What is a Company Away Day and Why Does it Matter?
A company away day isn’t just a day off-site with sandwiches and a flipchart. Done well, it’s a chance to give your team space to breathe, connect, and recharge. The primary keyword here is company away day, and it’s something many businesses undervalue until they’ve tried it.
The big idea is simple: get people out of their everyday routines, give them something fresh to tackle together, and you’ll see dynamics shift. People who barely exchange emails in the office suddenly find themselves building a rollercoaster track, competing in a quiz show, or racing around London solving challenges. That shared experience translates back into stronger working relationships, higher engagement, and better culture.
In fact, companies that prioritise culture see a 33% boost in revenue compared to those that don’t (PwC). That’s not just a stat to throw around, it’s proof that moments like away days can directly feed business success.
The Real Benefits of a Company Away Day
Why go to all this trouble? Because away days solve problems that endless meetings and email chains can’t.
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Improved morale: stepping outside the usual environment puts everyone on a more level playing field.
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Collaboration that sticks: you can talk about teamwork in the office, or you can live it through a challenge that forces people to think and act together.
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Fresh perspective: the right away day sparks creativity and problem-solving in ways a boardroom never will.
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Employee retention: nearly half of the workforce (45%) has thought about leaving their company in the past six months (SHRM). Giving people a reason to feel valued goes a long way towards keeping them.
So yes, the lunches, the photos, the fun — they matter. But the real ROI is in the long-term shift in how your team works and feels.
Indoor Company Away Day Ideas for All Seasons
Indoor activities are a lifesaver when you can’t rely on the British weather. They also tend to suit groups that want something structured, high-energy, and easy to run in a city-centre venue.
Creative and Skill-Based Activities
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Animate: teams create their own short stop-motion film. It’s playful, taps into hidden talents, and builds storytelling skills.
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The Apprentice: groups tackle a business challenge under pressure, channelling their inner Lord Sugar candidates. Great for leadership development and presentation confidence.
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Trading Floor: fast-paced buying and selling in a mock financial market. It’s competitive, teaches negotiation, and delivers serious laughs when the market inevitably crashes.
Problem-Solving Challenges
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Escape the Box: an indoor twist on escape rooms, where teams solve puzzles under time pressure.
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Deceivers Game Show (inspired by The Traitors): a blend of strategy, bluffing, and deduction — perfect for building intuition and trust.
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Squid Play Game Show: think giant props, tense challenges, and big team banter. Nobody gets eliminated, but everyone gets hooked.
These options work brilliantly for companies based in the capital searching for team building activities London that don’t require moving people halfway across the country.
Outdoor Company Away Day Ideas That Spark Energy
When the sun’s out (or even when it’s not), outdoor activities inject adrenaline and give teams the chance to move, laugh, and let off steam.
Sports and Active Choices
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Back to School Sports Day: sack races, beanbags, egg-and-spoon — silliness guaranteed, but so is inclusion. No one has to sprint if they don’t want to.
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Soap Box Derby: build and race your own car. Engineering, teamwork, and a big finale race combine into an unforgettable day.
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Precision Games: archery, laser clays, and crossbows — perfect if your team likes friendly competition with a bit of skill thrown in.
Adventure and Exploration Activities
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GPS Adventurer: a city or countryside treasure hunt using tablets, challenges, and photo missions. It’s a brilliant way to explore somewhere new while keeping teams engaged.
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Team Survival: fire-lighting, shelter-building, and outdoor challenges. It’s Bear Grylls without the bugs (well, mostly).
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The Sphere: Zing’s take on The Crystal Maze with zones, challenges, and a grand finale inside the giant sphere.
An outdoor company away day keeps energy high, creates great photos, and gives teams stories they’ll be retelling in the office kitchen for months.
Evening Company Away Day Activities for Connection
Not every team wants to run around in the day. Sometimes the best option is to close laptops, grab a drink, and dive into something social. Evening away day ideas are especially popular when teams are already together for a conference.
