7 Cost-Efficient Team Away Day Venues in London
Team Away Day Venues aren’t always cheap so we’ve put some together that will aim to fit with whatever budget you have.
Team away days are not just an opportunity for colleagues to get to know each other better, they are an integral part of fostering a healthy and productive work environment.
Planning an impactful away day doesn’t necessarily mean you have to break the bank.
In a city as vibrant and diverse as London, there are numerous venues that offer fantastic experiences without costing a fortune.
Whether you’re a startup, a small business, or a large organisation with stringent budget constraints, finding a venue that provides value without compromising the experience is key.
In this article, we will explore 10 cost-efficient team away day venues in London.
Each of these venues offers a unique blend of amenities, activities, and atmosphere, all designed to foster teamwork and camaraderie, without putting undue stress on your budget.
Contents
7 Cost-Efficient Team Away day Venues in London
What Additional Services Can Enhance a Team Away Day?
Tips for Cost-Efficient Team Away Day Planning
7 Cost-Efficient Team Away day Venues in London
1. Hornsey Vale Community Centre
Situated at 60 Mayfield Rd, London, Hornsey Vale Community Centre offers a cost-effective solution for team away days.
With options to hire the Main Hall, Small Hall, and Kitchen, this venue provides a versatile space that can be customized to fit your team’s needs.
Affordable Rental Options:
- Main Hall, Small Hall & Kitchen Package: Starting from £39 per hour, this combined listing is perfect for all party functions, meetings, or team-building activities.
- Individual Spaces: If you need a smaller space, you can choose to hire the Main Hall, Small Hall, or even the kitchen separately, with prices starting as low as £8 per hour for a small office.
The spaces are big enough to deliver wellbeing workshops or other interactive workshops for your team away day.
Facilities and Amenities:
- Furniture: The venue provides rectangular folding tables, round white plastic folding tables, and stacking chairs for adults and children.
- Kitchen: Equipped with an electric hob, two electric ovens, two fridges, and more, the kitchen allows for food preparation and serving, all included in the hourly rate.
- Technology: WiFi, sound system, and A/V equipment are available to support presentations, workshops, or entertainment.
Accessibility and Parking:
- Step-Free Access: The venue offers step-free access, ensuring convenience for all team members.
- Parking & Loading: On-street parking is available, and unloading spaces can be arranged for equipment drop-off.
Flexible Usage:
- Diverse Activities: From meetings and conferences to rehearsals and performances, Hornsey Vale Community Centre welcomes a wide range of events.
- House Rules: Simple rules like arriving no more than 10 minutes before the start time and taking your rubbish away with you ensure a smooth experience.
Hornsey Vale Community Centre stands out as a flexible and budget-friendly option for team away days in London.
With its various rental options, comprehensive amenities, and convenient location, it offers an ideal setting for productive and enjoyable team gatherings.
For more information, get in contact with Sharesy
2. Cardboard Citizens
Located at 77a Greenfield Road, London, Cardboard Citizens offers a spacious rehearsal room that is perfect for team away days.
Whether it’s for workshops, training sessions, conferences, or seminars, this venue provides a cost-effective and adaptable space.
Affordable Rental Options:
- Rehearsal Room: With a capacity of 40 seated or 50 standing, the room is available at £110 for a half-day, £220 for a full day, and £105 for 3 hours during evenings, with an additional £35 per hour after.
- Facilities: The space includes natural light, black drapes, a cushioned vinyl floor, and is highly adaptable for different types of events.
- Accessibility: All areas of the building are accessible to people with limited mobility, including wheelchair users.
Amenities and Convenience:
- Reception Area: A welcoming space for guests and participants.
- Technology: WiFi, ceiling fans, heating, and parking facilities for cars and bikes.
- Location: A convenient 10-minute walk from Aldgate East, served by Hammersmith & City and District lines.
Supporting a Cause:
- Social Impact: All income from the space goes towards supporting Cardboard Citizens’ work with homeless and at-risk people, adding a meaningful dimension to your team away day.
Cardboard Citizens offers an inspiring and budget-friendly option for team away days in London.
With its well-equipped facilities, accessible location, and commitment to social impact, it’s an ideal venue for teams looking to have a productive and meaningful gathering without overspending.
