Check out our roundup of fabulous country houses and trendy urban venues guaranteed to go down a treat with your co-workers
So, you've been given the task of organising the work shindig.
Regardless of the mindset in which you approach this task; be it enthralled, indifferent or a nuisance to tick of your to-do-list – let's remind ourselves of the honour of such a duty.
If you nail it; where the ambience is just right, the venue is high quality, and the money well spent – the result will be an escapade of liquid courage enabled team bonding that comes from dancing on tables and champagne confessions. So let us embrace the festive season, and toast to the more cohesive and communicative workplace that will no doubt be in place with the bringing in of the new year.
Finding the right venue or activity is no easy feat. That being said, we've done the hard work for you and have listed some of the best venues in Surrey and South West London. Elegant dining, paint balling, beautiful open spaces, urban hotspots or themed parties; this round up has you covered when it comes to organising an office celebration with that special something.
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Dream Circus by Best Parties Ever
In celebration of a busy year, let yourself be transported to a surreal, magical, dream like state (within the parameters of the law of course). A sensory experience in a beautifully lit, sumptuously decorated venue where you will be enraptured by gravity defying aerial acrobats, sensational performances and weirdly wonderful creatures.
Your palette will also be entertained; beverages, canapés and a four-course dinner are set amongst the glamorous and daring show from the troupe of world-class specialists.
If you’re after the standard, slightly awkward, but relatively fun Average-Christmas-Do, this won’t cut it, as the hosts of this party – The Best Parties Ever – are clearly shameless self believers.
When the show is over, all interests are covered: Take tragic photos in the photo booth, have a crack in the casino or boogey on the D Floor.
Forget the mouldy back room of the pub down the road, as groups of 8 plus can experience the big party atmosphere in a mixed night, while groups of 300-2000 are offered an exclusive night and a bespoke party planning service.
Located in Weybridge and within easy reach of Woking, Twickenham & Epsom.
Price: from £39.50 per person
December 1 - 23, 2017
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Winter Fairy Tale at Epsom Downs Racecourse
Amid bone chilling winds and grey days and a Christmas that is never Quite White, you can enter a snowy winter wonderland even if it’s only one night. Celebrate the festive season in a 'Winter Fairy Tale' themed evening at Epsom Racecourse.
Prices vary on the range of private and shared dinner parties and lunches that are on offer. Guests can look forward to a three-course meal, Christmas crackers and novelties plus a DJ and disco.
Santa comes early with an offering of two grandstand tickets per person for selected fixtures in 2018.
Price: from £59 per person
Late November to early January
01372 460 460; epsom.thejockeyclub.co.uk
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www.gopaintball.co.uk
Go Paintball Surrey
Salmons Lane Whyteleafe, Surrey, CR3 0HBYour workplace will be reminiscing well into the new year after a day at of paintball. Remember when Joe was crouched behind the fort and Penny was pelting him with pellets? Apparently it was because he told the boss about Penny scrolling through Indeed at work.
Imagine – infinite office banter.
Be prepared to storm fort strongholds, infiltrate village compounds, lead assaults for control of fuel stockpiles, and scavenge for resources in our fallout wasteland.
Go Paintball caters for private groups of 4–140 players, with a pizza per participant after the activities.
Price: £550 for up to 20 players, £27.50 for any additional person.
0208 935 5638; hannah@gopaintball.co.uk; gopaintball.co.uk
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Foxhills Club and Resort
Foxhills Stonehill Road, Ottershaw, KT16 0ELOffering a team of chefs, expert event staff and a variety of venues that cater to the unique needs and vibe of your group, Surrey’s top country club would love to “take care of you this Christmas so you can let your hair down”.
The modern Clubhouse can seat up to 180 people for dinner and includes a DJ so you can “show off your moves”. Located in the Victorian Manor House, The Library is ideal for groups of up to 66 people looking for a more stately celebration, while the Summerhouse is perfect for more casual get-togethers.