Options include:
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The Zing Show: a high-energy gameshow format with buzzers, rounds, and plenty of audience banter.
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Musical Bingo: swap numbers for tunes — the perfect mix of competition and nostalgia.
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Murder Mystery: costumed actors, hidden motives, and your team solving the crime together.
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Pub Games: darts, table football, and retro classics that bring out everyone’s inner competitor.
Evening events make it easy for teams to bond without the formality of the office, and they slot neatly into conferences or overnight stays.
How to Plan a Company Away Day Without the Stress
The biggest fear for many PAs and organisers? Getting it wrong. A company away day sounds fun in theory, but it can spiral if you don’t plan smartly.
Choosing the Right Venue
Start with location. If you’re in London, think about travel times. Battersea Park, Hanbury Manor, and DeVere Wokefield are all strong options. If your company is spread out, pick somewhere central with easy train links.
Matching Activities to Your Goals
Don’t just pick what looks fun. Ask yourself: do we need better communication, creativity, or simply a morale boost? For example:
| Goal | Best Activity | Why it Works |
|---|---|---|
| Improve communication | Escape the Box | Forces collaboration under time pressure |
| Boost creativity | Animate | Encourages ideas, play, and presentation |
| Pure fun & energy | Back to School Sports Day | Easy, inclusive, instantly lightens the mood |
| CSR impact | Putt a Hole in Hunger | Fun golf course build that supports food banks |
Budgeting and Logistics Tips
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Set a per-head budget early to avoid scope creep.
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Factor in travel, catering, and AV needs.
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Use a team building company that offers venue sourcing as part of the service. It’s one less headache.
Making Your Company Away Day Inclusive
Not everyone wants to climb walls or run races. The best away days include variety, so people can opt into what suits them. Mix high-energy games with creative or reflective sessions. Make sure dietary needs are covered, and don’t forget accessibility — venues in London vary a lot.
Inclusivity isn’t just a tick-box exercise. It’s what ensures everyone leaves with the same sense of belonging. That’s when a company away day moves from “just fun” to “actually valuable.”
Reviews: Why Teams Trust Zing Events
Zing Events has been trusted by FTSE 500 companies and loved by teams across the UK for over a decade. With 600+ five-star reviews, clients praise the creativity, organisation, and energy our events bring.
👉 Don’t just take our word for it. Check out our reviews on Reviews.io and Google Reviews.
Related Blogs You Might Find Useful
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Team Bonding Activities: Why Building Relationships Boosts Productivity
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10 Team Away Day Ideas to Boost Company Culture and Collaboration
FAQs About Planning a Company Away Day
What is a company away day?
A company away day is time set aside for teams to step away from daily routines and take part in activities designed to boost morale, build relationships, and align culture. It can be indoor, outdoor, or evening-based depending on goals.
How do I plan a company away day in London?
Start by clarifying your budget and outcomes. Decide whether you want an indoor, outdoor, or evening focus. Use a team building company that can also source venues and handle logistics. See our team building activities London page for ideas.
What are the best activities for a company away day?
Escape the Box, Soap Box Derby, GPS Adventurer, The Zing Show, and Putt a Hole in Hunger are all strong options depending on your goals. The key is variety and inclusivity so everyone feels part of it.
How much does a company away day cost?
Budgets vary by activity and venue. Expect an initial fee plus a per-person cost. Many companies set aside £50–£150 per head, though options exist above and below this range. See our pricing breakdown blog for tips.
How do you make a company away day inclusive?
Offer activities that cater to different personalities and abilities. Blend creative, physical, and problem-solving challenges. Always check venue accessibility and dietary requirements. Inclusivity ensures the day delivers value for everyone.
Are company away days worth it?
Yes. Beyond the fun, they directly support engagement, retention, and culture. Companies with high engagement see a 21% boost in profitability and 17% higher productivity (Gallup).
