Taking a team out of the city can completely change the dynamic of an event, but accessibility still matters. Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club offers the feeling of a genuine countryside escape while remaining within easy reach of London by road and rail.
Our Events First team recently spent the night at the property, giving us the opportunity to experience it first-hand and explore how its spaces could work for corporate retreats, residential meetings, away days and team events.
Meeting spaces with character
Ashdown Park’s history is one of the things that immediately sets it apart. Once home to the Nuns of Notre Dame, the building retains much of its original character, creating meeting and event spaces that feel very different from a conventional conference hotel.
Stained-glass windows, dramatic arches and even a working organ provide a memorable backdrop for everything from leadership meetings and presentations to private dinners and company events.
With 106 bedrooms, there is also the opportunity to bring teams together for residential programmes where the meeting, accommodation and wider experience can all take place in one location.
Taking the event outside
The extensive grounds create plenty of scope to build activities and shared experiences into an event programme.
Quad bike safaris and archery are among the team activities available, while the grounds can also accommodate helicopter landings for guests requiring an alternative way to arrive.
The summer house particularly caught our attention. Combined with the surrounding outdoor space, it has real potential for BBQs, summer parties and more relaxed company away days, making Ashdown Park one to consider when planning ahead for summer 2027.
A unique sense of place
There is also a rather special connection to one of Britain’s best-loved stories. Ashdown Forest was the inspiration for A. A. Milne’s Hundred Acre Wood, and the hotel celebrates its Winnie-the-Pooh heritage with subtle touches throughout the property.
During our stay, we had the opportunity to walk part of the Winnie-the-Pooh trail and see some of the miniature artwork created by the hotel team. With the 100th anniversary of Winnie-the-Pooh approaching, the hotel has also created its own Pooh Corner, offering another playful nod to its surroundings.
It’s a small detail, but one that gives Ashdown Park a genuine sense of place and can add personality to the overall delegate experience.
Who could it work for?
We could see Ashdown Park working particularly well for leadership and executive retreats, residential meetings, company away days, team-building programmes, summer parties and smaller conferences or strategy sessions.
For businesses looking to take their teams out of London without adding a lengthy journey to the agenda, it offers a strong balance: a genuine countryside retreat that remains easily accessible.
And that is exactly why our Events First team spends time experiencing venues first-hand. Floorplans and photographs can show us the facilities. Being there allows us to understand the spaces, experience the service and see how everything could come together to create the right event for a client.
Planning a retreat, away day or residential event?
Our Events First team can help you find the right setting and take care of every detail.