For event planners looking to host conferences, training sessions, corporate meetings or multi-day events, academic venues in the West of England offer a compelling alternative to traditional hotels and conference centres.  

Many campuses feature purpose-built auditoriums, historic halls and breakout rooms, on-site accommodation, and beautiful green spaces — all within easy reach of railway stations, other transport links and the vibrant city centres of Bristol and Bath.  

University of Bristol 

The University of Bristol has an impressive portfolio of event spaces and historic buildings across the city, many of which help shape Bristol’s distinctive character. As a leading centre of learning and research, the University offers a wide range of flexible facilities, including modern tiered lecture theatres, large halls, exhibition spaces, attractive meeting rooms and extensive sports facilities. 

Perhaps the most iconic is the Wills Memorial Building Great Hall, located at the top of Park Street. This magnificent neo-Gothic space, with its striking oak-panelled interior, can host up to 800 delegates theatre-style or 270 guests for banqueting. Nearby, additional event spaces in the Humanities Building and Chemistry Complex are often used as breakout rooms, making them ideal for conferences and larger events. 

Also located in the Clifton area of Bristol is Goldney House and Orangery, set within ten acres of landscaped gardens. The grounds are home to the striking shell-studded grotto, offering a truly unique feature and memorable backdrop for guests. 

Great Hall in Wills Memorial Building set up for dinner
Image - Great Hall at Wills Memorial Building, University of Bristol

University of the West of England (UWE) 

The main event space at UWE is Enterprise Park (EP1), located on the Frenchay Campus just a short distance from Bristol city centre. The campus is easily accessible, with Bristol Parkway and Filton Abbey Wood railway stations nearby, as well as extensive bus routes serving the area. 

EP1 offers a wide range of meeting and event spaces within a single building, which can be hired exclusively for larger events. Facilities include a stunning atrium, multiple breakout rooms, a large plenary space, and dedicated catering areas, creating a convenient and self-contained environment for conferences and events. 

Interior of the School of Engineering at the University of the West of England in North Bristol - credit University of the West of England
Image - School of Engineering at UWE

University of Bath 

The University of Bath campus is set within 200 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, just two kilometres from Bath city centre. The campus offers 38 versatile conference spaces, accommodating events of up to 350 delegates. There are also 3,500 bedrooms available on campus, along with convenient on-site parking. 

The University is also home to Team Bath, whose extensive facilities include multiple full-sized sports halls, an Olympic-standard swimming pool, beach sports courts, and a judo dojo that can also be used for yoga and Pilates. The site also features the UK’s only bobsleigh and skeleton push-start track, among many other facilities. These sports amenities can be incorporated into your event programme, providing unique opportunities for team building and activities. 

University of Bath - auditorium
Image - University of Bath

South Gloucestershire & Stroud College 

The SGS WISE Campus, located close to Bristol Parkway Station, offers outstanding sports and arts facilities alongside a range of conference spaces. Facilities include an indoor 3G pitch, outdoor floodlit pitches, a sports hall, gym, a 250-seat indoor theatre, and a bar area, all of which can be incorporated into your event. 

Delegates also benefit from access to a 164-space car park and support from an experienced in-house team who ensure meetings and events run smoothly. 

Auditorium at SGS Wise Campus
Image - Auditorium at SGS Wise Campus

City of Bristol College  

City of Bristol College offers a variety of conference and event spaces across its four sites in Bristol. These venues, located in and around the city centre, are available for hire throughout the year and can accommodate a wide range of events, from small meetings to conferences for up to 250 delegates. 

Aerial view of Hengrove Campus, City of Bristol College
Image - City of Bristol College, Hengrove Campus

How can the Visit West Convention Bureau help?  

Each of these venues has plenty to offer, giving you ample opportunity to arrange an event to remember. The Visit West Convention Bureau are able to offer impartial advice and help you find your perfect venue - please contact the friendly team via events@visitwest.co.uk, who are always happy to help.