12 England
GREEN AND PLEASANT LAND
England has no shortage of venues with vast outdoor spaces . With open-air events set to be all the rage once restrictions are lifted , here are six venues to get event organisers thinking
1
Heythrop
Park Resort , Oxford , Central England
Located near one of England ’ s leading academic cities , Heythrop Park Resort is set in leafy North Oxfordshire . Offering both contemporary facilities and elegant period charm , the venue is home to more than 440 acres of picturesque grounds . With a Manor House that was built in the 18th Century , the resort includes an 18-hole golf course , 29 meeting rooms and a state-of-the-art conference theatre for up to 400 delegates . For outdoor events , the resort offers the Archery Suite .
Overlooking the idyllic lawns and the Manor House , this purpose-built , 1,000sqm marquee is the perfect spot for planners looking to host up to 800 guests in a quintessentially English location .
Leeds Castle ,
2 Kent , Southern England
Once the private property of six of England ’ s medieval queens , Leeds Castle is one the most unique venue options available in Kent . Located in the middle of a lake , the castle is surrounded by 500 acres of parkland that offer the perfect location for outdoor events .
The recently refurbished Maiden Tower , situated on the historic Castle island , includes a private walled garden which can accommodate up to 100 guests that can be used for drinks receptions , team-building activities and private dinners . For something lower key , planners can enjoy the secluded and luxurious environment of Battel Hall , located on the Leeds Castle estate ’ s doorstep .
The venue option offers a nine-hole golf course , breakout spaces and an English country house-style garden that can be used for smaller events .
Royal William Yard , Plymouth ,
3 South West England
Steeped in history and offering the largest collection of Grade I listed military buildings in the UK , Royal William Yard is one of Plymouth ’ s premier lifestyle destinations . Located in the tranquil county of Devon , Royal William Yard offers a selection of restaurants , bars , a brewery and a 120-capacity conference and meeting space called Ocean Studios .
Easily accessible by land and sea , events looking to take place outside can take advantage of The Yard ’ s lawn which has exquisite views over the marina and can be used for events , drinks receptions and team-building activities with the added option of a marquee . All this , combined with the coastal setting , Devonshire cuisine and nearby accommodation options , make the Royal William Yard a leading choice for outside events .
The Principal York ,
4 York , Northern England
Located in the heart of the vibrant city of York , the Principal York is an award-winning conference venue overlooking the medieval city walls . Noted as one of the UK ’ s most glamorous station hotels in 2021 by The Times , the Principal York offers 155 bedrooms , 10 meeting and private dining rooms and one of the largest dedicated event centres in Yorkshire with the capacity to host up to 400 delegates .
In addition to its convenient city centre location , The Principal is
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