1. Hiring the Guildhall overview
The Historic Exeter Guildhall offers a unique venue for meetings, conferences, exhibitions and private events in the heart of the city. With more than 800 years of civic history behind it, the Guildhall provides an atmosphere of character and distinction that few venues can match.
Still used regularly for civic functions and City Council meetings, the Guildhall combines its historic setting with practical facilities to support a wide range of events, from formal conferences to charity fundraisers and private gatherings.
A distinctive city-centre venue
Located on Exeter’s High Street, the Guildhall is easily accessible and offers a prestigious setting for events that benefit from a central location and historic surroundings.
Events take place within historic rooms that have hosted centuries of civic life, offering a sense of occasion while remaining flexible enough to accommodate modern requirements.
Types of events
The Historic Exeter Guildhall is suitable for a wide range of events, including:
- Conferences and meetings
- Exhibitions and launches
- Annual general meetings
- Charity fundraising events
- Private and corporate functions
Weddings and civil partnerships are covered separately and can be found on the Weddings at the Historic Guildhall pages.
Planning your event
To help you plan your event, we provide clear information on:
- The spaces available within the Guildhall and how they can be laid out
- Hire options and packages, including day and half-day hire
- Catering options and practical considerations
- How to enquire and request a quote
Each section of this guide will take you through the process step by step, helping you decide whether the Historic Guildhall is the right venue for your event.
Next steps
To find out more, explore the following pages:
- Spaces and layouts – rooms, capacities and seating options
- Hire options and packages – flexible hire choices and optional extras
- Planning your event – catering, access, transport and FAQs
- Hire enquiry – to request a quote or check availability