When delivering a company retreat, an exclusive-use venue is a perfect choice for ensuring a unique and memorable experience. We’ve picked out a few of our favourite exclusive-use venues across the UK, from lodges in the Highlands to gastro venues in Devon.
Image via heckfieldplace.com
Heckfield Place, nestled in the countryside of Hampshire, is an oasis of relaxation with a sustainable twist. In this beautiful hotel and spa, you'll find luxurious interiors which still maintain that traditional English homey charm. Only one hour from London, Heckfield Place offers an array of group activities for a company retreat - from fishing and falconry to foraging and bio-dynamic garden tours. Groups have everything they need onsite, including meeting rooms, majestic dinner spaces, a screening room and a carefully curated events programme. If you’re looking for an exclusive-use venue that prides itself on greener thinking and fresh and seasonal produce, then Heckfield Place delivers that ideal combination for events.
Address: Heckfield Pl, Heckfield, Hook RG27 0LD Distance from
London: 1 hour 20 mins
Image via thefifearms.com
With its eye-catching architecture and luxurious amenities, it's no surprise that Fife Arms is one of the most desirable places to stay in Scotland. The hotel has a rich history that dates back centuries, with many fascinating tales brought to life through art installations scattered throughout the property. With 46 guest bedrooms, the Fife Arms is the perfect spot for a mid-sized group looking for a venue that celebrates all Scotland has to offer. Scottish experiences are front and centre at the Fife Arms, with group activities including whisky tastings and private lunches on the grouse moor. A highlight of the Fife Arms is the incredible local fare served in their award-winning restaurant. Have your group indulge in delicacies such as venison stew, langoustines, and Arbroath smokies.
Address: Mar Rd, Braemar, Ballater AB35 5YN Distance from London: 9 hour drive, 1 hr 25 min flight
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Coombeshead Farm in Devon is a charming, rustic retreat located in the peaceful Cornish countryside. Groups who stay there can enjoy breathtaking views of the rolling hills and the nearby river Tamar. For a special onsite experience, guests can take part in their bread or butchery workshops, where they’ll learn from the best how to create delicious sourdough and sausages. Set amongst 66 acres of meadows, there’s plenty for groups to do on their doorstep, from wild feasting and canoeing to gin making with foraged botanicals.
Address: Lewannick, Launceston PL15 7QQ Distance from London: 4 hrs 30 mins
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If you're looking for an escape from the mainland and a unique company experience, then look no further than Osea Island in Essex. With its seemingly secluded location on a 16-acre island, you'll be transported to an alternate version of reality that is well set up for group activities surrounded by nature. Once an imposing Victorian fort designed to protect London from invasion, today, the island provides groups with so much more; exciting experiences, stunning countryside views and beautiful wildlife. Treat your team to water sports, clay pigeon shooting, cinema screenings or mini golf before a grand dinner in the ‘Bomb Factory’ or an evening of pop-up street vans on the estuary.
Address: Goldhanger Road, Maldon CM9 4SA Distance from
London: 1 hr 50 minutes
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Located in the regal town of Cheltenham, Ellenborough Park is a luxury 5* hotel set in 90 acres of tranquil parkland estate. With botanical gardens filled with rare flowers, to historical artefacts, the grounds are the perfect spot for your event guests to explore. With a spa onsite, a fine dining restaurant and The Cotswolds on its doorstep, Ellenborough Park is the perfect pick for a company retreat. With both meeting spaces and grand dinner spots, it can easily accommodate groups of up to 120.
Address: Southam Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL52 3NJ Distance from London: 2 hrs 30 minutes
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Elmley Nature Reserve, with its 3,300 acres of wilderness, is the perfect setting for a company retreat. Located in the heart of Kent, Elmley Nature Reserve gives its guests a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with nature – including roe deer, wild horses, barn owls and more. The ideal spot for a company retreat with a wellness edge, Elmley has a yoga studio on site, mindful workshops and nourishing and plant-based menus. There’s a variety of accommodations to suit all groups, from the characterful farmhouse to the rustic huts and cabins.
Address: Elmley National Nature Reserve, Kingshill Farm, Isle Of Sheppey, ME12 3RW Distance from London: 1 hr 45 minutes
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Bartley Lodge in the New Forest is one of those charming gems that is perfectly suited to a company retreat. Located in the heart of the forest, there’s plenty of wilderness for guests to explore. Or if they’d rather participate in the team-building experiences Bartley Lodge can offer, there are rib treasure hunts on The Solent through to laser clay pigeon shooting on site. The historic lodge provides a plethora of event spaces, from its well-manicured lawns, to its Baronial Hall, which is able to accommodate 150 guests.
Address: Bartley Lodge, Cadnam, Near Lyndhurst, Hampshire, SO40 2NR Distance from London: 90 minutes
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North Cadbury Court is a charming country venue located in the heart of Somerset. It has a rich history dating back to the 17th century and has been beautifully preserved over the centuries. With its grand Elizabethan manor house, rolling green lawns and delicious seasonal menus, it’s no wonder why it has become such a sought-after venue for a corporate retreat. With 21 bedrooms at the main house and four coach house cottages onsite, the estate can comfortably sleep 82 onsite. There’s no end to the team-building activities North Cadbury Court can offer, including rooftop golf, a casino, and pedalos on the lake to country
pursuits activities.
Address: North Cadbury Court, North Cadbury, Somerset, BA22 7DR Distance from London: 2 hrs 30 mins drive
Image via 42acres.com
42 Acres is a tranquil retreat in Somerset, set within a stunning landscape of rolling hills, orchards and meadows. With group activities ranging from yoga and meditation to nutrition workshops, 42 Acres is the ideal venue for a group looking for a reset. There’s a range of accommodation types, including The Farmhouse and the quirky stable conversion, Swallow’s Nest. For your group experiences, hire the Mongolian Yurt, or go truly back to nature with open-fire cooking at their forest dining spot.
Address: 42 Acres, Holt Road, Witham Friary, Frome, BA11 5HL Distance from London: 2hr 30 minutes
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If you're looking for a unique exclusive use venue where your team can experience the great outdoors, then Plush Tents Glamping is exactly what you need. Their luxury tents feature all the comforts of home - think king-sized beds and fluffy duvets with beautiful wooden furniture, plus private hot tubs. Located near to Chichester in West Sussex, Plush Tents Glamping is also the perfect spot to explore Goodwood on your doorstep. Hire the Goodwood circuit for the day, take to the air with a helicopter experience or take your team off-road in 4 x 4s.
Address: Plush Tents Glamping, Chapel Lane, Oakwood, Chichester, Sussex, PO18 9AW Distance from London: 2 hours
If you’re looking for an exclusive use venue for your company retreat, then don’t hesitate to get in contact. Our team know all the top spots across the UK, from wellbeing-focused retreats to luxury 5* spa venues. Just drop me an email at patrick.ockendon@bcdme.com