Creative Corporate Away Days: 12 Ideas to Unleash Potential

*Last updated: February 2026*

Are you on the hunt for creative corporate away days ideas? You’ve come to the right place! Our team-building activities promise a brilliant boost for engagement; working marvels with morale and helping you create a more compelling company culture. In combination, these factors not only help to improve productivity — they will also give your teams a chance to forget about everyday stresses, let loose, and have a good time in friendly company.

Our list of corporate away day activities covers the indoors to the outdoors, the money-conscious to the budget busters. There’s something here for the foodies, the fitness fanatics, the artists, and the problem-solvers alike. While each suggestion is unique in its own right, they all have one crucial thing in common — fun!

What is a Corporate Away Day?

 

A corporate away day is exactly that: an opportunity for managers and their teams to leave the office and take part in enjoyable activities together. “Away” doesn’t necessarily have to mean “outdoors”, but that’s often part of the appeal. All that really counts is that everyone tries bonding in a new and stimulating environment.

The best corporate away days weave together three key elements: 

1. Strategic planning
2. Team building
3. Fun

Ultimately, whether you’re hosting a half-day brainstorming session at a local venue or a full-day retreat in the countryside, the goals remain the same. Namely, breaking from routines, strengthening relationships, and returning to work re-energised and re-focussed.

Why Corporate Away Days Matter

 

So, why should you take time out of your stacked calendar to cook up corporate away day activities when everyone is already racing to meet deadlines? The answer goes far beyond a quick and easy morale boost.

Research consistently shows that teams who participate in regular away days demonstrate higher productivity, improved communication, and better staff retention. When people feel valued and connected to their colleagues, they can be better engaged with their work and more committed to shared company goals.

For some employees, every day can start to feel like life on repeat — without a groundhog in sight. They come into work, get their heads down and graft away until lunchtime, before doing it all over again in the afternoon. Burnout can quickly follow, and some people begin to feel detached. That isolation can soon chip away at morale, which is (obviously) really bad news for productivity. 

One team member struggling can have a knock-on effect on others, as a neglected cog soon affects the whole machine.

Popular Types of Corporate Away Days

Different occasions call for different approaches:

• Strategy Days: Focus on planning, goal-setting, and alignment around company objectives.
• Celebration Days: Reward teams for their achievements with pure fun and relaxation.
• Team Building Days: Strengthen relationships through collaborative corporate away day activities.
• Hybrid Days: Combine strategic sessions in the morning with team building exercises in the afternoon.

Ultimately, a happy office is a productive office. The most successful away days walk the line between achieving business objectives and giving people space to connect as individuals, not just as colleagues.

12 Creative Corporate Away Days Ideas

 

Have you noticed a drop in productivity recently? Perhaps you’ve seen a few slumped shoulders and want to set your business on a more positive footing for the months ahead? Fear not, ConnectIn Events’ top 12 corporate away days ideas are ideal for companies that want to beat the blues and form a tighter, more productive unit. 

Treasure Hunts

The first of our corporate away day activities is a popular favourite: the team treasure hunt. If you haven’t tried this before, the premise is simple. Starting by splitting into small teams, everyone has to work together to navigate an interactive map, working their way from one point of interest to the next. When they reach a target location they have to solve a puzzle, which gives them a pointer/clue about the next destination. 

First group to reach the final location gets to lord it over their colleagues for the rest of the year.

Now We’re Cooking!

Fancy a challenge that combines cookery, communication skills, and a good cause? Yes, chef! This corporate away day idea pits your teams together as they cook a delicious dish, with the cookery crown going to the team with the tastiest tidbits. You don’t need to be a professional to take part, as you could hire experts to oversee an informal workshop before the real contest begins. 

Once you’ve found the right venue for this day out, everything else should fall into place quite easily. The kitchen is your arena and rolling pins and flour are your weapons of combat. Every second counts. 

Ready, steady, coooook! 

Patchwork Paintings

First things first, what exactly is a patchwork painting? It’s a collection of smaller paintings that, when combined, form a much bigger work of art. Specifically, it relies on a designated artist painting a picture based on scant information relayed by their colleagues. Working in small groups, this is a real test of teamwork, as the final result will depend massively on how easily people can communicate their thoughts to the artist.

This could be even more fun if you provide event catering and turn the final presentation into a fun-filled celebration of what people can achieve when they put their heads together.

Summer Sports Days

The next of our corporate away days ideas is inspired by the good old days (for some) of school. If you still have fond memories of sack races, relays, and egg and spoon races, this one’s for you. Summer sports day is a chance to prove that no, you’ve not really grown up, and yes, you still know how to have a heap load of fun! 

