There is such a huge variety of venues around the UK, from 5 star hotels and large conference spaces to small nightclub venues that it can be very difficult to decide on the right venue for your event.

One option you might not have known about is the incredible selection of British Museums that can also be rented out for private events.

Janet Newenham, Community Manager with online booking portal Meetingsbooker.com, talks us through some of the most unique and historic venues to choose from.

1. The British Museum

Imagine hosting your event in a historic venue that dates back to 1753 and is among the largest museums in existence? Well now you can, at The British Museum in London. The museum’s permanent collection, numbering some 8 million works, originates from all continents, illustrating and documenting the story of human culture from its beginnings to the present.

This is an incredible venue where guests can step back in time in one of London’s most unique, grade-one listed buildings. Events can be held in both the public galleries and in newly designed contemporary conference facilities.

2. Royal Armouries Museum

The Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds is a national museum which displays the National Collection of Arms and Armour. One of the most distinctive features of this incredible venue is its towering ceilings, designed to accommodate the longest staff weapons in the collections, displayed vertically.

The Royal Armouries Museum can be rented out for a wide range of events from exhibitions to black tie balls, to formal dinners in the Armouries Hall to conferences or talks in the Bury Theatre.

3. Royal Air Force Museum

If you are looking for a venue with a difference, and one which is steeped in history, then this is the perfect choice for you. The Royal Air Force Museum is Britain’s only National Museum dedicated wholly to aviation, the science of flight and the RAF.

Just imagine your guests enjoying a glass of wine beneath iconic aircraft such as the Spitfire and Hurricane or enjoying a post conference dinner underneath the wings of the magnificent Lancaster in the Museum’s Historic Hangars.

4. The National Motorcycle Museum

This fun English museum plays hosts to the world’s largest collection of British motorcycles. The founder of the museum, construction entrepreneur and self-made millionaire Roy Richards, started collecting good examples of British motorcycles in the 1970s and then decided to open the museum to showcase his collection 15 years later.

This museum is a brilliant venue choice for more fun meetings or events, or any conferences within the transport industry.

5. The Museum of Science and Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester is located on the historic site of the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station, Liverpool Road Station, and is housed in five listed buildings. The museums fascinating galleries and outstanding collections tell the story of Manchester’s scientific and industrial past, present and future.

6. Museum of Brands

If you work for an advertising company or for a big name brand, The Museum of Brands and Packaging could be the perfect venue for you. What better way to brainstorm new advertising ideas than in a museum that is full to the brim with famous adverts from the past?

Everything can be found here…the brands and packs, posters and ads, fads and fashions, toys and games. Both evocative and inspiring, this museum is a kaleidoscope of images and iconic brands. The museum, which is also ideal venue for evening events, is definitely one of the most unique venues in London.

7. The London Film Museum

A recent arrival in the old Covent Garden flower market building, the London Film Museum is dedicated to the rich history of the British film industry. Its permanent collection uses artefacts, photography, film and multimedia tools to take visitors on a journey through the story of cinema.

With stunning architecture, large spacious rooms and beautiful lighting, this venue would be a great choice for an exhibition or a large reception event.

What are your favourite museum venues to hire? Let us know in the comments!