Buckinghamshire
1 Hartwell House
01296 747444, www.historichousehotels.com
The exiled Louis XVIII once held court here! It’s a relaxed spot with a spa and gym to unwind in after a few hours in the Hartwell Rooms (purpose-built in the converted coach house). In the main building, private rooms cater for up to 90, or you can hire the Old Rectory exclusively. Day delegates From £65 per person; 24-hour, from £205 per person.
2 Danesfield House
01628 891010, www.danesfieldhouse.co.uk
With a newly-awarded Michelin star, this secluded house 20 miles from Heathrow can round off a day of meetings with a barbecue in the grounds. Day delegates From £65 per person; 24-hour, from £265 per person.
3 Stoke Place
01753 534790, www.stokeplace.co.uk
Replace the coffee-break digestives with a neck massage at this 17th-century mansion, or book teams into the in-office wellbeing workshop. Day delegates From £105 per person; 24-hour, from £325 per person.
Cheshire
4 Doubletree by Hilton Chester
01244 408800, www.doubletree.hilton.co.uk
This 18th-century manor was given a facelift two years ago, now offering seven meeting suites and private dining in the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse, Bar & Grill. For larger events, the exhibition space in the ballroom has a conservatory or book the Abbey Suite, a converted stable barn. Day delegates From £38 per person; 24-hour, from £139 per person.
5 Nunsmere Hall
01606 889100, www.primahotels.co.uk
This award-winning Victorian hotel is just 20 miles from Manchester airport and can host presentations, conferences and even gladiator jousting for team building! Day delegates From £49 per person.
6 Rhinewood Country House Hotel
0161 775 5555, www.therhinewoodhotel.co.uk
This updated 18th-century vicarage can cater for a boardroom meeting for 14 or a theatre-style presentation for 100. Day delegates From £24.95 per person; 24-hour, from £112.50 per person.
Cumbria
7 Augill Castle
01768 341937, www.stayinacastle.com
Quirkiness rules here, with what the events team calls the ‘anti-conference’ philosophy – no plastic biros, wilting fruit or curling sandwiches. Situated between two national parks, teams can shoot or abseil down the castle tower, with potholing and paragliding off site. Day delegates 24-hour delegates, from £180 per person.
8 Langdale Hotel
015394 38014, www.langdale.co.uk
Outdoors packages at this Lake District hotel (everything from abseiling to raft building) include accommodation, breakfast, pub lunch or a picnic delivered to wherever the action is, and dinner. Day delegates From £130 per person, excluding activities.
9 Holbeck Ghyll Country House Hotel
01539 432375, www.holbeckghyll.com
The boardroom at this pretty Lake District location seats up to 30 delegates, and you can round off business with afternoon tea overlooking Lake Windermere from the hotel’s Michelin-starred kitchen. Day delegates From £55 per person; 24-hour, from £199 per person.
Devon
10 Gidleigh Park
01647 432367, www.gidleigh.com
Set in 100 acres on Dartmoor, this hotel is all about the food, whether you’re entertaining clients or rewarding the team – TV chef Michael Caines is behind the award-winning menus. Plus the location is stunning, so delegates can make the most of activities such as clay pigeon shooting. Day delegates From £95 per person.
11 Bovey Castle
0844 474 0077, www.boveycastle.com
The manor was built 100 years ago by the Smith family (as in WHSmith), but facilities are state-of-the-art and three-bed lodges around the grounds suit overnight conferences perfectly.Day delegates From £65 per person; 24-hour, from £249 per person.
12 Combe House
01404 540400, www.combehousedevon.com
Of the three meeting spaces in this country house, the Georgian Kitchen is the highlight – all scented logs and cast-iron range. At night there’s no electricity, so guests dine by candlelight! Day delegates From £65 per person.
Gloucestershire
13 Ellenborough Park
01242 545454, www.ellenboroughpark.com
The latest in the Mantis portfolio of luxury hotels, facilities include a banqueting suite for up to 140, with various rooms for smaller gatherings. The big attraction is the accommodation, making it ideal for reward and incentive ideas. Day delegates From £75 per person; 24-hour, from £265 per person.
14 Calcot Manor
01666 890391, www.calcotmanor.co.uk
Calcot is famous for its spa and the barn, which stands separately from the manor, is ideal for presentations or entertaining on the private terrace. Day delegates From £85 per person; 24-hour, from £290 per person.
15 Mill House Hotel
01608 658188, www.millhousehotel.co.uk
Deep in the Cotswolds, this 23-room, family-run hotel has a separate conference facility with five interlocking rooms for up to 50. Or pitch a marquee in the extensive grounds for bigger conferences. Day delegates From £40 per person.
Hampshire
16 Beaulieu Hote