Most popular event spaces in Canterbury
Medieval magic meets modern events in Canterbury, where cobbled streets host everything from dreamy weddings to inspired workshops. Step into Canterbury’s event gems today!
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![Darwin Conference Suite at University of Kent in Canterbury]()
from £225
hire fee / per dayCheck availabilityDarwin Conference Suite
300400University of KentCanterburyThe space has its own reception area, cloakroom, dance floor, and bar. The flexibility of this space allows for a wide range of meeting and event needs to be met. -
![The Theatre at Penny Theatre Canterbury in Canterbury]()
from £100
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityThe Theatre
49125Penny Theatre CanterburyCanterburyOur spacious and flexible Theatre Room offers the perfect setting for a wide range of events, from corporate functions and presentations to private parties and entertainment nights. -
![Garden at Penny Theatre Canterbury in Canterbury]()
from £10
per person / per sessionCheck availabilityGarden
67125Penny Theatre CanterburyCanterburyOur Garden Area provides a relaxed, flexible outdoor setting for events with both hut and bench seating options. The space can be partially or fully hired to accommodate gatherings of any size. -
![1/2 Hire of Garden at Penny Theatre Canterbury in Canterbury]()
from £10
per person / per sessionCheck availability1/2 Hire of Garden
3760Penny Theatre CanterburyCanterburyOur Garden Area offers a unique outdoor space for your event, with a mix of hut seating and bench seating. The garden can be half-hired or fully hired, making it flexible for both small and large gatherings. -
![The Veg Box Cafe Canterbury at The Veg Box Cafe Canterbury in Canterbury]()
from £300
hire fee / per dayCheck availabilityThe Veg Box Cafe Canterbury
5060The Veg Box Cafe CanterburyCanterburyPerfect venue for your next event. With a capacity for up to 60 guests, we offer a warm, intimate space ideal for celebrations, gatherings, and special occasions. -
![Exclusive Use at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge in Canterbury]()
from £1000
hire fee / per dayCheck availabilityExclusive Use
120200Canterbury Cathedral LodgeCanterburyWhether you plan on having an intimate celebration or a grand party, Canterbury Cathedral Lodge caters for any size of party. You may choose an ideal space for you from an array of rooms available at the venue. -
![Indoor Tennis and Events Arena at University of Kent in Canterbury]()
from £7500
hire fee / per dayCheck availabilityIndoor Tennis and Events Arena
20004000University of KentCanterburyThe Kent Indoor Tennis and Events Arena was completed in 2020 and is located at the University of Kent, Canterbury. It has over 3,000 sq meters of flexible flat floor space and can be configured in a variety of layouts including -
![Upper Level with Terrace at The Drapers Arms in Canterbury]()
from £1000
minimum spend / per dayCheck availabilityUpper Level with Terrace
5070The Drapers ArmsCanterburyThe upper level of our pub, along side our stunning garden terrace is an ideal spot for an array of celebrations and occasions and hosts up to 70 guests. -
![Lounge at Penny Theatre Canterbury in Canterbury]()
from £50
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityLounge
2542Penny Theatre CanterburyCanterburyExclusive Use: The space can be booked exclusively for groups of 25 or more. No Private Bar or Toilets: Please note that this area is part of the main bar zone and does not have private bar or toilet facilities. -
![Cathedral Room at Abbots Barton Hotel in Canterbury]()
from £50
per person / per sessionCheck availabilityCathedral Room
150150Abbots Barton HotelCanterburyThe Cathedral Room is our largest conference room offering luxurious air-conditioned accommodation for up to 150 delegates theatre style. Flooded with natural daylight and with access onto the terrace and gardens it is perfectly -
![Whole Venue at The John in Canterbury]()
from £400
minimum spend / per dayCheck availabilityWhole Venue
40100The JohnCanterburyBig Birthdays, Edgy Weddings, Launch Parties, DJ Nights, Creative Corporate Shindigs Capacity: 50-100 | Full Bar Service | Not your grandmas venue unless shes really cool. -
![Exclusive Use at Winters Barns in Canterbury]()
from £9860
hire fee / per sessionCheck availabilityExclusive Use
150200Winters BarnsCanterburyThe Court Barn, situated among colorful flowers and stunning views, is a perfect summer wedding space. If the weather is rainy and the temperature not so pleasant, the barns warm atmosphere will welcome you and your guests.
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Your Guide to Venue Hire in Canterbury
Booking an event venue in Canterbury comes with unique considerations thanks to its historic streets, limited parking in the city centre, and wide range of venue types, from modern university halls to centuries-old manors. Knowing what each space offers can help you avoid last-minute costs and mismatched expectations.
Venue Capacities & Costs in Canterbury
Event spaces in Canterbury vary from small cafés to grand halls.
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Small to mid-sized gatherings:
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The Veg Box Cafe Canterbury suits relaxed meetings or workshops for up to 60 people, with hire fees starting at £300/day.
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The Drapers Arms has a standing capacity of 70, operating on a minimum spend of £1000/day, great for birthdays or casual parties.
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Large events and weddings:
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Swarling Manor near Petham hosts up to 450 standing guests for £500/day, perfect for outdoor ceremonies or receptions.
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Winters Barns accommodates 200 standing or 150 seated, with hire fees between £10,110–£10,860/session, reflecting its popularity as a wedding venue with exclusive-use policies.
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Corporate and academic events:
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University of Kent offers a range of capacities, from rooms for 300 to halls fitting 4000, with day rates starting at £225 and scaling up to £9,500, suitable for conferences or large exhibitions.
Prices often exclude extras like catering, AV, or staffing, so clarify these details early to avoid unexpected costs.
Location & Guest Logistics
Central Canterbury is beautiful but can be tricky for guest travel: narrow medieval streets limit vehicle access and parking fills quickly. Venues like The John or Penny Theatre Canterbury are walkable from Canterbury West and East stations, making them better for guests arriving by train.
For countryside venues such as Swarling Manor or Winters Barns, you’ll likely need to arrange shuttle transport or encourage carpooling. These venues have more parking but may be harder to reach by public transport.
When booking venues near tourist attractions like Canterbury Cathedral or along St. Peter’s Street, consider scheduling outside peak visitor times to help guests avoid crowds and limited parking availability.
Menu & Drink Considerations When Booking a Space
Venues here vary widely in food policies:
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Pubs and bars like Boom Battle Bar Canterbury (300 standing, £3,000 minimum spend) typically provide in-house menus with limited external catering options.
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Hotels like Abbots Barton Hotel offer per-person packages (around £50 per guest) including set menus, drinks, and service staff, great for weddings or corporate dinners.
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For unique catering needs, café spaces like The Veg Box Cafe can adapt menus to dietary preferences, but larger venues outside central Canterbury may require you to choose from their preferred suppliers list.
Always ask about corkage fees if you want to bring your own drinks, as many venues apply charges per bottle or require you to purchase alcohol through them.
Want to dig even deeper? Have a look at these frequently asked questions:
How early should I book a Canterbury venue?
For weddings or large parties, aim to secure your venue 6–12 months in advance. For smaller events or weekday gatherings, 2–4 months is often enough.
Can I use my own suppliers at Canterbury rental venues?
Some allow external caterers and decor, but hotels and historic venues often require approved suppliers. Confirm this during your initial enquiry.
What’s typically included in the cost of hiring an event venue in Canterbury?
Hotels and event centres often include furniture, setup, and basic AV. Many pubs and bars require a minimum spend on food and drinks instead of a hire fee, which can save money if you’re expecting a big crowd. Asking for a full list of included items (tables, linens, staff, cleaning) makes it easier to compare venues fairly.