Storming business in a castle VENUES Standing strong throughout the centuries, Castles can offer an unusual
and memorable setting for boardroom battles, entertaining clients or even team building. Andy Hollis looks at five of the best
Ruthin Castle, North Wales Bring your team back to basics with a team building course at Ruthin Castle. The Orig- inal Outdoor course will teach members to survive in the wild with no home comforts, learning fire lighting, shelter building and foraging for food. Team building is very popular at the castle, due to its outstanding indoor facilities, and acres of wood and park- land. The castle was part of King Edward’s famous ‘iron ring’ that he used to control Wales in the 13th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its Grand Salon can host up to 120 delegates for dinner, and two smaller rooms, for up to 40 people, are kit- ted out with WiFi internet access, modem points and audio visual equipment. INFO
www.ruthincastle.co.uk; 01824 702 664
Leeds Castle, Kent Set on a moated island, Leeds Castle was described by Lord Conway as the loveli- est castle in the world. Tradition has seen it being kept as a place “where people met and things happened”. Up to 180 delegates can be accommodated on residential and day conferences and banqueting in the castle itself, or in five other rooms. These offer more affordable options and a chance to get further away from the other visitors. Vari- ety is the spice of life at the castle which offers the Go Ape forest adventure in the treetops, a Segway personal transporter, 9-hole golf course, hot air balloon rides and team-building activities. All the latest conferencing facilities are available includ- ing WiFi, projectors, and LCD screen sound. INFO
www.leeds-castle.com; 01622 765400
Hever Castle, Kent Hosting only one corporate group at a time, Hever Castle guarantees privacy and ded- icated staff so up to 120 conference dele- gates can enjoy the highest standards of comfort, service and cuisine. The Tudor Suite is three interconnecting, fully equipped meeting rooms with syndicate areas. WiFi is available in the adjoining Aston Wing, and the Palladian-style Guthrie Pavilion is flanked by four acres of gardens and a 38 acre lake. Team-building activities include falconry, duck herding and motorised sports plus there’s a golf course and outdoor heated swimming pool. Hever Castle won the Bronze Award in the Best UK Unusual Venue Category at the 2009 Meet- ings & Incentive Travel Industry Awards. INFO
www.hevercastle.co.uk; 01732 861 800
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Warwick Castle, Warwickshire Swap the boardroom for the battlefield with a unique team building activity at Warwick Castle. The Mediaeval Knight School offers delegates the chance to learn to battle with real swords, or using six-foot poll-arms – as well as becoming archers. The majestic Great Hall can accommodate any event from exquisite banquets to spectacular awards cere- monies, or, for more intimate affairs, The State Dining Room offers fine dining surrounded by stunning art for up to 30 guests. Conferences with up to 70 dele- gates can be held in The Georgian Coach House which is self-contained with break- out areas and all the modern facilities, including WiFi. INFO
www.warwick-castle.co.uk; 01926 406 660
Peckforton Castle, Cheshire Spectacular medieval style, a stunning loca- tion and a host of honours make Peckforton Castle a class venue for corporate events. At the 2012 Meetings & Incentive Travel Indus- try Awards it scooped silver in both The Best UK Hotel and the Best UK Unusual Venue categories, and was also a finalist in the Best Conference and Banqueting Staff category. It also boasts 2 AA Rosettes and a Taste Cheshire Award. It offers five meeting suites catering for up to 170 delegates –The Hexagonal Room was featured in Kevin Cost ner’s Robin Hood Prince of Thieves. Cap- tivating on arrival, Peckforton Castle's unspoilt, natural beauty will stimulate and motivate, delight the eye, tantalise the taste buds and leave you enchanted. INFO
www.peckfortoncastle.co.uk; 01829 260 930
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