The Royal Agricultural University is nestled in the heart of the peaceful Cotswold countryside, a mile from the historic Roman town of Cirencester, within a hour of Bristol, Oxford, Bath and Cheltenham and just 90 minutes from London. Whether you’re planning a conference or corporate event, a wedding, holiday or a private function, we can offer the perfect location
Our unique venue, set in 25 acres of magnificent grounds around a beautiful Victorian Gothic building, awaits visitors at the end of an impressive tree-lined approach. The rich heritage of the University, established as a seat of learning in 1845, is evident throughout: mullion windows, beams and wood panelling abound and provide a stylish and elegant backdrop to your event.
Conference, Meetings and Events
Whether you are planning a small seminar for just 10 people or a larger conference for upwards of 350 delegates, we can provide the facilities to meet your needs.
With both modern and historic buildings and acres of private grounds and parkland, we are confident that we are able to meet your requirements.
Alongside our attentive events team, we have experienced catering teams, who can design a menu to suit your event.
Our flexible options include contemporary meetings and seminar rooms, stunning oak-panelled suites, versatile exhibition space, computer suites, reception and registration areas, interview rooms, large tiered and flat lecture theatres and break-out spaces. other options include, beautiful grounds, a specialist food centre and a Crss Fit training centre.
All our locations boast on-site car parking facilities and excellent road and rail connections with transport links to the M5 or M4.
Our venues are ideal for residential conferences. We can offer excellent day delegate, 24 hour delegate rates, or bespoke packages, including tailor-made short courses and training delivered with our academic partners at the Royal Agricultural University.
Whether you are planning a large conference of up to 300 delegates, or simply organsing a team-building day for a few colleagues away from the office, we can provide the facillities to suit your needs.
The Royal Agricultural University offers a peaceful yet conveniently located setting to discuss, consult and socialise with colleagues and clients.
| Delegate Indoor: | 2 to 230 seated 300 standing |
| Delegate Outdoor: | Tailored to suit needs. 200 – 1500 in marquee* |
| Accommodation Onsite: | 200 single, twin & double en-suite bedrooms |
| Parking Onsite: | 500+ spaces with disabled spaces |
Overview of Conference, Meeting and Event Room Types
| Hall: | 1 Multipurpose Hall with Stage |
| Lecture Theatre: | 6 Tiered Lecture Theatres |
| Classrooms: | 22 of various sizes, all with natural light and table & chairs and IT Suite |
| Meeting Rooms: | 6 Meeting Rooms, overlooking the beautiful Grounds |
| Delegate Indoor: | 2 to 230 seated 300 standing |
| Delegate Outdoor: | Tailored to suit needs. 200 – 1500 in marquee* |
| Accommodation: | 200 single, twin & double en-suite bedrooms onsite |
| Parking Onsite: | 500+ spaces with disabled spaces |
Bathurst Lounge and Dining Room can be booked together 
Set-up in Rooms
- Wheelchair access
- Induction loop system on request
- AV equipment include data projection, house PC, laptop input, video/DVD playback in larger rooms
- AV technical support available
- Dry whiteboard
- OHP and screen
- Flip chart pads and pens available on request
- Interactive white board
Your Wedding at the Royal Agricultural University
We are proud to offer the Cotswolds’ most picturesque venue for civil or religious wedding ceremonies and receptions. Our wedding co-ordinators will be on hand throughout the planning stages to offer expertise and advice and to ensure that everything runs smoothly on your special day.
The University provides a majestic setting for one of the most important occasions of your life. Located just a mile from the roman town of Cirencester, considered to be the jewel of the Cotswolds, the University is often referred to as the ‘Oxbridge of the countryside’.
The Victorian chapel, complete with stunning stained glass window, is located in the grounds, close to the reception rooms. It is fully licensed and available for hire should you wish to hold a private multi-denominational religious ceremony.
Civil marriages, partnerships, commitment ceremonies, and wedding receptions can be held in the Tithe Barn or in the Bathurst Suite, located in the former Jacobean farmhouse close to the chapel. The Suite can seat up to 42 guests in the dining room, whilst the adjoining lounge makes a superb venue for dancing and a bar, with french doors onto the lawns. For larger parties, the Kenneth Russell Room, situated on the first floor of the grand main building, can seat up to 120 guests.
Our chefs create exciting menus using produce from ethical sources, including local, fair trade, and free range wherever possible.
Should your guests require overnight accommodation, we are pleased to offer overnight bed and breakfast, subject to availability.
Our dedicated team take pleasure in helping you to create your uniquely special occasion and are pleased to advise on your flowers, photography, music and all the other important details. For more details please contact us directly on 01285652531 or visit our website http://www.rau.ac.uk/conferences-events/weddings
Accommodation
We offer single and double en-suite rooms. We offer limited accommodation for small groups throughout the year, and for much larger numbers, including touring groups, during the summer months outside of the academic term.