Price: from £40 per person
01932 704 551; hamptoncourtpalaceevents@hrp.org.uk; foxhills.co.uk
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Tree Top Adventure with Go Ape
Leatherhead Rd, Chessington, KT9 2NESee your colleagues from a different perspective as you harness up and venture through a high wire treetop course. Go Ape offers outdoor team building activities at a range of different venues, most which are easily accessible by public transport. Battersea Park and Chessington, Surrey are two of the locations where the experience is facilitated.
Over a 2-3 hour course, the team will face zip wires, rope ladders and a variety of obstacles and crossings as they make their way through the forest canopy 12 metres above ground.
You can tailor the event as you wish: some opt for catering by Go Ape, while others head to the pub for a post climb pint and feed.
Groups tend to book 3-4 weeks in advance.
01284 852 237; goape.co.uk
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Topgolf Surrey
Imagine the office cred if you hit a Hole In One at the work Christmas shindig. “It was a lucky shot,” they’d scoff, but you would know it was pure skill; your natural brilliance.
Start your visualisation techniques now because when you tee up at Topgolf, you have less than a 0.0005% chance of hitting a hole-in-one. In fact, you are more likely to find a pearl inside an oyster than score an ace in one of its colourful courses.
But don’t let that put you off because Top Golf Surrey is an ideal location to swing by for your Christmas bash. The easy step-by-step process will allow you to choose your preferred catering and golf packages, to have your party passed by the boss and organised in no time.
The Surrey venue offers a foot golf course, roof terrace and two dedicated events rooms: the Bunker offers space for up to 40 guests, while the Loft is able to host 160 people. What a way to wrap up the year.
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Hampton Court Palace
Perhaps celebrating in royal style is closer to your preference. If so, Hampton Court Palace offers The Garden Room; a 1920’s Orangery style building set in the beautiful Tiltyard Gardens.
How does citrus cured salmon sound? White chocolate roulade?
Various packages include three course lunch and dinner options (with mince pies and coffee!), as well as post dinner entertainment including ice-skating, tickets into the palace or a live DJ set.
Price: £80 per person
020 3166 6507; hrp.org.uk
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Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens offer various venues through out their scenic grounds to cater for your Christmas celebration. Guests are invited to enjoy complimentary access to the wider Gardens on the day of the event, later enjoying a Christmas-themed menu or standing buffet in the Cambridge Cottage or the Orangery.
Contact the events team directly for all information.
0208 332 5641; venues@kew.org; kew.org
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The Runnymede Hotel
The Runnymede Hotel is offering dazzling parties by the Thames in its Grand Union Suite.
The Grand Union Suite is suitable for groups of 10 to 50 party-goers. Guests can expect a three course dinner and a DJ until late.
Their website is worth a look. It has more information what's included on the night and great one-liners like "Pick a glam outfit, polish your party shoes and dance the night away".
For those attending the Christmas events Runnymede are offering preferential accommodation rates from £120 per double room, inclusive of breakfast and use of the spa.
Price: £52 per person
December 16, 18, 19, 20, 21
01784 220 981; runnymedehotel.com
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Denbies Wine Estate
Denbies Wine Estate has a variety of party options on offer.
You could host an early evening festive gathering in the vaulted cellar where Denbies will provide finger food and its award winning wine.
Get groovy in the Vaulted Candlelit Cellar at one of Denbies themed party nights. The themes range from DJ nights, murder mystery entertainment, to world-renown Piano playing.
Another option is to dine under the stars in the beautiful Conservatory Restaurant. Various venues are available for private hire and bespoke packages are on offer for 20 – 400 guests.
Shared party dates December 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16
christmas@denbiesvineyard.co.uk; denbies.co.uk
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Brooklands Museum
London seems to be yearning for the wintery wonderland that never quite is. Thankfully, Brookland Museum is on hand to ease you through your snowy withdrawals.
Its timeless art deco chic buildings provide a whimsical venue for a Christmas lunch or dinner.
Picture this: A warm mulled wine at the drinks reception before the call to dinner. Step through a pillar entranceway of snow covered trees and down a white carpet. Snap a selfie with a majestic stag or cute polar bear, or simply enjoy the decadent surroundings. You’ll find yourself enjoying a seasonal three-course feast among wintery backdrops of arctic scenes and snow filled table centre. After dinner, take to the dance floor where the DJ awaits. Sounds pretty dreamy.
