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The Trinity EDGE Challenge Charity Auction

The Trinity EDGE Challenge charity auction is an annual fundraiser to support charities. This year, we’re auctioning LOTS kindly donated by hotels and venues to raise money for four small charities. The LOTS will be released in batches over the next four weeks so just in time for bidders to bag a bargain gift in time for Christmas!

LOTS include everything from luxury weekends away, golf breaks, a signed England rugby shirt, and afternoon teas to canvas art, fine dining, an escape room experience, and more.

  • Don’t Lose Hope. A charity that offers a professional counselling service for all members of the community from age 4 upwards.  This is a free service for families/individuals receiving certain state benefits and affordable to all others and now proud to be able to offer their online shop.
  • Second Helpings. A project run in partnership with Stamford Methodist Church and the whole community. Their aim is to ‘feed bellies not bins’ and they are passionate about reducing food waste and working with the community to reduce environmental impact.
  • Bumps and Beyond. Founded in 2009 by Alice Scott in a small cupboard on the Stamford Hospital site. Ten years on and it is now a fully-fledged charity in its own right and has helped thousands of parents and care-givers!
  • Three Counties Dog Rescue – Bourne, Lincolnshire. Three Counties Dog Rescue has successfully re-homed over 7000 dogs and cats since its formation in 1971. All the animals are neutered, vaccinated and micro-chipped before re-homing. All work involving rehoming is done entirely by voluntary and unpaid helpers.

If you have something you’d like to donate to the auction, have any questions or for any other reason, please get in touch.

AUCTION TERMS AND CONDITIONS (“TERMS AND CONDITIONS”) 

These Terms and Conditions are applicable to any use by you of the online auction (“Auction”) and bidding facility (the “Bidding Facility”) hosted by the Charity (the “Charity”). Use of the Bidding Facility constitutes acceptance of these Terms & Conditions. If you do not agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions, you may not use the Bidding Facility. 

1. Auction 

The online auction operated on the site is for the benefit of the Charity for whom the Auction is being run. 

A number of Auction Items offered for sale on the site (“Items”) are subject to a reserve. All monies paid by a winning bidder and above the reserve price will be donated to the Charities. 

Bidders may bid for more than one Item in the Auction. 

The winning bidder on each Item offered for sale in the course of the Auction will be the person who has submitted the highest bid at the deadline and is in excess of any reserve. 

2. Eligible Bidders 

All bidders must be capable of forming legally binding relations under applicable law. The Bidding Facility may not be used by individuals under the age of 18 years old and by any other persons who are legally prohibited from, or otherwise incapable of, entering into binding contracts. 

Any bidder using the Bidding Facility is warranting by so doing that they are legally entitled to do so. 

As bidder you agree that we can process your personal data for the purpose and specifically for this Auction. 

We do not and will not store your credit or debit card details beyond taking payment during this auction. 

3. Bidding 

Bidders wishing to bid on an Item may make a bid for an Item through the Bidding Facility. 

All Items offered in an Auction are listed and offered for sale on an “as is” basis. Bidders are advised to conduct any research or due diligence on an Item prior to making a bid. 

A bid made by a bidder is an offer to purchase the Item listed at the stated bid price. Any bidder making a bid for an Item acknowledges and agrees that their offer is an irrevocable offer to complete the transaction if they are the winning bidder whereupon the bid will become a contractually binding obligation to purchase the Item at the bid price. 

If a bidder bids on an Item and that bid represents the winning bid for that Item and the winning bid is above or equal to the reserve, the bidder’s bid is deemed accepted. 

The ‘winning bidder’ is the person certified by the Charity at the end of the Auction to be the highest bidder, provided that their bid meets the reserve. The winning bidder may include any under-bidder who is awarded the Item.

Bidders may pre-authorise or pay by credit cards using the payment system provided by Stripe; by paying you are agreeing to Stripe’s terms and conditions, please see https://stripe.com/en-gb/checkout/legal

We, the Charity, will not retain your payment records. Stripe may retain your details as per their terms and conditions and please see them for more information.

If the Charity has not received payment from the winning bidder after a reasonable period of time, such time to be determined by the Charity in its absolute discretion, then the Charity has the right to award the prize to the next highest bidder or another in its absolute discretion.

4. Auction Items and Descriptions 

Items for sale in the Auction are listed on the site with a description and a minimum bid. 

The Item is offered for sale by the Charity on the basis that it is raising money for good causes.

The Charity will, wherever possible, provide a representational image of the Item offered for sale in the Auction but shall have no liability if it does not do so. 

All Images are subject to copyright of the artist. 

Whilst the Charity strives to ensure that descriptions and photographs are accurate, complete and up-to-date, it does not guarantee that this is the case, and will not be responsible for any damage or loss caused due to a bidder by reason of a description of an Item being inaccurate, incomplete or for the Item being otherwise in any way different to the bidder’s expectation. Descriptions of Items are provided without a warranty of any kind.  

While every effort is made by the Charity to ensure that the Item, including any experience or otherwise, works and is in good order and is capable of fulfilment and provides what you would reasonably expect, you acknowledge that the Items by definition are marketed as money can’t buy Items and as such they come with a significant risk attached and that risk is that they may not be as you expect or they may for some reason become impossible to provide or fulfil; in this scenario, or in any scenario, the Charity will not and cannot provide any refund and the Bidder agrees to not receiving any refund, without exception.

Some Items may have a redemption period within which you must redeem the Item and some will also have a date by which you must take up the Item. If you do not redeem the Item in time or take it up in time, you agree that you forfeit that Item and as per the above you will receive no refund.

In redeeming some items, you will be agreeing to the terms of an approved supplier of that Item and such terms will be clear for you to accept or reject at that time.

In no event shall the Charity (including, its employees, affiliates and volunteers) be liable for any claim, demand or damages arising out of or in any way connected with the Auction or Bidder’s purchase of an item.

5. Bidding Deadlines 

Deadlines for receipt of bids made for an Item offered in the Auction are at the sole discretion of the Charity and will not normally be extended under any circumstances. No bids will be accepted on an Item after the deadline. 

After the Auction closes the Charity will contact the winning bidder to inform the bidder that their bid was the highest and that they are, therefore, the winning bidder. 

6. Gift Aid 

By agreeing to Gift Aid, the bidder is confirming that they are a UK taxpayer and understand that if they pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax in the current tax year than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all their donations it is their responsibility to pay any difference. The bidder understands that other taxes such as VAT and Council Tax do not qualify. The bidder understands that Gift Aid is reclaimed by the Charity from the tax they pay for the current tax year. 

Gift Aid on lot items is only applicable in a limited number of situations; the Charity will claim wherever possible; for more info see http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/charities/gift_aid/rules/auctions.htm. 

7. Applicable Law 

This Agreement between you the bidder and the Charity shall be interpreted and construed in all respects in accordance with English law and any dispute arising in relation to any aspect of the use of the Auction, the Bidding System, bids made by a bidder in the course of an Auction, any Item, payment delivery or any other matter relating to the Auction shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts to which the parties hereby irrevocably submit. 

