Intro
Best Destinations for Corporate Retreats
When choosing a destination for a corporate retreat, the organisers may find it difficult to find the best spot among the many attractive options.
The following 10 destinations in the UK offer a range of activities and attractions that are perfect for corporate retreats:
1. The Lake District
This beautiful region in northwest England is known for its stunning scenery. There are many opportunities for outdoor activities, and home to some charming towns and villages, such as Keswick and Windermere.
Main attractions
- Lake Windermere
- The Borrowdale Valley, a popular spot for hiking and biking
- The Lake District National Park
Activities
Hiking, biking, sailing, fishing, rock climbing, stargazing, and visiting historical sites
Why it’s perfect for a corporate retreat
- Ideal place to relax and de-stress, which is beneficial for both team morale and productivity.
- A variety of activities can help to build team bonding.
- Stunning scenery.
- A relatively affordable destination, which can save businesses money.
2. Stratford-upon-Avon
This town in central England is famous for being the birthplace of William Shakespeare. It is home to many Shakespeare-related attractions, including the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Shakespeare’s Birthplace.
Main attractions
- The Royal Shakespeare Theatre
- Shakespeare’s Birthplace
- Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare is buried
Activities
Apart from visiting Shakespeare-related attractions, one can enjoy shopping in Stratford-upon-Avon, hiking in the Cotswolds, visiting Warwick Castle, or a boat trip on the River Avon.
Why it’s perfect for a corporate retreat
- Plenty of activities and amenities.
- Relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
3. York
This city in north England is known for its medieval architecture, and a number of museums and historical attractions.
Main attractions
- York Minster, a beautiful cathedral
- The Jorvik Viking Centre
- Clifford’s Tower, a ruined castle
Activities
- Visiting historical sites, hiking in the Yorkshire Dales, visiting York Racecourse, and a boat trip on the River Ouse.
Why it’s perfect for a corporate retreat
- Plenty of activities and amenities available.
- A great place to learn about history and culture.
- A vibrant and exciting atmosphere.
4. The Scottish Highlands
This region in northern Scotland is known for its rugged beauty. There are many opportunities for outdoor activities or visiting historic castles and ruins.
Main attractions
- Loch Ness, said to be home to the Loch Ness Monster
- Glencoe Valley
- The Cairngorms National Park
- Edinburgh Castle
Activities
Hiking, biking, fishing, visiting historical sites, and shopping in Inverness
Why it’s perfect for a corporate retreat
- A variety of activities.
- Stunning scenery to inspire creativity and innovation.
- A relatively affordable destination.
5. Bath
This city in southwest England is known for its Roman baths. The city is also home to a number of Georgian buildings.
Main attractions
- The Roman baths, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- The Jane Austen Centre, a museum dedicated to the author
- The Pump Room, a restaurant and tearoom in the Roman baths
Activities
Apart from visiting the Roman baths, one can enjoy hiking, visiting the Jane Austen Centre, or a boat trip on the River Avon.
Why it’s perfect for a corporate retreat
- Bath is a great place to relax and de-stress.
6. Cornwall
This county in southwest England is a great place to visit for its outdoor activities. Cornwall is also home to some of the best food in the UK.
Main attractions
- Ives, a seaside town
- The Eden Project, a botanical garden
- The Minack Theatre, carved into the cliffs
- Tintagel Castle, said to be the birthplace of King Arthur
Activities
Surfing, hiking, kayaking, sailing, and fishing.
Why it’s perfect for a corporate retreat
- A variety of activities that can help to build team bonding.
- Stunning scenery to inspire creativity and innovation.
- An affordable destination.
7. The Cotswolds
This region in southwest England is known for its rolling hills, its honey-coloured stone villages, and charming market towns. There are also a number of historical sites in the area.
Main attractions
- Bibury, a village with beautiful cottages
- Bourton-on-the-Water, with its canals and bridges
- Stow-on-the-Wold, a market town with historic buildings
Activities
Hiking, biking, horseback riding, and visiting quaint villages.
Why it is perfect for a corporate retreat
- The area is home to spas and wellness centres, where teams can enjoy massages and other treatments.
8. The Peak District
The Peak District is a national park known for its stunning scenery, including rugged hills, deep valleys, and craggy rocks.
Main attractions
- Beautiful scenery
- Historical sites such as Chatsworth House and Hardwick Hall.
Activities
Hiking, biking, rock climbing, and caving.
Why it is perfect for a corporate retreat
- Many outdoor activities.
9. The New Forest
The New Forest is a national park and home to a variety of wildlife, including ponies, deer, and wild boar.
Main attractions
- Home to a variety of wildlife, including ponies, deer, and wild boar.
- Villages and towns where teams can enjoy traditional English pubs and restaurants.
Activities
Hiking, biking, horse riding, and fishing.
Why it is perfect for a corporate retreat
- The New Forest is great for team building and nature experiences.
- The area is also home to a number of villages and towns, where teams can enjoy traditional English culture.
10. The Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight is a beautiful island with a mild climate, making it a great place to relax and rejuvenate.
Main Attractions
- Beautiful beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.
- Rolling hills, perfect for hiking, biking, and horse riding.
- Historical sites, including Carisbrooke Castle and Osborne House.
Activities
Hiking, biking, horse riding, sailing, and golf.
Why it is perfect for a corporate retreat
- Hiking, biking, sailing, and golf are all great ways to get teams working together.
- The Isle of Wight is easily accessible from mainland England.
Corporate travel management is an essential aspect of many businesses, facilitating face-to-face meetings, networking opportunities, and the expansion of global operations.
FAQ’s
What is meant by a corporate retreat?
A corporate retreat is a planned event that brings together employees from a company for the purpose of team building, learning, or problem solving.
How do you organise a successful corporate retreat?
To organise a successful corporate retreat, you should set specific goals and objectives, plan a wide range of activities, delegate duties to other team members, and follow up after the retreat.
What is the value of a successful company retreat?
A successful corporate retreat can be of value for a company because it builds improved team morale, stronger relationships, increase productivity and problem-solving skills.
How to set goals for a corporate retreat?
When setting goals for a corporate retreat, be specific and set measurable goals to track your progress.
How long should a corporate retreat last?
The length of a retreat will depend on the goals of the retreat and the activities but mostly last for one to three days.
