Welcome to your first lesson in planning a company retreat: location is everything. Class is in session! As travel experts we recommend a destination that balances both adventure and relaxation, and provides the right environment for team-building. However, we’re not just talking about the country and city, we also mean your hotel. The right choice of hotel can mean the difference between a ho-hum company retreat, or an epic trip filled with memories that will bring your team closer together. Keep in mind that there is no single right answer, but rather a choice that will accommodate your specific preferences and goals for your retreat.
Here at Moniker, we do extensive research to ensure that the hotels we recommend have something to fit your unique company, goals, and budget. So, if you’re wondering where you should book your company retreat, look no further than Moniker’s latest blog series: Best Locations for a Company Retreat. Check out our other curated lists in amazing destinations such as in the Mayan Riviera, Mexico and Lisbon, Portugal.
Our Suggestions of the Best Locations for a Company Retreat Near London
When it comes to choosing where to go, we don’t just pick a spot on a map. We meticulously research up-and-coming destinations that will ensure an amazing and unique trip. So believe us when we say that London, England is always a great choice, but venturing outside of it to the beautiful countryside is what will take your trip to the next level. A couple hours drive out of the city will land you among rolling green hills, moody forests and rugged moorland. Immerse yourself in England’s epic history by exploring the ancient castles and historic towns that speckle the countryside. Here you’ll have the opportunity to stay in Victorian-era houses, stroll cobblestone streets and enjoy signature high tea in stunning gardens. We’ve done the groundwork for you and handpicked some of our favourite hotels outside of London, so that you and your team will have everything you need for a dreamy European getaway. Read on for our Top 6 Locations for Company Retreats Near London.
Huntsham Court
Nestled in the lush green Devon countryside and about 3.5 hour drive from London you’ll find Huntsham Court. A lovingly restored 1700s estate, this private venue has an incredibly rich history and is perfect for a remote company retreat. Huntsham Court features 40 rooms across the main building and two other charming lodges that sleep a total of 130 people. With classic architecture, picturesque gardens, a customizable meeting space and surrounded by rolling hills, this dreamy location provides the perfect setting for both relaxation and team-building.
When you book at Huntsham Court, you’ll have the whole country estate to yourself. There is no catering onsite, but this allows you to bring in external caterers and services that will make it easy to customize your retreat to exactly your budget, themes and preferences. For full pricing and inquiries you’ll need to contact Huntsham Court directly, or you can let us at Moniker do the heavy lifting and you’ll be sipping a cup of tea in the garden and living out your English countryside dreams during your idyllic company retreat before you know it.
Shendish Manor Hotel
Welcome to Shendish Manor Hotel, where Victorian splendour meets modern design. With a sprawling 160 acres of English countryside and formal gardens, you’re sure to find countryside comfort just 1 hour outside of London. With 70 rooms starting at £92.40/night, you’ll find a blend of both classic architecture and modern styles to choose from. Shendish boasts a variety of conference rooms able to accommodate up to 400 people during the company retreat not to mention a charming gazebo, terrace and outdoor banquet spots. The cherry on top is its very own beautiful golf course, making this the perfect relaxing spot to make memories and bring your team together.
Brockencote Hall Hotel
Set in the peaceful and idyllic countryside of Worcestershire, Brockencote Hall Hotel offers a secluded and relaxing getaway, but still puts you within reach of some of England’s famous landmarks. Though it's a 3 hour drive from London, you’ll have a plethora of things to do in the gorgeous English countryside including nature walks through the Malvern Hills, visiting Worcester Cathedral or exploring Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon.
The hotel itself is a luxurious, 128 room Victorian Manor with award-winning dining and rooms starting at £119/night. Brockencote Hall has 5 conference rooms with the largest seating 70 and a dedicated events team to help you put together the perfect team-building days. There are tons of activities to choose from to keep your days exciting such as clay pigeon shooting, archery, water zorbing, duck herding, fire walking and more. Whether you stay within the hotel grounds or venture out and about, you’ll never have a shortage of things to do at Brockencote!
Cliveden House
One of Berkshire’s sparkling gems and just 1 hour outside of London, Cliveden House is sure to impress. Perched on the banks of the River Thames and lying among 376 acres of National Trust land, you’ll be met with sweeping panoramic views anywhere you look. You and your team can sit down for an iconic English afternoon tea, play country sports on the picturesque grounds, take in the amazing views on a nature walk, relax in a boat on the River Thames or even try your hand at foraging! Boasting 350 years of powerful personalities, iconic parties and scandalous affairs, Cliveden celebrates its history while providing every modern amenity you’ll need.
Cliveden is equipped with award-winning dining, a luxurious spa and 48 rooms. It also has a variety of absolutely exquisite event spaces to fit your unique needs including a screening room, wine cellar restaurant and gorgeous courtyard. If you are hosting a company retreat fit for a queen, with a royal price tag to match, there’s no better choice than Cliveden House. Lady Astor once entertained there, and now so can you!
Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa
The Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa is a refurbished 700 year old manor retaining many of its original features. You’ll enjoy stunning architecture and luxurious amenities all while appreciating the building’s rich history. Surrounded by rugged moorland of Lancashire and 4 hours away from London, you’ll truly appreciate the tranquil beauty of the English countryside and have an authentic local experience. Amenities include a heated indoor pool, full spa, fitness centre and numerous restaurants, plus 14 meeting rooms and a banquet hall seating up to 400 people total! It’s 175 rooms start at £58/night making this an affordable yet luxurious and unique choice for your company retreat near London.
Alvaston Hall
With a history that can be traced back thousands of years, Alvaston Hall is truly like its own private village settled around a picturesque brook. Indeed, it is actually a Grade II listed Victorian property, meaning it is of particular historical significance. Snuggled up in the rolling green hills of Cheshire, and just a five minute drive from the quaint riverside town of Nantwich, this is the ultimate tranquil escape for some rest and relaxation. Guests can enjoy traditional English fare at the multiple restaurants on site as well as the use of a heated pool, sauna and luxurious spa.
Stroll through the award-winning gardens or jump into activities such as archery, laser clay, trivia, wine tastings and more. When you book one of the 248 luxurious rooms, you’ll also get breakfast, dinner, live shows and access to all leisure activities. Perfect for your upcoming company retreat near London, Alvaston Hall truly has everything your team will need for an unforgettable experience.
Ask The Travel Experts
We all know London is a classic destination, but after hearing about these amazing spots, we hope you’ll consider venturing beyond the city limits and enjoying all that the English countryside has to offer. However, let us assure you, this is just the beginning and there are plenty more where that came from. So whether one of the above hotels caught your fancy or you just haven’t found the one yet, we’re here to help.
We will help you pick the perfect destination, tailored to your specific needs to ensure a unique and memorable company retreat. We’ve curated lists of top company retreat locations in Mexico, Lisbon, New York, San Fransisco and Canada so go check them out! Or, let us do the work for you, and you’ll be having tea and scones in the English countryside before you know it!