, lit up in amber hues against the black night sky. It's a breathtaking setting for a corporate dinner or event. Guests will arrive to a piper's welcome and a path of flaming torches, entering via a drawbridge - an evocative entry. 

The smallest space, the Gatehouse Suite, can host an intimate dinner for 22, or you can hire the entire castle if you want to through a big she-bang, and host 500 guests for a drinks reception. Guests receive exclusive access to the Castle’s highlights: the Great Hall, the Royal Apartments, the Castle Vaults, and the Scottish Crown Jewels.

Edinburgh's Airport is a hub for European visitors, and very easy to reach, while guests from the UK can arrive by rail or road. There's also a dedicated Events Team and on-site catering to help plan your event for you.