For more information get in contact with Cardboard citizens
3. Serata Hall (Shoreditch)
Located in the bustling neighborhood of Old Street, Serata Hall offers an affordable and versatile space for team away days.
With its unique blend of dining, entertainment, and workspace, it’s an ideal destination for teams looking to bond, brainstorm, and enjoy a memorable day together.
Culinary Options for Every Budget:
- Coal-Fired Pizza and Homemade Pasta: Enjoy a team lunch or dinner with Serata Hall’s delicious coal-fired pizza and fresh pasta, all made on-site.
The venue’s European market hall approach ensures quality dining without breaking the bank.
- Tap Wine Selection: With twelve wines available on tap, Serata Hall offers an environmentally friendly and cost-effective way to enjoy a glass of wine.
Team Building Activities:
- Masterclasses: Engage your team in Cocktail Masterclasses or Gin Blending Masterclasses, where they can blend their own bespoke gin.
These interactive experiences foster collaboration and creativity.
- Flexible Event Spaces: From casual gatherings to formal meetings, Serata Hall’s event space can be tailored to suit your team’s needs.
Work and Play:
- Daytime Hot-Desking: If your team needs a change of scenery for brainstorming or working on a project, Serata Hall offers hot-desking options.
- Late-Night Cocktails: After a productive day, unwind with late-night cocktails, providing a relaxed setting for team bonding.
Serata Hall stands out as a cost-efficient venue for team away days in London.
With its culinary delights, interactive masterclasses, and flexible workspaces, it offers a comprehensive package that caters to various team needs without stretching the budget.
For more information, get in contact with Design My Night
4. Chapel Suite at Wellington Hotel, Victoria Station
The Chapel Suite at Wellington Hotel near Victoria Station offers a unique and elegant setting for your team away day.
Whether you’re hiring a wellbeing speaker, having fun team games, or want a nice dining experience, the Chapel Suite provides a versatile space to host a memorable team away day.
Booking Options:
- Flexible Timing: Choose your preferred hours for the event, ranging from early morning to late night.
- Event Types: From awards ceremonies to private parties, the Chapel Suite can accommodate a wide array of functions.
- Budget Range: Select a budget that fits your needs, with options ranging from £500 to £100,000+.
For a more personalised experience, the venue offers direct contact with the events team, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free planning process.
Contact Canvas Events for more info
5. Resource for London’s Conference Hall
Located at 356 Holloway Road, London, Resource for London’s Conference Hall offers a large and adaptable space that is perfect for team away days.
Whether it’s for conferences, exhibitions, or team-building activities, this venue provides a cost-effective solution.
Affordable Rental Options:
- Private Rates: £525 for a full day and £290 for a half day during weekdays, with weekend rates at £565 for a full day and £335 for a half day.
- Voluntary Rates: For voluntary organizations, the rates are even more affordable at £360 for a full day and £200 for a half day during weekdays, and £380 for a full day and £210 for a half day during weekends.
Seating Capacity and Layouts:
- Cabaret: 55 seats
- Boardroom: 38 seats
- Theatre: 100 seats
- Versatility: The Conference Hall can be combined with adjacent Seminar rooms or the Exhibition Hall for larger events.
Facilities and Amenities:
- Accessibility: The venue is accessible to people with limited mobility.
- Location: Conveniently situated on Holloway Road, with easy access to public transportation.
Resource for London’s Conference Hall stands out as a spacious and budget-friendly option for team away days in London.
With its flexible seating arrangements, affordable rental options, and convenient location, it offers an ideal setting for productive team gatherings without overspending.
6. Samaritans: A Charitable and Cost-Efficient Venue in Soho
Located in the heart of Soho, Central London Samaritans offers meeting rooms for hire that are perfect for team away days.
As an independent charity, all proceeds from room hire are funnelled back into the organisation, making it a socially responsible choice for your next team event.
Affordable Rental Options:
- Large Meeting Room (up to 30 people): £500 for a full day (standard rate) or £250 for charities, with hourly rates at £75 (standard) or £40 for charities.
- Small Meeting Room (up to 6 people): £200 for a full day (standard rate) or £100 for charities, with hourly rates at £30 (standard) or £20 for charities.