9. Variation of Terms 

These Terms and Conditions may be revised and updated by the Charity from time to time without notice. Bidders who have previously bid in the Charity Auction are accordingly advised to familiarise themselves with the prevailing edition of these Terms and Conditions when deciding to participate in an Auction. Notwithstanding the foregoing the edition of the Terms and Conditions that was current at the time an Auction commenced will continue to apply throughout that Auction and to all Items sold pursuant to it even if later edition of the Terms and Conditions is implemented before the Auction is completed. 

10. Third Party Rights 

No person who is not a party to an Agreement shall have any right pursuant to the terms of the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any term of such Agreement.

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Meetings in Glasgow: Our top venue picks

Glasgow by night

If you’ve thought about hosting events or meetings in Glasgow, we’d like to share more about the city, plus our top venue picks.

Like many cities, at the centre of Glasgow is a river. From its source in Leadhills to the southeast, the Clyde flows down through the old mill towns of Lanarkshire, widening as it flows past the sites of the shipyards which put Glasgow on the map.

A sharp turn and the Clyde is on its final stretch past the quaintly pretty seaside towns of Largs, Dunoon, and Rothesay where Glaswegians go to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city.

The Clyde is a huge part of Glasgow’s history and the reason why it is such a popular city. Looking forward to the modern day, Glasgow has held many mega-events such as the 2014 Commonwealth Games, and COP26 in 2021.

These events brought masses of important people to Glasgow and increased its profile as an event destination. So, here are some of our favourite venues in Glasgow:

Venues for Events and Meetings in Glasgow

Voco Grand Central Glasgow

Right in the heart of Glasgow is the outstanding voco Grand Central Glasgow. It offers a stunning setting for an intimate private dining experience or an extravagant party for up to 400 guests. Each space offers its character and style – simply choose what works best for you.  The Grand Room is one example of a true showstopper space! It blends rich architecture with 21st-century touches.

voco Grand Central Glasgow offers a warm, unstuffy, and modern place for you to host your meeting. It allows you to focus on the big picture, while the venue team takes care of the details. Your guests will enjoy getting to know each other and learning in an unpretentious and inspirational setting.

thestudioglasgow

The Studio is in central Glasgow. It’s less than one minute’s walk from Glasgow Central Station and within easy reach of the public transport network. There is direct road access to the venue and the venue has preferential rates with the two nearest NCP car parks.

thestudioglasgow has 6 vibrant spaces and panoramic views on offer in their 8th and 9th-floor venue. The 9th floor is an exclusive use space for up to 260 guests. A fantastic spacious private area to dine, exhibit, or network!

Radisson Blu Glasgow

Radisson Blu Glasgow is in the heart of the city, minutes from the Financial District. Facilities include 247 stylish bedrooms. The rooms include 20 business class, 12 spacious junior suites, three luxurious corner suites, and the apartment. Room styles vary between Nordic, City and Modern styles. All rooms have individual climate control and personal bars, iron, and ironing board, personal safe, bathrobe and slippers. 

The hotel boasts Collage Restaurant and two bars – Atrium and Collage Corner Bar. There’s a health club with 15m indoor pool, fitness and spin studios, gym, sauna, and Jacuzzi, plus treatment rooms. The property also has 17 rooms for events and meetings in Glasgow. The largest measures up at 582m2. An additional 14 breakout rooms are also available for any smaller meetings. 

DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Westerwood

The Doubletree by Hilton Glasgow Westerwood Hotel sits on 400 acres of beautiful countryside by the Campsie Hills, 12 miles north of Glasgow’s centre.

Aside from the stunning backdrop and enviable 18-hole golf course, the Westerwood is an ideal conference and meeting venue. Its self-contained conference centre holds up to 400 for a conference and 300 for a dinner dance. And the hotel has 148 contemporary-styled bedrooms.

Interested in the above hotels for events or meetings in Glasgow? Follow the links in the feature to book.

To find out more, check out EDGEVenues.com

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Choose an instagrammable venue for your corporate event

We love an instagrammable venue! The word ‘Instagrammable’ has made its way into the Cambridge Dictionary. Its definition? ‘Attractive or interesting enough to be suitable for photographing and posting on the social media service Instagram’.

With the modern-day requirement to be aesthetically pleasing, venues must pull out all the stops to make themselves insta-worthy.

If you’re on the hunt for an instagrammable venue, here’s a list of some of our favourites.

Your next instagrammable venue:

Edwardian Manchester

The Edwardian Manchester oozes in modern luxury and style. Set in Manchester’s historic Free Trade Hall, it has elegant rooms and suites. It offers a luxurious spa, large swimming pool, and free high-speed Wi-Fi on unlimited devices.

Guests can experience shared dining in Manchester with contemporary Japanese and Mexican small plates at Peter Street Kitchen.

The hotel sits next to Manchester Central and Conference Quarter. And, close to buzzing Deansgate, each of Manchester’s rail stations is links here by a free shuttle bus. 

This 5-star hotel has 22 fully-equipped meeting rooms and one spectacular event room with a capacity for 550 people. It is ideal for board meetings, training courses, exhibitions, and private dining, with each room offering maximum flexibility. The Halle Suite is Manchester’s largest venue with natural daylight. 

All rooms offer air conditioning, the latest technology, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

The Queens Hotel

One of the most iconic buildings in Leeds city centre, The Queens Leeds has been welcoming guests since 1937. Its guests follow in the illustrious footsteps of Princess Grace of Monaco, Cary Grant, Nelson Mandela, and Laurel and Hardy.

The Queens Hotel’s 13 meeting and event rooms have all recently had investment and have been completely modernised. However, all still pay homage to the hotel’s 1930s art deco styling. The hotel is home to 232 bedrooms and suite – refurbished in 2021 – and the Grand Pacific restaurant and bar.

Whether you’re here for a drinks reception or business meeting, the team ensures a fabulous stay. The hotel has a private entrance from Leeds Station concourse, making it easily accessible. 

Oulton Hall Leeds

Oulton Hall is four miles south of Leeds city centre. It is home to 152 bedrooms and a luxury spa with ten treatment rooms for ultimate relaxation.

There are ample grounds for team building days, making Oulton Hall the perfect location for all event types. They offer a highly acclaimed 27-hole golf course, beautifully maintained and preened to perfection.

Check out the spa for relaxing after a hard day. Or dine and drink in the hotel’s AA Rosette award-winning restaurant and Champagne Bar.

Oulton Hall has nine flexible rooms, some small and intimate, others large and spectacular. The spaces include the grand Oulton Suite, which can accommodate up to 350 people. And chefs can cook a feast for a few hundred or provide coffee and snacks at just the right time. Private dining is available on request, and the bar is always open.

