When it comes to choosing the perfect venue, we all know the golden rule…
Location. Location. Location.
But what if you could have that and world-class facilities, a ready-made community of experts, and a team that genuinely cares about your event’s success?
Welcome to Lancaster University Conferences & Events+ – one of the amazing members of AVS.
A destination that does the heavy lifting
Lancaster isn’t just a place on a map. It’s a destination that adds value to your event before it even begins.
A vibrant, historic city in the North West, Lancaster offers:
- Easy access from across the UK
- A rich cultural heritage
- Close proximity to the Lake District
- Stunning coastal views near Morecambe Bay
And sitting at the heart of it all?
A Top 10 UK university campus designed for connection, collaboration, and inspiration.
Spaces that make people say “Wow”
From lakeside retreats to castle experiences (yes, really…), Lancaster delivers on impact.
Some standout spaces include:
- 🌿 Forrest Hills – a unique lakeside venue set within 180 acres of woodland
- 🎤 Great Hall – seating up to 800 for large-scale conferences and events
- 🎓 Margaret Fell Lecture Theatre – a flagship 400-seat lecture space
- 🏰 Lancaster Castle – a historic venue built into original castle walls
Whether it’s an intimate meeting for two or a full residential conference for hundreds… this campus can flex to fit your vision.
Where ideas meet expertise
This is where Lancaster really sets itself apart.
Hosting your event here doesn’t just give you a venue – it gives you access to world-leading academic expertise.
Particular strengths include:
- 🌍 Sustainability
- 🔐 Cyber
- ❤️ End of Life Care
- 🔬 Research excellence
That means your event can go beyond logistics… and become something truly meaningful and memorable.
Meet the team behind the magic
Events don’t run themselves (sadly). But with this team, you’d be forgiven for thinking they might…
- Hilary Barraclough – Head of Business Development & Academic Event Services
- Chloe Howell – Business Development Manager
- Emma Bee – Business Development Manager
- Pheobe Jackman – Business Development Assistant
Their approach? Client-first, detail-obsessed, and completely bespoke.
Q&A with Lancaster University Conferences & Events+
What are the best things about being a part of AVS family for you and the team? Being part of a network of academic venues and event planners who share best practices, support each other and make friends along the way!
For those who haven’t visited before, how would you describe Lancaster as an events destination? Lancaster is a vibrant, historic city in the North West. It acts as a cultural hub for the region while serving as a gateway to the nearby Lake District. We are directly inland from Morecambe Bay and are home to a top 10 University- Lancaster University.
What types of events work particularly well at Lancaster University? Academic Events, those for Associations, Residential Key Note Conferences and for Church Groups.
Universities don’t just have fantastic facilities they have access to academics too, how have Lancaster been able to capitalise on this for a specific event? Being situated on Lancaster University’s campus allows for tapping into a wealth of academic knowledge and inspiring speakers which can really elevate and make the event even more attractive. Our particular strengths are in Sustainability, Cyber, End of Life Care and we are well know for being outstanding in research.
What are some of the standout spaces available for event organisers at Lancaster University? Forrest Hills is a unique venue set on a lakeside in180 acres of spectacular woodland and beautiful Lancashire countryside. Our Great Hall has a seating capacity of 800, we can hold conference dinners in our LICA building for up to 320 people. The Margaret Fell Lecture Theatre is the largest and our flagship lecture theatre on campus with a capacity of 400 people. We also have a space at Lancaster Castle which is integrated into the original castle walls… it really has the wow factor!
What do you think makes university venues such a powerful option for event organisers? We can hold events all year round! Anything from a meeting for 2 people right up to residential conferences for hundreds! Being a campus University, we have the benefit of all our venues and accommodation being in one place. Our experienced team put the client at the heart of every decision made and showcase a bespoke, individual approach to event planning.
Introduce us to the team at Lancaster University. Head of Business Development and Academic Event Services- Hilary Barraclough. Business Development Manager- Chloe Howell. Business Development Manager- Emma Bee. Business Development Assistant- Pheobe Jackman.
Tell us something we wouldn’t know about Lancaster. Lancaster Castle was a fully functioning HM Prison until 2011. Today it is a magnificent ‘living’ monument that welcomes visitors from across the world and is a perfect place for history studies. Lancaster Castle is owned by the Dutchy of Lancaster. You may also not know that Morecambe is going to be the home of the new Eden Project North! George Fox, the founder of the Quaker movement, preached in the area in 1652. The Lancaster meeting is one of the oldest in the country, with its Meeting House site active since 1677. We have a venue on campus named after George Fox and events can be held in it!
Finally… if an event organiser is considering Lancaster, what would you say to them? Come and visit us! Take a look at some of our spaces here! https://www.viewyourproposal.co.uk/y2xkaM3wOj/welcome
Explore more (trust me, you’ll want to…)
Lancaster’s newsletters are packed with inspiration, real event examples, and behind-the-scenes insights:
- 👉 https://facilities.cmail20.com/t/j-e-ydihjtht-hhktdihljl-r/
- 👉 https://facilities.cmail20.com/t/j-e-ydihjtdk-hhktdihljl-r/
- 👉 https://facilities.cmail20.com/t/j-e-ydihjttk-hhktdihljl-r/
Final thought
If you’re an event organiser looking for a venue that delivers on experience, expertise, and environment…
👉 Lancaster University Conferences & Events+ isn’t just an option.
👉 It’s a serious contender.
And honestly? You should probably go and see it for yourself.
🔗 Explore their spaces: https://www.viewyourproposal.co.uk/y2xkaM3wOj/welcome