Rockets to bunkers: 10 quirky museum spaces for memorable launches

London 

The Cabinet War Rooms 

Beneath the pavestones of Whitehall lies a hidden time machine – otherwise known as The Cabinet War Rooms. It’s been there since 1938, when this secret, labyrinthine HQ was built for Winston Churchill and Co to direct operations during WW2. And from kitchen to sleeping quarters and map room, it’s been virtually untouched since. So, get your vintage face and wardrobe on, and party like it’s 1942.  

Spaces available: three different spaces with a capacity ranging from 20 to 175 people.  

Find out more about the Cabinet War Rooms

Duxford 

Imperial War Museum  

A sister museum to London’s and Manchester’s, this 300-acre Battle of Britain airfield features many a classic fighter plane from Spitfires to Hurricanes and the Curtiss Hawk-75 (the Armée de l’Air’s most widely used fighter aircraft during the Battle of France). Its vast hangars are waiting for your booking.  

Spaces available: one space with a capacity ranging from 10 to 1000 people.  

Find out more about the event space at Imperial War Museum Duxford 

Portsmouth  

The Mary Rose Museum 

Henry VIII’s favourite ship, the Mary Rose, was finally dredged from Davy Jones’ locker in 1982, and now lives here, alongside her Tudor artefacts, in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. The space is yours to hire, and gift bags, including souvenir books, are also available to ferry away.  

Spaces available: two different spaces with a capacity ranging from 18 to 150 people.  

Find out more about the event space at The Mary Rose Museum  

Leicester 

National Space Centre  

From six space-themed, interactive galleries to a rocket tower, and Britain’s biggest fulldome Planetarium, the award-winning National Space Centre, dedicated to the history and future of space exploration. And this unique conference venue is also perfect for product, er, launches.  

Spaces available: 12 different spaces with a capacity ranging from 8 to 500 people depending on time and layout.  

Find out more about the event space at the National Space Centre  

Birmingham 

Coffin Works 

In 1998, Newman Brothers, Birmingham’s last coffin-furniture manufacturer, shut up shop for the final time – leaving everything behind, turning this Grade 2-listed building into a fascinating time capsule. A perfect venue for your inner (or out and proud) Goth. Or sticking with this part of the world, try the West Midlands Circus Centre, based in an old Quaker meeting house in Edgbaston, replete with ropes Rope, hoops, trapezes and crash mats. 

Spaces available: two different spaces with a capacity ranging from 14 to 75 people.  

Find out more about the event space at Coffin Works  

Liverpool 

The Beatles Story 

Situated on the waterfront at The Royal Albert Dock, The Beatles Story is a major exhibition devoted to the Fabs. Here you’ll find recreations of Hamburg and Abbey Road Studios, while memorabilia include George Harrison’s first guitar and John Lennon’s last piano. Its replica Cavern Club is also for hire as an event space. 

Spaces available: one space to hire with a capacity of 60 to 120 people.   

Find out more about the event space at The Beatles Story 

Manchester 

The National Football Museum 

For football crazies, this major space dedicated to the beautiful game, is a must-visit. Located bang next to Victoria Station, the National Football Museum houses a fascinating collection of artefacts (including the 1966 Jules Rimet Trophy replica and match ball) – and is yours to hire; whether for parties, dinners or awards ceremonies. Or just the odd kickabout or two. 

Spaces available: four different spaces with a capacity ranging from 50 to 800 people.  

Find out more about the event space at The National Football Museum  

Glasgow 

Britannia Panopticon 

The world’s oldest surviving music hall, Glasgow’s Britannia Panopticon is where Stan Laurel made his stage debut in 1906 at the tender age of 16. Over the decades, it’s also hosted everything from a cinema, to freak shows, wax works, and even a zoo. And whatever the occasion, it’s also available for hire. (However, do note: “Not suitable for the following: live rock and pop music shows, modern or political plays and club nights.”) 

Spaces available: one space with a capacity of up to 100 people.  

Find out more about the event space at Britannia Panopticon  

Edinburgh 

Edinburgh Zoo 

Here’s an exhibition where you can get up close to nature: home to more than 2,500 animals, from Alpaca to Zebra, and everything in between, Edinburgh Zoo was originally founded in 1913 by lawyer and animal fan Thomas Gillespie, whose passionate legacy continues to this day c/o The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. And set amid 82 acres of parkland, the Zoo’s historic Mansion House is also a great place to stage an event – 364 days of the year. (Even penguins take Christmas day off.) 

Spaces available: six different spaces with a capacity ranging from 10 to 180 people.  

Find out more about the event space at Edinburgh Zoo 

Dundee  

V&A Dundee 

Located on Dundee’s waterfront, Scotland’s first dedicated design museum, itself designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, features exhibitions and artefacts drawn from the worlds of fashion, architecture, textiles, theatre and comic books. Choose between the Juniper Auditorium, Lower Locke Hall & Upper Foyer and Tatha Bar & Kitchen for your event. 

Spaces available: four different spaces with a capacity ranging from 10 to 220 people.  

Find out more about the event space at V&A Dundee