Summer is here and with that Conference News has put together a list of outdoor and summer party venues that could be the ideal spot for your event this summer season. Why not check out these six venues not to be missed for events below:
Leeds Castle
The historic Leeds Castle, located near Maidstone, Kent, offers an idyllic countryside escape perfect for spring meetings, events, and team building in the great outdoors. Set in 500-acres of seasonal gardens and parklands, with the 900-year-old medieval castle as a backdrop, Leeds Castle is a captivating setting for a range of outdoor activities.
Leeds Castle has introduced a team-building day delegate package for residential conferences, team building and summer BBQs against the backdrop of Leeds Castle’s tranquil 500-acre seasonal gardens and parklands. The package is priced at £169 per person + VAT and includes entry into the castle and grounds, two servings of tea, coffee and biscuits, a buffet lunch, a falconry experience, a wine tasting experience.
For marquee events, there are two stunning lawn options to choose from. The Cedar Lawn accommodates up to 500 guests and provides an uninterrupted view of the castle. For more intimate gatherings, the Pavilion Lawn can host up to 200 guests within the beautiful seasonal gardens.
Leeds Castle has a range of meetings and events spaces, some of which, such as Maiden’s Tower, feature outdoor space. With its own private walled garden, function rooms and five en-suite bedrooms, the 16th century Maiden’s Tower is suitable for corporate away days and summer parties. Leeds Castle’s Maiden’s Tower Summer Barbeque package is priced from £65 per person plus vat.
ICC Wales
Event planners looking for a summer event space that’s open, eye-catching and full of personality will find the Outdoor Plaza at ICC Wales ticks all the boxes.
Located at the front of the world-class conference centre, this expansive and versatile 2,500 sqm open-air space offers the ideal backdrop for al fresco dining, live entertainment, networking and vibrant social gatherings.
Marquees can be added to create several spaces and ensure flexibility in all weather – ideal for organisers wanting to tailor the space to suit their exacting vision.
Its iconic 10-metre-tall steel red Welsh Dragon creates a striking focal point and photo opportunity, adding a bold memorable touch to any summer celebration. With its smart layout and scenic setting, the Outdoor Plaza offers a truly unique and engaging space for unforgettable summer experiences.
Chapel House Estate
Located just outside Ramsgate in the Kent countryside, Chapel House Estate offers an exceptional backdrop for summer parties and outdoor corporate events. Boasting 35 acres of stunning green space across the estate, there’s an abundance of options from teambuilding and netwalking to alfresco receptions and lawn games. The venue can accommodate up to 150 guests for an outdoor sit-down meal or 200 for a standing networking event.
For peace of mind when the sunshine isn’t guaranteed, the newly-launched Glass Courtyard provides a compelling wet weather option. With a fully retractable glass roof and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the walled garden, it brings the outside in. Catering options range from formal dining to relaxed BBQs, making it perfect for summer parties, with a capacity for 60 people seated or 100 standing.
Despite its rural location, Chapel House Estate is only a five-minute drive from Thanet Parkway station, which offers high speed services to London. The team also offers a dedicated shuttle service for delegates in its six seater branded Caravelles
to and from the station. For those travelling by car, there is ample free parking onsite for up to 100 vehicles, as well as EV charge points.
The Celtic Collection
The Rooftop Garden and Terrace at The Celtic Manor Resort, part of The Celtic Collection, offers a charming and versatile setting for summer parties, blending relaxed elegance with panoramic views over the Usk Valley.
This picturesque space features a summerhouse equipped with its own smokehouse BBQ, perfect for hosting informal gatherings, al fresco dining, and live entertainment.
With the option for exclusive use and the capacity to accommodate between 80 and 130 guests, it provides an ideal backdrop for memorable summer celebrations. The venue’s design ensures that the beauty of the outdoors can be enjoyed regardless of the Welsh weather, making it a reliable choice for any summer event.
https://www.celtic-collection.com
The Belfry Hotel & Resort
Set in 550 acres of stunning countryside , The Belfry Hotel & Resort, in the Midlands, is an award-winning venue renowned for its world-class service, luxury facilities and iconic golfing heritage. The resort is home to three acclaimed golf courses including its world-famous Brabazon.
The Belfry offers the ultimate setting for corporate events, team-building days and unforgettable outdoor experiences. This includes The Terrace on the 10th, overlooking the iconic 10th hole of The Brabazon, offering a unique outdoor hospitality experience, with space for up to 200 delegates. Its idyllic setting, fully equipped barbeque and grill area, and bar facility make it a captivating choice for Champagne receptions or evening celebrations.
Designed to bring people together for a fun-filled day of action and camaraderie, The Green is perfect for corporate events as well as an eclectic outdoor team-building area boasting 2,430 square-metres of picturesque green space. It can host up to 250 guests for an enthralling array of activities, such as segways, outdoor cinema, inflatables and it also offers a BBQ and bar area. While the Lichfield Lawn provides the perfect backdrop for mini festivals or playing mini golf.
Many of The Belfry’s function rooms lead directly to outdoor space, so delegates do not need to worry if the weather takes a turn – they can simply head indoors to continue their event.
In September, The Belfry will unveil The Masters Suite – its largest events space yet – as part of an £85million redevelopment. Featuring panoramic views, innovative facilities and 149 new bedrooms, this milestone opening will mark an exciting new chapter in The Belfry’s legacy as a premier destination for business and leisure.
www.thebelfry.com
Jockey Club Venues
The outdoor spaces at Jockey Club Venues perfectly complement its indoor spaces, which routinely host events such as conferences, exhibitions, and gala dinners. The venues provide the flexibility for events to spread out and breathe, opening up opportunities for additional elements to enrich the event experience, as well as providing networking spaces and essential breakout and quiet zones.
With over 3,500 acres of green space in total across the UK-wide venues acting as an enormous blank canvas for events. The outdoor spaces offer the versatility and scale needed for creative staging, immersive setups, and unique audience experiences that indoor venues can’t always provide.
From summer parties and music festival to corporate away-days and networking receptions, incorporating the great outdoors into event planning can have far-reaching benefits for attendees, boosting physical and mental wellbeing, enhancing creativity, and promoting relaxation.