The Executive Chef prides himself on using locally-sourced produce and is always delighted to suggest alternative bespoke menus, should you require something different.
Shared and exclusive parties available.
Price: from £34.50 per person
01932 858005; brooklandsmuseumhospitality.com
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H G Wells Centre
Woking, Woking, GU21 6HJH G Wells offers both share parties and exclusive events.
At the circus themed share parties, you and your colleagues can enjoy a three-course meal while being captivated by fire performers and expert circus entertainers
Alternatively, packages are available for exclusive night in a number of its venues.
The Wells room is a versatile, modern space which can be transformed from a blank canvas into anything you wish. The Wells Room comes complete with a stage, bar, sophisticated lighting rig, high ceiling and a powerful sound system. With capacity of up 280 for a sit down dinner, the Wells Room is one of the largest event spaces in Woking.
The Kemp room offers a comfortable, contemporary and flexible space. Situated on the first floor this is a very popular room catering for up to 120 people for a sit down dinner or 180 for a buffet.
Where they are able, the team are willing to assist and customise packages to suit your group.
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Murder Mystery at Reigate Manor
Reigate Manor Hotel Reigate Hill, Surrey, RH2 9PFIt’s a Christmas party, with a killer twist. Immerse yourself in a Christmas mystery this December where it’s your job to crack the case. Filter through the evidence, study the police files and interrogate the witnesses, all whilst enjoying a 3 course Christmas dinner. Once the case is closed, celebrate by dancing to the resident DJ.
Reigate Manor is offers a range of popular Christmas party nights, dinner dances or Christmas-themed murder mystery experiences. Book a table and enjoy a 3-course meal at one of these shared evenings.
The recently refurbished Cellar Rooms are a great option for private hire. With its own private entrance, bar area and dance floor the Cellar Rooms provide a unique atmosphere for up to 100 guests.
Price: From £32 per person
01737 240125; functions@reigatemanor.co.uk; reigatemanor.co.uk
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Great Fosters
Stroude Road, Surrey, TW20 9URSet in stunning grounds, Great Fosters offer luxurious Christmas packages in either the Tithe Barn or Orangery. The Orangery is perfect for a party for 40-80 guests, whilst the Tithe Barn can host parties for between 80-180 guests, both offering a 3-course choice menu with coffee and mince pies.
A discount of 30% is offered on the festive menu and with no room charge on private events held Monday – Wednesday.
Price: from £90 per person
01784 480 414; greatfosters.co.uk
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Milford Golf Club
In the Surrey countryside Milford Golf Club offers rooms which will be transformed into a “magical frosty wonderland” this Christmas.
The venue is equipped to cater for groups large or small, formal or relaxed, with an experienced team on hand to organise all aspects of the evening.
The Conservatory function room is available for private hire: picturesque views of the golf course, natural light, private bar, ample floor space and can hold numbers from 60 – 100 depending on the nature of the event.
You can expect all the merriment of Christmas with a delectable three-course meal and entertainment that will set the tone for a night of fun, dancing and celebrations.
Price: From £25 per person
November 24 and December 31
01483 419 200; milfordgolf.co.uk/christmas
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Thatcher's Hotel
The Thatcher’s Hotel, Guildford is a Tudor style property that sits within beautiful gardens in the heart of the Surrey countryside.
The picturesque hotel is known for its warm service, quality food, fine wines and elegant surroundings.
This year, Thatcher’s has a range of Christmas options on offer including private and joiner parties in addition to traditional party lunches.
Indulge in a festive 3-course dinner then shake a tail-feather or two at one of the party nights or for smaller groups or a more informal gatherings, enjoy a delicious festive lunch or dinner.
The Thatcher's hotel can cater Christmas parties for private groups of 2-150 guests.
Price: from £25 per person
01483 280 572; hatchershotel.co.uk
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Hartsfield Manor
Sandy Lane, Surrey, RH3 7AAHartsfield Manor, Betchworth gracefully blends Victorian grandeur with modern comforts and facilities. Set in 16 acres of Surrey countryside and surrounded by lawns and a garden terrace, the setting is undeniably tranquil.
