The Ultimate Guide to Company Retreats in the UK (and Beyond) | VenueScanner

Written by Taylor | Sep 5, 2025 3:00:00 AM
42 Acres – Somerset

Why Plan a Company Retreat?

Company retreats are essential for building culture, boosting collaboration, and recharging your team. As more companies embrace hybrid and remote working, the need for dedicated time away together has skyrocketed. A retreat offers the chance to reset, align goals, and create memories that last long after the laptops close.

What is a Company Retreat?
A company retreat is more than just a team-building exercise — it’s a chance to step outside of the usual routine and bring colleagues together in a new environment. Unlike a standard away day, retreats often span one or more nights and blend workshops, strategy sessions, and relaxation. The goal isn’t only professional development, but also building stronger bonds, boosting creativity, and giving people space to recharge.

Whether you want a countryside escape, a wellness-focused reset, or something with a bit of adventure, the UK is full of amazing retreat venues. And if you’re feeling adventurous? Europe has some unforgettable options too.

Planning Tips

How to Plan a Successful Retreat

The most effective retreats don’t happen by accident. A few things to keep in mind when you’re in the planning stage:

  • Set clear objectives. Whether it’s alignment, creativity, or wellbeing, define what you want to achieve.
  • Budget wisely. Factor in accommodation, catering, transport, and activities. Always leave a little buffer.
  • Balance structure and downtime. Workshops and sessions are important, but so is unstructured time for organic conversations.
  • Encourage inclusivity. Make sure venues are accessible and activities cater to a range of personalities.
  • Add value with experts. Bringing in a facilitator, yoga teacher, or wellbeing coach can elevate the retreat and give your team new tools.

The Best Company Retreat Venues in the UK

Here are some of our favourite retreat spaces across the country — from cosy countryside escapes to epic estates fit for large teams.

42 Acres – Somerset

A regenerative organic farm that doubles as a wellness retreat and nature reserve. Think wild swimming, ancient woodlands, and seasonal menus. Perfect for smaller teams who want to combine strategy sessions with meditation and nature walks.

  • Capacity: 27 guests
  • Best for: Wellness, mindfulness, intimate team bonding
 

Elmley, Kingshill Farm – Isle of Sheppey

A 3,300-acre private estate just 40 minutes from London. Eco-powered, food sourced locally, and acres of land for outdoor activities. An ideal balance between sustainability and inspiration.

  • Capacity: 200 guests
  • Best for: Sustainability-focused companies
 

Osea Island – Maldon

Yes, a private island retreat. This tidal-access venue is as secluded as it gets, making it perfect for creativity and team bonding without distractions.

  • Capacity: 250 guests
  • Best for: Large, high-impact retreats
 

Ellenborough Park – Southam

A 15th-century English country house with spa facilities and fine dining. Perfect for teams who want to recharge with a touch of indulgence.

  • Capacity: 140 guests
  • Best for: Wellness meets productivity
 

The Elvetham Hotel

A historic manor house with 91 bedrooms, perfect for larger teams looking for both meeting facilities and beautiful grounds to explore.

  • Capacity: 150 guests
  • Best for: Bigger teams wanting tradition + convenience
 

Wellness and Yoga Retreats in the UK

Wellness Retreats Are on the Rise

One of the fastest-growing retreat trends is wellness. Many companies are now weaving in activities like yoga, meditation, or mindfulness workshops alongside strategy sessions. These don’t just help people de-stress; they encourage clearer thinking and better collaboration.

If yoga feels like a stretch for your team, don’t worry, most wellness-focused venues adapt their programmes for beginners. From a morning meditation to a guided walk in nature, the key is creating space for reflection and balance.

Sometimes the best way to recharge your team is by stepping away from PowerPoint decks and laptops, and leaning into wellness. These UK retreats focus on health, mindfulness, and balance:

  • The Clover Mill, Worcestershire – Ayurveda-inspired yoga retreat in a converted 17th-century watermill.
  • The Retreat, New Forest – Options for aerial yoga, kundalini sessions, and drum circles in a serene woodland setting.
  • Cabilla, Cornwall – Bespoke yoga retreats tailored to your team, paired with local chef-prepared meals.

Planning a Corporate Wellness Retreat

If wellness is your main focus, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  • Pick a venue that aligns with your retreat goals (nature, mindfulness, sustainability).
  • Balance structured workshops with plenty of downtime.
  • Invest in experts (yoga teachers, nutritionists, facilitators) to give sessions real impact.
  • Provide healthy catering and encourage a digital detox where possible.

Looking Beyond the UK: European Team Offsites

If you’re ready to really wow your team, why not head abroad? A European offsite can deliver sunshine, adventure, and a total change of pace.

Here are a few of our favourites:

The Lasting Impact of Retreats

The real magic of a retreat doesn’t end when you head home. The bonds formed, the ideas sparked, and the sense of connection often carry back into the workplace. To make the most of it, follow up afterwards and make sure to gather feedback, reflect on the objectives you set, and build on the momentum.

Company retreats don’t just boost morale, they build culture, strengthen collaboration, and create memories that drive productivity long after you return to the office.

Whether you keep it close to home in the UK or head further afield into Europe, there’s a venue to suit every budget and team dynamic.

 

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