What are Your Goals for the Day?
Start by setting clear goals for your team’s away day. Think about what you want to achieve, whether that’s strengthening team bonds or agreeing on a plan for the next few months. This can help you choose activities to make the day enjoyable and productive.
Also, consider how you’ll measure success. This could involve better teamwork, clearer communication, or a stronger shared sense of direction.
Setting clear measures of success at this stage can help you understand the impact of your away day. For example, this might be through employee feedback or noticeable improvements in team communication.
Budget Planning and Logistics
Good planning sets the stage for a team away day that everyone will enjoy. Start by setting a realistic budget, as this will help shape the activities and experiences you can offer. Then, organise the key details so the day runs smoothly and feels memorable for your team.
Keep these points in mind:
- Venue hire – include the cost of the location, plus any exclusive-use or room hire fees.
- Catering – plan meals, snacks, and drinks that suit your team’s preferences and dietary needs.
- Transport – arrange group transport and provide clear directions and parking information for those travelling independently.
- Accessibility – ensure that the venue and activities are accessible to all team members, including those with mobility needs.
- Activity costs – include fees for facilitators, equipment hire, or specialist instructors.
- Weather contingencies – have back-up plans for outdoor activities in case of rain or adverse weather conditions.
- Timing – consider the duration of each activity and the overall schedule to avoid fatigue and maximise engagement.
- Insurance and safety – check that activities are covered by insurance and that safety measures are in place.
- Materials and equipment – list any materials, equipment, or props needed for activities or workshops.
- Communication – provide clear information about the day’s plans and what to bring, well in advance of the event.
Choosing The Right Venue and Facilities
Picking the right venue sets the stage for a productive and memorable away day for your team. The right environment can be uplifting and help your team make the most of their time together.
Start by ensuring enough room for whole-group sessions and smaller breakouts. Also, look for comfortable areas where your team can relax or collaborate informally.
If you have special technical requirements for presentations or workshops, choose a venue with fast WiFi, modern AV equipment, and on-site tech support.
Fresh, high-quality food and refreshments can help your team stay happy and energised. Many venues offer flexible catering and can accommodate a variety of tastes and dietary needs.
Access to outdoor spaces such as gardens or parkland can allow your team to enjoy nature and participate in outdoor activities, adding another memorable dimension to your away day.
Planning to organise a professional event? Read our top tips for hosting a successful conference.
10 Team Away Day Ideas
1. Creative Workshop
Encourage creativity and collaboration with hands-on art, cooking, photography, or painting sessions. Learning something new together helps to encourage open communication and gives team members a chance to connect in a new way.
2. Charity Challenge
Bring your team together for a project that supports a local cause, whether volunteering, building something useful, or participating in a sponsored walk or run. Working for a good cause lifts morale and creates a shared sense of purpose.
3. Treasure Hunt
Organise a fun or challenging treasure hunt around the venue or its grounds. This adventurous activity promotes teamwork, strategic thinking, and a sense of discovery as groups solve clues and complete challenges together. It’s an excellent way to explore beautiful venues such as Hatfield Park.
4. Interactive Quizzes
Break the ice and inspire conversation with an interactive quiz. General knowledge, company trivia, or themed rounds encourage friendly rivalry and give everyone a chance to shine.
5. Team Sports
Get everyone moving with classic games such as rounders, cricket, or football. Friendly matches foster teamwork, spark healthy competition, and create plenty of opportunities for laughter and connection. For an extra touch of fun, consider small prizes or awards for the winning teams.
6. Outdoor Adventure Activities
Try something active like orienteering, raft-building, or a ropes course. These adventure activities break down barriers and build trust. You could also encourage individuals to step out of their comfort zones. Providing alternative activities for those with different needs or preferences can help to ensure that everyone in your group feels included and supported.
7. Music Workshop
Bring the team together with a group music session. Energising and fun, it improves listening whilst creating something together as a group.
8. Archery
An archery session allows your team to test their focus and aim. Archery suits all skill levels and invites friendly competition and shared achievement.
9. Clay Pigeon Shooting
Experience a classic countryside pursuit with clay pigeon shooting. This activity encourages patience and concentration. Team members can have the chance to cheer each other on and celebrate each successful shot. At Hatfield Park, this can be arranged at a nearby location or by special permission in some circumstances, on the Estate itself.
10. Wellbeing Session
Promote relaxation and mindfulness with yoga, guided meditation, or wellness workshops. These sessions help your team recharge and reduce stress, so they could be particularly beneficial for busy teams in need of a break. You’ll return to work with renewed calm and focus.
The Oak House Studio & Therapies in Hatfield Park offers a host of options to promote wellness, including yoga and meditation. The studio regularly hosts retreats and seasonal workshops.
Hatfield Park offers a wide array of experiences for team away days, including private tours of the historic Hatfield House and its archives, beekeeping and foraging experiences, walking meetings in tranquil parkland, unique outdoor dining options, wellbeing activities both indoors and outdoors, and wine tasting experiences to name just a few.
Structuring Your Team Away Day
Plan the day so it’s both productive and enjoyable. Mix busy, active sessions with time to relax and socialise.
Start with a short welcome to set the goals and tone. Alternating between active sessions and quieter activities helps to maintain energy levels, whilst regular refreshment breaks can give everyone the chance to recharge.
You could schedule a shared lunch to encourage relaxed networking, and then finish the day with a group debrief to share key takeaways and feedback.
Don’t forget that health and safety are essential considerations on a team away day. All activities must be risk-assessed, participants should be briefed on personal and venue safety procedures, and first aid must be readily available.
Measuring Success
Evaluating your team’s away day can help you understand its impact and ensure subsequent events are even more successful.
Ask your team for honest feedback about what they enjoyed the most and what they would like to do more of in the future. Review whether you met your goals and note ideas for changes or new activities.
Hatfield Park: The Ideal Venue For Team Away Days
Well-planned team away days can forge stronger team bonds and inspire new thinking. To make your next team event truly memorable, explore Hatfield Park’s unique options for conferences and events.
We offer stunning flexible spaces, acres of beautiful parkland, excellent catering services, and planning support, all designed to help your team thrive. Our friendly, experienced team would be delighted to discuss your plans.
Find out more about our many options for conferences and events.
Enquire about holding your team away day at Hatfield Park today.
Download the Hatfield Park events brochure.