- Office Hours: Rooms are available for hire from Mondays to Fridays, 9 am – 5 pm.
- Location: Centrally located and just footsteps from Carnaby Street, the venue offers convenience and accessibility.
- Supporting a Cause: By choosing this venue, you contribute to the Samaritans’ mission to provide emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide.
Booking and Enquiries:
- Discounts for Charities: Registered charities are eligible for discounted rates, providing an even more cost-effective option.
- Contact: To book or enquire, get in contact with Samaritans
Samaritans offers a cost-efficient and charitable option for team away days in London.
With its affordable rental options, central location, and commitment to a noble cause, it’s an ideal venue for teams looking to have a productive gathering while also supporting a meaningful mission.
7. The Abbey Centre: A Historic and Affordable Venue in Westminster
Situated in the heart of Westminster, central London, The Abbey Centre offers an ideal conference centre and meeting venue for team away days.
With its spacious and comfortable meeting rooms, it can accommodate up to 180 guests for various events, including conferences, meetings, training courses, workshops, and community activities.
Affordable Rental Options:
- Flexible Spaces: The Abbey Centre provides comfortable and affordable meeting rooms with full-day, single session, and evening rates available.
- Natural Daylight: All rooms benefit from natural daylight, creating a pleasant ambiance for your team event.
- Wheelchair Access: Full wheelchair access to all areas ensures inclusivity for all team members.
Facilities and Amenities:
- Audio-Visual Facilities: Equipped with modern AV facilities to support presentations and workshops.
- Free Unlimited Wi-Fi: Stay connected throughout your event with free unlimited Wi-Fi.
- On-Site Catering: Fresh, tasty, and affordable on-site catering is available for your team away day.
Location and Accessibility:
- Central London: Conveniently located near Westminster Abbey and Parliament Square, with excellent transport links to St James’s Park, Westminster, and Victoria tube stations.
- Nearby Landmarks: Your delegates will be near London’s most famous landmarks, including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the West End.
Supporting the Community:
- Community Impact: By hiring conference rooms at The Abbey Centre, you help support vital community work and service, adding a socially responsible dimension to your team away day.
The Abbey Centre stands out as a historic and budget-friendly option for team away days in London.
With its flexible spaces, comprehensive amenities, central location, and commitment to community impact, it offers an ideal setting for productive and meaningful team gatherings without overspending.
For more information contact The Abbey Centre
Want some team away day ideas?
Check out our blog “15 Loveable London Team Away Day Ideas”
What Additional Services Can Enhance a Team Away Day?
Team away days are not just about the location.
They are about the overall day and opportunity to build stronger connections, have fun and enhance overall team wellbeing.
While the choice of venue plays a crucial role, additional services can significantly elevate the experience. Here are some options:
Hiring a Wellbeing Speaker for a Wellbeing Workshop
One of the most impactful ways to empower a team is by hiring a wellbeing speaker to deliver a workshop.
These sessions can be tailored to the specific needs and interests of the team, focusing on personal growth, mental health, and emotional wellbeing.
Create Life-Changing Habits: A workshop on creating life-changing habits can guide team members through the process of identifying, cultivating, and sustaining positive habits.
This can lead to increased productivity, better work-life balance, and a more positive outlook on life.
Harnessing Gratitude: A session on harnessing gratitude can teach team members how to recognise and appreciate the positive aspects of their lives, both personally and professionally.
This practice can enhance team cohesion, improve mental wellbeing, and create a more positive workplace culture.
Team Building Activities: A Key Component for a Successful Team Away Day
Team building activities are often considered the heart of a successful team away day.
These activities are designed to enhance collaboration, trust, communication, and bonding among team members.
Here’s how incorporating team building activities can enhance the experience:
Fostering Collaboration and Trust: Through challenges and problem-solving exercises, team members learn to work together, rely on each other’s strengths, and build trust.
Activities such as trust falls, rope courses, or escape rooms can be particularly effective in this regard.
Enhancing Communication Skills: Many team building activities focus on improving communication within the team.
This can include exercises that require clear and concise verbal communication, active listening, or non-verbal cues.
