Five of the most macabre UK venues

Indulge your inner January blues and head to one of these grim and grizzly venues for your next event.

Guests at the Tower of London can dine in the White Tower
Guests at the Tower of London can dine in the White Tower

Tower of London

One of the city’s classic tourist destinations, the Tower of London boasts a mightily macabre past of beheadings and torture. Historic Royal Palaces operates the building’s event space and offers up a variety of impressive venues - including the Crown Jewels’ house and iconic White Tower.

Large-scale events for up to 2,000 people can he held at the venue too. The outdoor ‘moat’ has previously been utilised for events such as the Tower Music Festival and Tower Ice Rink.

Where: HM Tower of London London EC3N 4AB

Contact: 020 3166 6226

Arnos Vale Cemetery

Ever started planning an event and thought: "This would look great in a graveyard!"? Well Arnos Vale in Bristol is providing just that - a 45-acre cemetery with two venues available to hire.

The Anglican Chapel features neutral interiors and impressive acoustics, making it a great venue for music and theatre performances, while the restored Spielman Centre has a more modern feel following the addition of a contemporary glass Pavilion and outside terrace. Onsite caterer Whisk can provide light refreshments, champagne receptions, pre-performance meals and a full banqueting service.

Where: Bath Road, Bristol, BS4 3EW

Contact: 0117 9719117 or bookings@arnosvale.org.uk

The Clink Prison Museum

Built upon the site of one of England’s oldest and most notorious prisons, The Clink Prison Museum in London’s Southwark allows visitors to explore its 600-year history of incarceration and torture through a hands-on educational experience.

Brands including Sony, Price Waterhouse Cooper and Lloyds TSB have previously held corporate events in the cavernous space. A two-hour event comprises a wine reception, tour of the museum and canapes.

Where: 1 Clink St, London SE1 9DG

Contact: miranda@clink.co.uk

London Dungeon

Merlin Events’ London Dungeon at County Hall London manages to turn pretty savage storytelling into a fun, immersive experience for all guests. The space can be booked for up to 150 standing corporate guests and can seat 65 for dinner.

Parties will be treated to their own London Dungeon Show, which includes a theme park-style ride and live action shows. Tailor made packages are available, and a full event team - including AV and security - is provided.

Where: Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB

Contact: 0207 487 0224

The Real Mary King’s Close

Edinburgh is well-known for its spooky history, and the essence of this is encapsulated at The Real Mary King’s Close. The space is an underground passage of streets and spaces that was originally used as a marketplace, while ghost stories that circulated following a bout of plague in the 1600s cemented its reputation as a distinctly creepy district.

Evening groups can hire the space and embark on a private tour before enjoying drinks and canapes in the Burgh Courtroom. More expansive dining options can be enjoyed via partnerships with two local restaurants.

Where: 2 Warriston's Close, High Street, Edinburgh,  EH1 1PG

Contact: lsimpson@realmarykingsclose.com or 0131 225 0675

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