Looking to whisk your team away for a rejuvenating escape from the hustle and bustle of the city? We knew it! Here we've curated a list of destinations near London that offer the perfect blend of relaxation and inspiration.

We've got the inside scoop on the best retreat spots just a hop, skip, and jump away from England’s capital. So, pack your bags and get ready to discover the ideal setting to recharge and inspire your team! 

From Central London, our list is organized from nearest to furthest away. So without any further ado, let's dive in and explore these English gems together.

1. Windsor

On the banks of the River Thames, this historic town boasts a blend of picturesque nature and vibrant modernity. Windsor makes for an exceptional choice for a company retreat near London.

Windsor Castle, the town's crown jewel, is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. Outdoor casual meetings await amid centuries-old architecture, with royal history serving as inspiration. Treat your team to a plush stay at one of Windsor’s many top-notch hotels and charming B&Bs. After a day of brainstorming and bonding, unwinding in style is a must.

Windsor is also super accessible from London. Less than an hour train ride from London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside, or a scenic hour’s drive and you’re there! No need for complicated travel plans; your team can focus on enjoying the retreat from the get-go.

A retreat to Windsor creates lasting memories and strengthens team bonds in a unique atmosphere. So why wait?

2. Henley-on-Thames

Following one of the most important rivers in world history, the Thames, you’ll eventually find yourself in a superb location for a company retreat, Henley-on-Thames. The location helps to slow things down, away from England’s sometimes hectic city life, Henley-on-Thames's location in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside is sure to inspire. 

One of the standout features of Henley-on-Thames is its breathtaking riverside location along the banks of the River Thames. Soak in the peaceful ambiance and enjoy the stunning views of the water gently flowing by. This serene backdrop provides an ideal environment for inspiration and reflection, allowing some great opportunities for your teams to really bond and build.

Engage your team in immersive cultural experiences, such as attending a live concert at the historic Kenton Theatre or exploring contemporary art exhibitions at the River & Rowing Museum. 

Henley-on-Thames ticks all the boxes for a memorable company retreat. With its natural beauty and historic charm, it's the perfect place to open the doors of possibility in work retreats.

3. Oxford

Oxford is one of the most upmarket and professional places where a work retreat can take place. Located within the larger county of Oxfordshire lies this historic gem, Oxford City. It stands as a quintessential British getaway and is less than 2 hours drive away from the bustling metropolis of London.

Known the world over for its prestigious university and cobbled streets Oxford offers the perfect backdrop for a company retreat that seamlessly blends productivity with relaxation.

As a hub of academia, there’s always a buzz of intellectual activity somewhere in Oxford. Dive into stimulating discussions amidst the city's scholarly ambiance or take a break to explore its vibrant cultural scene, from world-class museums to lively literary festivals.

Schedule brainstorming sessions in inspiring locations, like library reading rooms or Oxford Botanical Gardens, and leave plenty of time for exploring the city's hidden gems.

4. Cambridge

The long-standing academic rival to Oxford, Cambridge is an awe-inspiring city that effortlessly combines old-world charm with a bustling modern vibe, making it a great choice for your team to recharge and refocus.

One of the big draws of Cambridge is its deep-rooted academic tradition. With the renowned University of Cambridge standing since 1209, the city practically oozes intellect. Why not try brainstorming sessions in historic college rooms where the likes of Newton and Darwin once pondered the mysteries of the universe?

In today’s context, the modernity of Cambridge makes it so much more than a place overflowing with old books. The city is a visual feast, boasting architectural wonders like the jaw-dropping King's College Chapel and the quirky yet brilliant mathematical bridge spanning the River Cam.

Cambridge has every ingredient needed for a memorable company retreat. It's a place where history meets innovation, so for an unforgettable experience, consider organizing your next work retreat here.

5. Brighton

Taking a slightly longer journey out of London for our next major town visit, a trip to the sunny south coast of England brings you to the vibrant city of Brighton. With around 50 trains per day running from London to Brighton, organizing transportation for your team couldn't be easier. 

A trip to Brighton brings a change of pace from the city of London. It effortlessly combines seaside charm with a vibrant city atmosphere, though visitors should expect more pebbles than sand on its beaches. 

Brighton’s Grade 1 listed building the Royal Pavilion is open for public visit, and its seaside piers could make for a great team-building location. For places to stay, Brighton’s mix of old and new offers luxury sea-view hotels and cozy town hideaways.

A Brighton retreat gives you the opportunity to get creative. With a great mix of work and play set against a seaside backdrop, why not shake things up and treat your team to a dose of inspiration in this vibrant coastal gem?

6. Canterbury

We’ve heard of the Tales that come from Canterbury, so how about creating a new one with your team by organizing a retreat to this world-famous city? Surrounded by centuries of history, soaking in the chilled-out vibes of Canterbury can take your teams to that next level.

Immerse your team in centuries of history as you explore Canterbury's iconic landmarks, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Canterbury Cathedral. Take in its Gothic grandeur and open your ears to the stories of saints and pilgrims that echo through its hallowed halls.

Surrounded by rolling hills and serene landscapes, Canterbury provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, which might be exactly what the doctor ordered for your teams. 

