Escape the City: UK Destination Hotels
With Powwow Events, discover exceptional venues that combine business excellence with breathtaking locations
In a world where hybrid working has blurred the boundaries between office and home, the need for truly inspiring corporate retreats has never been greater. The most successful businesses are those that invest in bringing their teams together in extraordinary locations that spark creativity, inspire collaboration, and create lasting memories.
Let us help you find the perfect place for your next event...
At Powwow Events, we believe that the venue sets the tone for everything that follows. Whether you're planning a strategic leadership retreat, an innovative team-building experience, or an important client conference, the right location can transform a standard meeting into something truly exceptional.
We specialise in matching your business objectives with venues that inspire, activities that bond teams, and experiences that create lasting impact.
Our approach includes:
Strategic venue selection based on your specific goals and group dynamics
Bespoke activity programming that aligns with your business objectives
Seamless logistics management so you can focus on your people, not the practicalities
Creative catering solutions that turn meals into memorable experiences
Here are five outstanding UK destination hotels that move far beyond the traditional conference centre model, each offering unique experiences while maintaining easy accessibility from major cities.
The Scottish Legend: Gleneagles, Perthshire
Where heritage meets world-class hospitality
Gleneagles Hotel is a hotel near Auchterarder, Scotland. It was commissioned by the Caledonian Railway and opened in 1924 and has since become synonymous with luxury Scottish hospitality. Gleneagles is now a cultural institution that has hosted everything from the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 1977 and the 31st G8 summit in July 2005.
Why it works for business: Gleneagles has been the backdrop for significant international conferences and summits, proving its credentials as a venue where important business gets done. The hotel's extensive facilities and impeccable service standards make it ideal for high-level corporate retreats, strategic planning sessions, and client entertainment at the highest level.
The Powwow Perspective: Gleneagles embodies the very best of Scottish culture and hospitality. The combination of world-class golf, traditional Highland pursuits, and impeccable service creates an environment where business relationships are forged over shared experiences that simply cannot be replicated elsewhere.
The Countryside Gem: The Newt in Somerset
A working estate where innovation meets tradition
The Newt in Somerset is a working country estate with magnificent gardens and luxury spa hotel, featuring innovative design, garden fresh produce, and superb service. The Newt delights as a complete ecosystem that celebrates the Somerset countryside in all its glory.
Why it works for business: The Garden Café offers a spectacular vantage point over the kitchen gardens and orchards below, and can host up to 150 people throughout the year for formal or informal dinners and gatherings. Beyond traditional meeting spaces, you can tap into the expertise and passion of their team by booking private tours or workshops for up to 20 people.
The Powwow Perspective: The Newt's philosophy of celebrating natural beauty and farm-to-table living creates an environment where teams can reconnect with both nature and each other. The variety of hands-on workshops means every delegate leaves with new skills and fresh perspectives.
The Coastal Escape: The Gallivant, East Sussex
Where beach vibes meet boutique excellence
The Gallivant sits behind Camber Sands, offering New England-chic in a superior location, right opposite the dunes of Camber Sands and just down the road from the medieval village of Rye. Voted Small Hotel of the Year 2024 by Visit England and one of the first hotels in the UK to be awarded a Michelin Key, this coastal retreat proves that a charming seaside location doesn't mean compromising on sophistication.
Why it works for business: The hotel offers a private conference/dining/sitting room available for business use, while they host everyone from large multi-nationals to emerging challenger brands, including board meetings, department off-sites, and product launches.
The Powwow Perspective: There's something magical about conducting business with the sound of waves in the background. The combination of mindfulness activities, exceptional dining, and the energising effect of sea air creates the perfect environment for breakthrough thinking.
The Irish Haven: Galgorm Resort, Northern Ireland
Where luxury meets adventure
Galgorm is Northern Ireland's luxury spa destination and premier resort, just a scenic 30-minute drive from Belfast. This isn't your typical country hotel - it's a comprehensive resort that combines luxury accommodation with world-class facilities.
Why it works for business: The resort boasts extensive conference and banqueting facilities, complemented by 125 bedrooms including suites, deluxe and superior rooms, plus a range of Log Cabins, Cottage Suites, Shepherds Huts, Forest Dens and Residences set in the grounds, ideal for groups.
The Powwow Perspective: The proximity to Belfast makes Galgorm incredibly accessible while feeling completely removed from urban pressures. The variety of accommodation options means you can create truly bespoke experiences for different team dynamics.
The Northern Powerhouse: Swinton Park, Yorkshire
Castle luxury in the heart of the Dales
Swinton Park is a luxury castle hotel set in 200 acres of landscaped parkland near Masham, on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. It has been a family home since the late 1800s and has played host to country house parties of legendary style and grandeur.
Why it works for business: This authentic castle setting provides an impressive backdrop for high-level meetings and client entertainment. The extensive grounds and multiple reception rooms offer flexibility for both intimate boardroom sessions and larger conferences.
The Powwow Perspective: There's something about conducting business in a castle that elevates every conversation. The combination of historical grandeur and modern luxury creates an atmosphere where important decisions feel appropriately momentous.
In Summary
Each of these five destinations offers something unique, from The Newt's garden-to-table workshops that demonstrate the power of patience and growth, to The Gallivant's beach yoga sessions that teach balance and mindfulness, to Galgorm's championship golf that rewards precision and teamwork, to Swinton Park's country pursuits that build trust and communication, to Gleneagles' legendary Scottish hospitality that creates bonds forged through shared excellence.
The best corporate retreats don't just bring teams together, they send them home transformed, energised, and more connected than when they arrived. In a world of endless video calls and digital collaboration, nothing replaces the power of shared experiences in extraordinary places.
Ready to escape the ordinary? Contact Powwow today at hello@powwowevents.co.uk to discover how we can create your perfect corporate retreat at one of these exceptional venues - or perhaps somewhere even more surprising.