Unusual Venues for Hire in Manchester

Manchester has a whole lot of unusual spaces to offer, but some are more in demand than others. The most sought after unusual venue types in Manchester are:

• Museums – Looking for a venue that has a soul? Many Manchester museums are available for private hire. Museum spaces make an unusual backdrop for various events, including corporate meetings, conferences and weddings, too.
• Venues with a view – Spaces with an extraordinary view of the city are one of the most popular unusual venues in Manchester for parties. Hire a terrace bar in Spinningfields or a cool rooftop space in Northern Quarter and enjoy picture-perfect scenery that your guests will remember for a very long time.
• Photo studios – This may seem a bit uncommon, but many photo studios in Manchester are used for meetings, hen parties or even weddings. Most of these unusual venues work well as a blank canvas which you can customise and decorate according to your needs.
• Unusual conference venues and meeting rooms – Hiring a unique conference space or a quirky meeting room is the key to organising a gathering your attendees will remember. Manchester boasts numerous industrial spaces (think lofts and warehouses) that are more than perfect for hosting memorable meetups.

Unusual Venues in Manchester FAQ

How much does it cost to hire a unique event venue in Manchester?

Unusual venues in Manchester come in many different sizes and kinds, so the hiring costs vary. You can find intimate spaces for very cheap or vast event halls that will cost you a fortune! Because venues use different types of pricing, what is included in the price differs from place to place - some spaces are dry hire, while others might include catering, decorations, and clean up fees. Minimum spend venues are a popular choice in Manchester, with prices beginning at around £250 and reaching as high as £15,000. Many spaces offer per person packages with food and drinks included, which usually range between £20 and £100 per person. You can also book a venue with straight hire fees. These can be calculated per hour, per session, or per day. The hourly rates can vary anywhere from £20 to £315, but if you're hiring a venue for a longer period of time expect to pay between £90 and even £12,000. (All data from Tagvenue.)

How to choose the right unusual venue for my event in Manchester?

Choosing a perfect venue is a tough task, especially when you want it to be unusual! First, think of what type of event you’re organising and what type of unique you’re after. Is it going to be a modern and creative space for a brainstorming session? A vibrant underground area with neon lights and quirky graffiti to host your birthday party? Or maybe a venue that offers unique entertainment and activities for the social occasion you’ve been planning? It’s important not to forget about functionality when focusing on the unconventional aspect. Make sure the space not only has an unforgettable atmosphere, but also all the equipment and facilities you need to run your event smoothly. Check what the catering options are: some unique spaces are bars and restaurants that serve delicious drinks and food, but others might be dry hire spaces where you need to take care of the food yourself. Finally, make sure the location is convenient for everyone to get to - no one will be able to take in the distinctiveness of your choice if they can’t get there on time!

Which areas of Manchester are best for unusual venue hire?

You’ll find the most unique event venues in Manchester city centre, with a great diversity of spots ranging from buzzing clubs to modern meeting rooms. The bustling areas of Deansgate and Spinningfields are packed with amazing options both for partying and working! You can also look at some amazing options around Piccadilly station. If you’re looking for an unusual space in a vibrant and lively neighbourhood, you should definitely check out Northern Quarter, while New Islington is perfect for those in search of outdoor leisure areas and open spaces. The borough of Trafford is a good choice for events away from the city centre’s hustle and bustle.

Can you recommend any unusual venues in Manchester?

With pleasure! Some of the spaces that are both the most unconventional and most appreciated by our users in Manchester include:

• Heaven at Hotel Football - located in Old Trafford, this versatile and unique space offers stunning views of the city, a retractable roof, and a small football pitch! It’s an amazing choice for team building events and unique conferences, rated 5/5 stars on our platform!
• Dog Bowl - do you want to play bowling, enjoy some exciting arcade games, or drink amazing cocktails and snack on delicious food? You can do all of that at this fun venue near Manchester Oxford Road station! It boasts an unrivalled 5/5 rating!
• John Rylands Roof Terrace at Manchester Hall - with beautiful views of Manchester City Centre, this unique rooftop venue can fit a crowd! It’s an amazing choice for special occasions of all kinds, rated 4.9/5 stars. Take pictures on the picturesque terrace and enjoy a stylish celebration!