Work hard, play hard: away days are the perfect opportunity to shake up the agenda and get the creative juices flowing in a new environment. But you need to find a spot that’s the right kinds of professional and casual. Coming up with the right balance is a tall order, but don’t break a sweat: we’ve rounded up the top 7 venues for away days in London, and we guarantee you’ll be blown away by all of them.
1. The Royal Horseguards Hotel and One Whitehall Place
The Royal Horseguards Hotel in One Whitehall Place is the capital 'C' for class. It's a premier location for any event, but it’s especially well-suited to elevate your away day. With huge windows flooding its rooms in daylight, the Grade I listed property is both opulent and modern, thanks to its state-of-the-art amenities. Located a stone’s throw from the Thames in the heart of the city, it’s time to dust off those executive blazers and get important here. If this venue is good enough for Winston Churchill, it’s good enough for us!
Location: Westminster
Capacity: 280 Theatre
2. {10-11} Carlton House Terrace
If your audience isn’t left breathless by your insightful presentations, they will be by the views from this prime Westminster spot. Set behind the grandest facade, 10-11 Carlton House Terrace offers rooms with huge character – how’s a glass-domed ceiling for grandeur?! – and centuries worth of stories, hopefully inspiring a couple of thrilling tales of your own!
Not postulating enough professionalism? The current home of the British Academy’s drawing rooms have hosted some of the greatest minds of modern history, so you know you’re in exceptional company here: after all, who says intelligence can’t be inherited?!
Location: Piccadilly Circus/Charing Cross
Capacity: 72 Theatre
3. 1 Wimpole Street
One Wimpole Street could be better described as "One Winner Spot": this venue's state-of-the-art facilities and unbeatable location make it the ultimate choice for your next away day. Whether you're planning a large conference, or a smaller meeting, 1 Wimpole Street has a variety of spaces to choose from, and dedicated staff equipped to make any away day run slick as a whip! Don't miss out on this world-class spot!
Location: Marylebone
Capacity: 80 Theatre
4. The Cumberland Hotel
If your away day aims to engage participants in a more relaxed and informal setting, The Cumberland Hotel's Suite 15 is an excellent choice. This versatile space allows for customisation to fit the specific needs of your event, from workshops and team-building activities to casual brainstorming sessions. The hotel is situated near Hyde Park and Oxford Street. Your team can explore these iconic spots, providing a balanced mix of work and leisure. Whether it's a stroll in the park during lunch or a quick shopping spree after the event, The Cumberland Hotel offers the perfect blend of convenience and flexibility.
Location: Marylebone / Mayfair
Capacity: 90 Theatre
5. Business Design Centre
The Business Design Centre, located in trendy Islington, is a unique and versatile venue that offers a refreshing change of pace for away days. Its modern and airy spaces are ideal for workshops, team-building activities, and brainstorming sessions. Plus, with its vibrant surroundings, including cafes and shops, it's a perfect spot to shake up the usual office routine and get those creative juices flowing.
Location: Islington
Capacity: 100 Theatre
6. Qube Elephant Lounge & Bar
Adding a little spice to the list is Elephant & Castle’s Lounge and Bar. The lounge area of this venue is stylish yet relaxed, boasting a unique blend of modern and retro décor with comfortable seating arrangements. It's an excellent spot for team-building activities, with its dividing screens for converstaion and its own bar, since who says drinks have to wait until the day is out?
There are also artist residency options in the same location: if there’s one place guaranteed to send your imagination to fever-dream realms, it’s this one!
Location: Elephant & Castle
Capacity: 180 standing
Location: Elephant & Castle
Capacity: 40 Classroom
7. Curzon Bloomsbury
Your Tetris battle skills are about to come in handy because this historic cinema venue has 5 screens and a bar spread across 3 floors, and you can take your pick of them all! Whether you go for the trusty 150-seat Main Screen or pile onto the wildly colourful seats the Berkeley and Pinewood bars have to offer, Curzon Bloomsbury is sure to get your thumbs itching for this afternoon’s gaming retreat.
Complete with Sony 4k projection and Dolby Atmos surround sound, this venue meets the highest standards in both technology and design, so the loser’s excuses will just have to wait until next time.
Location: Bloomsbury
Capacity: 147 Theatre
No longer dreading finding a spot? These venues have got your back when push comes to shove. Plus who doesn't love a change of scenery? If while you’re planning, your eyes wander to a different location downright on the other side of London, check out the 7 best venues in South London to plan an Away Day to remember for miles to come.
Author
Saheli Dhokia
Saheli Dhokia, combines her passion for events with 7 years of experience in weddings. Known for her organisation skills, Saheli enjoys designing, travelling & finding the perfect venue for any event
