5 reasons to host your event at a rural venue near Bristol and Bath

As we heard at MeetEngland Virtual, rural locations are becoming increasingly popular with event professionals and it’s easy to understand why.  

Venues outside the city offer a breath of fresh air – literally. With green and quiet surroundings, they’re a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. And they’re often equipped with versatile outdoor areas too, ideal for team building activities.   

Keep reading for more reasons to host your next meeting or conference at a rural location near Bristol and Bath.   

Beautiful country setting  

A short drive out of both Bristol and Bath can take you into some truly stunning countryside – some of the finest in the South West in fact. The rolling hills of rural Somerset and the Cotswolds are practically on the doorstep.  

With these greener areas just beyond city limits, choosing a rural venue near Bristol or Bath means you get the best of both worlds. You’ll enjoy a picturesque and peaceful backdrop to your event while remaining a stone’s throw from the amenities and buzz of the city.  

Mercure Bristol North The Grange Hotel is just one of the venues located within a beautiful country setting. It’s an elegant country house set in its own landscaped gardens dating back to 1851. 

Image - Mercure Bristol North The Grange Hotel

Exclusive use of venues  

Many rural venues offer exclusive use, so your company can make the most of the entire space, from bedrooms to outdoor grounds. Of course, this is also an advantage for planning Covid secure events, since it limits your group’s contact with other people during your conference or meeting.  

Venues available for exclusive hire range from Folly Farm Centre, a conference space at the heart of a nature reserve, to centuries-old hotels like De Vere Tortworth Court and Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort. You can even book an exclusive event at a luxury 500-year-old Tudor castle, Thornbury Castle, which has just been newly renovated. 

We’re happy to talk you through the selection – get in touch on events@meetbristolbath.co.uk.   

Image - Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort

Accessible parking  

If delegates will be driving to your event, then rural venues really do have an advantage over their city centre counterparts. Whereas there’s sometimes limited or offsite parking in the city, countryside hotels and venues offer the convenience of generous parking space.  

This helps get your event off to a smooth and relaxed start, saving your delegates any headaches over finding a parking spot and navigating from there to the venue.  

Image - De Vere Tortworth Court

A relaxed environment 

Swapping the city for the countryside can also be a great way to reinvigorate your delegates, even giving their wellbeing a boost.  

According to mental health charity Mind, spending time in green spaces can improve your mood, reduce stress, help you make new connections and feel more relaxed. What could be better for networking and getting the most out of an event?  

And after the months of lockdown and isolation especially, delegates are more likely than ever to appreciate the change of scenery a rural location brings. 

Image - Penny Brohn

Penny Brohn is one light and airy conference space located on the outskirts of Bristol, surrounded by four acres of landscaped gardens with views across the River Avon. It combines a beautiful setting with the functionality of a well-equipped event space designed as a relaxing and inspiring environment for events, retreats and training days. 

Outdoor event space 

Many rural event venues have spacious outdoor grounds that surround the property. This is ideal for breaks during the day, giving delegates a chance to stretch their legs and, if you’re lucky with the weather, enjoy some sunshine in between talks or meetings.  

Ample outdoor space can also make a memorable setting for team building, with lots of rural venues offering onsite activities. Others allow external companies to come in and deliver activities for you on their grounds.  

Image - Aldwick Estate, credit Cross-Jones Photography

If you’re looking for a conference venue with plenty of outdoor space then Aldwick Estate is a brilliant option. Set amid the rolling Mendip Hills and surrounded by the charm of a working Somerset vineyard, you can book vineyard tours and tastings as part of your event package.  

And as the home of ACF Teambuilding & Events, a wide range of activities and challenges can be easily booked on Aldwick Estate grounds. ACF can also bring their activities to you at different event locations in Bristol, Bath and the surrounding areas.  

To discuss hosting your event in Bristol or the surrounding areas contact the Meet Bristol and Bath team on events@meetbristolbath.co.uk or make an enquiry.  

You might also like: 

• Outdoor Events Space – Outside of Bristol city centre  
• Virtual Tours: Bristol Conference & Events Venues  
• Venues & Accommodation: What’s new in Bristol in 2021 and beyond