The Londoner

The Londoner is described as boutique in feel yet staggering in scale; individual, intimate, eclectic and curated. It is a perfect collection of spaces, tastes, and textures brought to life over 15 floors in London’s legendary square. The hotel is home to 350 exquisite bedrooms and suites, each with unique views of London. 

The Londoner has a wide collection of restaurants and bars. They include alfresco dining on the ground floor and a rooftop bar. It boasts a magnificent ballroom, private meeting and events spaces, an urban spa experience and two Odeon Luxe screening theatres.

Guests have exclusive access to The Residence, a 24-hour residents-only club. Professionals can enjoy the alluring change in the Y Bar. From a place to work during the day to a nightly scene for socialising, cocktails and light bites. Or they can follow a secret passage to The Whiskey Room.

There is plenty of space for meetings and events. The Londoner’s Ballroom accommodates up to 864 guests. The Green Room hosts bespoke events for up to 150 guests. The Gallery’s seven private meeting rooms complement The Londoner meeting and events offering. The spaces can be used for individual events, private dining and additional break-out areas.

What lies at the heart of its event delivery? A commitment to exceptional service, bespoke planning, the latest technology, and in-house AV portfolio.

Bloomsbury Hotel

The Bloomsbury is close to London’s West End – Theatreland, Covent Garden and Soho. It sits in the 18th-century neighbourhood by the same name. And the instagrammable venue’s restored Grade II-listed neo-Georgian architecture reflects its rich heritage.

The property was designed in the 1930s by Sir Edwin Lutyens, one of the greatest British architects of his time. Its signature features include a magnificent stone frontage, stunning double-height bar and Lutyens-designed ironwork. 

A recent transformation makes for an even more spectacular aesthetic. The entrance was relocated to the side of the hotel. Guests now enter a new Lutyens-influenced sitting room complete with heritage-inspired botanical wallpaper via a private lane. The Bloomsbury Hotel was the Number 3 hotel in London in the 2018 Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards.

Down Hall Hotel

Down Hall Hotel is one of England’s most established country house hotels dating back to 1322. This instagrammable venue is grand and ornate, yet light and airy. It is in a great location! It’s nine miles from Stansted Airport, 40 minutes from central London by train, and close to the M11 and M25.

It has grounds big enough for every imaginable team build activity. From laser clays and Segway challenges to 4×4 driving experiences, archery and more! With 14 private dining and meeting spaces, it can host everything from boardroom meetings to functions for up to 200.

Its four private rooms within the Mansion House all have high ceilings and natural light. And they combine with original characteristics – open fireplaces and Edwardian-style doorways – to give comfortable surroundings and a homely feel. What’s more, ten private rooms in the West Wing include a ballroom cater for 180, or 200 theatre style.

voco Grand Central Station

Right in the heart of Glasgow is the outstanding voco Grand Central Station. This is a venue beyond compare. It offers a stunning setting for intimate meals with business partners or extravagant parties for up to 400 guests.

Each space offers its character and style – choose what works best for you. The Grand Room is its showstopper space, blending rich architecture with 21st-century touches.

This instagrammable venue offers a warm, unstuffy and modern place to host your meeting. You can focus on the bigger picture and let the hotel take care of the details. Your guests will enjoy getting to know each other and learning in an unpretentious and inspirational setting. 

Does an instagrammable venue in our list stand out for your event or meeting? Follow the links in the feature to check out the full venue profile pages, and to book. Or contact us to find out more.

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Spa venues for meetings and events

We’ve curated a list of our favourite spa venues in the UK with innovative treatments and a chill vibe. Spa hotels and venues are perfect places to host a meeting or event.

Delegates will appreciate taking some wellness time in a state-of-the-art spa after a long day. So have a look at our spectacular spa spots:

Spa venues

Cottons Hotel & Spa

Cottons Hotel is just minutes from the M6 and M56, with Manchester, Liverpool, Chester and Manchester Airport, making it a very easily accessible venue. Also close by is Tatton Park, Chester Zoo or the Blue Planet Aquarium, perfect for day trips.

The hotel has 13 meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 200 delegates, all with access to high-speed Wi-Fi. In addition, there are 138 guest bedrooms, a business centre, gym, and plenty of complimentary car parking spaces on site.

The Cottons Hotel Spa has everything guests need to relax. From their warming sauna to bubbling outdoor hot tub, a steam room for deep breathing, and finally, swimming pool for a refreshing dip.

Cottons Hotel & Spa

The hotel proudly works with Caudalie for their spa treatments. Caudalie is a French skincare brand by Mathilde and Bertrand Thomas in Bordeaux. It makes all products using natural ingredients from the vine and grapes of the family vineyard.

Buxton Crescent Spa Hotel

High up on the edge of The Peak District National Park, guests will find Buxton Crescent Spa Hotel. This architecturally significant Grade I listed building has woven modern facilities and a luxurious décor, accompanied by exceptional guest service. The hotel is great for meetings and events, with 7 meeting rooms – the largest fitting 186 delegates.

The Crescent is a sanctuary of natural health resources and spa bathing rituals.  The Buxton Crescent Spa Hotel is the first UK property from Europe’s largest health spa operator – Ensana.

Buxton Crescent Spa Hotel

The luxury hotel comprises of 81 rooms and the spa is home to three pools and eight treatment rooms, with water wellness at the forefront of the hotel’s spa offering. The treatments continue to draw from nature as the spa has a salt cave that can accommodate 6 people, 3 individual mud treatment rooms, 3 individual thermal mineral baths and CO2 baths.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre

Radisson Blu Hotel Edinburgh sits on the historic Royal Mile in Edinburgh. It is a short walk from Waverley Station and close to public transport links to Edinburgh International Airport.

The hotel is a 4* venue offering 238 bedrooms and eight meeting rooms, all with natural daylight and air conditioning. It can cater a range of events up to 240 delegates. The hotel boasts two restaurants and full leisure facilities with three treatment rooms. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. 

Radisson Blu Hotel Edinburgh

The hotel has the rejuvenating Melrose Spa and Health Club on site, complete with indoor heated swimming pool (child friendly), sauna, steam room, Spa Treatment Rooms and gym equipment. Every hotel stay includes Health Club access. The Spa offers a range of treatments, from relaxing massages to manicures and pedicures for guests to relax and rewind.

Aztec Hotel & Spa

Aztec Hotel & Spa is a modern, purpose-built hotel in Almondsbury, Bristol and is ideal for a exploring Bristol and the surrounding area. Its signature rooms provide a comfy retreat after a day of meetings in the West Country. The junior suites offer extra space for solo business travellers looking to up the comfort factor.

The hotel has its own Chef’s Table, laden with seafood, cured meats, pies, and cheese, all made by local suppliers. The chef prepares menus with seasonal ingredients, so you won’t find yourself ordering the same meals repeatedly but instead trying new tasty dishes. Guests can stop by for their daily afternoon tea or get together with fellow delegates for a traditional Sunday lunch with all the trimmings during weekend events.