It offers various shared party nights where you and your colleagues can enjoy a chilled glass of Prosecco followed by a specially created three-course dinner. Hats, crackers and all the festive fandangos provided, as well as a resident DJ.
Special offers on rooms are available: Sunday to Thursday from £69 per room, Friday & Saturday from £79 per room.
Price: £35 per person
01737 845300; hartsfieldmanor.co.uk
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Painshill Park Conservatory
Painshill Park, Portsmouth Road, Cobham, KT11 1JEThe Conservatory is set in the idyllic surroundings of one of the UK's most historic parks and has dubbed itself “the Perfect Party venue for corporate events”.
What does differentiate the Conservatory from the other suite of venues is that it facilitates teambuilding events.
The purpose-built event space is ideal for team building events, and comes complete with impressive private gardens suited to almost any team building activity. Team building activities include a range of challenges: Cannon Ball Run, Skyscraper, Kit Car Challenge and Minefield. Whether you’re seeking to demonstrate your brand’s core values to staff, show off the value of great communication or simply want to get different departments working together the Conservatory can work with you to achieve your purpose.
If a party is more your style, the venue will be transformed into a alpine themed ski lodge. The venues’s winter theming includes a reception room transformed into the outside of the ‘lodge’ with snowy wooden bar, as if you were on the snow-capped slopes of the Alps. You can choose to upgrade to a ‘Ski Pass’ that will entitle you to the unlimited drinks package.
The Conservatory can hold up to 320 guests and can also host private parties for groups of eight or more.
Price: from £50 per person
01932 584283; painshillevents.co.uk
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Surrey National Golf Club
As one of Surrey’s finest venues, the National is a stylish and contemporary venue with a first-class reputation for food and service. The interior features subtle décor, high ceilings and authentic fireplaces that present a light and spacious suite. Pop out onto the balcony to grab a breath of fresh winter air outside and admire the spectacular views.
Surrey National Golf Club is hosting Christmas Party Nights available for exclusive hire or small groups sharing. The package includes a three-course dinner with a choice of starters, mains and desserts. After dinner throw some shapes on the dance floor.
Private venues are also available for hire including the Fountain Suite – seated capacity of up to 270 guests and the Terrace Room – seated capacity of up to 70 guests.
For those who have to work or find it difficult to get everyone together over the festive period, the National offer late celebration packages through until the end of January.
Price: from £29.95 per person
November - January
01883 344 555; surreynational.co.uk; eventsteam@surreynational.co.uk
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Loseley Park
Loseley Park Stakescorner Road, Guildford, GU3 1HSThe grounds are lit, the trees dressed, the fires laid and blazing – Christmas at Loseley is truly magical –celebrated in style for over five hundred years. It offers a venue where colleagues can come together in elegant and sophisticated surroundings.
Not only does Loseley Park have over 100 acres of grounds, it also has a professionally designed off-road course, a clay pigeon site, and areas that can be dedicated to go-karting, laser clays, archery, quad-bikes and fun days. It is well equipped to hold team-building days, ride and drive days, incentive and reward days – or just a fun day out.
The Tithe Barn with its oak beams is particularly redolent of Christmases past, and is always a warm and welcoming venue on a dark winters night. It accommodates up to 120 guests.
With open, pleasant views over the fields, smaller parties of up to 40 can enjoy the Chestnut Lodge. Self contained and compact it is exclusively yours for the night.
And of course we can arrange everything, from pre-dinner drinks, entertainment and music to a Christmas Dinner Dickens would be proud of.
A reputation built on a flexible attitude to business events, the team at Losesley understand the pressure and challenges one faces when organising an event.
01483 405119; loseleypark.co.uk
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The Brooklands Hotel
Brooklands Drive, Weybridge, KT13 0SLBuilt on the historic and world-renowned Brooklands race track, in Surrey, the Brooklands Hotel epitomises the glamorous opulence of the 1920’s and 1930’s, whilst providing you with the very best in 21st century services. Prosecco on arrival, a three-course meal before heading to the dance floor where the DJ will get you into the Christmas party spirit with your friends and colleagues right through until 1am.