Take advantage of Canterbury's scenic surroundings with outdoor team-building activities such as hiking, cycling, or even punting along the River Stour. Alternatively, opt for indoor pursuits like cooking classes or pottery workshops to get those collaborative and creative juices going. Start planning your unforgettable retreat in Canterbury today!

7. New Forest District

Now we’re starting to venture out into what some see as the true beauty of England, its ancient forests of natural beauty. The New Forest, on the south coast of England, is renowned for its woodlands, heathlands, and picture-perfect landscapes. It offers an idyllic backdrop for corporate retreats (perhaps even with a green-initiative twist!).

Why choose the New Forest for your company retreat? Firstly, its accessibility from London makes it an ideal choice, as it’s only a 90-minute train ride from London Waterloo. The relatively short journey takes your teams a world away from London, in terms of atmosphere. The New Forest provides a refreshing change of pace without the hassle of extensive travel.

Once immersed in this captivating setting, your teams are surrounded by centuries-old trees, wandering through lush greenery, maybe even spotting a wild pony or two. The New Forest is steeped in history and charm, with quaint villages and historic sites waiting to be explored. So, in between brainstorming sessions, why not take your teams to the 800-year-old Beaulieu Abbey and see what ideation pictures you can paint?

So, if you're after a retreat that's equal parts work and play, look no further than the New Forest. It offers natural beauty that cannot be counted, and facilities to maximize your teams and create a truly unforgettable experience.

8. Stratford-Upon-Avon

Unwinding in Shakespearean splendor, Stratford-Upon-Avon offers cobblestone streets, Tudor-style buildings and the gentle flow of the River Avon.

Step into Shakespeare's world as you wander through his birthplace or explore the cozy nooks of Anne Hathaway's Cottage. The history seeps through every brick, making it the perfect backdrop for workshops that'll have your team buzzing with ideas.

Forget trust falls, how about trying your hand at medieval archery or embarking on a treasure hunt through the town's maze of streets? An hour later hop on a boat and cruise down the Avon, soaking in the views and bonding over shared laughter.

A 3-hour drive, or roughly 4-hour train journey from Central London, consider the travel time to make sure you’re optimizing your work retreat. Stratford-Upon-Avon is a place where creativity flows, bonds are strengthened, and memories are made.

9. Bath

An often overlooked city of unmatched British history, Bath is a wonderful choice for a work retreat. The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it a captivating backdrop for team-building activities and strategic planning sessions. Did you know Bath boasts a staggering 5,000 listed buildings, with some of the most impressive Georgian architecture in the country?

The Roman baths here? They're storytelling hubs that have been captivating visitors for ages and potentially offer you a location for some real outside-the-box ideation sessions. With the rolling hills of the Cotswolds nearby and the serene River Avon flowing through, there's no shortage of spots for team bonding outside the meeting room.

A direct train from London Paddington with Great Western Railway gets you there in as little as 1 hour and 20 minutes. So, if you're looking for a retreat location that's rich in history and surrounded by natural beauty, Bath's your spot. 

10. Cotswolds

Now for our furthest venture away from team-building retreats in London, and still less than a 2-hour train ride from the capital, the Cotswolds is like stepping into a postcard, but with Wi-Fi. One of the most picture-perfect places for a work retreat, where time seems to slow down.

Waking up to the soft glow of morning light filtering through centuries-old stone cottages. It's a setting that naturally invites relaxation and a sense of bonding among teams. A retreat here can tap into the rejuvenating power of nature, boosting creativity and team spirit.

Create brainstorming sessions beneath ancient trees or stroll through charming towns like Bourton-on-the-Water, where inspiration flows as freely as the streams. The Cotswolds offer experiences that bring teams closer together. Hands-on workshops with local artisans and exploring hidden trails along the Cotswold Way, there's something here to spark the imagination of every team member.

Try a work retreat to the Costwolds to create lasting memories and have staff return to work feeling refreshed and inspired. So why not trade the hustle and bustle of the city for a taste of Cotswold tranquility? There’s nowhere on earth quite like it. 

Get your team’s creative juices flowing. Reward them with one of our team retreats!

Here at Surf Office, we know that getting your teams working at their peak is crucial to workplace productivity. One of the best ways teams can reach their peak is with a team-building retreat. So why not try one of these fabulous London-based retreats with us?

Imagine the usual confines of your office settings melting away on a sandy beach or taking the time to appreciate nature on a countryside retreat. A quick change of environment can be as revitalizing as a complete office overhaul. Your team will have one another’s backs and be working in complete harmony, motivated to tackle any challenge together. 

Like this idea but not sure how to put it all together? No problem, this is where Surf Office comes in.

We've had the pleasure of organizing over 700+ retreat experiences, including remote teams, for many different companies. Here’s how what we offer:

• Stress-free transfers? We got you! ✅
• Quality-assured accommodations? Check! ✅
• Engaging team-building activities? Our speciality ✅
• Restaurant reservations? That's on us! ✅
• Expert retreat planning assistance? Of course, we have this covered! ✅
• Onsite support, tailored to your needs? Absolutely ✅

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Not only this but we also have access to 160+ locations around Europe, APAC, the US, Latin America and now Africa, meaning the sky is your limit when it comes to choosing the right location for you and your team.

Work retreats are our specialty, and with all of these wondrous places near London waiting to be explored, use us to organize your getaway and grant your teams an experience they’ll never forget.