With 2022 almost over, you’re likely already looking ahead to 2023 and what the coming year will bring for your business. If you’re already starting to plan your conferences and meetings, why not take a look at what is on offer in Devon? With great rail links, an airport and easily accessible road networks, Devon is the perfect location, no matter where your delegates are coming from. With direct trains from cities like London, Manchester and Birmingham and flights from Scotland and Ireland, it’s easy to get everyone together here.

There are several venues to choose from across the county, from large purpose-built function rooms in sprawling hotels where your guests can take advantage of the onsite facilities to small intimate meeting rooms, ideal for break outs or one on one discussions. Here are a couple of options to consider, and the sooner you get your conference plans down, the sooner you can get to the fun of the winter season!

For a quiet and peaceful venue, take a look at what is on offer at Schiller Hall which is located on the site of Buckfast Abbey, home to a community of Benedictine monks, who live their lives of prayer, work and study according to the rules of St Benedict. Schiller Hall has a selection of fully equipped, flexible rooms, the largest can accommodate up to 120 people and there is disabled access and ample free car parking. If you like the idea of holding your conference somewhere with lots of history and plenty of space for your delegates to explore and enjoy, book your conference at Dartington Hall.

chairs in a conference venue
Image: Schiller Hall 

With grade II listed buildings and a listed garden, Dartington Hall is a wonderfully unique conference centre with everything you could need to impress your delegates. The Hall features a range of comfortable and well equipped rooms which are suitable for groups of 6 to 220 and even has accommodation, for those longer conferences. Each conference is supplied with their own personal team and full technical support as well as access to superb multimedia equipment. Being located in Dartington also gives you access to a train station and isn’t too far from the main cities of Exeter and Plymouth.

One thing that Devon has in abundance is hotels which are perfect for conferences and meetings. In Dawlish, which is just on the outskirts of the popular English Riviera and easily accessed by the Devon Expressway and the motor way, as well as mainline trains, is the Langstone Cliff Hotel.  The hotel is set within 19 acres of tranquil and private woodland and overlooks the sea, giving you a great view to inspire and invigorate your delegates. The car park provides free parking and there are coach spaces available too.

The facilities are top of the range and can accommodate up to 400 guests in the larger rooms as well as having a host of smaller rooms perfect for more intimate meetings. Not only that but you can often get special rates for delegates who choose to stay at the hotel during the conference and with their spectacular dining packages, you won’t need to go too far to find refreshment.

conference venue
Image: University of Exeter

Exeter is a great venue for conferences, the city is easily accessible by road and rail and the airport also offers delegates from further afield a way to join you, so for a more central location, take a look at what is on offer from the University of Exeter.

With a variety of conference venues in the heart of the city, you can find everything you need all in one easy to reach location. Choose from over 100 rooms comprising of meeting, seminar, function, exhibition and lecture rooms that can accommodate anything from 10 to 1400 people. The function rooms have comprehensive AV and IT resources and free wifi, as well as menus created in house, allowing you to have everything from gala dinners to light refreshments.

A popular option for many conference organisers is somewhere you can really challenge your delegates and build trust within the team. Roadford Lake is a great example of somewhere you can be serious and have some fun. Just off the A30, you have access to a versatile meeting room with inspiring views and a chance to include the activities that the site is famous for. Roadford Lake offers catering, a large car park and a good supply of accommodation as well as disabled facilities. The function room has WiFi and all the other equipment you could need to get the job done before heading out and challenging yourself to everything from canoeing, rafting, archery and fishing. There is something for every team here.

Find more conference facilities and everything from team building to event spaces here.

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