Aztec Hotel & Spa

The property’s state-of-the-art spa has a special Treatment of the Month on offer for guests to pamper themselves with. The hotel works with Amethyst Trust to deliver their treatments. Amethyst is a charitable trust providing massage, relaxation and pampering therapies for people who have had cancer treatment. Its fully-trained therapists provide professional massage therapy safely to ensure wellness.

Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa

Crewe Hall is a Grade I listed building located in extensive grounds and has attracted refined guests since the 17th century. It has 17 conference and meeting rooms – historic, original meeting rooms in the old house are ideal for the board to set a strategy, and the modern suites in the new events centre create perfect learning environments or a stunning setting for that grand product launch or annual conference. 

Crewe Hall

Crewe Hall’s Spa has luxurious ELEMIS products and treatments. The selection leaves skin feeling nourished and glowing, whether guests enjoy a soothing facial or invigorating deep-tissue massage.

Once the treatment finishes in one of their six treatment rooms, guests can keep that feeling of calm going a bit longer with a dip in their indoor heated pool, a sauna or steam room session or even a drink on one of the poolside loungers. 

Mottram Hall Hotel 

The 4* Mottram Hall is a stylishly furnished elegant 18th Century Georgian hotel. It retains many original features and combines them with modern facilities and accommodation to create an appealing experience in a unique setting.

There are 131 bedrooms including executive doubles and four posters, some enjoying views of the ornamental lake or golf course. The hotel has three dining options to choose from Nathaniel’s, which offers traditional dining; guests can enjoy the more informal atmosphere of the Terrace Café Bar and the Brasserie in the clubhouse with its stunning balcony and superb views over the golf course.

There is conference space to suit meetings from 5 – 200 across eight meeting rooms, and the grandest room is the St Andrews Suite that can hold up to 120 for a dinner dance.

Mottram Hall 

Good Spa Guide awarded Champneys Mottram Hall their highest rating of 5 Bubble Luxury, paying tribute to its ‘striking design, fantastic facilities and lip-smacking food’, plus the vast treatment menu and new outside area. The spa is home to monsoon showers, a 20m indoor pool, hydro pool, panoramic gym, and stylish poolside cabanas. It is a perfect place to relax.

Interested in the above spa venues for an event or meeting? Follow the links in the feature to check out the full venue profile pages, and to book.

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Event room layout: Choosing the right one

One of the most crucial factors for your meeting or event is the best room layout for your content and delegates.

Everyone needs enough space, a table for writing notes, a clear view of your speakers, and a screen if you are sharing any media. If the room is set up correctly, it supports your session objectives, and maximises the experience of your delegates.

So, for those who haven’t come across all of the various standard event styles yet, below is an overview of your room layout options.

And, we’ve provided a handy downloadable guide as a round-up and reminder for you.

Room layout options

Theatre style

Theatre-style seating is an arrangement of chairs in rows, arcs or circles that all face the same direction in the venue space. There are no tables, desks, or additional furniture used in theatre-style seating. This style is appropriate for large groups and short lectures that do not require extensive note-taking. This is a convenient set-up to use before breaking into discussion groups or for role-playing because chairs can be moved.

Considerations:

  • Will water be available for delegates during the meeting?
  • How and where will refreshments be served?

Classroom style

Classroom-style seating is ideal for sessions that are presentation and speaker-led. They allow guests to focus all their attention directly on the presentation or speaker leading the session. This style is the most desirable set-up for medium to large-sized meetings.

However, this style requires a relatively large room. The tables provide attendees with space for spreading out materials and taking notes.

Considerations:

  • How large is the group and what are they doing? A two-day training course for 20 people will have different needs to a 2-hour presentation for 150 people.

Boardroom style

Boardroom and conference seating offer one long, rectangular table for guests to sit facing each other. It is appropriate for interactive discussions and note-taking sessions for fewer than 25 people.

Many hotels have elegant boardrooms with fixed boardroom tables and ergonomic chairs. This style can also be used for private dining.

Considerations:

  • Think carefully about how many people will be attending and whether a microphone will be needed by the speakers.

U-shape style

U-shaped or horseshoe seating features a group of tables in the shape of a box with a hollow centre and one open end. This style is good for attendees who are familiar with each other or are working together as it is a close-knit seating style.

It is appropriate for groups with fewer than 40 people. Maximum interaction is ensured with the leader seated at the head of the set-up. Audio-visual equipment is usually best placed at the open end of the seating.

Considerations:

  • How much interaction is there between the delegates and the speakers?
  • Will there be discussions between the delegates themselves?
  • Do the attendees need to split into smaller groups?
  • Will people be moving around and does the room suit this?

Cabaret style

Research has found that physically being closer to someone makes you feel emotionally closer to them too, which could explain why cabaret-style seating at events helps build relationships. Whether you choose cocktail tables for your entire space or mix them in with other seating types, make sure to place the chairs in a U-shape around them with an opening that faces a chosen focal point, such as a stage or dancefloor. This style is useful if you need smaller groups around one table, but audio-visual equipment is being used at the front of the room. This set-up allows all delegates to see without having to turn around.

Dinner layout

Generally used for meals and sessions involving small group discussions. A five-foot round table seats eight people comfortably. A six-foot round table seats 10-12 people. A dance floor can be incorporated when required, although this does reduce the number of tables that can be accommodated.

Considerations:

  • If you are organising a dinner, think about staging, whether there is a top table, microphones, speakers and presentations.
  • If back projection is needed, then it will reduce the usable space for attendees.
  • Ten or 11 people around the table is ideal, when 12 are seated it can be quite squashed.

Buffet reception style

This style is ideal for shorter events where eating and socialising are required. Your guests will usually stand and serve themselves at the buffet.

They would normally not sit down to eat, choosing instead to stand at poser tables, tall cocktail tables or circulate the room. It’s for this reason that the food you serve should be ‘finger food’ and/or ‘fork food’.

Considerations:

  • What sort of food will be served?
  • Is it a finger buffet or will attendees need to put drinks down while they are holding forks and plates?

Here you can find our handy visual guide of the pros and cons of each room layout:

Don’t forget that you use the ‘Advanced Search’ option on EDGEVenues.com to find the right layout for you at your selected venue.

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Meeting in Madrid

Madrid won the World’s Best Meetings & Conference Destination Award at the 2022 World Travel Awards for the fourth year running. Safe to say that if your delegates are meeting in Madrid, your destination knows a thing or two about hosting. 

As the most important city in Spain’s financial and industrial sectors and home to 10 universities, let’s find out more about meeting in Madrid.

Madrid in Statistics

  • Winner of the World’s Best Meetings & Conference Destination Award at the 2022 World Travel Awards
  • 5th Place in the International Congress & Convention Association
  • 2nd Safest European capital city
  • 2nd City in the World With the Most Green Spaces
  • Over 2,000 multi-national companies in the city and 303 hotels
  • Connected to 172 destinations with direct flights

Classic Spanish Culture

The culture of Madrid is inspired by its long, historic role in European history. Yet nowadays it has a dominant position in the art and international food scenes, and is known for its fiestas. 

