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Monday 6 January 2025

Our CEO spend the New Year break with friends at the magnificent Osea Island, one of England's most unique venues for hosting both private and corporate events. Read his account of the visit here.....

Around 20 years ago, I decided to cease using the word ‘unique’ in any marketing materials, since it was, somewhat ironically, being overused and therefore somewhat devalued.

However, my New Year’s stay on Osea Island in the Blackwater Estuary has necessitated the reintroduction of this word, since it is truly a unique and very special place to stage a company retreat, conference or celebration.

Nestled in this tidal estuary and surrounded by beaches, saltwater marshes and their many and varied avian residents, Osea Island is an oasis of calm and beauty, just 50 miles from Central London.  The island is accessible by vehicle using the tidal causeway which is open for two four-hour low tide periods a day, with water taxis available at other times.

We stayed in one of the many cabins which are clustered both in the village and on the coast.  There are also three larger houses which can cater for up to 22 guests. When booked exclusively, Osea offers a total of 87 bedrooms of varying configurations, which can accommodate a total of 150 residents for weddings, and corporate events. For larger events bell tent and tipi villages have been created in the surrounding paddocks.

The main event spaces include The Torpedo Factory and The Power House, both of which can accommodate up to 300 delegates or guests, depending on event format. The island had excellent commercial kitchens, with clients free to use the excellent local catering team or bring in their preferred caterers if desired.

Activities include walking, cycling, swimming (there are two outdoor pools), tennis, pool and ping pong, with sea kayaking, clay pigeon shooting and boat rides on the long menu of additional activities arranged with local suppliers.

The home counties are blessed with many great country house hotels and out-of-town venues offering the perfect setting for weddings and company off-sites. But Osea offers something that is just a bit more exciting and exclusive; and a very different experience.  Events should not only be greatly enjoyed but also long remembered; and the very unique setting of Osea Island is about as unforgettable as it gets!

About Osea Island

Originally occupied by the Romans (who build the causeway), it was later occupied by the Vikings who conquered the area over 1,000 years ago.

More recently it has been the home of many writers and artists and was occupied by the miliary in both World Wars, with the buildings reflecting the island’s varied and colourful history.  

Now privately owned by a well-known music producer, their state-of-the-art recording studio has been used by Reanna, George Ezra and Jessie J, with Ollie Murs and many others hosting their high-profile weddings in this exclusive and secure setting.