The Unusual

Art and Sculptural Inspiration 
What: Steel silhouettes, stone heads, dancing figures and a giant stiletto heeled shoe are just a few of the weird and wonderful works of art in the sculpture garden at Broomfield Art Hotel. Set in one of the most glorious valleys in North Devon and surrounded by hundreds of acres of woodland, Broomfield makes for a truly unusual events venue.An ideal venue for a conference, training group or meeting, the hotel offers a number of versatile rooms, catering for small meetings and large conferences of up to 80 people. The newly renovated stable block has all the facilities to ensure that your meeting runs smoothly, offering a fantastic space for up to 35 people. As part of your event, enjoy food prepared by the hotel’s award winning Terra Madre restaurant and then explore the 10 acres of garden with its 300 amazing contemporary sculptures.

Where: Broomfield Art Hotel is located just 5 minutes outside of Barnstaple town centre.

Find out more: Call 01271 850262 or visit www.broomhillart.co.uk

A Day at the Races 
What: Enjoy the sport of kings as part of your corporate event at Exeter Racecourse. This venue has a fully established Conference and Events Centre, set in a picturesque location, and can accommodate up to 250 delegates. The superb range of rooms are suitable for all types of meetings, exhibitions, products launches and parties, are light and welcoming and look out over the racecourse and the surrounding Haldon Forest. Catering can be tailored to meet your requirements and audio visual equipment can be made available. Time your event to coincide with a mid week meeting and you can enjoy the thrill of the races as part of your day.

Where: Exeter Racecourse is situated just 5 miles on from the end of the M5 southbound, along the A38 (Exeter to Plymouth).  The racecourse is situated at the top of Haldon Hill and is clearly signposted from all directions

Find out more: Call 01392 832 599 or visit www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk/Conference-and-Events

Something Fishy
What: How about treating your guests to a meal in front of an Atlantic Reef? This is one of the possibilities if you host your event at the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth. Experience an underwater world full of vibrancy and colour at this unique venue.  Choose from a number of different spaces, such as the Atlantic Reef tank room (possibly the most spectacular dining room in the South West) and Ocean View, with its stunning views across Plymouth Sound and the Barbican. The unique atmosphere at the Aquarium will help to create the perfect ambience for your event. As part of your day enjoy a ‘behind the scenes’ tour and a session using the ROV (remotely operated vehicles), or a screening in our 4D Screen on the Sea.

Where: The National Marine Aquarium is located on the Barbican in Plymouth. It is conveniently located for transport links, including a mainline railway station, major bus station and Plymouth airport.

Find out more: Call 01752 275214 or visit www.national-aquarium.co.uk

Medieval Abbey 
What: Welcome to the heart of Torquay - past, present and future. Torre Abbey has welcomed visitors for over eight centuries. Imagine the silent prayers of the Abbey’s medieval "White Canons". Picture the opulent lifestyle of the Cary family who transformed the Abbey into a fine country home, enjoy the impressive permanent art collection and stroll through the picturesque gardens. This stunning and unusual venue in the heart of Torquay can be booked for a variety of private and corporate functions from receptions and concerts to dinners and presentations. With various rooms available including the Spanish Barn, areas of the Abbey grounds, the Ballroom (formerly the Mayor's Parlour), the Dining Room and the Long Gallery. The venue can cater from 10 to 200 guests.

Where: Torre Abbey is 10 minutes drive from Torquay, 20 minutes from Paignton and 50 minutes from Plymouth and Exeter. It is close to the rail and bus links in Torquay.

Find out more: Call 01803 293 593 or visit www.torre-abbey.org.uk