The city’s location in the centre of the Iberian Peninsula means it is a hotspot for popular festivals and events. And in the centre of Madrid is the Museo del Prado – widely considered one of the world’s best art museums. Art by renowned Franciso Goya, Hieronymus Bosch, and Diego Velázquez, can all be found here.

Madrid’s Must-Sees

As well as visiting Museo del Prado, business travellers in Madrid must also see Gran Via. This is the main tourist and shopping artery in the city centre, home to some great entertainment spots. Visitors have to stop by El Retiro Park, a 118-hectare park with well-manicured greenery, beautiful sculptures, and a rose garden.

Madrid is also home to some fantastic flea markets that can’t be missed. Every Sunday at Plaza Cascorro is El Rastro Market with stalls selling practically everything one could imagine. Locals grab a pint at the local neighbourhood of La Latina after a hard morning’s shopping at the market.

Meeting in Madrid Venues:

ME Madrid Reina Victoria

In the central Plaza de Santa Ana, this hotel has 192 bedrooms and is set in an old 19th-century palace. The venue is in the ME by Melia brand and is a 4-star property. It has a rooftop bar with stunning views over Madrid. And the bar serves delicious Mediterranean dishes before transforming into an evening live music spot.

ME Madrid Reina Victoria is located in central Madrid, close to the Museum del Prado and La Puerta del Sol. It is a 20-minute journey to Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD).

Hotel Urban

Hotel Urban is a five-star Gran Luxe hotel located in the financial, political, cultural and commercial centre of Madrid. It sits at the heart of the “Golden Triangle” formed of Prado Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Fundación Reina Sofia. So, Madrid’s main attractions are certainly within reach. Think the Paseo del Prado, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and the Retiro Park!

The hotel is only 17 minutes from the nearest airport and a few minutes’ walk from the Sol train station.

Hotel Santo Domingo

Hotel Santo Domingo is a 4-star hotel. It is located in the heart of the city, between the Gran Vía, the Royal Palace and the Plaza Mayor. It is close to the Puerta del Sol, La Latina and Chueca districts. It’s also close to the biggest museums, including El Prado and the Thyssen, and the best shopping area in Madrid.

They offer different multipurpose rooms, perfectly equipped for the organisation of MICE-style events. They have 12 meeting rooms of different sizes, characteristics and capacities. In addition, the 200 rooms available means the guests can stay on-site.

Hotel Villa Real

Hotel Villa Real is an exquisite 5-star luxury hotel in the heart of Madrid – the Plaza de las Cortes. It lies in front of the Congress of Deputies, a few minutes from the Puerta del Sol. It’s an ideal setting for exploring the ‘Madrid of the Austrians’, and perfect for business stays in the city.

There are 9 meeting rooms with a maximum capacity of 200 cocktail-style. They also have a range of rooms varying from real suites to superior rooms.

The Westin Palace

Ideally positioned at the centre of the Spanish capital, The Westin Palace, Madrid is located at The Art Walk. It’s only steps away from some of the most prestigious museums in Europe. And it sits in a cultural and artistic area combining literature, entertainment, and some of the city’s best food.

The magnificent building of The Westin Palace is highlighted by an enormous stained-glass dome. And it has long been a centre of Spanish society. The hotel offers 27,447sq. ft of event space to accommodate up to 700 delegates in one of 20 event rooms.

Check out previous winners of the World Travel Awards, here.

Interested in the above hotels for an event of meeting in Madrid? Follow the links in the feature to book.

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Academic Venues to Make Any Event Grade A+

What better space to hold an informative and educational event than at an academic venue? From Nottingham to London, and lots more, there are plenty of academic venues in the UK in which to host meetings and events.

Here’s a selection for you to check out on EDGE Venues:

Academic Venues

Nottingham Venues – East Midlands Conference Centre & The Orchard Hotel

Set in 330 acres of landscaped parkland two miles from central Nottingham and just a few short miles from the M1 motorway. Nottingham Venues East Midlands Conference Centre is a modern venue with inspirational surroundings. It is only a 10-minute taxi or car journey from Nottingham station, 7 miles from Nottingham East Midlands Airport and 5 miles from the M1. They have parking available for 220 cars free of charge.

The Orchard Hotel & Restaurant is an eco-friendly venue consisting of 202 bedrooms, 6 meeting rooms, a brasserie and is located next to the East Midlands Conference Centre. Their stunning green setting means that guests can enjoy a peaceful walk in the surrounding parkland, whilst overnight guests can take advantage of the gym facilities within the David Ross Sports Village.

Set in 330 acres of landscaped parkland two miles from central Nottingham and just a few short miles from the M1 motorway. Nottingham Venues East Midlands Conference Centre is a modern venue with inspirational surroundings. It is only a 10-minute taxi or car journey from Nottingham station, 7 miles from Nottingham East Midlands Airport and 5 miles from the M1. They have parking available for 220 cars free of charge.

The Orchard hotel & Restaurant is an eco-friendly venue consisting of 202 bedrooms, 6 meeting rooms, a brasserie and is located next to the East Midlands Conference Centre.

Its stunning green setting means guests can enjoy a peaceful walk in the surrounding parkland, whilst overnight guests can take advantage of the gym facilities within the David Ross Sports Village.

Warwick Conferences – Radcliffe, Central Campus Venue and The Slate

The 700-acre University of Warwick campus has plenty to experience. Beautiful countryside is all around, and there is also plenty to explore close to Warwick Conference’s central location. Coventry is rich in culture and heritage with attractions, popular cafes, bars and quirky restaurants.

At the Central Campus Venue, you can build your ideal event with a range of tailor-made spaces. They have capacity to host 12 up to 1,200 delegates in eclectic and extraordinary spaces. Their Conference Park offers meeting, sleeping and eating spaces, all available within the University of Warwick.

Radcliffe is a sophisticated, refined and thought-provoking event venue. From a small meeting with colleagues to a large conference of delegates, they have rooms that can deliver whatever sized space you’re looking for. Their audio and visual conferencing solution includes all the equipment you’ll need to effectively connect and collaborate remotely, whilst maximising the experience, output and interaction of your session.

The Slate is a venue for conferences that have no barriers- a meeting room venue that’s completely flexible. The Slate has a lakeside view, BREEAM Architecture and has a glass façade. When it comes to exclusive venue hire, the experience at The Slate is truly unique.

Coventry Conferences – Technocentre

CoventryConferences Technocentre is within easy walking distance of Coventry railway station, which is less than 12 minutes from Birmingham International station. It is also accessible by car via the extensive Midlands motorway network.

With a variety of meeting spaces, this venue offers meeting and event organisers a solution for events from 2 to 200 delegates. All of the rooms have wireless broadband internet connectivity.

The rooms offer natural daylight, air conditioning, and have ceiling mounted Sony LCD projectors, large wall mounted screens, water coolers, direct dial telephones through to the Duty Officer and flipcharts.

