Top 10 picks for a cracking corporate retreat in London

London is one of the most iconic cities in the world. Famed for its rich history and culture, it’s no surprise that the city expects to receive over

38 million

visitors in 2024.With tourist hotspots like the London Eye, Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace, there’s plenty to see and do when visiting the English capital for a company retreat.Whether you’re looking to host a corporate event bang smack in the centre of London or a relaxing retreat away from the big-city hustle and bustle, we’ve got plenty of options for you and your team.

Organising a company offsite

in the City gives you quick access to some of London’s most iconic landmarks. From a tour of St Paul’s Cathedral to a stroll over Tower Bridge to a jam-packed day at a London museum, there’s plenty of history and culture to get stuck into when visiting this part of the capital. Home to Liverpool Street Station, the City provides ample rail transport options for you and your team. There are endless options for accommodation, from high-end stays at The Four Seasons to comfortable nights at Premier Inn. 

Artsy. Fun. Vibey. Shoreditch is one of London’s hotspots. Every which way you turn there are improv shows, stand up comedy nights, live music and themed events. Plus, if you do need to get some work done—you’re never far from a cool coworking space or pay-as-you-go meeting room. When you start feeling peckish, you can try out the many exciting eateries on offer—including those available at the nearby Spitalfields Market. Shoreditch offers everything you need for a fun-filled company offsite, and it’s easily reached via both the overground and the underground from most London Airports.

Bored of board meetings? Switch things up in Soho. Arguably one of the most famous of London’s neighbourhoods, Soho is a cultural and artistic delight. Popular for its restaurants, nightlife and shopping, Soho has plenty to keep you and the team entertained. Plus, it’s a stone’s throw from Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square—both iconic landmarks on any London tourist’s sightseeing checklist. Bordered by both Oxford Street and Regent Street, Soho offers an alternative London experience that still provides the transport links needed to see all the major sights. 

Forget the WiFi in Westminster! Want to treat your team to the London they’ve seen on TV? Then Westminster is the way to go. Full of picture-perfect landmarks—including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey (and Cathedral!) and Big Ben—it’s a sight-seers paradise on the Thames.With transport links from London Victoria that’ll take you anywhere you want to go, and only an hour’s drive from both London City and Heathrow Airport, it’s as well-connected as it gets. Plus, you can even opt to hop on the open-top, red buses to see the city from a different perspective.

We’re heading South of the Thames for the first time on this list, and for good reason. Nestled between Blackfriars Bridge and Westminster Bridge, and home to the London Dungeons and the Old Vic Theatre, South Bank is steeped in history, culture and some great grub for a private dinner or two.Plus, that’s before we even mention South Bank’s main attraction: the London Eye. You and your team can hop on for a view over the entire city, including many of the sites you’ll only have seen from street level. Once you’ve completed your 360 degrees on the Eye, you can dive straight into (not literally) a scenic boat trip down the Thames. Truth be told, no matter where you choose to stay in Central London—you’re never too far from the next stop on your

offsite agenda

. However, if you’re looking for something a little more relaxed, stay tuned for our final five suggestions. They couldn’t be more different than the first five—and that might just be what you and your team needs.

Hedsor House is a manor in Buckinghamshire, just a 25-minute drive from Heathrow Airport and an hour from Central London. Set on 100 acres of Grade II listed parkland, it’s an idyllic spot for a company getaway in the English countryside. With 16 luxurious bedrooms—all complete with ensuites— across the main manor house and additional accommodation, The Hive, it’s ideal for smaller companies and teams looking to focus on team bonding.

This is the furthest outside of London we’ve been on this list at about 1h30 mins away from Central London, and about an hour away from Gatwick Airport. However, in our opinion, this bespoke retreat venue is well worth it. With a total of 23 bedrooms, adaptable event spaces, a fully-equipped games room and on-site catering packages, it’s got everything you need for your next corporate retreat. Enjoy the surrounding wetlands on the Isle of Harry Trail, catch a glimpse of the abundant bird wildlife and spend a night around the fire pit—sounds good to us.

In East Horsley, about an hour South-West of Central London, lies the De Vere Horsley Estate. Designed and built in 1820 by the architect of the Houses of Parliament, this 19th century estate provides the perfect backdrop for your next corporate offsite. There’s plenty to do on-site and off-site when staying at Horsley. Start your day by exploring the grounds and nature it offers, and then head out to the opera, paintball or farmer’s market—all within a ten minute drive. 

Sopwell House is sure to put a smile on your team’s face. The Georgian country house sits on 12 acres of Hertfordshire countryside, and boasts 128 rooms, 15 meeting spaces and an award-winning spa. It’s an ideal retreat for bigger offsites needing to host multiple teams in one location.Only 25 minutes away from London Luton Airport, this luxury getaway is near some exciting days out—including the Warner Bros Studio Tour and Hertfordshire Zoo. If you’re looking to step back in time, you’re surrounded by options; from Knebworth House to Hatfield House and Gardens. 

Fair Oak Farm offers you and your team exclusive use of 12 acres of Sussex countryside and all the delights it has to offer. Consisting of a complex of converted farmhouses and barns, this rustic retreat is a slice of country life at only an hour and a half’s drive from London and 40 minutes from London Gatwick.The hideaway has the event spaces and meeting rooms necessary for you and your team to get stuck into business, and the spacious estate provides the space necessary to get stuck into a wide variety of offsite activities. Complete with a BBQ area, games barn and small cinema, it’s a great spot for a relaxed retreat.