London3

News

Home News What’s Hot for 2026

Newsletter icon

Sign up to our
e-newsletter

Decorative arrow

What’s Hot for 2026

November 2025

Planning an event for next year, look no further! Here you will find the latest venue news and trends from our member venues that include new openings, refurbishments, exciting exhibitions and immersive events, all providing fantastic inspiration to help you choose the perfect venue. 

Be one of the first to hold your event in the capital’s latest exciting cultural and event destination to open next year, where history meets innovation, a real game-changer! Alternatively choose from a variety of other new spaces and fresh opportunities including elegant new venue spaces with a beautiful terrace and sweeping views, a fabulous large gala event space with a brand-new glass roof, an awe-inspiring out of this out of this world gallery or opt for a riverside setting that is rich in character with exposed brick walls and timber beams. 

Not only can you choose from new spaces and refurbishments, but don’t miss a variety of new exhibitions and immersive experiences, all helping you provide authentic and memorable events for your guests to enjoy. 

London Museum

Image credit: London Museum

Opening towards to the end of 2026, the new London Museum in Smithfield is set to become one of the capital’s most exciting cultural and event destinations. 

Housed within two beautifully restored historic buildings, the venue will offer a striking blend of heritage architecture and contemporary design - perfect for receptions, dinners and creative brand activations.

With flexible layouts and modern facilities, event planners can expect a space that adapts to bold ideas, whether it’s a large-scale celebration or an intimate gathering. Located just minutes from Farringdon station and the Elizabeth Line, it also offers unbeatable connectivity.

As a venue where history meets innovation, it’s poised to be a game-changer for London’s event scene. To find out more click here: London Museum | London Museum or contact the team to enquire about hosting an event: venuehire@londonmuseum.org.uk

Harrow School

Image credit: An AI Image of the new Shepherd Churchill terrace

2026 promises to be an exciting year for events at Harrow School, with new spaces and fresh opportunities for unforgettable occasions. 

We are delighted to be opening the Shepherd Churchill Dining Hall and the adjoining Shepherd Churchill Room, elegant new venues ideal for weddings, receptions, and private celebrations. The addition of a beautiful terrace space will offer guests sweeping views and a perfect setting for summer gatherings and outdoor dining. 

Alongside these developments, event planners can look forward to incorporating 2026’s top trends at Harrow sustainable catering, creative lighting, and immersive guest experiences all set within our historic and inspiring surroundings. With its blend of heritage and innovation, Harrow School continues to evolve as one of the most distinctive and versatile event destinations in the country.

Royal Museums Greenwich

Image credit: A.C. Special Projects

Our spotlight for 2026 is the National Maritime Museum, which re-opened for commercial hire earlier this year, after a year-long refurbishment project which has seen a brand-new glass roof installed amongst other exciting new design features! 

We are so excited to welcome guests back to the museum and host fabulous events. Spanning over 2 floors, it accommodates up to 550 seated for awards banquets or gala dinners and 1,000 standing for Christmas parties or summer celebrations! 

With incredible artefacts in situ such as Miss Britain III or even Prince Frederick’s barge, guests can immerse themselves and discover the magic or maritime history. We also offer guests exclusive access to selected museum galleries such as the Astronomy Photographer of the Year Gallery, the Pacific Encounter or even the Sea Things Gallery; and include the South East Lawn and Colonnade as standard for those epic summer soirees! 

We can't wait to start dreaming your next event with you! Contact RMG now at events@rmg.co.uk or on 0208 312 8517.

London Museum Docklands

Image credit: London Museum Docklands

Rum Store & Sugar Store return at Docklands

Two of London Museum Docklands’ most historic and atmospheric spaces are making a comeback in May 2026. The Rum Store and Sugar Store, set within the Grade I listed warehouse, will once again be available to hire for corporate and private events. 

These character-rich spaces offer exposed brick walls, timber beams, and a unique riverside setting that’s perfect for anything from conferences and dinners to parties and immersive experiences. Their return adds even more flexibility to our Docklands venue, known for blending historic charm with modern event capabilities.

Whether you're planning a summer celebration or a standout corporate event, the Rum Store and Sugar Store provide a distinctive backdrop that’s hard to beat.

To find out more or enquire about hosting an event at Docklands, contact the team at venuehire@londonmuseum.org.uk

London Museum Spaces

Image credit: London Museum Spaces

Terrace Rooms to take centre stage at 150 London Wall in 2026 

While the spotlight is on the upcoming London Museum in Smithfield, the Terrace Rooms at 150 London Wall will continue to welcome events throughout 2026. 

These bright, contemporary spaces offer a unique setting in the heart of the city, with direct access to a private terrace overlooking the lush Rotunda Garden - perfect for team away days, strategy sessions, and intimate receptions.

Combining modern design with a touch of history, the Terrace Rooms remain a popular choice for planners looking for a central London venue with character and flexibility. With tailored catering options and a dedicated events team, they’re ideal for organisations looking to kick off the year with impact.

