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Conferences, events and room hire

From a large main hall, perfect for exhibitions or banquets, to a main plenary room for training days, and more intimate rooms for meetings, the Guildhall can cater for both large and smaller events.

Host Your Event at The Guildhall

Whether you're organizing a corporate gathering, an exhibition, or seeking a stunning, historic backdrop for your event, The Guildhall's Main Hall offers an unforgettable venue. York Conferences and Events manages large-scale conferences and events at The Guildhall. For bookings and enquiries, please contact their team at conferences@york.ac.uk.

Learn more about The Guildhall and available events on their website.

The new refurbished Main Hall is also equipped with cutting-edge audio-visual technology, ensuring that your event runs seamlessly. With over 50 years of experience, the York Conferences and Events team is dedicated to providing expert coordination and exceptional service for your large-scale event.

Meetings and Training Days

If you're looking to host a meeting, an away day or training session, York Science Park oversees these bookings at The Guildhall. From the historic Council Chamber, a fantastic and unique venue for presentations, debates, or mock trials, to the versatile Riverside Boardrooms that accommodate anywhere from 12 to 5 people, The Guildhall offers a range of spaces to suit your needs.

Our meeting rooms are newly refurbished and all come with fully equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual technology. 

To book a meeting or training day, or to learn more, please contact guildhall@york.ac.uk.

Why The Guildhall York?

Over 50 years experience in hospitality
A diverse array of spaces to suit your needs
5 minute walk from York train station
Award winning on-site catering
Space to host up to 270 guests
Conveniently located in York city centre

Our spaces

Throughout The Guildhall York, we have a variety of meeting and breakout rooms.

Each room has unique and historic features, providing the perfect environment for creative and dynamic thinking

Meeting rooms

The Main Hall

The Main Hall

Lined with oak pillars, each carved from a single tree, this grand hall serves as a fantastic space for any event. On the ground floor with adjoining courtyard, the Main Hall offers one of the largest spaces available for hire in York, only a stone’s throw away from St Helen’s Square.

This space is one of a kind, with newly refurbished facilities and façades complementing the hall’s original 15th century features.

CapacityFloor space
  • 200 Theatre Layout 
  • 120 Cabaret Layout 
  • 120 Banquet Layout
  • 35 Exhibition Layout  
  • 356.3m2
The Council Chamber

The Council Chamber

The Guildhall York has been at the heart of the City's governance for over 800 years and here's where it happened. Also known as the ‘Inner Room’ or ‘Justice Room’, The Council Chamber was modelled on the Houses of Parliament, and was used for council meetings.

The Chamber retains its traditional arrangement, creating a striking environment for debates and presentations, and an exceptional space for meetings or exhibitions, with the public gallery providing some of the best seats in the house.

CapacityFloor space
  • 47 fixed seating
  • 151m2
Committee Room One

Committee Room One

Committee Room One looks over the River Ouse and comes complete with a grand 19th century table which is the perfect platform to conduct any meeting.

This historic room showcases the masonry that built The Guildhall York, with medieval roof bosses, and a marble fireplace that still bears battle scars from World War II. Leading to the dungeons, it has probably played witness to many a secret in its time.

CapacityFloor space
  • 10 boardroom
  • 45.7m2
Other meeting rooms

Throughout The Guildhall York, we have a variety of meeting and breakout rooms. Each room has unique and historic features, providing the perfect environment for creative and dynamic thinking.

The Foss Room

CapacityFloor space
  • 5 boardroom
  • 11.72m2

The Nidd Room

CapacityFloor space
  • 6 boardroom
  • 20m3

The Wharfe Room

CapacityFloor space
  • 12 boardroom
  • 32.6m2

The Ouse Room

CapacityFloor space
  • 12 boardroom
  • 36.32m2

 

Outside spaces

The Riverside Garden

The Riverside Garden

The perfect breakout area for any event, this tree-shaded patio overlooks the River Ouse and provides stunning views.

The calming and relaxing garden is an idyllic place to eat your lunch, relax in the sun or even host a street food themed soirée for your delegates, co-workers or guests. 

The Courtyard

The Courtyard

The Guildhall York boasts an amazing courtyard which showcases the building’s 15th century limestone architecture in all its glory. This open space can be transformed into a unique breakout space or used as a stunning photographer’s backdrop showcasing the history of this magnificent building.

Ron Cooke Hub

York Conferences

York Conferences and Events are proud to offer access to over 200 stunning venues across the University of York’s vibrant Campus and in York City Centre at The Guildhall, providing the perfect backdrop for events of every size and scope.

Whether you're planning a high-profile conference, a spectacular gala, or a multi-day event with multiple venues, we’ve got you covered. Our flexible spaces allow for seamless transitions between sessions, ensuring your event runs smoothly from start to finish.

Our comprehensive services include:

  • Conferences & Large-Scale Events: From industry-leading symposiums to corporate conferences, we cater to events of all types and sizes.
  • Galas, Award Ceremonies & Formal Dinners: Celebrate in style with bespoke venues that bring sophistication and grandeur to any occasion.
  • Training Days & Meetings: Perfectly equipped rooms designed to foster collaboration and productivity for your business needs.
  • Weddings at The Guildhall: Say “I do” in one of the most beautiful and historic venues in York.
  • Exhibitions & Trade Shows: Showcase your brand or connect with industry leaders in our versatile exhibition spaces.

If you would like to find out about more venues at The University of York please contact the conference team on:

Catering

Our award-winning caterers are here to ensure that your delegates and guests enjoy the best of Yorkshire hospitality and our chefs are delighted to offer bespoke menus using seasonal and local produce.

We're able to accommodate any specific dietary requirements your delegates and guests may have and will work with you to help make your event a memorable one.

A Buffet by Cucina

Related links

For large conferences and events in the Main Hall please visit the York Conference Team's website:

https://yorkconferences.com/

For small meetings and training days please visit the York Science Park website, who manage and operate small meetings and workspaces at The Guildhall

http://yorksciencepark.co.uk/

 

Contact us

York Conferences