5 Fabulous Historic Venues for Your Next Event

Suffolk's only cathedral provides a unique and historic venue for any event including corporate award ceremonies, film showings, concerts, fayres and workshops.

Both the Nave and the Cloister Garth can be hired, and provide stunning backdrops for an evening's theatre or musical entertainment.

The Cathedral can also offer modern and spacious changing facilities, interval drinks and private receptions for sponsors of VIPs. Tickets can be sold through the Theatre Royal or Apex box offices.

To hire the Cathedral contact the Events Manager, on 01284 748721 or events@stedscathedral.org.

The Athenaeum was purpose-built in the early 18th century as Assembly Rooms where the locals could gather to play cards, read books, attend parties and generally have a good time; not that different from its use today!

It was re-named The Athenaeum in 1854 and is a Grade I listed building comprising a number or spaces available for hire, including the ornate Georgian Ballroom, its chandeliered ceiling and grand décor being reminiscent of the days of Pride and Prejudice.

It is also right next to the Angel Hotel where Dickens stayed in 1859 and 1861 when he was giving readings in the Athenaeum. The Bury St Edmunds records office holds a lovely letter from Dickens, thanking his friend Mr Thompson, who was at the time the proprietor of the subscription rooms (now the Athenaeum) and who had arranged for him to read from David Copperfield.

Five versatile spaces are available to hire individually or you may choose to hire the whole venue exclusively. Either way the rooms will inspire and motivate your delegates whether they are attending a small meeting for 10 or a large scale conference for 250.

For more information telephone 01284 758380.

Steeped in history, Moyse’s Hall has looked out over Bury St Edmunds market place for almost 900 years.

Situated in a beautiful medieval building, Moyse’s Hall Museum houses eclectic collections and exhibitions, and hosts events ranging from themed craft workshops for all the family to historical talks and lectures.

The landmark 12th Century building’s rich and varied past has included serving as the towns Bridewell, workhouse and police station, first opening as a museum in 1899.

The museum is available for hire for various events or meetings. Please contact us for more information and availability.

Contact the museum on 01284 706183 for more information.

Stepping in from the street, the visitor steps back to the 13th century, entering by the original doorway of Britain’s oldest civic building.

Built in 1220, The Guildhall was provided for the people as a meeting place, a community chamber and a public facility and has always been in the control of the governing bodies of the town.

The Guildhall has a range of rooms available to hire for corporate events or parties each reflecting a different era and use the building has served over the centuries.

For more information email info@burystedmundsguildhall.org.uk or telephone 01284 247037.

There’s something stately about a business meeting, family gathering or celebration in an 18th-century country house surrounded by park and woodland. Whatever the occasion The Ickworth will help you plan the perfect and wonderfully memorable event tailored to suit you.

All of the rooms are unique, from the impressive Chinese Room with its original hand-painted wallpaper, to the bright, wood-panelled Boardroom.

To speak with a member of the Events team telephone 01284 735350 or email events@ickworthhotel.co.uk

With so much to see and do in Bury St Edmunds & Beyond, why not book a short break? Take a look at our Places to Stay Guide!