Planning a conference in London doesn’t have to drain your budget. While the capital is known for high event costs, there are plenty of ways to secure an impressive venue without overspending. With a bit of smart thinking — and the right advice — you can find excellent spaces that offer great value for money.
At Best Venues London, we specialise in helping clients stretch their budgets further. Our expert venue finders can guide you on:
Low-Cost Venues
Yes, affordable conference venues do exist in Central London. Many social-enterprise venues offer competitive hire fees while still providing high-quality spaces, reliable service, and good-value catering.
Dry Hire Venues
If you want full control of your budget, dry hire venues are ideal. You pay only for the space, leaving you free to choose your own catering, AV/IT suppliers, entertainment and décor. This flexibility makes it easier to tailor every element to your budget.
Outer London Venues
Looking beyond Zone 1 can dramatically reduce your costs. Venues on the outskirts of London typically offer larger rooms, outdoor areas, easier parking, and much better value for money — without sacrificing style or professionalism.
With decades of experience, we know exactly where to find London’s best budget-friendly conference venues. Below are eight excellent options to consider. If you’d like personalised recommendations, call us on 020 7186 8687 and we’ll talk you through the best choices for your event.
8 Affordable Conference Venues in and around London
1. 15 Hatfields – London SE1
One of London’s most sustainable venues, 15 Hatfields offers bright, contemporary spaces on the South Bank, accommodating up to 500 guests. With cutting-edge AV, lighting and communication systems designed to meet top environmental standards, it’s ideal for conferences, meetings, networking events and evening receptions.
2. Crypt on the Green – London EC1
Located in Clerkenwell, this characterful event space features vaulted ceilings, parquet flooring and plenty of natural light. Alongside the main hall, The Well offers a smaller, atmospheric space — also with a vaulted ceiling — complete with a vibrant mural that gives it a distinctive charm.
3. Whitechapel Gallery – London E1
Just moments from the City, Whitechapel Gallery is a stunning corporate venue with world-class design. The wood-panelled Zilkha Auditorium seats up to 110 delegates in style, featuring colourful seating designed by Turner Prize nominee Liam Gillick. Modern AV and onsite technicians ensure every event runs seamlessly.
4. AHOY Charity Sailing Centre – London SE8
Overlooking the Thames with views of Canary Wharf and Royal Greenwich, The AHOY Centre is a standout affordable venue. The Sir William Boreman Hall caters for up to 150 delegates (or 200 standing) and offers excellent value for conferences, training sessions and community events.
5. St Bride Foundation – London EC4
Located just off Fleet Street, this historic venue offers a range of meeting and conference rooms steeped in literary and print heritage. With 12 versatile spaces — including a theatre, bar, library and workshop — it’s well suited to corporate events of up to 200 guests. Reduced rates are available for community groups and non-profits.
6. Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre – London SE1
This modern, architect-designed building near Waterloo features flexible meeting rooms, excellent sustainability credentials and a beautiful roof terrace. With spaces for 6 to 200 people, it’s a strong choice for training days, board meetings, seminars and mid-sized conferences.
7. Mary Ward House – London WC1
A Grade I listed Arts and Crafts gem in Bloomsbury, Mary Ward House offers a selection of elegant, historic rooms, each with its own character. With a large courtyard garden and versatile event spaces, it’s well suited for conferences, seminars, product launches and team-building days.
8. Ascot Racecourse – Ascot, Berkshire SL5
Just outside London, Ascot Racecourse is renowned for high-quality corporate hospitality and flexible event spaces. The Pavilion boasts views over the Plaza Lawns and features air conditioning and modern sound systems. Various suites can be booked on a minimum-spend or venue-hire basis, accommodating up to 300 guests.
If you’d like help choosing the perfect affordable conference venue, simply get in touch with Best Venues London. Our service is fast, free and impartial, and we’ll send you tailored venue options based on your brief.
