Top Expo Venues in the UK

The United Kingdom is home to a number of top-notch exhibition venues and event spaces that host shows and attract visitors from all over the world. Whether you’re a business professional looking to attend a trade show, or simply want to explore the latest and greatest in art, technology, music venues and more, there are so many venues in the United Kingdom that offer something for everyone.

The List

1. The NEC, Birmingham

2. The Olympia, London

3. The ExCel Centre, London

4. Scottish Event Campus, Glasgow

5. Manchester Central Convention Centre, Manchester

6. Exhibition Centre, Liverpool

Here’s a closer look at some of the top venues and best exhibition and conference spaces in the country, along with a list of nearby attractions and transport links to help you plan your trip.

The NEC (National Exhibition Centre) in Birmingham:

Located in the heart of England, the NEC is one of the largest exhibition centers and venues in the UK, with over 21 exhibition halls and more than 200 conference and meetings rooms. The venue hosts a wide range of events, including trade shows, consumer exhibitions, and sporting events. Some of the popular events held at the NEC include the Classic Motor Show, the BBC Good Food Show, and the Ideal Home Show.

Attractions near the NEC:

• Cadbury World: Learn about the story of Cadbury’s chocolate and take a tour of the factory and learn about the impact the chocolate factory had in the city of Birmingham.

• National Sea Life Centre: Home to over 2,000 creatures, including sharks, rays, and turtles.

• Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery: Featuring art and natural history exhibits.

Transport links:

• The NEC is easily accessible by car, with ample parking available on site.

• The venue is also well-connected by public transport, with regular trains running from Birmingham New Street station and the NEC being served by several bus routes. It’s accessable from London, although you will need to allow plenty of time for the train and chages, about 4 hours should do it.

  

The Olympia London, in the city:

Located in the heart of London, the Olympia is a stunning exhibition and conference center that has been hosting events since 1886. The venue has two main exhibition halls, as well as a number of meeting rooms and a theater. The Olympia is home to a wide range of events, including trade shows, consumer exhibitions, and live entertainment. Some of the popular events held at the Olympia include the Spirit of Christmas Fair, the London Book Fair, and the London International Horse Show.

Attractions near the Olympia:

• Kensington Palace: The official residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, featuring beautiful gardens and exhibits on the royal family.

• Natural History Museum: Home to over 80 million specimens, including dinosaurs, minerals, and taxidermy.

• Science Museum: Featuring interactive exhibits on science, technology, and engineering.

Transport links:

• The Olympia is easily accessible by public transport, with the venue being a short walk from both Kensington (Olympia) and Shepherd’s Bush stations.

• The venue is also well-served by bus routes, with several buses stopping close by.

  

ExCel London, Located in the city:

ExCel London is a state-of-the-art exhibition and conference center found in the Docklands area of London and the best venue in town. When is comes to London, it’s the perfect venue and features over 100 meeting rooms, as well as a number of large exhibition halls and an arena.

The ExCel hosts a wide range of events, some of which are free to visit including trade shows, consumer exhibitions, and sporting events. The centre lends itself to more B2B and B2C expos rather than live music, live shows, concerts or a special occasion. Some of the popular expo’s and trade shows held at ExCel include ICE London, WTM London, The London Boat Show, London Comic Con, and the London Classic Car Show.

Attractions near ExCel:

• Tower Bridge: A iconic symbol of London, featuring exhibitions of the bridge and breathtaking views from the top. Definitely worth a visit when you’re in England.

• Tower of London: If you’re visiting Tower Bridge, you might as well visit the Tower of London. A historic castle that was once a royal palace and prison, featuring exhibits on the the castle.

• The Museum of London Docklands offers a unique and captivating look into the life of London’s port and the city’s relationship with the River Thames. Situated in the heart of the historic docks, the museum features interactive exhibits, multimedia displays, and rare artifacts that bring to life the stories of the people and industries that shaped this vibrant area.

• From the bustling trade and commerce of the 18th and 19th centuries to the development of the modern docks, visitors can discover the rich history of the city’s waterfront and the impact it had on London’s growth and prosperity. Whether you’re a historical buff or just looking for an engaging and educational day out, the Museum of London Docklands is not to be missed.

Transport links:

ExCel is easily accessible by public transport, with the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and London Underground’s Jubilee Line both serving the venue.

Scottish Event Campus (SEC)

Don’t forget about this incredible venue. Situated in Glasgow, the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) is a multi-purpose exhibition and conference center that hosts a variety of events throughout the year.

From club nights in the great hall to trade shows, guests are guaranteed to have a great time at one of the world’s best venues. The SEC is home to a range of facilities, including a concert arena, a theater, and a number of meeting and conference rooms.

Some notable events that have taken place at the SEC include the Scottish Homebuilding and Renovating Show, the Scottish Wedding Show, and the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show.

Attractions near SEC:

• The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, a popular art museum, is just a short distance away.

• The Riverside Museum, a museum dedicated to transport and travel, is also within easy reach.

Transport links:

The SEC is easily accessible by public transport, with both Glasgow Central and Glasgow Queen Street train stations located within walking distance of the venue.

Manchester Central Convention Centre

Located in the city of Manchester, the Manchester Central Convention Centre is a large exhibition and conference center that hosts a variety of events throughout the year. Some notable events that have taken place at the Manchester Central Convention Centre include the Manchester Food and Drink Festival, the Manchester Science Festival, and the Manchester Christmas Markets.

In addition to exhibitions, the Manchester Central Convention Centre also offers a variety of other amenities, including a 4-star hotel, a range of dining options, and a multi-storey car park.

Attractions near Manchester Central Convention Centre:

• The Manchester Art Gallery, a popular art museum, is located just a short distance away.

• The Manchester Museum, a museum dedicated to natural history and anthropology, is also within easy reach.

Transport links:

The Manchester Central Convention Centre is easily accessible by public transport, with both Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Oxford Road train stations located within walking distance of the venue.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the UK boasts of some of the most world-class and versatile venues, catering to the needs of every type of exhibition, conference, and event. Whether it’s a large-scale corporate gathering or a niche industry conference, the top events venue in the UK offer state-of-the-art facilities, unique spaces, and professional services to make your event a success.

To make the most of your event, it’s crucial to work with a vetted event management company and exhibition stand builder. These professionals have extensive experience and expertise in creating unforgettable events that leave a lasting impression on your attendees. They offer a wide range of services, from venue sourcing and event planning to stand design and build, ensuring that every aspect of your event runs smoothly and successfully.

With so much on offer, there’s no better place to host your next exhibition or conference than in the UK. So why wait? Start planning your next event today, and experience the fun at one of the most vibrant and exciting exhibition destinations in the country.