Countryside Retreats for Corporate Events

Types of countryside venues that work well for corporate events

For professional corporate events, the most effective countryside venues are those that balance atmosphere with functionality.

Private country estates are ideal for senior leadership meetings and confidential strategy sessions because they offer exclusive use, privacy and flexibility.

Converted barns can bring character to company celebrations, launches and informal networking events, while vineyards can add an experiential element that works well for hospitality-led events.

Manor houses and heritage venues provide a more formal setting for executive gatherings, whereas activity estates are ideal for wellbeing-focused programmes, team building and multi-day off-sites.

The strongest venues are those that feel different from day-to-day working life without compromising meeting space, catering quality, accommodation or accessibility.

Mad Swans

A good example is Mad Swans. There are two Mad Swan sites one in The Mendips and their newly opened second site in the South Downs.

Mad Swans came from a simple idea: to create spaces for people to unplug, hang out, get active, and make memories that last. Sites have been transformed to offer something a ‘little different’ to the MICE and leisure markets.

Their goal? To create vibrant, laid-back environments where teams can step out of routine, gain clarity, and reconnect without sacrificing comfort or quality and above all have fun! Great for team retreats.

For corporate events looking to stay overnight, both locations offer a range of on-site accommodation options:

South Downs
There are 10 eco cabins, 2 twin lodge rooms, 2 double lodge rooms, and 1 superior lodge room that sleeps up to three guests.
Mendips
There are 16 eco cabins, 8 twin rooms, 6 double rooms, and 2 accessible rooms, each of which can accommodate an extra bed for children.

The following activities are available at both locations:
Golf
Swing Barn (Driving range)
Padel and Pickle Ball
Raquet Hire
Putt Patch (crazy golf without the windmills)
Interactive Darts and Shuffleboard

Mad Swans also offer packages for day delegates to add on activities.

Moddershall Oaks

If you are looking for a retreat in the middle of the country, then look no further than Moddershall Oaks!
Set within 72 acres of Staffordshire countryside, Moddershall Oaks combines spa facilities with versatile event spaces designed for meetings, private dining and corporate retreats.  It is in a tranquil location and is easily accessible by road and rail.

Event Space
The Venue can be configured as one exclusive-use event space for up to 140 theatre style/160 for a dinner. Or it can be divided into the Courtyard Suite and Woodland Suite with each section taking 65 theatre style or 50 for a dinner. The Venue has an adjoining breakout area and bar ideal for daytime catering and pre-dinner drinks. There is also a private outdoor space ideal for team building and open-air activities.

Overlooking the surrounding woodland, the Acorn Suite is a modern room with its own private balcony, making it ideal for board meetings (max 16) or private dining (max 26). The adjoining Balcony Bar can also be reserved exclusively or used as a separate breakout space.

On-site accommodation includes boutique suites and Woodland Pods, giving guests a choice of classic overnight comfort or a more immersive countryside stay.
Alongside ten boutique bedroom suites, Moddershall Oaks also offers 14 Woodland Pods, introduced in 2025. Located on the edge of the private woodland, the pods combine the comforts of a hotel with the tranquillity of a countryside retreat, featuring king-size beds, en-suite bathrooms with bubble spa showers, luxury toiletries, air conditioning, blackout curtains, mini-fridges and tea and coffee facilities.

For teams looking to combine productivity with wellbeing, Moddershall Oaks also offers wellness retreats that blend business objectives with time to recharge, refocus and reconnect.

Center Parcs

Another option to consider for companies looking to reconnect teams with nature while delivering impactful corporate events is Center Parcs. Set within 400 acres of tranquil woodland, it’s venues offer an alternative for conferences, away days and team-building experiences.

Both Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire and Woburn Forest in Bedfordshire feature dedicated conference facilities within The Venue, located at the heart of the forest. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook stunning lakes, providing an inspiring setting that encourages focus, creativity and collaboration.

Guests can choose from contemporary woodland lodges or hotel accommodation, complemented by a variety of restaurants and cafés, making it easy to combine business with comfort.

Center Parcs is also well suited to organisations wanting to integrate wellbeing into their events. A wide range of team-building and group activities is available, from outdoor adventures and watersports to relaxing wellness experiences, allowing delegates to recharge while strengthening connections.

For companies seeking to achieve business objectives while creating memorable experiences, we feel that Center Parcs offer countryside venues that combines professional event facilities with the restorative benefits of nature.