Festive Lunches can also be arranged at the award winning 1907 restaurant, bar & grill at Brooklands Hotel, where you can celebrate the festive season from £22.50 per person. For groups of 24 or more, private dining options are available.
Accommodation in the Art Deco style hotel can also be arranged.
Party packages from £50.95 per person.
01932 335720; brooklandshotelsurrey.com
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The Mandolay Hotel
Based in the heart of Guildford the Mandolay Hotel enjoys a reputation as the most recognised independent hotel in the area. As the only AA 4 sliver star hotel in Guildford and holding two AA Rosettes for dining, this boutique hotel would provide an elegant venue for your corporate Christmas celebration. The hotel seems to lend itself to a celebratory atmosphere with a variety of options on offer from champagne tea parties, traditional lunches to party evenings.
The fabulous share party nights are purpose-made for groups of 10 to 220 guests, while private events can cater for groups of 100 to 250 in one of its eight function suites.
Parties run from November 21st until Christmas Eve.
Price: Shared events £39.95 per person
24 November - 22 December
01483 303030; guildford.com
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Pine Ridge Golf Club
The Pine Ridge offers a range of celebration options for groups of different sizes including shared parties and private events.
The party nights invite guests into a frosty white wonderland. Bring the year to a close by celebrating over roast turkey and a Christmas spirited dance floor.
If you’re more interested in private events, the Medieval Banquet Hall offers a traditional venue reminiscent of the days when jousting and chivalry were regular hobbies caters up to 100 people for a formal sit-down and up to 150 for a buffet style.
The elegant Green Room with its classical styling provides top-class dining and dancing for up to 250 people. Smaller numbers will also feel comfortable in this adaptable space. Enjoy the majestic views over the 18th hole and you can even step out onto a private, covered terrace.
Parties run from November 24 - December 21.
Prices from £28 per person.
01276 675 444; pineridgegolf.co.uk
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Sandown Racecourse
Portsmouth Road, Surrey, KT10 9AJSandown Park is wrapping up the year with its Christmas offerings of shared parties, private events and a Bavarian party featuring beer and bratwurst.
The sharer party nights focus on everything a traditional Christmas day brings. The evening offers fizz to start, followed by a Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings, a present for each guest and a good song and dance to finish the night!
If you are looking for a less formal affair, great live entertainment somewhere a little bit different this Christmas….join Sandown Park for Beats, Beer and Bratwurst at its Mistletoe and Stein event. Expect a stein of beer on arrival, German food basket and large pretzels, an “authentic” German beer hall setting, live music and a DJ to finish the night. Six tickets to book a table, individual tickets available to share tables.
Shared Party nights: December 15, 16; tickets from £55 per person including 2x grandstand selected tickets per person.
Bavarian night: December 1, 2; tickets from £39 per person.
01372 464348; sandown.thejockeyclub.co.uk; sandown.events@thejockeyclub.co.uk
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Cocktail master class at All Bar One
Why not gather your work crew and team build over a cocktail master class. The team at All Bar One coach you into the secrets of the fresh and fruity mojito, or the perky espresso martini. Tailor your own cocktail master class by choosing which three drinks you want to master.
The stylish city bar offers a sophisticated space to indulge in a great selection of food and drink, equipped to host three-course festive celebrations, buffets or drinks parties.
Price: from £15.95 per person, masterclass from £25
13 November - 24 December
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Be At One
7a Petersham Road, Richmond, TW10 6UHWhether it’s after-work drinks or a whole-office affair, Christmas at Be At One offers drinks packages and a venue that will be loved by your group. Be it a Prosecco reception followed by Rum-based cocktail treats, or perhaps you’d like start with Bellinis on arrival before moving onto a night filled with Champagne – endless possibilities.
02077382119; beatone.co.uk
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Hollywood Bowl
Why not grab the work gang and go ten pin bowling?A fun and humorous (or perhaps competitive) way to finish off the year. Hollywood Bowl, Tolworth is set to host your group, with a Christmas package that include two games of bowling, a chilled drink on arrival, nachos on the lane and a festive buffet amongst various other festive trimmings.
From 21.99 per person
0844 826 1472; hollywoodbowl.co.uk
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