As great as London may be, it tends to be where most people go – and stay when they visit the UK. If you need event destinations outside the capital, consider these cities (which are easily accessible by air). Join Todd Bludworth in this Spotlight Episode as he explores the best place to host your next event with Pip MacFarlane.
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Watch the episode here.
Top UK Event Destinations Outside London With Pip MacFarlane (Spotlight Episode)
London is the typical choice for those who host business and corporate events. It is the center of the entire United Kingdom, after all, a complete package for anyone who plans to launch a new product or gather business partners from all over the world. But looking beyond its borders, you can find other beautiful and historical cities that will make your next event even more memorable. Outside London, you will discover new cultures, exciting cuisine, and rich history you won’t find anywhere else.
Todd Bludworth explores these areas with the help of Pip MacFarlane, who grew up in Kent and has visited some of these cities herself.
- Edinburgh
The Scottish capital and a place rich in history, Edinburgh offers spectacular views of old buildings and a traditional experience. One thing that makes it a memorable place to visit is the hospitality of its people, who traditionally open their doors to everyone. Celebrating parties here is not easily forgotten.
What’s in Edinburgh?
- Potential venues in the historic Old Town, with The Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, or in the bustling, neoclassical New Town
- Unwind with scotch and classic Scottish dishes during the evening, such as haggis, black pudding, or Scottish smoked salmon.
- Fun, bonding activities like the traditional Scottish ceilidh dancing (pronounced kay-lee)
- Manchester
Hailed as the UK’s “second city,” this vibrant place north of England is home to more than 200 languages. Manchester even has a large international airport, making it a perfect destination to welcome global guests.
What’s in Manchester?
- One of the world’s best-known soccer clubs, Manchester United
- Great nightlife with amazing bars, ideal for unwinding after a busy day of meetings
- Close to Liverpool, the Music Capital of the UK
- Brighton
Often called London-By-The-Sea, Brighton is only an hour and a half away from central London, and only 30 minutes away from the international airport at Gatwick. It is an arty seaside town, not quite the Florida Keys, but a great example of a British seaside town.
What’s in Brighton?
- The Brighton Festival season, a big arts festival showcasing music, dance, theater, performance art, and more
- The Brighton Pride in August. Brighton is considered the “LGBTQ+ capital of the UK” and is known for its open-minded community and fun atmosphere
- Event venues on the seafront with views over the English Channel
- Amazing nightlife that attracts loads of stags and hens across the country
- Britain’s oldest cinema
- Birmingham
Birmingham is a huge, multicultural city that is only around an hour northwest of London by train. Mainly an industry area, this is mostly familiar to those who have watched the acclaimed series Peaky Blinders.
What’s in Birmingham?
- Cadbury World, home to the most famous British chocolate
- The city center, cultural hub Digbeth, or the historic Jewellery Quarter for the best event venues in the middle of the action
- A huge array of different cuisines and the most Michelin-starred restaurants outside of London in the UK
- A lot of canals, even more than Venice, where most of the trade in the city takes place
Belfast
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and just a short hop across the sea from Great Britain. It is a lot less busy than the big English cities, perfect for events that need a more laid-back atmosphere.
What’s In Belfast?
- The Ballyhackamore district, the “brunch capital of Belfast”, earning the nickname “Ballysnackamore.”
- The popular Titanic Museum that retells how the ship was constructed in Belfast in 1912
- The Giant’s Causeway in the north of Belfast, where you can see one of the country’s most striking natural features
About Pip Macfarlane
Vice President of Business Development at American Meetings, Inc. Pip is a highly successful and dynamic sales and business leader who delivers truly memorable customer experiences through innovative events. Pip is hardworking and results-oriented, with strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills. Proven track record in creating and leading projects, teams, and partnerships that build revenue and brand equity and make a positive impact. Industry-specific knowledge includes pharmaceutical, healthcare, and meeting services. Pip is passionate about delivering spectacular in-person, virtual, and hybrid events for clients and contributing to diversity and inclusion within organizations.
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