If you really want to get the most out of this suggestion, you could make the sporty stuff one unique feature in a packed schedule of corporate away day activities. We’re thinking food trucks, entertainment, team awards…the options are practically limitless. 

Escape Rooms

Fancy escaping one space only to find yourself trapped in another, more exciting, one? Escape rooms combine teamwork, problem-solving, and — most importantly — fun. But they’re also quietly revealing. You’ll quickly spot who takes charge under pressure, who thinks laterally in the moment, and who immediately starts trying random combinations on the padlock. 

They’re versatile too: smaller teams can book a single room, while larger companies could take over a few adjoining ones and see which group escapes first. Nothing like a bit of interdepartmental competition.

Outdoor Adventures

The words ‘outdoor adventures’ might conjure images of raft-building in the rain but bear with us, there’s so much more to it than that! There are lots of corporate away days ideas that take place outside, from obstacle courses to zip line challenges. All of these activities can help people to get outside of their comfort zones and build better relationships with each other.

However, if you want to simplify things, you could make nature the star of the show and decamp to a rural location to enjoy a team retreat. The fresh air and serenity can work wonders for both peace of mind and creativity. And if you want to inject some excitement, you could consider hiring a remote venue to host an awards show or company party.

Go Karting

Put everyone in identical karts and watch the office hierarchy dissolve. Job titles don’t count for much when you’re all taking the same corner too fast.

Most UK cities have decent indoor tracks, so it’s a year-round option. Sessions usually include a safety briefing, practice laps, and timed races. And for larger teams, you can run knockout tournaments or relay formats.

Corporate away day activities like karting work particularly well because they’re competitive without being strenuous or exhausting. It’s physical enough to feel like a proper break from the office, but nobody’s pulling a hamstring. Plus, the competitive element brings out everyone’s personality in a fun, adrenaline-fuelled environment. Plus, the post-race leaderboard chatter will carry you the conversations for weeks.  

Murder Mystery Events

Transform your team into amateur sleuths for an evening they won’t forget. Murder mystery events are theatrical, immersive experiences where your colleagues must work together to solve a fictional crime. One moment you’re networking over canapes, the next there’s a “murder”… and everyone is a suspect.

These events are very effective for mixing departments who don’t normally work together. This is because the role-play element helps break down professional barriers. Let’s face it, it’s hard to maintain corporate formalities when you’re accusing the Finance Director of poisoning the victim in the study!

Murder mysteries are amazing as part of an evening programme. Just combine the game with some posh nosh, and you’ve got a complete night of entertainment that’s equal parts challenging and hilarious.

Cocktail Making Masterclasses

Who says corporate away day activities can’t be sophisticated? A cocktail making masterclass brings creativity, competition, and a bit of liquid confidence together. Led by professional mixologists, your team will learn the art of crafting classic cocktails before putting their skills to the test in a friendly contest.

These sessions work perfectly as late afternoon or early evening away day activities. Essentially, they’re sociable without being too physically demanding, so ideal for mixed-ability groups. Plus, everyone gets to enjoy the fruits of their labour. Literally!

Many providers offer mobile services, bringing everything needed directly to your venue of choice. Alternatively, specialist cocktail bars across the UK offer private masterclasses complete with dedicated areas for your team to mix their masterpieces.

Virtual Reality Experiences

For teams who love technology and innovation, VR experiences offer something genuinely different. Modern VR centres provide multiplayer experiences where teams can collaborate in spectacular virtual worlds: from escaping the zombie apocalypse to solving futuristic puzzles.

The beauty of VR is its accessibility. Team members who might struggle with physically demanding activities can fully participate, as everything happens in the virtual realm. It’s also really engaging for tech-curious teams who lean towards cutting-edge experiences.

VR works particularly well for shorter away day sessions (2-3 hours) or as one part of a packed agenda. Most major cities now have dedicated VR centres offering group bookings, with multiple headsets and multiplayer capabilities available.

Axe Throwing

Axe throwing has exploded in popularity as a corporate activity, and for good reason. There’s something incredibly satisfying about landing a bullseye, and the concentration required means everyone’s fully ‘in the moment’.

Professional instructors teach proper technique and safety protocols before teams compete in tournaments. It’s surprisingly accessible, as you don’t need to be particularly strong or athletic to get the hang of it. The competitive scoring system adds to the excitement, and most sessions include fun variations like team relays and trick shot challenges.

Venues across the UK now offer axe throwing combined with casual dining and drinks, making it easy to build an entire evening around the activity.