To find out more or enquire about hosting an event, contact the team at venuehire@londonmuseum.org.uk

Science Museum

Image credit: Science Museum

Launch your event into orbit at the Science Museum’s Space gallery

The Science Museum’s spectacular new Space gallery opened recently, and in 2026 it’s set to be one of London’s most inspiring event spaces.

This immersive gallery celebrates humanity’s greatest achievements beyond Earth, featuring awe-inspiring spacecraft, satellites, and interactive exhibits that spark curiosity and conversation.

For event planners, Space offers a truly unique backdrop - perfect for receptions, dinners, and brand activations that really stand out. Imagine networking amongst real rockets or hosting a product launch surrounded by cutting-edge technology and stories of exploration.

With its dramatic design and inspiring content, Space brings a sense of innovation and ambition to any event, making it a trend-setting choice for 2026.

To find out more about the Space gallery, click here Space - Hire The Science Museum or contact the team to enquire: venuehire@sciencemuseum.ac.uk 

The Postal Museum

Image credit: The Postal Museum

Immersive and Experiential Events at The Postal Museum

As we step into 2026, one trend stands out across the events industry: immersion and experience are everything. Guests no longer just attend events - they want to feel them, explore them, and remember them. Nowhere captures that spirit quite like The Postal Museum, one of London’s most unique and atmospheric event spaces.

Underneath the capital’s busy streets lies a hidden gem - the historic tunnels of London’s secret underground railway. Once used by postal workers to move mail across the city, these tunnels now set the stage for one-of-a-kind immersive experience. 

Guests can ride through the original Mail Rail tunnels before stepping out onto the historic platform — transformed into a vibrant space for entertainment, cocktails, and networking. It’s a setting that combines industrial heritage with modern energy, making it ideal for unforgettable celebrations, corporate events, and brand launches.

But the experience doesn’t stop there. The Postal Museum offers countless opportunities to brand your event and bring your vision to life, every corner can be tailored to your story.

In a world where audiences crave authentic and memorable experiences, The Postal Museum delivers something truly different. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a large-scale activation, this extraordinary venue connects the past with the present, and guarantees your event will be the one everyone talks about in 2026.

To find out more email venues@postalmuseum.org, or call 020 8183 0059.

Somerset House

Image credit: Installation view of Wayne McGregor Infinite Bodies at Somerset House. Photo David Parry PA Media Assignments

Don’t miss the groundbreaking exhibition Infinite Bodies celebrating the extraordinary three-decade career of visionary choreographer Sir Wayne McGregor CBE. Available at Somerset House until 22 Feb 2026.

Blending choreography, technology, and multi-sensory experiences — including AI, motion capture, and robotics — Infinite Bodies explores the future of the human body and our evolving sense of self.

Available for private hire throughout the exhibition’s run, the Studio within the Embankment Galleries offers an atmospheric setting for up to 100 guests, ideal for intimate breakfasts, standout receptions, and bespoke gatherings.

This is a unique chance to celebrate, connect, and inspire within the heart of Somerset House.

Find out more here

the Design Museum

Image credit: the Design Museum

Set the scene for 2026 at the Design Museum

As 2026 approaches, the Design Museum invites event organisers and creative teams to take inspiration from its new season of exhibitions and experiences.

Highlights include Wes Anderson: The Archives, Simone Brewster: The Shape of Things, NIGO: From Japan with Love, and Es Devlin, each offering distinctive creative direction for design-led events, brand launches, or immersive dinners. For a foodie twist, the Wes Anderson Afternoon Tea brings colour, whimsy, and storytelling to team gatherings and client occasions.

With versatile event spaces, expert planning support, and a setting that celebrates creativity, the Design Museum provides the perfect backdrop for collaboration and inspiration.

Early booking is recommended to secure key dates and experiences, ensuring events are as imaginative and memorable as the exhibitions themselves.

For more information, contact venuehire@designmuseum.org 

The HAC

Image credit: The HAC

2026 at the HAC: Connection, Celebration and Creativity

The HAC is looking ahead to an exciting year as event styles continue to evolve. More organisers are combining business and social experiences, with conferences often followed by relaxed gatherings where teams can unwind and celebrate together.

Team building is also firmly back on the agenda, as companies focus on wellbeing and connection through away days and shared experiences outside the office.

At the HAC, spaces such as the Summer Terrace Artillery Garden offer the ideal setting for these occasions. The venue’s central London location, heritage surroundings and mix of indoor and outdoor spaces allow events to move seamlessly from professional sessions to relaxed networking.

With expert planning, imaginative catering and exceptional hospitality, every event at the HAC is designed to inspire and leave a lasting impression.

Contact the events team: sales@hac.org.uk / 020 7382 1533.

Request Venue Capacity Guide Decorative arrow Sign up to our e-newsletter Decorative arrow Enquire now Decorative arrow
Unique Venues London logo

Unique Venues of London
Henwood House
Henwood
Ashford
TN24 8DH

© 2025 Unique Venues of London
Website: Moore-Wilson