Millennium Point

Millennium Point is in the Eastside district of Birmingham, close to Moor Street train station and New Street station. The venue offers several spaces for hire from small office spaces to large auditorium which can accommodate 350. Millennium Point also offers a variety of add-ons to each event from bespoke catering, to hybrid and virtual packages.

Owned by Millennium Point Charitable Trust, everything it does as an events venue – meeting place and facilitator – feeds back into its charity. The charity supports science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) related projects, initiatives, organisations and individuals across the West Midlands.

Burleigh Court

Burleigh Court has a fantastic central location in the heart of England. Located on Loughborough University’s campus in the East Midlands, Burleigh Court is easily accessible by road, rail and air. It sits one mile from junction 23 of the M1, three miles from Loughborough’s intercity railway station and eight miles from East Midlands Airport.

Burleigh Court is one of the largest 4-star conference venues in the Midlands with 26 training rooms offering a maximum capacity of 240 delegates, equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, a flexible exhibition area.

The venue’s restaurant and bar provides a wide variety of cuisine, made with locally sourced produce and will cater to all guests. Guests can enjoy their spa facilities, with a well-equipped gym, swimming pool, steam room and sauna.

Chicago Booth London Conference Centre

Located in one of the world’s leading centres for banking, finance, and tech, Chicago Booth has some amazing events spaces. The spaces include two-tiered classrooms with state-of-the-art technology.

Its space spans three floors of the new One Bartholomew Close, and includes an abundance of options customisable to your needs. Occupying a total of 43,796 square feet there is a plethora of space for a range of different events.

Elm Grove Conference Centre

Elm Grove Conference Centre is located just outside of Central London between Richmond Park and Wimbledon. The site has easy access by car, train or bus as it sits just off the A3/M4.

Elm Grove Conference Centre offering two floors of meeting and event space. The Oak Suite can be split into three separate rooms. Each boasts 98” plasma screens, touch screen controls for sound, and floor-to-ceiling windows with views over gardens and courtyards.

Sat either side of the Oak Suite are two boardrooms hosting up to 10 delegates. These are perfect for smaller meetings or breakout spaces. Moving up to the top floor, the Lime Tree Suite enables guests to look out over SW15 and the City of London. This makes it a perfect space for catering, networking or exhibitions.

Within the centre they also offer overnight accommodation with 31 bedrooms on site. During the summer and weekends you can also use the Grove House – Grade II listed building with plentiful grounds and spaces.

Interested in the above academic venues for an event or meeting? Follow the links in the feature to book, or get in touch.

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Site Inspection Checklist: What to Look Out For

A site inspection is your opportunity to understand how your event will work at the venue, so arm yourself with our site inspection checklist to make sure nothing is missed.

We’ve compiled a list of our most important questions to ask yourself, or the venue when conducting a site visit.

Remember to ask searching questions until you get the answers you need. After all you’ll be paying the bill! Here are some of the things you need to consider:

Site Inspection checklist

Event Location

Is the venue easy to find? Is the signage clear?

How far away is the nearest airport and railway station by taxi or bus?

Is there sufficient parking?

Is it in a safe area? If security is required, can the venue meet these needs?

The Venue

Does the venue look welcoming, attractive and clean?

Are there plenty of staff in the reception area to check-in or help and direct guests?

Is it clear where the meeting rooms are and how will they be signed?

Registration Area

Where will this be located and is there adequate storage?

Is there enough space for staff and attendees? Is it a private area or will people attending other events be passing through?

Do you need a telephone, power points and internet connection?

The Meeting Room(s)

Which floor is it on and how will attendees get there?

Does it meet the size and layout requirements?

Are the breakout rooms close to the main meeting room?

What equipment is in the room and is there space for additional production equipment to be brought in?

How easy is the access to bring equipment into the meeting rooms?

Are the chairs comfortable, what size are the tables?

Is water provided for the delegates and what is included in the package?

Where do attendees leave their coats and bags?

Where are the nearest toilets?

Is the venue fully accessible for disabled delegates?

Check extra facilities such as lighting, soundproofing, air conditioning, power supply, wi-fi, ceiling height, door aperture and if there are any pillars to get in the way.

Catering

How many tea/coffee breaks are there and where will they be served?

Where will lunch be served and how easy is it for the attendees to get there?

Are the corridors an adequate size for the delegates to move around?

Is the standard of food good, is there a choice of menu? (Top Tip: Have a meal and try different dishes before committing to a delicious dish for the event)

What options are there for special diets?

Can the restaurant accommodate special dietary requirements?

Are drinks included in the menu price or extra?

Are there plenty of staff to serve the food quickly?

How many food stations will there be?

Bedrooms

How many are there and what sizing options are on offer??

Are they clean and well-maintained? Is there disabled access?

Are there designated smoking and non-smoking rooms?

What time can attendees check in and out?

Are the lifts, fire exits, and stairs all in order?

Technology

Is the Wi-Fi able to cope with everyone bringing 2-3 devices with them?

Will the speakers do any live streaming and what do you need to make sure you have a fast, reliable connection?

Other

Are the staff friendly and helpful?

When were the venue/meeting room/bedrooms last renovated?

Are there any refurbishments due?

Have any of your competitors booked a meeting at the venue on the same date?

Is there a gym/swimming pool/golf course or other leisure facilities and are there additional charges to use them?

Is there a business centre and what other services are available for guests?

Who is trained in First Aid and where are the nearest medical and dental facilities?

What are the venue’s insurance and crisis management procedures? Take a look at our article on Security and Risk for more information.

What are the venue’s standards of service? (Top Tip: make sure that these are incorporated in the contract)

Remember the venue represents your organisation and you need to make sure it upholds your standards and reputation. A well-run and enjoyable event can only enhance your company’s image. Ensuring you have done all of these checks before booking will streamline your event’s planning process, and save you time overall.

We’re always happy to help with venue procurement and advice to make your event a success, so contact us.

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Historic venues

If you’re looking for historic venues for meetings and events, you’ve come to the perfect place. The UK has an intriguing history from the Romans all the way up to Victorian times. In amongst this, buildings were built to reflect the period, some of which still stand today. These lavish manors and regal castles make perfect venues to host meetings and events.

Hosting an event at a historic venue will add an element of luxury and uniqueness. So, we’re looking at some of our favourite historic venues perfect for events. From Stonehenge’s neighbour to a former WW2 hospital, we have them covered!

Our favourite historic venues

Slaley Hall, Hexham

Slaley Hall is a 4* former hunting lodge in 1,000 acres of Northumberland countryside. Surrounded by forest and moors, the estate offers a wealth of history, previously acting as a hospital during WW2.

On site, guests can find two PGA championship golf courses, an activity centre and a luxurious spa. The hotel has ten meeting rooms catering for two – 350 people and event spaces for up to 500, theatre-style. Also, private dining is available on request.