Drumming Workshops

Few activities create instant energy and connection quite like group drumming. Guided by professionals, your team will progress from basic rhythms to performing as a coordinated drum circle. It’s loud, it’s energetic, and the sense of achievement when everyone’s playing in sync is special.

Drumming workshops work brilliantly because they require genuine teamwork. Everyone must listen, adapt, and support each other to create a cohesive rhythm. As in business, there’s no hiding in a drum circle; everyone’s contribution matters equally.

These sessions are really effective as energisers during longer away days. They work equally well indoors or outdoors, and providers can cater for groups ranging from the tens to hundreds of tub-thumping participants!

How to Plan Your Perfect Corporate Away Day

 

Planning corporate away day activities doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Follow our tried and tested approach to ensure your event achieves its objectives while keeping your team engaged.

Define Your Objectives

Start by asking why you’re doing an away day, as the goals should shape every decision that follows. A celebration demands pure fun and relaxation, while a strategy day needs facilitated workshops and planning time. Most successful away days combine a few of these objectives; typically morning strategy sessions followed by afternoon team building.

Set Your Budget Early

Establish a realistic per-person budget before you start exploring options. This helps you to create a shortlist of suitable places, which you should be able to work through pretty quickly. Remember to account for everything: venue hire and design, entertainment costs, catering, audio-visuals, and a contingency fund (typically 10-15% of your total budget). If the budget is tight, focus spending on one standout activity rather than spreading it too thinly.

Choose the Right Venue

Your venue sets the tone for the entire day. Consider location (how far will people travel?), capacity, facilities, and atmosphere. Do you need breakout rooms for smaller group work? AV equipment for presentations? Outdoor space for activities? A professional venue-finding service can save you lots of time here. We make the most of our long-term industry relationships to offer this service free of charge (while helping negotiate you better rates).

Select Suitable Activities For Your Team

Try to avoid the temptation to choose activities you personally enjoy and focus instead on what will work best for your specific team. Consider factors like age range, physical abilities, personality types (a team of introverts might struggle with high-energy performance activities), and past experiences. If you’re unsure, involve your team in the decision-making process through polls or surveys.

Plan the Schedule

Don’t overplan the agenda. A common mistake is packing too much into the day, leaving no time for relaxed networking or downtime. A typical full-day structure might include: arrival and coffee (30 mins), morning session (2 hours), lunch (1 hour), main activity (2-3 hours), wrap-up and drinks (1 hour). Factor in buffer time between activities, as these things often take longer than expected.

Communicate Clearly

Send details well in advance about date, location, schedule, dress code, and what to expect. When planning physical activities, it makes sense to warn people appropriately. If alcohol will be served, ensure there are good non-alcoholic options too. Clear communication reduces anxiety and ensures everyone arrives prepared and ready to get stuck in.

Prepare for the Unexpected

Have contingency plans for common issues. These include bad weather (for outdoor activities), lower-than-expected attendance, and technical difficulties. An experienced event manager will anticipate these challenges and have backup options on standby.

Gather Feedback

Within a week of your away day, send a brief feedback survey. Ask what people enjoyed, what could be improved, and whether they felt the day achieved its objectives. This insight is invaluable for planning future events and demonstrates that you value opinions.

Working with an event management company can take most of this pressure off your shoulders. At ConnectIn Events, we handle everything from venue sourcing to on-the-day troubleshooting as part of our service. With our help and guidance, you can focus on your team rather than getting bogged down in the nitty details.

Corporate Away Day Activities in Manchester

 

Although we’re a nationwide event management company, we’re proudly based in Manchester; and we know this city inside out. One of the UK’s most vibrant business hubs, this is a place that offers a diverse range of venues and corporate away day activities — and we’ve spent over 15 years exploring them.

Why Manchester is Perfect for Corporate Away Days

Manchester’s compact city centre means you can access world-class venues, activities, and accommodation within minutes of each other. From the converted warehouses of the Northern Quarter to the sleek conference spaces in Spinningfields, there’s a venue to match every culture and budget.

Our excellent transport links make it accessible for teams across the North of England and beyond. Manchester Airport serves over 200 destinations, while the city’s train stations connect directly to London, Scotland, and Wales. For many UK businesses, Manchester sits at the perfect midpoint.

