Conference News February 2020 | Page 51

51 Destination political party conferences. Combining a seaside location with a vibrant city atmosphere and a large number of high capacity venues, booking well ahead is always advised. Less than an hour by rail from London and 30 minutes from London Gatwick Airport, everything is within walking distance of the seafront for delegates. There are thousands of hotel rooms across a range of budgets close to major conference centres and venues. Private Wine Cellar dining to Vintage Bargain Hunt Experiences are available for up to 50 delegates. BUCKINGHAMSHIRE purpose-built race track, was open between 1907 and 1939. The steep concrete banking is still visible today, and the museum is built within its grounds. The resort-like area has multiple teambuilding options on offer. As well as great meeting spaces, there are unique teambuilding solutions, from Concorde experiences to soapbox racing on the original Finishing Straight or Hill Climb racing. Richmond Hill in Surrey is 30 minutes from Central London and affords striking views of the River Thames from its terrace. HAMPSHIRE Hampshire has emerged as a market-leader in hosting international events. With a large stretch of the county located on the South Coast, it offers excellent transport links from London, the North and the South West. Modern city centres such as those of Southampton, Winchester and Portsmouth have no shortage of venues, while university facilities of both Winchester University and Solent University Conference Centre and Sparsolt Conference and Event Centre are all strong players in the academic venue sector. For those looking for something steeped in history, the neo-classical blank canvas mansion, The Grange Hampshire, is one to consider. Set among striking gardens, in a valley north of Winchester, the venue has a 570-capacity auditorium. There are teambuilding opportunities ranging from Bake Off challenges and CSI Challenges to Bear Grylls survival courses and sailing on the Solent. Winchester is an historic Roman city, steeped in history. Event organisers can take advantage of several unique spaces and enjoy historical walks around the cathedral and narrow streets. SUSSEX Brighton is one of the UK’s most popular cities, well-recognised nationally and internationally as a leading and dynamic destination, made famous as a host venue for www.conference-news.co.uk Waddesdon Manor is a country house located near to Aylesbury. The Grade I listed chateau was built by the Rothschilds in 1874. The house was built to display collections of art and as an entertainment venue for the great and good of the age. It is today managed by the National Trust. New and improved hotels Windsor’s newest addition to its venue portfolio is The Fairmont Windsor Park. Formerly the 141-bedroom Savill Court Hotel & Spa, it is being renovated and transformed into a luxury, 210-bedroom hotel in line with Fairmont’s globally-recognised standards. Opening early in 2020, the hotel will feature an impressive 2,500sqm spa and wellness area, and 16 elegantly designed meeting rooms including an 800sqm pillar-free ballroom for up to 700 guests. It will also feature two event spaces with natural daylight, access to private terraces, as well as bespoke landscaped gardens for outdoor functions. Southampton has a new addition to its hotel inventory. The exciting new 208-bedroom Moxy Hotel. Marriott International’s new