Planning an event outside London shouldnโt mean adding complexity to your day. You need quick travel, good value, and venues that deliver something memorable for delegates. Thatโs the advantage of the South East: diverse locations, excellent connectivity, and built in experiences that spark conversation long after the event wraps up.
Here are six practical, easy to-execute corporate experiences outside of London
All the locations are designed to use the โstoryโ behind the venue to create a memorable event, all under two hours from London.ย These are chosen with the needs of busy PAs, EAs and Event Managers in mind.
1. Gin Cocktail Masterclass – Bombay Sapphire Distillery, Hampshire
Best for: Team socials, incentives, end of day networking
Travel: 1 hr 15 mins from London Waterloo to Whitchurch, with short 2-mile transfer
Max 50 Delegates
The Gin Cocktail Masterclass & Distillery Tour at the iconic Laverstoke Mill is a corporate favourite – and with good reason. Delegates begin with a fully guided distillery tour before moving into a one-hour mixology session led by expert hosts, creating and enjoying two cocktails with a third to sample.
The striking blend of heritage architecture and contemporary design adds a premium feel, while the hands-on element creates instant rapport within the group. Itโs a structured, social activity that lends itself perfectly to reward days or as a shared โafter workshopโ moment.
Good to know: Over 18s only, duration 2 ยฝ hours, closed shoe toes required
2. Sketching & Drawing โ Turner Contemporary, Margate, Kent
Best for: Creative icebreakers, wellbeing activities, off site away days
Travel: 70โ90 minutes from London St Pancras on High-Speed link
Max 50 Delegates
Turner Contemporaryโs dedicated Drawing Studio offers a unique opportunity for delegates to slow down, think differently, and reset. The studio welcomes visitors of all abilities, encouraging them to pick up a pencil and explore sketching inspired by current exhibitions. The drawing programmes emphasise observation and creativity – ideal for breaking the โcorporate mindsetโ before strategy sessions. Catering options range from simple tea, coffee and pastry breaks to light lunches and private dining experiences showcasing seasonal, locally sourced Kent produce.
The open, accessible environment overlooking Margateโs seafront adds a sense of escape that can make even a half-day session feel like a restorative off site away day.
Good to know: Structured workshops and drawing tours are available and can be tailored.
3. English Wine Tasting โ Stanlake Park Wine Estate, near Reading
Best for: Networking, relaxed socialising, client entertaining
Travel: 30 mins from London Paddington to Twyford
Max 150 Delegates
Stanlake Park is one of Englandโs oldest wine producers, offering fun and informative tours designed to bring wine to life for visitors of all knowledge levels. Delegates explore the vineyard and winery, while tasting generous samples and learning about English winemaking in a relaxed, humorous, and highly engaging way.
Set within a 130-acre estate, the venue gives London-based teams an instant sense of calm without long transfers. With options for private corporate tastings, plus a wine bar and garden for post-tour mingling, itโs perfect for building informal connections.
Good to know: Tours typically last around 90 minutes; food boards available.
4. Tudor Object Handling & Guided Tours โ The Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth
Best for: Themed away days, educational sessions, leadership storytelling
Travel: 1 hr 30 mins from London Waterloo to Portsmouth
Max 90 Delegates
The Mary Rose Museum provides an immersive setting for corporate groups, with guided tours designed to add depth and context to the story of Henry VIIIโs flagship. Options include one-hour highlights tours and premium experiences featuring exclusive access to reserved collection artefacts not usually on display. Interactive handling tables and costumed guides bring Tudor history to life.
This is a superb venue for teams looking to explore themes like leadership, resilience, and problem-solving – all through the lens of real stories and real objects from the period.
Good to know: Fantastic addition to a networking drinks reception
5. Biscuit-Themed Cocktail Social – Milk Bar, Reading
Best for: Informal socials, post meeting drinks, welcome evenings Travel: 25 mins from London Paddington-meeting drinks, welcome evenings
Max 50 Delegates
For a relaxed, fun social with a genuine sense of place, Milk Barโs biscuit-themed cocktail menu is a hit with corporate groups. Inspired by Readingโs iconic Huntley & Palmers factory, the menu includes playful creations such as Jammy Dodger and Custard Cream cocktails – instantly giving guests something to talk about.
The venueโs independent spirit, stylish interior and easy central location make it ideal for day one meet & greets or post-conference drinks. Non-alcoholic options ensure inclusivity, and the atmosphere stays lively without feeling overwhelming – perfect for networking.
Good to know: Best suited to smallโmedium groups.
6. Science and Research-focussed Meetings โ National Oceanography Centre (NOC), Southampton
Best for: Conferences, seminars, training, STEM/innovation-focused events Travel: 1 hr 15 mins from London Waterloo
Max 600 Delegates
NOC Southampton offers flexible bookable meeting spaces, ranging from small boardrooms to lecture theatres seating over 130 delegates. All rooms feature natural daylight and AV provision and the venue hosts events that bridge industry, research and innovation – making it an excellent fit for forward-thinking organisations.
The waterside setting and bespoke event packages, including exhibition areas and catering, give planners flexibility to build multi-session programmes with ease, from seminars to conferences to partner showcases.
Good to know: Fantastic location to tie into Marine Science and Research
7. Historic Impact with Film & TV Appeal – Bodleian Library, Oxford
Best for: Gala dinners, awards ceremonies, VIP receptions Travel: 50โ60 mins from London Paddington or Marylebone
Max 120 Delegates
Oxfordโs Bodleian Library is one of the most recognisable event settings in the UK – and not just for academics. Its historic spaces, including the Divinity School and Convocation House, provide spectacular backdrops for dinners, receptions and presentations, supported by an experienced events team.
One of the Bodleianโs strongest selling points is its screen presence. Several spaces within the library have been featured in film and TV productions – including the Harry Potter series, where rooms such as Duke Humfreyโs Library and the Divinity School stood in for Hogwarts interiors. Guests will instantly recognise these settings, offering a fun, built-in talking point and a powerful โyouโre standing where it was filmedโ moment.
Good to know: Ideal as the signature evening of a multi-day programme.
Whether you need a creative icebreaker, an engaging after-hours social, or a high-impact gala dinner, these venues offer experiences that boost delegate engagement. Whilst the South East gives planners a toolkit of fresh ideas – without the travel
headaches. Visit the MEET Beyond London website for more venue inspiration outside of London.
