About Us


You can do almost anything in South West Alternative Venues

South West Alternative Venues is managed by the Wessex Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association. We look after the interests of Reservists throughout our counties and are a non-profit making organisation. The income we derive from letting Army Reserve Centres is re-invested into the Reserve Estate. 

We maintain 20 Army Reserve Centres, most of which were purpose built during the 20th Century. All the venues are well maintained and easily accessible. We also look after four Cadet Training Centres – ideal for team building activities and over 200 Cadet sites, very useful for smaller meetings for local organisations including charities.

 The opportunities:

  • Weddings, cocktail parties, receptions and dinners
    From the sophistication and intimacy of an Officers Mess to the splendour of a dinner for 150, we offer venues with style and elegance all of which are equipped with professional kitchens.
  • Conferences, meetings and lectures
    Our venues can be used for a board meeting for 20, equally a large public gathering in a Drill Hall for 250 or more. Whatever your business or social need, we can provide well-equipped facilities in a variety of locations – and to suit a variety of budgets.
  • Training and sports
    Physical or safety training and indoor sports, our properties have the versatility to suit any requirement.
  • Local meetings and playgroups
    Many of our buildings are regularly used by local organisations/societies/playgroups.
  • Demonstrations
    With inside and outside facilities, our venues provide the ideal premises for all types of equipment and procedural demonstrations.
  • Film Locations and rehearsals
    Our venues can become whatever you require them to be – star of the screen or the backdrop – and they have very secure storage and parking for equipment. With their spacious halls they are also ideal for rehearsals.

Whatever your need, we will have a venue to suit and at a price you’ll find hard to beat.