The hotel is only 30 minutes from Newcastle Station and Newcastle International Airport. From the A68 link road, guests arrive at the courtyard reception. Cars can also be valet parked from here, in one of 400 complimentary car and coach parking spaces.

Norton Park, Nr. Winchester

Norton Park is in a great location with fantastic facilities. The hotel is located 8 miles outside Winchester. The closest airport, London Heathrow, is 45 miles away. There is free parking for up to 220 cars.

The house was originally probably built in the 16th century for the St John family. It was tastefully restored and enlarged by Mr Hampton at the beginning of the 20th century. Norton Farm lay close to the Manor and any park area would have abutted farmland. From there, the residents built a walled garden, glasshouses, and a small parkland, making up the hotel guests can visit today.

In the hotel, there are 16 meeting rooms with natural daylight, state-of-the art meeting facilities and catering for up to 340 delegates in the main conference room, the Norton Suite. Coupled with 54 acres of stunning grounds, Norton Park is a motivational learning environment for training, a secure, self-contained venue to hire exclusively.

The Crown Hotel, Harrogate

This hotel has a history of over 300 years and an enviable location close to many of Harrogate’s popular sites! So it combines beautiful surroundings, a storied past and luxurious facilities, making it ideal for business and leisure trips.

The name ‘Crown’ may have been adopted around the time of Charles II’s restoration of the monarchy in 1660. During this time, a much smaller inn overlooked the Sulphur Well to the west. Since then, the Crown thrived, reaching ‘gigantic proportions’ by the time Lord Byron was a guests in 1806. Not forgetting his ‘string of horses, dogs and mistresses’!

The Crown boasts individually-styled accommodation across its 115 guestrooms, modern amenities, and ornate dining, all set within the charming old town of Harrogate itself, within easy reach of Betty’s Tea Rooms and the Harrogate Convention Centre. 

The Crown Hotel is easily accessible from the A1(M). The town’s train station is a 10 minute walk from the venue. And the closest airport, Leeds Bradford International, is a 30 minute drive, approximately 13 miles.

This large hotel offers 114 en-suite bedrooms and suites and can host events for up to 700 attendees. There are a variety of rooms available for conferences. The smallest capacity room is suitable for 25 delegates and the largest capacity room catering for up to 400.

Lainston House Hotel, Winchester

Lainston House Hotel’s history dates back to when King Charles II visited the property with his mistress Louise de Keroulle. The building itself dates from the 1600’s and you may describe it as pretty rather than grand.

However, the history of the estate clearly goes back far further than the 17th century. Evidence for this comes in the form of a 13th century chapel in the hotel’s grounds.

Lainston House Hotel is close to the M3 Motorway and only 60 minutes from central London.

The hotel is a truly memorable place to host important meetings and events. For a residential conference the hotel has 50 individually designed bedrooms and beautifully appointed rooms for private dining.

The hotel discreetly combines traditional style and great food with modern needs, friendly faces and copious space. All meeting rooms receive an abundance of natural daylight. Many have elegant garden terraces and state-of-the-art technology such as Wi-Fi and broadband.

Handmade mattresses and pillow menus set the scene for a good nights’ sleep, ensuring guests a comfortable stay. 

Lainston House Hotel is just under an hour from London by train, followed by a short taxi ride from Winchester. The hotel has plenty of onsite parking for guests who choose to drive and a helipad for anyone travelling in style. 

The Stones Hotel, Salisbury

Wiltshire has been a special place for a long time, and their World Heritage Site stands testament to the ages. The ancient standing stones at Stonehenge and Avebury have a magnetism that has drawn people to them for centuries.

Romans, Normans and Saxons have all left their mark on our countryside and towns. Walk through time on your visit to Wiltshire! Touch and feel the past as it inspires you with what it offers from the past to present day!  

The Stones Hotel sits on the outskirts of the Cathedral City of Salisbury in the rolling Wiltshire landscape. It’s a short distance from the World Heritage site of Stonehenge and 15 miles from New Forest National Park. So, it’s the perfect country side retreat.

Rated silver with Green Tourism and demonstrates best practise measures by way of being green and sustainable as a hotel. The Stones Hotel is committed to sustaining eco-friendly and renewable resources. One example is its environmentally friendly water filtered on site from the water table beneath the hotel.

Find out more about any of these venues by getting in touch with us, or visiting our website.

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Trinity EDGE Challenge: LOTS so far…

Our Trinity Triple Challenge, rebranded as Trinity EDGE Challenge is back!

Over the years we’ve raised more than £200K, supporting local charities close to our hearts. Now we’re delighted to bring the Challenge back for 2023, and this is the place to come to check out the expanding list of LOTS – donated by generous hotels and venues – that we’ll be auctioning off in October this year.

