The best outdoor team building activities get everyone involved, suit the people in your group and leave them with a story to tell on Monday. For UK companies through autumn and winter that usually means a day in the field on a country estate, learning polo or a big format game that works for the whole office. Below are 19 ideas we run for corporate groups of 8 to 1,000+, grouped by what each one does best, with honest notes on who they suit.
We have been planning corporate events for decades, and the question we hear most is not “what is available?” but “what will actually work for our lot?” So for every activity we have said who it is for, not just what happens.
Darker evenings do not mean moving indoors
The clocks may be going back, but that does not mean your next team event has to happen indoors. Autumn and winter still bring plenty of bright, crisp days, and this is the perfect time to ditch the suits, put on your boots and head into the field for clay shooting, archery and country sports.
Learn to play polo is super popular right now. You learn the basics of polo in our full size polo arena, bonding with the ponies and your colleagues along the way. Fair warning: you will probably pick up a new addiction, and for that we cannot take responsibility. You do not need a royal budget either.
How to choose the right outdoor activity
Start with your people, not the activity. Four questions narrow the list quickly:
- What is the day for? Thanking a team, bringing two departments together, entertaining clients or giving a leadership team space to think all point to different formats.
- Who is coming? Mixed ages, fitness levels and confidence. The best days have a role for the quiet planner as well as the natural competitor.
- How many? Country sports and polo suit smaller groups. Crystal Maze and It’s a Knockout come into their own with 50 or more.
- Where and when? Country sports, polo and estate days work almost all year, and many formats can come to your office or venue.
| If you want | Try |
|---|---|
| Something nobody has done before | Learn to Play Polo, Land, Sea and Air, Falconry |
| Real teamwork under pressure | F1 Challenge, The Enigma Code, Duck Herding |
| A big group of 100+ | Crystal Maze, It’s a Knockout, Corporate Sports Day |
| A relaxed client or VIP day | Clay Pigeon Shooting, Country Sporting Day, Fire and Feast |
| Adrenaline | Rally Driving, Thunderkart Racing, Buggy Racing |
Polo and signature days
1. Learn to Play Polo
A professional demonstration, short sticks, riding for polo, rules and tactics, then a company chukka to finish. HPA instructors and experienced schoolmaster ponies mean no riding experience is needed. We are a team of polo players ourselves, and very few corporate guests have ever tried it, which is exactly why it is so memorable. See polo team building.
2. Land, Sea and Air
Our signature day of challenges on the ground, on the water and in the air. It is built for senior teams and VIP groups who have done everything else, and it is tailored every time around your group and the time of year. See Land, Sea and Air.
Country sports on private estates
Country sports work for almost every group. They are coached throughout, they reward focus rather than fitness and they come with a proper lunch.
3. Country Sporting Day
Pick three or four activities, rotate your teams through them and finish with a leaderboard and prizes. It is the easiest way to give a varied group something they will each enjoy. See country sporting days.
4. Clay Pigeon Shooting
Fully coached with expert instructors, so complete beginners are breaking clays within minutes. The quiet satisfaction of a good shot makes this a favourite for client days. See clay pigeon shooting.
5. Falconry
Handling hawks, owls and falcons with professional falconers. Calm, fascinating and a lovely contrast to a busy working week, it is the activity guests talk about longest. See falconry experiences.
6. Archery and Crossbows
Olympic style targets, coaching on technique and team scores that build through the session. Inclusive, easy to learn and surprisingly competitive. See archery and crossbows.
7. Duck Herding
A professional demonstration, then teams take the crook and work with a sheepdog to guide a small flock of ducks around a course. It is brilliantly silly and entirely about communication, which is why it works so well for teams. See duck herding.
Driving and adrenaline days
8. Rally Driving
Professional instructors, purpose built venues and real rally cars. Everyone gets proper time behind the wheel and the leaderboard keeps the competition going all day. See rally driving.
9. Land Rover Off Road Driving
Steep climbs, deep mud and rough terrain in iconic Land Rovers. Less about speed and more about skill, so it suits groups who would rather not race. See off road driving.
10. Thunderkart Racing
Faster and more powerful than ordinary karts, with exclusive track hire and Grand Prix or endurance formats. Endurance racing adds driver changes and pit strategy, which turns a race into genuine team building. See Thunderkart racing.
11. Buggy Racing
Off road buggies on purpose built courses at hotels and private venues. Easy to pair with country sports for a full multi activity day. See buggy racing.
Big group games for the whole company
When the whole office is coming, you need formats that keep 50 to 1,000+ people busy, competitive and laughing at the same time.
12. Crystal Maze
Physical, mental, skill and mystery challenges, crystals to win and a grand finale in the dome. Everyone gets a chance to shine, from the puzzle solvers to the sprinters. See Crystal Maze.
13. It’s a Knockout
Giant inflatables, team costumes and a professional compere keeping score. It works for every department and every fitness level because the comedy matters as much as the winning. See It’s a Knockout.
14. Seriously Wiped Out
Sweeper arms, balance beams and the big red balls, all marshalled by our crew. High energy and perfect for younger teams and summer parties. See Seriously Wiped Out.
15. Corporate Sports Day
Team heats, a proper scoreboard and a medal ceremony, scaled from one office to the whole company. Nostalgic, inclusive and easy to combine with a summer party. See corporate sports days.
Build, solve and create
16. F1 Challenge
Teams design and build a pedal powered car, then race it through pit stops to a grand final. Planning, building and driving roles mean everyone contributes something different. See the F1 Challenge.
17. Rocket Launch
Design, build and launch team rockets, scored on height, accuracy and design. A great choice for engineering and creative teams. See Rocket Launch.
18. The Enigma Code
Codes, ciphers and a timed challenge across the grounds. Analytical teams love it, and it rewards listening to the quietest person in the group. See The Enigma Code.
19. Fire and Feast
Cook a full feast over open fire with professional chefs, then sit down together to eat what you made. Relaxed, sociable and a perfect end to a day of other activities. See Fire and Feast.
Planning tips for an outdoor team day
- Plan for British weather. Have gazebos at every activity station and a wet weather plan agreed in advance, not on the morning.
- Include everyone. Ask about mobility, dietary needs and confidence early, and choose formats with roles that are not purely physical.
- Keep travel short. An activity at or near your office or venue saves time and cuts travel for the whole group.
- Check the paperwork. Ask for risk assessments, method statements and insurance details. Our events carry up to £10M public liability insurance.
- Finish well. Results, prizes and food together turn a good day into one people remember.
Outdoor team building questions
What are the best outdoor team building activities for a large group?
For 100 or more people, Crystal Maze, It’s a Knockout and Corporate Sports Day work best because many teams can compete at once and nobody is left waiting.
What outdoor team building works for people who are not sporty?
Falconry, archery, duck herding, The Enigma Code and Fire and Feast reward focus, communication and creativity rather than fitness.
When is the best time of year for outdoor team building?
Country sports, learn to play polo in our arena, driving days and estate activities run right through autumn and winter, so darker evenings do not mean moving indoors.
How long does an outdoor team building event last?
Most activities run as a half day of around three to four hours or a full day with lunch. Many groups add an evening dinner to make it a full away day.
Can outdoor team building come to our office or venue?
Yes. Many formats, including Crystal Maze, It’s a Knockout, archery and the F1 Challenge, can be set up at your office, hotel or a venue we find for you.
Want ideas for your team? Tell us your date, numbers and location and we will send a tailored shortlist with clear costs within 24 hours. Explore all outdoor team building or ask for ideas and a quote.