PA LIFE CLUB FAM TRIP

Discover the Power of Place – a  unique invitation for MICE buyers
9–10 October 2025 | Surrey Hills 

Seeking a unique, sustainable setting for your next purpose-driven corporate event – only 1 hour from London?

Join us for The Power of Place – a dynamic and immersive showcase celebrating all that the Surrey Hills has to offer for the corporate hospitality and events market.

Curated by Surrey Hills Enterprises, this event invites MICE buyers, event organisers, and local providers to connect, learn, and explore the best of what Surrey Hills has to offer.

What to expect:

9 October | Dorking Halls – Reigate Rd, Dorking RH4 1SG
9:00am–2:00pm – The Main Showcase

Meet over 30 handpicked local suppliers offering everything from sustainable food, drink, gifts and venues, to unforgettable team-building activities and boutique accommodation.
Enjoy inspiring talks and panel sessions from leading voices in hospitality, sustainability and events.

• Travel: Dorking Main or Dorking Deepdene stations – we will provide walking tours from the station to the venue – it’s very close and really picturesque

———————–

2:00pm – The Fam Trip Begins 

ITINERARY

Departure from Dorking Halls – Following our Power of Place Live event

We begin with a short mini coach transfer to the rolling vineyards of Denbies Wine Estate – your gateway to the Surrey Hills experience.

14:15 – 17:15 | Creative Rotations at Denbies & Hedges & Hurdles

Guests will rotate through two immersive, small-group activities:

• Denbies Wine Estate – Immersive Experience:

Explore one of England’s most iconic vineyards with a behind-the-scenes tour of the estate’s versatile meeting and event spaces.  Board the open-air vineyard train for a scenic ride through the estate. Enjoy panoramic countryside views and a glass of sparkling wine as you learn about the vineyard’s sustainable practices and event potential.  The experience ends with a relaxed, expert-led tasting of Denbies’ award-winning wines.

• Willow Weaving with Hedges & Hurdles:

Get hands-on with nature as you create beautiful, rustic crafts using local willow – from bird feeders to flower crowns. Led by Lorraine Ellery Matthews, this activity taps into the growing trend for creative, wellbeing-led team building.

17:15 – Transfer to De Vere Horsley Estate – Via Vintage Bus

Board a charming vintage bus for a scenic journey curated by The Surrey Hills Tour Company, with your guide, Linda Norton, sharing local stories and insights.

A scenic drive via Ranmore Common leads us to the historic De Vere Horsley Estate, nestled within beautiful grounds.

17:40 – Hotel Check-in & Refresh

Check into your room at the De Vere Horsley Estate, a characterful venue that combines Victorian elegance with modern event capabilities. Originally built as a 19th-century mansion, the hotel is now a sought-after destination for retreats and conferences, offering tranquil surroundings, high-spec amenities, and a peaceful night’s rest. Take time to unwind, explore the lakeside gardens, or enjoy the period features of this stunning countryside estate.

18:30 – Silent Pool Distillery Tour & Evening Celebration

• Tour & Tasting at Silent Pool Distillers:

Enjoy a bespoke behind-the-scenes tour of this renowned artisan distillery, followed by a tutored tasting of their signature gins, accompanied by elegant canapés.

• Dinner at Mandira’s Kitchen:

Just steps from the distillery, we’re treated to a rich, colourful Indian feast hosted by Mandira Sarkar. Mandira will share stories of her childhood in India while serving vibrant, home-cooked dishes that celebrate the joy of spice and storytelling. Albury Estate Vineyard provides wines, and our local partners and suppliers co-host the evening. 

21:30 – Return to De Vere Horsley Estate

Return to the hotel under starry Surrey skies. 

Guests are invited to relax in the hotel bar or lounge for an informal nightcap at their leisure, with the option to unwind with fellow attendees or enjoy a quiet moment in the estate’s tranquil surroundings. Elegant interiors, comfortable rooms, and peaceful views ensure you’ll be rested and ready for the next day’s adventure.

DAY TWO: FRIDAY 10TH OCTOBER

08:30 – Breakfast & Estate Tour

Begin the day with a hearty breakfast followed by a guided walking tour of De Vere Horsley’s historic estate – including its beautifully restored chapel and lakeside grounds – ideal for corporate events and away days.

09:15 – Depart De Vere Horsley Estate, Via Coach

09:45 – Coffee Stop at The Boathouse, Guildford

Set on the riverbank in central Guildford, this airy, relaxed venue is perfect for informal meetings, celebrations, or creative off-sites. Enjoy fresh coffee and a chance to network in a hidden gem of a location.  Depart The Boathouse at 10:30 prompt.

11:05 – Visit to The Hurtwood Hideout, Peaslake

Set within private woodland on the edge of Peaslake, The Hurtwood Hideout is a creative outdoor venue built for team building, strategic retreats, and energising experiences. Guests will be welcomed with refreshments before rotating through three experiences hosted on-site by a curated mix of local providers:

– Joyful Outdoors: An immersive foraging walk exploring the edible wonders of the local ecosystem, led by Elspeth Fimpel.

– Qigong immersive experience with Sue Llewellyn

– Nordic Walking Experience with Vicky & Surrey Striders

– Hurtwood Hideout: Guests will also get to experience the space itself — from its tree canopy meeting deck to the outdoor fire circle.

13:05 – Depart Peaslake for our final stop

13:25 – Light Lunch and show round of The Sunday Box Hill Burford Bridge Hotel

Hosted by [TBA], guests will be treated to a light lunch and a tour of the facilities before departing to return to their vehicles or Dorking Railway station for onward travel.

Guests will be transferred either to collect their cars from Denbies or dropped off at Dorking Station for onward travel at 14:30.

An exclusive 24-hour curated fam trip will take you off the beaten track to discover the Surrey Hills’ hidden gems – including vineyard dining, brewery and distillery experience, wellbeing activities in nature, tastings with local producers, and an overnight stay at a boutique hotel nestled in the heart of the Surrey Hills.

Accommodation will be at The De Vere Horsley Estate. Guests will be treated for drinks and canapes by Silent Pool Distillers, followed by dinner at Mandira’s Kitchen – both located at the Albury Estate. 

Please indicate your interest on your confirmation form

Why Attend?

More than a showcase, The Power of Place invites you to experience how meaningful, locally rooted, and sustainable corporate events can truly be.

Spaces are limited – don’t miss your chance to experience the Surrey Hills like never before (register below).

About Surrey Hills Enterprises

Surrey Hills Enterprises is a Membership organisation working  to

• Support Local Enterprises
• Develop a Thriving Rural Economy
• Promote Sustainable Tourism
• Increase Environmental Sustainability
• Motivate the community to “Buy Local”
• Award the Trade Mark Surrey Hills
• Highlight the special nature of the people and landscape of the Surrey Hills

As a Community Interest Company, funds generated from its work goes back to support the work of enhancing Surrey Hills, its landscape and local communities.

Are you interested in discovering what Surrey Hills has to offer corporate events organisers?

The Power of Place celebrates all that is good about The Surrey Hills. The event, organised by Surrey Hills Enterprises, is specifically designed to showcase the very best of the area to hospitality buyers and event professionals.

Register to attend by completing the form below