We love that these venues are easy to get to from central London, but still feel like a proper escape for away days and conferences
Capacity 250
London terminal London Bridge
Tel 01732 861800
Anne Boleyn’s childhood home is offered for private events, along with its adjacent Astor Wing. Banquets are best held in the Castle Dining Room, while the Guthrie Pavilion is the largest and newest event space. There’s also an Italian Loggia and 28 bedrooms.
Capacity 258
London terminal Waterloo
Tel 01932 826932
This entertainment-first venue offers a variety of teambuilding activities. Corporate groups can book up to 61 six-person bays at its driving range, and enjoy drinks and barbecues on its roof terrace. If business comes first, there are two event spaces – our favourite’s The Bunker, which suits conferencing as well as private dinners.
Capacity 300
London terminal Euston
Tel 01525 292172
With its own terrace and a lake-view rose garden, the Sculpture Gallery offers a grand setting for conferences, product launches and gala dinners amid its classical columns. Two adjoining rooms can host small, standalone meetings, while the venue team can suggest ways to combine the gallery with some of the estate’s other impressive locations. Teambuilding activities can, and should, be centred around the landscaped gardens.
Capacity 388
London terminal St Pancras
Tel 01582 734437
Warren Weir is set amid the Capability Brown-designed parkland of Grade I-listed Luton Hoo Hotel. Named after the weir that tumbles through its grounds, this purpose-built venue comprises function rooms, a hospitality lounge, authentically styled bedrooms and leisure facilities. Teambuilding activities include grass karting, water zorbing, and dog or duck handling.
Capacity 400
London terminal Paddington
Tel 01628 906040
In its 15 acres, this 15th-century manor combines period features with modern facilities. The Great Barn has all the kit for presentations and receptions. The Small Barn is great for conferences, while the Cottage Room is a secluded spot for small dinners and meetings. Teambuilding activities take place in the grounds.
Capacity 400
London terminal Paddington
Tel 01235 777900
Sir Frank Williams was the driving force behind one of Formula 1’s most successful teams. Today, he lends his name to the Williams Conference Centre. Its modern event facilities are housed in the building that used to be the home of BMW’s Le Mans project. After meetings, groups can wander around his private collection of more than 40 Grand Prix racing cars.
Capacity 500
London terminal Waterloo
Tel 020 7534 0545
This striking waterside venue is set within 450 acres of land that’s well suited to private parties, corporate events and teambuilding. Indoor events can take place at the Scandi-inspired Amber Lodge; outside, the terrace is the spot for drinks receptions. You can also take to the water, as a boat and captain are included as part of a venue takeover.
Capacity 1,300
London terminal Waterloo
Tel 01932 373707
This state-of-the-art complex is in the grounds of the iconic Brooklands racing circuit. The venue offers varied options for event organisers, from small dinners in the Gullwing Bistro, to large receptions and banquets in the Brooklands Hall. There are plenty of other spaces in between and driving experiences are a popular way to end a day of meetings.
Capacity 750
London terminal London Bridge
Tel 01342 830930
In 450 acres of countryside, this resort consists of the four-star Lingfield Park Marriott Hotel Country Club, Breathe Spa, an 18-hole golf course – and, of course, the storied racecourse. For race-day hospitality or a business meeting, access is easy, with helicopter arrivals easily arranged. An abundance of outdoor space makes it a good choice for an activity-based team day out.
Capacity 1,200
London terminal Waterloo
Tel 020 8744 9997
England’s national rugby stadium also hosts some serious private events. Spaces include the 1,200-capacity Rose Suite and the Live Room auditorium. The most unusual space is the Twickenham Cellar, where 14 guests can feast on seven courses and fine wines. The England Changing Rooms have also been modernised.
Capacity 8,000
London terminal Waterloo
Tel 0844 346 3611
The most famous racecourse in the world is also a state-of-the-art conference and entertainment venue. Ascot has 300 meeting and dining rooms, with the capacity to hold large-scale events – its Grandstand cuts a particularly impressive silhouette against the skyline. Catering is a strong suit, with a wide variety of freshly prepared dishes developed by an award-winning kitchen team.
If you're planning something for a smaller group, maybe private dining is the thing?