6 min readIf you’re looking for something different and memorable for your next meeting, conference or event, sports venues in the West of England offer far more than just match-day excitement. From state-of-the-art conference suites to extensive, world-class sports and team-building facilities, these venues combine professional event infrastructure with inspiring environments that energise delegates.
Across Bristol, Bath and the surrounding region, sports venues are increasingly becoming go-to choices for event planners seeking flexible spaces, excellent transport connections and something a little different from the traditional hotel conference room. Below are some of the sporting venues in the West of England ready to host and elevate your next event.
Ashton Gate Stadium
Home to Bristol City Football Club and Bristol Bears, Ashton Gate is one of the region’s standout sports venues. The stadium was famously used as a host venue for the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup, the largest celebration of women’s rugby to date.
Ashton Gate offers extensive event facilities, with more than 5,000 square metres of floor space suitable for events of all sizes. Its largest space, the Lansdown Suite, can accommodate up to 1,000 delegates theatre-style or 850 guests for dinner.
Looking ahead, a new 4,000-seat Sports & Convention Centre is planned as part of the Sporting Quarter development. This will include the convention centre, a hotel and a multi-storey car park, allowing the venue to host even larger events in Bristol. The development is currently scheduled to open in 2028.
Image - Hospitality Suite at Ashton Gate Stadium
The Bristol Pavilion
The Bristol Pavilion, home to Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, is located just 1.5 miles from Bristol city centre and a short distance from Ashley Down railway station in North Bristol.
The modern conference centre features four high-quality function rooms and six smaller meeting spaces, all overlooking the cricketing arena. These flexible spaces are ideal for business meetings, training courses, conferences and exhibitions. Ample free on-site parking adds to the venue’s convenience.
In 2026, the club will host six fixtures as part of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, further highlighting Bristol’s growing reputation as a hub for major women’s sporting events.
Image - Meeting room at Gloucestershire County Cricket Club
Bath Racecourse
Bath Racecourse, situated on Lansdown Hill, has panoramic views of Bath city and the surrounding countryside, is a prominent venue for flat horse racing and is known as the highest flat racecourse in the UK. Beyond the thrill of racing, the venue offers a range of event spaces, including light and spacious meeting rooms, a rooftop terrace overlooking the racecourse for networking receptions, and the Paddock Pavilion – a glass-fronted marquee that can host up to 500 guests.
The venue also features acres of green space ideal for summer parties and outdoor activities such as archery, treasure hunts and go-karting. Events can even be scheduled alongside a race meeting, with tickets included as part of the entertainment.
Image - Terrace at Bath Racecourse
Bowood Golf Resort
Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort is a luxury venue set within 2,000 acres of Wiltshire countryside on the historic Bowood Estate.
Offering versatile meeting and event spaces, stylish accommodation, a luxury spa and a championship 18-hole PGA golf course, Bowood provides an inspiring setting for conferences, meetings and corporate events. Despite its tranquil countryside location, it is within easy reach of major motorways.
The estate’s parkland and terrace spaces are also perfect for summer parties, drinks receptions, garden dining and outdoor team-building activities.
Image - Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort
Team Bath at the 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.
Image - University of Bath
Mendip Adventure
Nestled in the Mendip hills, Mendip Activity Centre is a dynamic venue for team-building events and corporate away days.
The site features an indoor residential centre, three canvas villages and Mendip Basecamp, a family adventure campsite. Across the surrounding landscape, more than 30 outdoor activities are available, including rock climbing, caving, skiing, tobogganing, snowboarding, archery, axe throwing, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding.
Image - Mendip Activity Centre
Bath Rugby at Farleigh House
Farleigh House is a Georgian mansion set in the Somerset countryside just outside Bath. It also serves as the professional training facility for Bath Rugby.
The venue offers flexible spaces including the Grand Hall, Auditorium and 135 acres of outdoor grounds. Events can also include a range of activities such as archery, mini golf, creative workshops, bake-off experiences or chocolate making.
Farleigh House provides a refreshing corporate escape and an inspiring environment for product launches, meetings and in-person team gatherings.
Image - Farleigh House
The Wave
The Wave Bristol is a unique inland surf destination just outside the city, offering consistent, world-class waves in a striking natural setting. Set around a crystal-clear lake with panoramic views, the venue's flexible indoor and outdoor event spaces, including an outdoor terrace overlooking the water.
Events for groups of 10 to 200 people can be hosted here, providing a refreshing alternative to traditional conference venues – and even the opportunity for delegates to get on the water.
Image - The Wave
Mojo Active
Mojo Active is one of Bristol’s largest outdoor activity centres, set within 80 acres of private fields and woodland near Cribbs Causeway.
With more than 25 activities available, including high ropes, archery, axe throwing, den building and a full military-style assault course, Mojo Active offers an exciting way to incorporate team building into your event programme.
Image - Mojo Active
How can Visit West Convention Bureau help?
Each of these venues offers something special, giving you plenty of options when planning an unforgettable event in the West of England.
The Visit West Convention Bureau can provide impartial advice and help you find the perfect venue for your event in Bristol, Bath and the surrounding region. To speak to the team, contact events@visitwest.co.uk — they will be happy to help.