Building Team Spirit and Morale: Fun and engaging activities like scavenger hunts, sports games, or creative arts projects can boost team spirit and morale.
These activities allow team members to relax, have fun, and connect on a personal level.
Customised to Team Goals and Dynamics: Team building activities can be tailored to address specific team dynamics, challenges, or goals.
Whether it’s improving collaboration between departments, enhancing leadership skills, or simply getting to know each other better, the activities can be designed to meet the team’s unique needs.
Professional Facilitation: Many organisations opt to bring in professional facilitators to design and lead team building activities.
These experts can ensure that the activities are safe, engaging, and aligned with the team’s objectives.
Reflecting and Learning: Team building activities often conclude with a debriefing session where team members reflect on their experiences, discuss insights, and consider how to apply what they’ve learned back in the workplace.
Activities like escape rooms, outdoor challenges, or creative workshops can enhance collaboration, creativity, and trust among colleagues.
Hire a Professional Chef for a Culinary Team
A culinary team experience guided by a professional chef can be a delightful and engaging addition to a team away day.
Here’s how this service can enhance the experience:
Hands-On Cooking Experience: Team members can participate in a cooking class led by a professional chef, learning new culinary skills and techniques.
Whether it’s preparing a gourmet meal or mastering a specific cuisine, the experience is interactive and enjoyable.
Fostering Creativity and Collaboration: Cooking together requires coordination, creativity, and collaboration.
Team members must work together to follow recipes, divide tasks, and create a delicious meal.
Tasting and Enjoying the Meal: The experience culminates in a shared meal, where team members can enjoy the dishes they’ve prepared together.
It’s a satisfying and communal way to celebrate their collective effort.
Customised to Dietary Preferences: The menu and experience can be tailored to accommodate dietary preferences, allergies, and themes, ensuring that everyone can participate fully.
A Break from Traditional Activities: A culinary experience offers a refreshing break from traditional team-building activities and meetings.
It’s a chance to engage in something tactile, creative, and enjoyable.
Tips for Cost-Efficient Team Away Day Planning
Planning a team away day on a budget? No worries! Here are some handy tips to help you create an engaging and memorable experience without breaking the bank:
Set a Clear Budget: Know your budget upfront. It’s your roadmap. Stick to it, and you’ll avoid unexpected surprises.
Choose the Right Venue: Look for off-peak deals. Community centres, local halls, or even outdoor parks can be budget-friendly options.
DIY Team Building: Who says you need a pro? Design your own team-building activities. Be creative, have fun with it!
Catering on a Dime: Potluck, anyone? Team members can bring dishes to share. Or find local caterers with reasonable rates.
Use Public Transport: If the venue is accessible by public transport, encourage the team to use it. It’s green and saves on parking fees.
Leverage Technology: Need a speaker but can’t afford one? Virtual guest speakers can share insights without the travel costs.
Why not engage staff with a wellbeing webinar!
Negotiate with Vendors: Don’t be shy. Ask for discounts, especially if you’re booking multiple services.
Plan Ahead: Early bird gets the worm. Book venues and services well in advance to snag the best deals.
Keep It Simple: Sometimes, less is more. Focus on meaningful activities that resonate with the team, not flashy extras.
Monitor and Adjust: Keep an eye on spending as you plan. Adjust as needed to stay on track.
Seek Team Input: Ask the team for ideas. They might have connections or creative solutions to save costs.
Emphasize the Experience: Remember, it’s about bonding and growth, not extravagance. A well-planned day with heartfelt activities can mean more than an expensive outing.
Cost-efficient planning doesn’t mean cutting corners on quality.
With a bit of creativity, negotiation, and thoughtful choices, you can create a team away day that’s both budget-friendly and impactful.
Planning a team away day in London doesn’t have to be a daunting or expensive task.
With these seven cost-efficient venues and thoughtful additional services, you have a blueprint for an engaging and memorable experience that fits your budget.
From hiring a wellbeing speaker to exploring culinary delights with a professional chef, the options are as diverse as they are enriching.
And with our practical tips for cost-efficient planning, you’re well-equipped to create a team away day that fosters collaboration, growth, and connection.
Author
Tyler Lowe – Health & Wellbeing Speaker
BSc Sport & Exercise Rehabilitation