We love that these venues are easy to get to from central London, but still provide a countryside feel for away days and conferences
Capacity 64
London terminal Waterloo
Tel 0118 976 8800
Over the years, the kitchens at this Grade II-listed fomer vicarage have been graced by some of the UK’s top chefs over the years. When it comes to events, three spaces can be hired for meetings and private dinners, while cookery masterclasses for up to six are available mid-week.
Capacity 65
London terminal Marylebone
Tel 020 8845 1377
Surrounded by parkland, West London Shooting School stands tall in a setting that befits a day of country pursuits. Corporate packages include a morning shoot and brunch, evening shoots with barbecues, and multi-activity days that combine shooting with quad biking, 4x4 driving or archery.
Capacity 80
London terminal St Pancras
Tel 020 8327 4700
A showcase for the famous Welsh textiles designer, this hotel sits in 10 acres of landscaped gardens with views that stretch all the way back to central London. From the 16th-century main building, a private dining room looks out onto the garden. In a newer wing, meeting rooms have all of the facilities to do business smoothly.
Capacity 100
London terminal Victoria
Tel 01293 780080
This Elizabethan property is surrounded by a medieval moat. Its Gallery overlooks a secluded garden, while the Boardroom has its own deck over the water. In the oldest part of the hotel, St Peter’s has views of the grounds and terrace. It also works well for exclusive-use events.
Capacity 120
London terminal Waterloo
Tel 01483 893361
This luxury boutique hotel has lots to offer event bookers. Newly upgraded, there are state-of-the-art AV facilities in each of the nine conference rooms. The Albury Suite is great for smaller groups and has panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, while larger groups can use the period Drawing Room.
Capacity 121
London terminal Waterloo
Tel 01256 764881
With views over 66 acres, Tylney Hall is a picturesque venue for conferences, banqueting and entertainment. Highlights among its 14-strong portfolio of function rooms include the baronial Tylney Suite, with its oak panelling and a minstrels’ gallery, and the self-contained Hampshire Suite, which has a private garden. Outdoor activities are a speciality here too, with historical treasure hunts offered alongside traditional country pursuits.
Capacity 150
London terminal King’s Cross
Tel 01707 368728
A traditional country-house atmosphere defines historic Brocket Hall. Available on an exclusive-use basis only, two challenging courses and the Faldo Institute distinguish it as a golfing destination.
Capacity 160
London terminal St Pancras
Tel 01582 734437
Part of the Elite Hotels group, Grade I-listed Luton Hoo sits proudly in over 1,000 acres of rolling parkland. The 18th-century stately home incorporates individually styled bedrooms as well as a portfolio of event spaces which range from converted stables to ornate state rooms. The spa comprises a large indoor pool, and the 18-hole golf course is another draw.
Capacity 180
London terminal Paddington
Tel 01628 427244
The Chartered Institute of Marketing’s home is set up to help groups extract maximum value from training days. In the original manor house, mobile HD presentation screens are now available in a pair of meeting spaces recently fashioned from the old library. Once the day’s business is done, groups can relax into teambuilding activities and, for overnighters, all bedrooms are newly refurbed.
Capacity 180
London terminal Paddington
Tel 01628 429955
One of Corus Hotels’ larger properties, Burnham Beeches recently underwent a refurb. The Georgian-style hotel’s 10 event spaces range from boardrooms to the flexible Windsor Suite. Teambuilding is a strong point, with the surrounding 10 acres set up for outdoor activities. Barbecues are popular in the summer and a marquee can be supplied for groups of up to 450.
Planning something for a bigger group? Find more venues by capacity here.