Exhibition Venues In The UK: Destinations For Business Success

The United Kingdom is home to many top-notch exhibition venues and event spaces that host shows and attract visitors worldwide. Whether you’re a business professional looking to attend an exhibition or want to explore the latest and greatest in art, technology, or music, British exhibition venues offer something for everyone.

Join us for this jam-packed article, where we explore everything you need to know about six major British exhibition venues. From London to Glasgow and Birmingham to Liverpool, these major centres are the place to be for all things UK events.

What Are The Top Exhibition Venues In The UK?

1. The NEC, Birmingham
2. The Olympia, London
3. The ExCel Centre, London
4. Scottish Event Campus (SEC), Glasgow
5. Manchester Central Convention Centre, Manchester
6. Exhibition Centre, Liverpool

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

1. The NEC (National Exhibition Centre) In Birmingham

Located in the heart of England, the NEC is one of the largest exhibition centres and venues in the UK, with over 21 exhibition halls and more than 200 conference and meeting rooms. This event space hosts a wide range of events, including business exhibitions, and sporting events. Top Birmingham events 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, 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 was built strategically in an area with nearby major transport links:

• The NEC is easily accessible by car via nearby motorways, with ample parking available on-site that you can reserve in advance.
• The venue is also well-connected by public transport, with regular trains running from Birmingham New Street station.
• The NEC is also served by several bus routes.
• It’s accessible from London, although you will need to allow plenty of time for the train and line changes.
• International visitors will be pleased to know that this iconic venue is located near the Birmingham airport for easy access.

For those looking to exhibit, working with an experienced exhibition stand builder in Birmingham ensures your presence at the NEC is professional, eye-catching, and strategically designed to maximise engagement.

2. The London Olympia

Located in the central-western area of London, the Olympia is a stunning exhibition venue that has hosted events since 1886. The venue has two main exhibition halls, meeting rooms, and a theatre.

The Olympia is one of the country’s most versatile event spaces, and hosts trade events, consumer exhibitions, private events and live entertainment. Some popular London 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.
• The Natural History Museum: Home to over 80 million specimens, including exhibits on dinosaurs, minerals, outer space, and taxidermy.
• Science Museum: A series of historic buildings housing interactive exhibits on science, technology, and engineering.

Transport Links:

As one of the two main trade fair venues in London, the Olympia is best accessed by public transport:

• The venue is a very short walk away from the Kensington (Olympia) Overground station on the Mildmay Line.
• It’s also a short walk from the Shepherd’s Bush underground station on the Central Line.
• It’s also conveniently located along major bus routes, with several buses stopping nearby.
• For those travelling by car, there are both on-site and off-site parking options.
• This venue falls under the London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), so additional charges may apply for motorists.

If you’re planning to exhibit at this iconic venue, partnering with a skilled Olympia exhibition stand builder ensures your stand is tailored to the venue’s layout, regulations, and high visitor expectations—giving you the best chance to make a lasting impression.

3. ExCel London

ExCel London is a state-of-the-art London exhibition centre in the historic Docklands area of the capital; it’s also the largest venue in town. As one of the more unique exhibition venues in London, ExCeL features over 100 meeting rooms, large exhibition halls, and an arena.

This event space has an enviable reputation and hosts a wide range of events, including consumer exhibitions, and large-scale conferences; some of these are free to visit. It lends itself more to B2B and B2C expos rather than live music, live performances, concerts, or other special occasions. Some popular ExCeL London events include the Retail Technology Show, WTM London, the Business Show, London Comic Con, and the London Classic Car Show.

Attractions Near ExCel:

• Tower Bridge: An iconic symbol of London, featuring exhibitions of the bridge and breathtaking views from the top. Its worth a visit when you’re in England, even if it’s a bit further from the exhibition venue.
• Tower of London: If you visit Tower Bridge, you should see the nearby Tower of London. It’s a historic castle that was once a royal palace and prison, featuring exhibits on the royal court through the medieval era to the present day.
• The Museum of London Docklands: 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 artefacts.

