Today's workplaces thrive on adaptability and fresh ideas, and that’s exactly what corporate retreats are for. They give teams a chance to step away from the daily grind, recharge and come back ready to tackle their goals together with a new perspective.
What to expect from a company retreat
Company retreats are more than a simple break from the office; they're a genuine investment in building up team morale and strengthening bonds.
Here’s what to expect from a typical corporate getaway:
- Strengthened relationships: You might take part in team-building activities that build trust and rapport, creating a more unified workplace.
- Improved communication: Retreats are a good setting for clearing up any misunderstandings and getting everyone on the same page through open forums and discussions.
- Creativity and innovation: A change of scenery can kickstart creativity, bringing in new ideas and fresh perspectives. Heading to a tranquil forest setting? Perhaps you’ll be inspired to create a new, eco-friendly marketing campaign.
- A focus on professional development: Take advantage of workshops and sessions packed with relevant skills and knowledge to help push the company forward.
Take a peek at our curated selection of prime relaxation and team bonding spots. Keep these options in mind and look forward to seamless and straightforward planning for your next offsite event.
Top 10 UK corporate retreat locations
1. Rachel’s Farm – Buchlyvie, Scotland
Just 50 minutes from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth, this countryside hideaway features sweeping views of the Trossachs National Park. The barn can accommodate up to 50 people, making it suitable for meetings, while several large rooms are great for hosting board sessions.
Choose from accommodation with 4 to 15 bedrooms, each catering for up to 30 guests. There are plenty of enticing extras too, such as private hot tubs, custom kitchens and chic living
For adventurous team members, mountain biking and water sports are available in the surrounding area. Your team can enjoy peaceful walks through Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, or take part in wellness activities like animal sanctuary visits and tree planting.
2. Elmley Kingshill Farm – Isle of Sheppey
Just 40 miles from London, Elmley Kingshill Farm is located on a 3,300-acre family estate and national nature reserve on the Kent coast. The venue is home to Kingshill Barn, a rustic and grand space with spectacular views and a large outdoor area.
The elegantly restored Kingshill Farmhouse provides cosy accommodation for 12 guests across 6 en-suite bedrooms. For a more modern touch, Elmley Cottage offers open-plan living for 10 guests, complete with scenic views of the reserve.
3. Osea Island – Maldon
Osea Island offers an enchanting private island getaway on London’s doorstep. The island has a variety of properties, from grand houses to cosy cottages and apartments.
You’ll be able to spot a variety of wildlife while on the island, such as owls, kestrels and peacocks. Explore the island's paths by bicycle, or organise games of golf or volleyball for the team. If you’re visiting between May and September, you’ll be able to take a dip in a heated outdoor swimming pool.
The local area provides even more options like boating, fishing, clay pigeon shooting and various water sports.
4. Elessar Yurt Village – Oakwood
These thoughtfully furnished yurts provide a blend of luxury and eco-friendliness, so a good night’s sleep is very likely! Activities include sunrise yoga, team-building hikes and orienteering. The communal fire pit area provides a snug setting where groups can gather in the evening to discuss the day's events.
The site has a strong glamping game, with mod cons like reliable Wi-Fi, hot showers and flushing toilets. Plush Tents Glamping can accommodate up to 120 guests, making it an ideal retreat for larger corporate groups.
5. Broadoaks Country House – Lake District
Set within 7 acres of gardens, this rustic country house is well-suited for team-building activities. The property has four breakout rooms—the Orangery, Bar, Oaks Room and Music Room—providing plenty of space for various event formats.
For work-related activities, the house offers useful amenities such as Wi-Fi, flip charts and projectors. For those seeking adventure, activities include clay pigeon shooting and black powder shooting. Teams can also take part in archery, orienteering, treasure hunts and water activities.
6. Thornbury Castle – Gloucestershire
Experience a retreat in a real Tudor castle with modern conference facilities. Located just 30 minutes from Bristol, the castle offers an inspiring and intimate setting for meetings, team building and training. This Tudor castle, once home to King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, now serves as a stylish retreat with distinct event spaces accommodating up to 70 guests.
The only Tudor castle in England to open as a hotel, Thornbury Castle is equipped with atmospheric bedchambers, a three-AA Rosette restaurant and free Wi-Fi. On-site activities include croquet, archery, clay-pigeon shooting and falconry.
7. The 616 Venue – Nottinghamshire
Located in Sherwood Forest, this venue was built with eco-friendliness in mind, using natural and reclaimed materials throughout. The venue offers convenient transport links from Nottingham and plenty of parking for cars and coaches.
