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Meet in England’s Northwest

Looking for something different why not hold your next conference, exhibition or meeting in the dynamic and diverse region of England’s Northwest? There is a vast array of quality venues to suit events of every shape, scale or style and the region is easily accessible from across the UK and a multitude of international destinations. In addition the convention bureaux across the region offer a range of complimentary services to make organising your next event as simple as possible.

Blackpool

Blackpool is the perfect place to mix business with pleasure.  High capacity venues include the renowned Winter Gardens, which has hosted some of Britain's most high-profile events, and the resort offers over 1,600 hotels, guest houses and self-catering units providing a full range of accommodation to suit all budgets.  The Number One, South Beach, Britain's best 5* graded guest accommodation (2007) and the newly opened Four Seasons establishment which recently achieved 5* guest accommodation, reinforces the standard of accommodation within the destination. 

There are many new and exciting developments currently taking place in Blackpool, famed for bring Britain's number one seaside resort.  The redevelopment of the Hounds Hill Shopping Centre is coming to an end and will be open to the public at the end of August 2008.  Whilst the creation of the Tower Festival Headland situated to the front of Blackpool Tower, between the North and Central Piers will provide a new outdoor performance and events space capable of accommodating up to 20,000 spectators.

Blackpool also has its own international airport situated just 3 miles outside of the town centre

Chester & Cheshire

Chester is a city of great character and charm. Boasting the most complete set of Roman walls in Britain, the majestic River Dee, and the famous Eastgate Clock tower where delegates from across the globe stand and look down over the city's cobbled streets scattered with boutique shops, cafes, restaurants and bars, street entertainers and truly stunning architecture. Chester combines a unique past with a modern, dynamic approach to business. In contrast, within the Cheshire countryside, amongst the grand stately homes, historic estates and impressive gardens of distinction, you will find conference venues offering delegates an escape from city life.

Within Chester & Cheshire you will find an inspiring assortment of conference venues hosting events for up to 500 delegates, from three star hotels to five star luxury; a large-scale university campus and unusual venues including Chester Racecourse- the oldest racecourse in Britain; the Internationally renowned Chester Zoo- a wonderfully unusual option for a themed conference or gala dinner; Peckforton Castle – the only intact medieval castle in the UK; or Tatton Park- an impressive historic estate, the perfect backdrop for your conference or event. All of these venues are attuned to the needs of today’s delegates and offer exceptional standards of service to exceed your expectations.

Cumbria– The Lake District

Conferences in Britain’s most beautiful corner give delegates a welcome break from their usual environment and the opportunity to experience the spectacular scenery. From large well-equipped conference hotels and racecourses to more unusual venues like Europe’s largest grass covered building or sailing the famous lakes with a conference onboard a relaxing lake cruiser, the setting is always memorable.

However, as well as benefiting from stunning scenery, Cumbria has excellent transport links - being accessible by train in just three hours from London, around two hours from Glasgow and Birmingham, and less than 90 minutes from Manchester.  In addition, the area is well-served by the M6 motorway and four international airports – Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle and Blackpool.

The Lake District Conference Desk, will guarantee to turn any enquiry into a full proposal within 24 hours and offers a fully comprehensive service including: a free venue-finding service, team building and activity programmes, delegate partner and corporate incentive programmes, and additional support services, such as equipment hire, transport and corporate gifts. 

Lancashire

Situated in the centre of England's Northwest Lancashire offers event organisers a uniquely varied conference offer designed to be functional yet stimulating, efficient yet inspirational.

The vast portfolio of locations and venues on offer in Lancashire are as rich and varied as the landscape. The cities of Preston and Lancaster are home to well established universities which have function to suit al budgets. Whilst to the east of the county in Pennine Lancashire you will find a multitude of picturesque locations waiting to be discovered. 

In short Lancashire is an historic county full of stunning landscapes full of colour, energy and life. Stunning venues, impeccable service and a warm welcome await you.

Liverpool City Region

Liverpool, European Capital of Culture 2008 and UNESCO World Heritage City, is famous throughout the world for The Beatles, football and the ferry across the Mersey. Over 800 years of maritime history have created a hub of cultural wealth and diversity and Liverpool today is home to more museums, theatres and galleries than any other UK city outside London.

Situated on the historic waterfront, Arena and Convention Centre Liverpool is the city’s newest, state of the art venue adding to the existing offer of academic institutions, major hotels, countless historic buildings and cultural attractions - all located within easy walking distance of each other.

Beyond Liverpool extends the rest of Merseyside, in contrast to the bustling city here you will find the perfect setting in which delegates can enjoy their next conference at a slightly different pace. Highlights include Southport with its elegant promenade and tree lined boulevards and the beautiful Wirral Peninsula home to the world famous Royal Liverpool Golf Course plus coastal and countryside attractions. 

With two international airports right on the doorstep getting here couldn't be easier.

Manchester

Discover Manchester with its exciting blend of culture, history and commerce and a fabulously varied, innovative range of venues.

The historical Petersfield area is home to many of Manchester’s meeting venues - including the purpose-built convention centre complex - Manchester Central, located right in the heart of the city. With an additional 250 venues throughout Manchester city centre and the Greater Manchester region - ranging from the vast MEN Arena and futuristic Urbis, to meeting rooms at the historic Midland Hotel and lecture halls at Europe’s largest university campus - Manchester offers the ideal location, whatever your conference requirements and whatever your budget.

Outside of your conference Manchester has everything the most discerning delegate could desire including a choice of over 7,000 bedrooms within the city centre in addition to amazing attractions, stylish shops and restaurants to suit every taste.

Getting to Manchester couldn’t be easier Manchester Airport is served by over 200 destinations worldwide and is situated just 20 minutes from the city centre.

Southport

The classic conference resort of Southport is proud to announce the opening of the Southport Theatre and Convention Centre. A £40 million conference development and one of the largest venues in the North West of England, it also has a linked 4* Ramada Plaza 133 bedroom hotel, offering increased space and greater accessibility, together with a plethora of new and refurbished hotels in the resort.

Ideally situated on England’s North West coast Southport offers immaculately preserved boulevards, fountains and plentiful alfresco seating, making it a year-round conference resort with a charming ambience and considerable appeal.

Often dubbed the “Paris of the North”, Southport boasts an extensive range of boutiques, high street names and other unexpected finds, along with fabulous covered shopping arcades.

Southport is continuing to reinforce its reputation as England’s golfing capital with its world famous courses and handicap-testing holes all available for the keen golfer.

Finally, if you are looking for a delicious meal or a drink or two, a trip to the cinema, theatre, casino or nightclub, Southport has it all.

Inspired to host your next convention, meeting, exhibition or event in England’s Northwest? Then contact England’s Northwest Conference Research Unit for impartial advice about organising an event within the region.

Tel: +44(0)161 238 4584

E-mail: info@nwcru.org.uk