Transport Links:

Just like the London Olympia, access to the ExCel is easy via public transport:

• The Elizabeth Line serves the nearby Custom House for ExCeL station on the London Overground rail network.
• Docklands Light Railway (DLR) also stops right by venue
• These rail transport options are generally considered the quickest transport option in and around the London area.
• Cyclists and pedestrians can take advantage of ExCeL’s free-to-use cycle racks located near the west entrance.
• Looking to visit the ExCeL by car? A dedicated car park is available but can only be accessed from the A13.
• Motorists should try and pre-book their parking places to avoid disappointment.
• The ExCeL falls under the London ULEZ area, meaning additional costs if you’re driving to the venue.
• London City Airport is less than a stone’s throw away.

4. Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow

Remember this unique venue! Situated in Glasgow, the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) is an incredible multi-purpose exhibition and conference centre that hosts world-renowned events throughout the year.

From club nights in the great hall to exciting conferences, guests are guaranteed to have a great time at one of the world’s best venues. The SEC has various facilities, including a concert arena, a theatre, and several 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 The SEC:

• The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum: A famous art museum, which is just a short distance away.
• The Riverside Museum: A treasure trove of historic transport and travel; it is also within easy reach.

Transport Links:

The SEC is easily accessible by a multitude of transport options. Both Glasgow Central and Queen Street train stations are within walking distance of the venue, which also has its own railway station called “Exhibition Centre”. Trains into Glasgow run frequently from both London and Edinburgh.

As of June 2023, the Glasgow City Centre Low Emissions Zone (LEZ) is in effect and those driving to the SEC by way of the city centre can face charges should their vehicle be non-compliant. Motorists are advised to take the M8 motorway; there is a multi-story parking lot available with plenty of bays.

5. Manchester Central Convention Centre

Located in Manchester, the Manchester Central Convention Centre is a large exhibition and conference centre that hosts various events throughout the year. Some notable Manchester trade shows 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 The Manchester Central Convention Centre:

• The Manchester Art Gallery: A famous regional art gallery, which is just a short distance away.
• The Manchester Museum: Dedicated to natural history and anthropology, this museum is also within easy reach of the exhibition centre.

Transport Links:

With the Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Oxford Road train stations situated within walking distance of the venue, Manchester Central is served well by trains all over the country. The ride from Birmingham takes about an hour and a half, while visitors from London should allow for just over two hours.

A dedicated black cab taxi rank is positioned right in front of the venue for easy pick-ups and drop-offs. The taxis also connect with Manchester Airport, facilitating easy travel for international travellers. Alternatively, a free bus service links the venue with the city’s rail stations and business areas.

6. Exhibition Centre Liverpool

Flexible facilities and the perfect setting are but two defining features of the Liverpool Exhibition Centre, the premier trade fair venue in Merseyside. More than 8,000 square metres of exhibition space await guests at this unique and new venue, which is also connected to the neighbouring ACC Liverpool venue via a sky bridge.

A few of the leading Liverpool trade shows that call the Exhibition Centre Liverpool home are The Ultimate Show, Nursing Live, Global Manufacturing Technology Show, and the Outdoor Trade Show.

Attractions Near The Exhibition Centre Liverpool:

• The Wheel of Liverpool, a spectacular 42-car Ferris wheel is close to the exhibition venue.
• The Royal Albert Dock, one of the most-visited heritage sites in the country, encompasses the venue directly.
• The Tate Liverpool, which houses the city’s most impressive art collection, sits near the main exhibition centre.

Transport Links:

By land, air, or sea, the Exhibition Centre Liverpool has you covered. The venue is located less than 20 minutes away from the UK motorway network and has accommodation for more than 1,400 cars on-site. Meanwhile, the closest major bus stop is located only 5 minutes away and the walk is considered very safe due to the pedestrian plazas nearby.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the UK boasts some of the most world-class and versatile venues, catering to 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 offers state-of-the-art facilities, unique spaces, and professional services to make your event a success.

Working with a vetted event management company and a team of UK exhibition stand builders is crucial to maximising your event. 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 country’s most vibrant and exciting exhibition destinations.