The 616 Venue provides exclusive use of its features, including a private music cellar and bar, a retro games room and outdoor hot tubs. For a fun local excursion, you can head to the historic village of Wellow. Just a 10-minute drive away, it’s famous for its connections to the legend of Robin Hood.
8. Ellenborough Park – Southam
Ellenborough Park is an imposing 15th-century English country estate located on the edge of the Cotswolds, just a short drive from Cheltenham. This venue has a spa where your team can relax in a sauna and steam room, receive a massage or soak in a hot tub.
The estate offers 61 spacious bedrooms with large bathrooms, heated marble floors and modern conveniences. Many rooms have garden views and some include private patios.
9. Howgills House – Sedbergh
Howgills House, nestled between the Lakes and Dales, offers a lavish 12-bedroom country residence. Just a short drive from the M6, it’s easily accessible. It’s a 2-hour train ride from London and 90 minutes from Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool.
The house comes with an on-site commercial kitchen and catering can be arranged upon request. Activities like duck herding, cocktail making, ghyll scrambling and clay pigeon shooting are available to keep the team entertained.
10. Retreat East – Suffolk
This sustainable retreat is housed inside a former dairy farm and offers 26 eco-friendly barns and rooms.
Teams can indulge in spa treatments, enjoy the award-winning restaurant or recharge with activities such as cycling, axe throwing, archery, Nordic walking and yoga. The venue also comes with a gym and offers seasonal packages for a customised experience.
Top 5 European corporate retreat locations
1. Villa Monte D’Oiro – Lagos, Portugal
This peaceful retreat has space for up to 20 guests and boasts a private pool, yoga studio and close proximity to the beach.
Additions include a wine cellar, gym and sauna, as well as the chance to relax by the landscaped gardens. The villa includes 10 bedrooms, most of which come with en-suite bathrooms and spacious dining areas.
The villa also has a great location, just a five-minute drive from Lagos town centre and close to Ponta da Piedade beach.
2. Château Villers-en-Ouche – Pays d’Ouche, France
This 17th-century château, surrounded by classical gardens and centuries-old lime and beech trees, provides an inspiring and creative atmosphere. Located just 1 hour and 45 minutes from Paris, it combines accessibility with the tranquil beauty of Normandy.
The château comfortably sleeps 24 guests and can host small receptions for up to 50 people. Enjoy the peace and quiet of the grounds, with options for dining by candlelight in the forest.
3. Le Chardon Mountain Lodges – Val d'Isère, France
These ski-in/ski-out chalets are situated in a private enclave and provide views of the Manchet Valley. Each chalet sleeps up to 20 guests and blends tranquil surroundings with first-class service and gourmet cuisine.
Designed by skiers, for skiers, the lodges feature outdoor hot tubs, saunas and boot warmers. There are also opportunities for therapeutic treatments like massages, as well as yoga, pilates and personal training sessions on request.
4. Christiania Residence – Zermatt, Switzerland
Christiania Residence in Zermatt comprises seven fully equipped apartments and accommodates up to 48 guests. Located in the heart of Zermatt, the property is right next to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise – the highest gondola in the Alps. It also provides instant access to skiing, bars, shops and restaurants.
The residence comes kitted out with exposed beams, natural stone walls, rustic wood panelling and custom designer furniture. Each apartment includes a wood-burning fireplace, Wi-Fi, washer/dryer and lift access.
The penthouse offers panoramic Matterhorn views and formal dining for 26. There are also plenty of opportunities for relaxation thanks to the on-site sauna and two hot tubs.
5. Arctra – Rovaniemi, Finland
Perched atop Ollerovaara Hill, Arctra offers a rural getaway nestled within 20 hectares of private wilderness. Accommodation is provided in five luxurious suites, each named after a star constellation and featuring private bathrooms and twin beds.
Your team can enjoy activities like skiing, snowshoeing, husky sledding and reindeer feeding. For a truly memorable experience, you can chase the Northern Lights via snowmobile or snowshoe excursion. The lodge also has a balcony, a hot tub and evening snowmobile adventures to traditional Lappish huts.
Wrapping up
Choosing the right corporate retreat location is essential for fostering team cohesion, creativity and relaxation. Whether you prefer the laid-back landscapes of the UK or the enticing settings of Europe, our top picks for 2024 provide the best venues for your corporate retreat, combining comfort with diverse experiences.
