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Tuesday 15 December 2015

Ever thought about taking your next event outside of Central London. If you are looking for more space for your summer event, amazing grounds then venues just outside of London offer all of that and more. Here at Venue Search London, we have put together a list of some hidden gems for you to consider.

Hever Castle

Hever Castle, built in 1270 and located 30 miles south-east of London, boasts a wealth of history; most famously as the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. The castle offers two unique venues for corporate hospitality, the Astor Wing and the Guthrie Pavilion. The Astor Wing, built onto the castle by William Waldorf Astor in 1904, boasts an impressive newly refurbished Tudor style meeting space with state of the art audio visual facilities and is suitable for up to 60 delegates. The Guthrie Pavilion is located in the award winning Italian Garden and can accommodate up to 200 delegates. This versatile, contemporary space offers the flexibility of being used for either a conference or a dinner. 

Waddesdon Manor

In the heart of the Buckinghamshire countryside, an hour and a half’s drive from London, lies the awe-inspiring Waddesdon Manor, designed and built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild. With a range of unique venues, each with its own charm and appeal, the facilities at Waddesdon provide a spectacular backdrop to a host of events. The newly completed complex Windmill Hill is ideal for a more discreet experience, with three contemporary rooms accommodating up to 100 delegates. The 19th century Dairy overlooks a tranquil lake and provides a range of beautiful event spaces for up to 200 delegates. This enchanting vaulted Victorian building, set in private grounds, is the perfect venue for exclusive entertaining at any time of year.

Runnymede Hotel

The Runnymede-on-Thames is a beautiful 4 star hotel in Egham, Surrey, nestling on the banks of the River Thames near Windsor. With a range of event spaces; private suites, outside terraces and even boats, the Runnymede provides a wonderful setting for your event. Boasting two contemporary function rooms which can be themed to fit your event and exclusive terraces and balconies which allow for both inside and outside drinks parties. The Grand Union Suite provides an exclusive self-contained space for up to 250 guests with private entrance away from the main hotel. The Riverside Suite is a slightly smaller space for 80-100 people. Both suites contain a dance floor, full audio-visual and PA facilities and staging available for live entertainment. There are so many creative options provided by the river and Runnymedes beautiful private boats. Dine and dance the night away on a meandering riverboat cruise to Royal Windsor, ideal for 30-75 people for a seated meal or 150 for a standing drinks reception or informal buffet. Alternatively lounge on the banks of the river with an evening barbeque on the terrace. The Runnymede provides a wonderful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Lingfield Park Resort

Lingfield Park is situated in the heart of a beautiful 450-acre estate in Surrey, on the border with Sussex & Kent. Dating back to the 19th Century, the Park is a versatile venue, ideal for any occasion from private dinners to outdoor events to wedding celebrations. The flexible event spaces are suitable for as few as four or as many as 450 guests. With superb dining and menu options, free parking, acres of breathtaking outdoor space and excellent transport links, Lingfield Park Resort has the winning formulae to make your event a resounding success.

Hedsor House

Hedsor House is a private country house meeting and event venue in Buckinghamshire. Set in its own 100-acre historic park, Hedsor is perfect for exclusive team building, conferences, product launches and management meetings. King George III and Queen Charlotte chose the location of Hedsor House specifically for its picturesque position high above the river Thames and proximity to London. The house, originally designed by Sir William Chambers, architect of Somerset House, sits in over 100 acres of historic parkland that has been enjoyed by royalty dating back to 1166. It was once the home of Dowager Princess of Wales, mother of George III and the founder of Kew Gardens. With 8 meeting rooms all with natural daylight, an impressive galleried central hall, it is a fantastic venue for a variety of events.

The Garden Room Syon Park

A luxurious purpose-built venue set within the stunning grounds of Syon House, The Garden Room offers an idyllic setting for corporate and private events. The venue is available from the beginning of May to the end of September every year. Perfect for summer events, the Garden Room boasts exclusive private gardens, surrounded by 50 acres of idyllic parkland. The gardens can be used for welcome drinks, before guests move inside for a seated dinner, or as the setting for an informal summer barbecue, where guests can raise a toast as the sun sets over Syon House. The Garden Room is comprised of two spaces, a reception room and dining room. Each is equipped with all the production and lighting you’ll need to create your perfect event, and can be used together for larger events. An understated, neutral colour scheme enables guests to make The Garden Room their own, with any branding or theming.

The Grove

The Grove is more than just a luxury 5 star hotel, set in 300 acres of Hertfordshire countryside and only 18 miles from London. The former home of the Earl of Clarendon is now a championship golf resort, award winning spa and unique venue for meetings, weddings and celebrations. The Grove offers a wealth of team building activities that are highly rewarding, challenging and enjoyable. There are all the classic corporate team building and incentive activities you'd expect and even more you wouldn't.

The Jockey Club - Kempton Park, Sandown Park, Epsom Downs

The Jockey Club has 3 venues with reasonable proximity to London. Each ones has extensive grounds and indoor event spaces making them a good choice for out of town corporate away days:

Sandown park offers extensive corporate event themes and packages set in a stunning location with fantastic views over the racecourse.

Kempton Park offers first class cuisine and catering facilities to go alongside the stylish function rooms, where you can seat up to 650 guests or 750 for a reception. All fully equipped with private bar and cloakroom overlooking the racecourse. 

Epsom Downs is conveniently located 18 miles from Central London and is easily accessible by rail or car and offers a variety of flexible function rooms with ample free parking. 

Go Ape

Looking for something different to entertain your staff. Go Ape have recently opened an award winning high wire tree top adventure to the centre of London. Go Ape in Battersea Park is a first for any city in the UK The highest obstacle crossings are double the height of most Go Ape courses, and many are twice as long as usual, making them extra wobbly and challenging. Go Ape is about creating adventures and encouraging everyone to live life adventurously. They have designed a naturally thrilling test of nerves high up in Battersea’s tree tops! If you’re looking for a corporate team building event with a bit of spirit,this is a great choice. Go Ape is becoming increasingly popular for company days out. They offer mid-week team days out.

Looking to find the perfect venue for your summer party, then let us take the headache away from you and start your free venue search today.