The annual team off-siter always needs a stellar venue to kick things off properly. Read on to see which out-of-town spots we’re recommending
This lavish 17th Century hotel's sun shades are proudly sponsored by British vineyard Nyetimber. You'll find a similar celebration of British produce throughout the food and drink offerings at this Hampshire getaway, within a stirring 63 acres of countryside. There is a range of exclusive meeting rooms available on the grounds, but it's the more unusual events that caught our eye. Activity-wise, try a session with the in-house falconer. Or join in with the cookery school, which hosts bespoke corporate bookings. We particularly like the Dawley Barn: one of the property's original outbuildings, it's a handsomely converted private space with its own bar and kitchen.
Set around 1,000 acres of verdant countryside, the Carden Park Hotel has stunning grounds and would suit groups with a little more time on their hands for exploration. There are two championship golf courses, a three-acre vineyard, a high ropes course, Segway tours available and laser clay-pigeon shooting. Back to business, and 18 event spaces vary in size but all feel luxurious, the most impressive of which is the Carden Suite, which can be split into three distinct spaces depending on the size of your group.
This slick venue is found on the iconic Brooklands racing circuit in Weybridge. It’s close to both Heathrow and Gatwick airports – convenient if you’ve got international employees flying in. Apart from the usual meeting spaces, there’s also an 88-seat luxury cinema for video presentations. A fast ride round the track on one of its driving experiences is the perfect way to blow off steam after a day of business.
If you’re looking to host an overnighter for a smaller group, this Lake District hotel has sweeping views over Windemere and 62 lovely bedrooms designed by interiors queen Laura Ashley. As for the hard work, there are six conference suites to choose from. Plus there are budget-friendly inclusive packages from £269pp including meeting room hire, a buffet lunch, three-course dinner, bed and breakfast, and return trains from London, Birmingham or Warrington.
This beautiful Victorian mansion is set amid 186 acres of landscaped Sussex countryside - but the destination contrasts its stately exterior with 15 modern suites to suit all corporate purposes. Outdoors during downtime, there are pristine lawns, secret gardens, lakes and woodland trails through Ashdown Forest. To blow off steam between meetings golf, tennis and gym facilities are on site, and the spa has treatments, as well as pool, sauna and steam room facilities if sporting sounds too arduous. The Anderida Restaurant also upkeeps an excellent reputation.