We’ve collected the best company retreats in the UK for all budgets that your team will see as a (re)treat rather than a duty
Why is it that team building activities rarely do the trick when we’ve tried so hard to plan everything in the right way, pick the right venue and activity, and make sure to execute it flawlessly?
Well, it turns out we might all have been doing it wrong this whole time as a full day or multiple days retreat is the latest in company team building activities.
As remote work becomes more and more popular for companies and startups, team bonding and quality time with your coworkers will be crucial in order to stay connected, maintain team spirit, and build company culture. Not seeing the team very often means we need to make up for time lost and the best way to do so is with a proper company retreat to recharge batteries and get some well-needed team bonding and time together. Experts even suggest that relaxing and winding down is key to higher productivity for many.
What is a company retreat?
As opposed to more classic team building activities a company retreat usually includes staying at a hotel and combines work activities and more casual activities like dinners and games. By doing so the line between work and personal life becomes slightly blurred and you get to know your coworkers better as the environment is more relaxed. The change of scenery can also help the team get more creative and think outside the box. Ideally, people don’t even think about the retreat as work and we’ve collected all the best ideas to make this happen.
Company Retreat Trends
Maybe you’re wondering what the latest in company retreats is and we’ve got the answer!
We’ve seen an upswing in companies looking to plan longer retreats post-covid, it seems as if remote working calls for at least a few days of away time when you actually do get the time to spend together. Another trend we’ve seen is a rise in popularity for is offsites abroad exploring Europe or other parts of the world with colleagues.
Sustainable venues is another popular area of interest for team offsites and company retreats. In this list alone we’ve included some of our most popular sustainable options so you can keep your conscious clean while still treating your colleagues to something special.
The top company retreats in the UK
Here they are – our handpicked locations for kicking back and bonding with your coworkers. Browse through these excellent choices and make sure to note your favourites so you can book them when the time comes.
1. 42 Acres – Somerset
This gorgeous organic farm is a wellbeing retreat and nature reserve focusing on sustainability. The building is from the 18th century and is ideal for small business retreats and startup get-togethers as it can host up to 32 people. Get ready to reconnect with nature in this beautiful setting, explore the treehouse, and take a dip in the lake as you wander through the surrounding lands. Catering is available upon request.
Capacity: Up to 27 guests
Price: £240 per person
Location: Somerset
2. Elmley, Kingshill Farm – Isle of Sheppey
Enjoy the breathtaking scenery from this family estate and natural reserve on an island just off the Kent coast. While only 40 minutes from London’s busy streets, this rural site offers a true escape from it all. This is an inspiring space for a corporate getaway where you and your team can relax, unwind, and get the space you need to get creative. Upon request activities and workshops can be arranged both indoors and outdoors. You’ll also have a clean conscious going home as this is a sustainable venue with seasonal and locally sourced food and solar-powered electricity.
Capacity: Up to 200 guests
Price: Price on asking
Location: Isle of Sheppey
3. Osea Island – Maldon
How about escaping to a private island? This venue is something completely different. It is a beautiful space featuring multiple houses, making it a super flexible option for any type of business. It’s a truly magical space with a tidal causeway that gets completely covered when the tide is high. Could it be more secluded, peaceful, and ideal for thinking outside the box? We don’t think so!
Capacity: Up to 250 guests
Price: Price on asking
Location: On the private island with the same name just off Essex
4. Plush Tents Glamping – Oakwood
Glamping is the perfect getaway for teams looking to experience luxury camping in nature. It offers all of the comforts of home, but with a unique twist – you’ll be out under the stars! Unlike traditional camping, glamping accommodates all types of people, and lets you experience the great outdoors with modern conveniences. Glamping comes in many different styles, and it’s open to anyone who wants to try something new and exciting – where you’re staying is just as much a part of your trip as the place you are visiting and at Plush Tents Glamping where you’re staying is awesome!
Capacity: Up to 120 guests
Price: Price on asking
Location: Oakwood
5. ARC Painswick – Stroud
Head to the Cotswolds and find yourself in a 15th century wool merchants Manor House in the heart of Painswick. It has modern comforts and is architecturally arranged around the internal courtyard of the estate. It’s intimate and has a stunning ambiance. Splash around in the garden swimming pool, enjoy views of the Painswick Hills, or gather around the fire pit with your team.
Capacity: Up to 24 Guests
Price: From £1500 minimum spend
Location: Stroud
6. Silchester Farm – Hampshire
Why not spend a few days with your team on a beautiful farm in Hampshire? Silchester Farm is a private, family run property featuring a retreat space that is perfect for smaller companies. Everything is locally sourced, including the breakfast that is made by their very own chef.
Capacity: Up to 14 people
Price: Price on Asking
Location: Hampshire
7. Raynham Estate – Fakenham
Glamping is a super fun way to get your team together. Head to Raynham Estate and you’ll enjoy seclusion in the Norfolk countryside. Plan a festival, corporate event, or more on the land. Accommodations feature yurts and bell tents!
Capacity: Up to 40 guests in yurts (additional space in bell tents is available)
Price: From £3500 per day
Location: Fakenham
8. Wallisdown Lodge – Bournemouth
If you love games, you’ll love this retreat venue. Wallisdown Lodge features a climbing wall, secret cave, pool table, arcade games, and darts board. There’s a cinema room and open plan living space, perfect for a quick yoga class. Plus, there is a beautiful garden with a hot tub, seating area, and more!
Capacity: Up to 17 People
Price: From £800 per day
Location: Bournemouth
9. Ellenborough Park – Southam
What could be better for charging the team’s batteries than a spa? At Ellenborough Park, you’ll find spa facilities that won’t leave you disappointed in a 15th-century English country house. It’s the best of both worlds: you’ll never believe you’re in the UK while still being in the most English of environments. It’s situated in a secluded area in Southam where you’re guaranteed to have some truly inspiring moments.
Capacity: Up to 140 guests
Price: £55 per guest
Location: Southam
10. Howgills House – Sedbergh
This beautiful country house specialises in bringing teams together. It’s got easy access to the lake district, is only a 90-minute drive from Manchester and a 2-hour train ride from London. You can pre-order food and there’s a BBQ available on-sight. The friendly staff are also happy to help with any activities you might want to get involved in during your stay, many of them available on sight.
Capacity: 28 guests
Price: Price on asking
Location: Sedbergh, close to The Lakes
11. Retreat East – Suffolk
Escape to the countryside of Suffolk to this gorgeous sustainable retreat that was once a former dairy farm. They have over 23 stunning barns and rooms that can be booked together for a corporate retreat. Enjoy spa treatments, cycling, archery, nordic walking, yoga, and even axe throwing.
Capacity: Ranges Depending on Space
Price: Price on Asking
Location: Suffolk
12. The Lookout Retreat – Brighton
Located on South Downs National Park, this private property has unspoilt views and is only a three minute drive to the beach. It has a large house, spacious gardens, a hot tub, clamping bell tents, and even a natural amphitheatre, perfect for team building activities.
Capacity: Up to 22 guests
Price: Price on Asking
Location: Brighton
13. The Elvetham Hotel
With 91 bedrooms split between their main house and stables, The Elvetham Hotel is a great option for a retreat for big teams. The 19th century Manor House is steeped in history and even played host to King Henry VII and Queen Elizabeth I.
Capacity: Up to 150 guests
Price: From £65 per guest
Location: Hartley Wintney
Need more advice? Reach out to our concierge service and we’ll do all the hard work for you so you can focus on connecting with the team.