Our Favourite Manchester Corporate Away Day Venues

Having sourced venues for hundreds of events, we can help you find a spot in one of Manchester’s leading locations. Just a few of our favourites are:

• City Centre: The Kimpton Clocktower Hotel and The Lowry Hotel offer elegant spaces with full event support. For something more down-to-Earth, consider venues in the Northern Quarter or Ancoats, like Freight Island or The Foundry Project.
• MediaCityUK: Perfect for tech and creative companies, this waterfront destination has plenty of modern event spaces. The proximity to BBC and ITV studios puts you within earshot of that unique entertainment industry buzz.
• Spinningfields: Manchester’s business district provides classy venues ideal for professional services firms. The Avenue North and Banyan Bar & Kitchen offer private dining and event spaces.
• Outer Manchester: For teams wanting to escape the city, venues like Delta Hotels Worsley Park Country Club and Mere Golf Resort & Spa provide country house settings within around 30 minutes of the city centre.

Manchester Corporate Away Day Activities

The city’s diverse options means we can arrange everything from traditional team building to cutting-edge experiences:

• Escape rooms across the city centre and Trafford.
• Axe throwing venues in the Northern Quarter.
• Go karting at TeamSport Manchester or Daytona.
• Cooking classes at Manchester Cookery School.
• Brewery tours at Seven Bro7hers or Cloudwater.
• Canal cruises along the historic waterways.
• Team sports at one of Manchester’s excellent indoor facilities.

The ConnectIn Events Advantage in Manchester

Our Manchester base has bags of upside for event planning. The ConnectIn tribe visits venues regularly and has long-term relationships with the leading activity providers. This expertise means we know which combinations work best for different team sizes and objectives. We also excel at managing the logistics: where traffic bottlenecks occur, which caterers deliver exceptional quality, and how to get the best out of your budget whatever the price point.

Most importantly, our venue-finding service is completely FREE. We’ll match you with the perfect Manchester hot spot for your corporate away day, handling all the negotiations and logistics while you focus on having a good time.

Corporate Away Day FAQs

 

Q: How much do corporate away day activities typically cost? Costs vary widely. Budget options like treasure hunts or sports days are typically up to £40 per person. Premium experiences such as murder mysteries or cocktail masterclasses can cost up to £80 per person. Venue hire, catering, and transport can add to this. For a full day including all elements, many companies budget £100–150 per person. The investment in morale and cohesion often pays off in productivity and retention.

Q: How far in advance should we plan a corporate away day? Plan 2–3 months ahead for teams under 30 and 3–6 months for larger groups. Popular venues book quickly, especially in spring and autumn, and early planning can mean better pricing and date availability. That said, experienced event managers can still deliver great events with only a few weeks’ notice if needed.

Q: Should our corporate away day be a full day or half day? It depends on your objectives and budget. Half days suit local teams and focused sessions, while full days allow for a broader mix of strategy, team building, and networking. 10am–5pm is a popular format, with morning sessions, lunch, afternoon activities, and informal drinks included.

Q: How do we choose between indoor and outdoor activities? Consider physical ability, season, and weather risk. Outdoor activities offer energy and space, which is usually fine in summer, but will need contingency plans. Indoor options provide comfort and reliability all year-round. Many successful away days combine both, with an indoor backup ready if needed.

Q: What makes a corporate away day successful? Success comes from clear objectives, genuine engagement, and having fun. The best events meet business goals while making people feel included. Avoid over-scheduling, allow time for organic interaction, and gather feedback. If people are still talking about it weeks later, it worked!

Q: Can we combine strategy sessions with team building activities? Yes — and it’s recommended. A common approach is strategy sessions in the morning, followed by lunch and more relaxed team building in the afternoon. This balances focus with connection, as long as the schedule isn’t overly intense.

Q: What if some team members have mobility or accessibility needs?  Inclusive planning is essential. Many activities — such as quizzes, cooking, cocktail making, drumming, and creative challenges — are naturally accessible. Physical activities can often be adapted or offer alternative roles. Ask your teams about accessibility needs early and communicate activity details clearly.

Unleash Your Team’s True Potential with ConnectIn Events

 

Now you’ve read our creative corporate away day ideas, we’re sure you’re itching to uncork all of that bottled up potential. To ensure that your grand day out hits the heights, you’ll want to work with an established event manager who excels at creating professional gatherings. In ConnectIn Events, you’ll find an experienced guide that has been specialising in elite team building activities for over 15 years.

These occasions require an eye-for-detail, organisational skills, and consummate communication to master. Our friendly team can tick all the boxes by digging into what you’re hoping to achieve, working through your do’s and don’ts, and producing the perfect platform for team-building and fun. Whether you’re heading indoors or outdoors, we come into our own at finding the right venue for your goals. Not only do we know the best locations inside-out, we’ll even find yours completely FREE of charge!

Ready to build something amazing? Get in touch today!

Written by Jordan Walker, Director at ConnectIn Events, with 15+ years thinking up amazing corporate away days ideas across the UK and Ireland. He specialises in creating events that people love and remember.