At Lucy Claire Events, every retreat is thoughtfully curated to help founders and leadership teams’ recharge, refocus and reconnect. We get that the venue is the foundation of the experience, and choosing the right one is central to making the investment worthwhile.
Over the years I’ve visited, sourced and hosted retreats across the UK for clients ranging from global VC firms to creative teams seeking clarity and inspiration. Here are my top retreat venues — the ones I return to again and again when clients need a setting that truly supports focus and transformation.
Estelle Manor, Oxfordshire A luxurious country house hotel set within 85 acres, Estelle Manor blends elegance with exceptional flexibility. With beautiful meeting spaces, the vast Eynsham Baths spa, outdoor pursuits and stunning grounds, it’s ideal for teams wanting a balance of focus and inspiration. It’s a place where strategy sessions flow seamlessly into wild swims, woodland walks or dinner in The Glasshouse.
Crafted at Powdermills, East Sussex A venue that genuinely redefines what an offsite can be. Just 70 minutes from London, Crafted at Powdermills offers wild swimming, a sauna, a craft barn for pottery and printing, acres of woodland and even its own pub. It’s warm, creative and purposefully removed — perfect for teams needing space to slow down and reconnect – perfect for wellness retreats.
Tewinbury Farm, Hertfordshire A sustainable 700‑acre estate with 53 bedrooms, farm‑to‑fork dining and relaxed meeting spaces. With the lovely outdoor dining space – Roots – and a cosy, rural atmosphere, it’s ideal for teams wanting a grounded, nature‑led retreat.
Silchester Farm A beautiful, mid‑luxury retreat venue ideal for exclusive hires and small groups. Silchester offers a mix of charming accommodation, farm‑to‑fork dining and a relaxed, rural atmosphere. With hands‑on activities such as cooking and sustainability workshops, it’s a brilliant choice for teams wanting a grounded, nature‑led experience with plenty of space to think.
Wasing Park, Berkshire A unique country estate that feels like having your own private world for the duration of your retreat. Wasing offers quirky, characterful bedrooms, wild swimming, a woodland sauna and expansive grounds perfect for workshops and outdoor activities. I’ve hosted multiple retreats here — including one where we added glamping tents to increase capacity — and it consistently delivers a memorable, immersive experience for teams.
The Gallivant, East Sussex A boutique coastal gem, perfect for intimate retreats, with the added bonus of being moments from one of my favourite vineyards, Gusbourne – a great team activity!
These are my favourite venues for retreats, but the venue is only the starting point. To truly reimagine what a retreat can be — and to get real value from your investment — you need thoughtful curation, structure and on‑site support. That’s where I come in: designing retreats that deliver clarity, connection and long‑term impact for founders and leadership teams.