Selection of LOTS donated so far

VENUELOT
Woodland GrangeB&B for 2 guests 
Brooklands HotelFast & Fabulous – 1 night spa break
Delta Marriott Warwick1 night stay with breakfast for 2 people
Radisson Blu East Midlands AirportDinner, Bed, & Breakfast for 2 people
Hilton Manchester Deansgate1 night stay with breakfast for 2 people
Twickenham StadiumSigned England Rugby Shirt with authentication from the 21/22 campaign 
Hilton London Euston Afternoon Tea for 2 people at Hilton London Euston
The Dilly1 night stay with breakfast for 2 people
Ashorne Hill1 night DBB for 2 people – Monday – Thursday only 
Warwick Conferences 1 night stay DBB in one of our newly refurbished bedrooms at Scarman
Principal York1 night stay DBB in a deluxe bedroom for 2 people, with 3-course meal and Yorkshire breakfast
Principal York1 night stay in Superior room with Afternoon Tea
Cedar HotelsWeekend in Harrogate inc. Dinner on First night and afternoon tea on one of the days 
Belton Woods1 night stay for 2 people, based on Double/twin occupancy & 1 round of golf per person
Radisson Blu Stansted Airport1 night stay for 2 people with dinner at Station 169 restaurant
The Grand YorkCookery School
Middletons Afternoon tea for 2 people at Middletons Hotel York
The Grand Hotel1 night stay for 2 people with breakfast in a Grand Double room
Kettering Hotel & Spa1 night stay for 2 people B & B with dinner (from Al A Carte Menu (£35pp max)) plus access to spa
Hilton London Heathrow Airport T51 night stay with breakfast and dinner for 2 people, including parking
Guildford Harbour Hotel2 x Traditional Afternoon Tea
The National Conference Centre1 night Golf Break for 2 people, dinner, bed & breakfast. 2 peeople Sharing, 2 rounds of
golf. Monday – Sunday, 7 days no restrictions.
De Vere Latimer Estate1 night stay, dinner, bed and breakfast plus a bottle of prosecco in your room for 2 people in a Deluxe Mansion House bedroom at De Vere Latimer Estate
De Vere Beaumont1 night stay in a Deluxe Room Including Breakfast for 2 adults
De Vere Cotswolds
Water Park Hotel		2 night stay for 2 people Bed and Breakfast, in a lake view room with dinner on 1 night
Pullman London St Pancras1 night stay – B&B for 2 people
Thestudio Leeds, Birmingham, Manchester &
Glasgow		“Canvas art” portrait of themselves, or a pet
Millennium Point 2 tickets to any MP presents events plus an Amazon gift card
Stapleford Park1 night stay – B&B for 2 people
Millennium Gloucester Hotel & Conference Centre Kensington London1 night stay for 2 people in a Deluxe Double Room at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel
The Cumberland1 night stay in a Classic Double room for 2 people including breakfast.
Hilton Nottingham, Hilton East Midlands & Hilton Northampton 1 night stay for 2 people including breakfast with access to health club and spa
Off LimitsGolden Ticket gift voucher – valid for one room at Escapologic Escape Rooms
Royal Lancaster London1 night stay in the Park Suite for 2 people including breakfast
Hilton Garden Inn Birmingham BrindleyplaceDinner for 2 people and a welcome drink
De Vere Tortworth Court1 night stay with Bed & Breakfast in a deluxe double
De Vere Wokefield Estate1 night stay for 2 people, Bed & Breakfast. With £35 per person towards dinner
Doubletree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa1 night stay for double occupancy, Majestic stay B&B, and access to The Harrogate Spa
The Eastside Rooms/Aloft Birmingham Eastside2 night B&B for 2 people at Aloft Birmingham
Park Regis Birmingham1 night stay with breakfast for 2 people
Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport1 night stay with full English breakfast for 2 people sharing in a twin/double room
Hyatt Regency BirminghamAfternoon Tea for 2 people in Aria Restaurant
Marriott Manchester Victoria & Albert Hotel 1 night B&B stay for 2 people sharing a premium bedroom
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel1 night stay for 2 people at Kimpton Clocktower – in a premium room including breakfast – pooches welcome
Doubletree by Hilton Brighton Metropole1 night stay for 2 people including B&B
Bowling Green Asset Management (Holiday Inn Express Leigh / Mercure Barnsley Tankersley Manor Hotel / Holiday Inn Kenilworth / Holiday Inn Salisbury – Stonehenge / Delta Milton Keynes / The Stones Hotel)1 night stay for 2 people, including Dinner, Bed and Breakfast at one of their 6 hotels
Wyboston LakesDinner, B&B in the Waterfront Hotel (Dinner in the Gravel Pit Brasserie) for 2 people
Double Tree by Hilton York 1 night stay with Bed and Breakfast
DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre1 night stay for 2 people at the DoubleTree Edinburgh City Centre, inclusive of breakfast & dinner
Edgbaston Park Hotel & Conference Centre1 night stay in a Deluxe Double Bedroom, with full English breakfast
Carden Park1 night stay Dinner, Bed and Breakfast for 2 people – midweek and Morning Garden Spa for 2 people
The Jockey Club – Newmarket Racecourses2 x premier admission tickets for opening day of Craven Meeting
University Arms, Cambridge1 night stay including breakfast for 2 people, and a credit of £150 to use in the Parkers Piece during the stay
PentaHotels (Ipswich, Inverness, Birmingham, Warrington, Derby, Reading)1 night stay for 2 people including breakfast
Voco Grand Central Glasgow1 night stay in a twin or double room with a full Scottish breakfast the next day
Novotel Manchester Centre2 night stay for 2 people, Bed and Breakfast
The Grand Hotel Birmingham1 night stay for 2 people with breakfast, in a Grand Double room
INNSiDE by Melia Liverpool1 night stay for 2 people at one of our INNSiDE UK North hotels in an INNSiDE guest room, including breakfast
Crowne Plaza Solihull1 night stay for 2 people with parking and breakfast
Pan Pacific LondonChampagne afternoon tea for 2 people
Hyatt Regency London – The ChurchillAfternoon tea for 2 people
St Pancras Renaissance HotelCocktail for 2 people at Booking Office 1869
Crowne Plaza Newcastle Stephenson Quarter1 night stay for 2 people, including breakfast and access to Mineral House Spa
The Abbey HotelAfternoon tea for 2 people
Thornbury Castle1 night stay in a deluxe bedchamber with breakfast and dinner
Park Plaza Westminster1 night stay in a studio room including breakfast
Kimpton Fitzroy3 course dinner and bottle of wine Galvin Bar & Grill
InterContinental Berlin1 night stay in Intercontinental Berlin
Treehouse London1 night stay at Treehouse London
Hilton Leeds City1 night bed and breakfast stay for 2 people
Voco Oxford SpiresWeekend 1 night stay for 2 people, B&B
Clayton Manchester City CentreAfternoon tea with Prosecco for 2 people
Hyatt Regency London – The ChurchillAfternoon tea for 2 people at the Montagu Kitchen & Lounge
Forest Pines1 night stay for 2 people with dinner, B&B at Forest Pines Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort. Includes 18 holes of golf for 2 people.
Radisson Blu Hotel Durham1 night B&B stay for 2 people in river room
Castle Hotel, Windsor1 night stay, with Dinner, Bed & Breakfast at Castle Hotel, Windsor
Wychwood Park Hotel1 night stay, with Bed & Breakfast
Radisson Hotel York1 night stay B&B – VIP B&B
Drayton ManorStay & Play Package: 1 night stay in a family room for up to 4 people, with breakfast & tickets for 1 day at the Theme Park
Royal Armouries LeedsTable of 10 people for 1 of their Christmas Parties – New York, New York!
Whittlebury Park3 options to choose from:
(1) A Fine Dining experience – dinner for 2 people in our multi-award winning 3 AA Rosette restaurant, Murrays. Including some pre-dinner bubbles to help you celebrate , with an overnight stay in a Club bedroom and breakfast before departure to set you up for the day ahead, OR
(2) A relaxing Spa stay for 2 people including a 40 minute treatment each, a delicious lunch in our Terrace café, dinner in our Astons restaurant, and a Club bedroom to rest after a ‘tiring’ day, OR
(3) A golf break for 2 people on our championship course including the use of a buggy and a bay on our Toptracer range to help hone those golf swings, dinner in our Astons restaurant and an overnight stay in a Club bedroom, allowing you to dream about the shots that you sank in the day, either on the golf course or in the bar!

AND Whittlebury Park will also treat you to a visit to the Silverstone Museum for the day of arrival or departure
Royal Horseguards1 overnight stay in a Standard Double Room for 2 people, including Breakfast at The Royal Horseguards Hotels
The Cumberland 1 night stay with dinner, B&B
The Queens Leeds1 night stay for 2 people in a King Junior Suite. Includes breakfast, and a bottle of fizz in room on arrival

Details of all of the LOTS, along with T&Cs, will be shared when the auction goes live.

If you work for a hotel or venue and would like to get involved in the Challenge, visit this page with all the info on how you can donate a LOT for auction and promote your business.

Come back soon to see the expanding list of donations.