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In our previous blog, we looked at the benefits of team building as a tool for pulling your ultimate dream team together. Here are some suggestions for individual team building exercises that you could incorporate into your next event. ..

Introductions

Jumping straight into activities can be a little awkward, especially for staff who do not know a great deal about each other. Help your team members to drop their barriers by asking them to take turns in introducing themselves and giving one fact about themselves that most people in the room don’t know.

You can expand on this exercise, by using it to tie all other activities together nicely, by using it in between each new activity. Rather than asking for a random fact, choose a specific question such as “If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?” or “You’re going to be turned into an animal. Which one do you want to be and what is your reason?” This simple activity will get people engaged and encourage them to let down their guard, have a giggle and share some of their qualities, contributing to the bonds within the group.

Willow In The Wind

Ask your team to stand in a circle. Choose one member to stand in the middle, fold their arms across their chest and then, once the group is ready and focused ask the central person to fall backwards. The objective is for the person behind them to catch them and then push them sideways to the next person in the circle and so on. The group can pass them around, spinning them until they return to facing in their original direction. This trust building exercise relies on a focussed and mature group as allowing a co-worker to fall is not acceptable!

Towers

For this exercise, you need to split your team into smaller groups and give each group a large sheet of paper and a pack of drinking straws. Give your teams a time limit and ask them to build the tallest structure they can. This is a fantastic problem solving exercise as your team will have to debate possible options and rethink as they encounter design issues, which will be inevitable with such flimsy building materials! Award a prize at the end for the tallest tower.

Minefield

For this game, you could do with some blindfolds but can equally make do by trusting your team members to close their eyes! Choose a large indoor or outdoor space and scatter the area with obstacles to play the part of the “Mines”. These could be office chairs spread around; you could use balls or books – whatever you have to hand.

Split your team into pairs – one will be the blind and the other will be the leader. The objective is for the blind team member to get from one side of the space to the other without touching any mines. The leader needs to stand outside of the obstacle area but close enough to be able to hear. You can up the ante for this one by finding a way of creating things for a person to step over or duck under.

Get Involved!

Lastly, be sure to get involved yourself, as this is an important part of developing your own relationships with your team. Feedback in the workplace is invaluable and team building exercises can create a culture of peer-to-peer feedback. Getting involved in your own events is an effective way to build a foundation on which you will find it easier to give future feedback as a leader, and on the flip side your employees are more likely to feel able to approach you with their own concerns and ideas.

Happy team building!

Before I start talking about Team Building as a tool to transform your workforce, if I may, let me tell you a little story. When I was a teenager, I learned to rock climb. The outdoors, the exhilaration, and the self-mastery were fantastic for my self-confidence, but I took something else from it too. Many years later, even though I don’t climb any more, some of my closest friends are those same people I scaled cliffs with. We built strong bonds because in our chosen activity we had to do something which pulled us together – we built trust. We learned to intuitively know how to make the most of each other’s strengths and weaknesses and encourage each others’ greatness – when to let the other take the lead and when to take up the slack (sometimes literally in this case!) We learned that having someone catch you when you fall, tens of meters above the ground is a great way of fostering trust! Thankfully, while rock climbing is certainly an option for your team building event, there are many other ways we can build trust and mutual understanding within a group of people, and many fantastic reasons to do so.

Fostering A Shared Purpose

This is the premise behind the team building concept. In any given business, your staff may be working together on tasks or projects, overlapping their efforts or even working alone, but their activities always contribute to the strength of the whole and a sense of this shared purpose is an important thing to foster. The collaborative nature of team building activities will allow your team members to develop better communication, improve their capacity for organization and problem solving, bring out leadership skills, foster mutual support, boost morale, and make your team feel valued. A team building event provides a great opportunity for you to observe your team and discover strengths and weaknesses within the group that you may not otherwise have seen, better allowing you to manage the group.

Choosing Appropriate Activities To Suit Your Team

When planning an event, consider the different characters within your team, and whether they would enjoy a physical challenge or whether mentally focused activities would be more appropriate. Ensure that the event is well planned and engaging – activities need to be fun as the goal is to build positive association with working cohesively. If you have a higher budget, there are fantastic companies that offer all-inclusive team building events but if your budget is lower, you can always run the event yourself.

Change Of Scenery

While you can organise events and activities in the workplace, it’s great to get your team out of their work environment if possible. Putting them somewhere new will encourage conversations that are more personal rather than work related chat and create a relaxed, open atmosphere in which your staff can step out of their comfort zones and new dynamics can flourish.

Consider investing in a Team Building book or spend some time looking at team building websites to research ideas that will help you to organise an unforgettable and highly successful event!

Without a doubt, New Years Eve is one of the most exciting nights on the calendar, and hosting a party is fantastic fun but can also be a little daunting. Why not use some of our ideas to create a buzz that will make your New Years Eve party so memorable – that your guests will recall it for many years to come!

1. Initiate A Cocktail Competition

Encourage your guests to each bring the ingredients of a cocktail. Not only will this spread the cost of the evening but it will also mean varied interest throughout the night. A huge diversity of cocktail ideas can be found on-line and not all the cocktails need to be alcoholic, which will allow your guests to pace themselves as the revelry gets under way. It can be fun to create a festively decorated cocktail bar in the main area of your party. You can hold a vote for the best cocktail at midnight by putting names in a hat, and award prizes for the best creations!

2. Make Your Party Sparkle

Glitter is very trendy at the moment and can create a fantastic aesthetic for a seasonal party. Gold or silver are traditional for New Years Eve get-togethers, but you can choose any colour scheme you wish and use it to subtle or dramatic effect. Create a twinkling party environment by scattering glitter on surfaces and table tops, decorating your party space with glittered Christmas ornaments of your chosen colour, or getting crafty and using glue to make just about anything sparkle! You can up the ante by purchasing some edible glitter, which can be sprinkled onto deserts, mixed into the Champagne for the midnight toast or added to a festive Punch. Complete the look by using low lighting and adding candles, which will allow the glitter to catch the light and create a glamorous atmosphere.

3. Make it a Mad Hatters Party

All that is required for the makings of a Mad Hatters Party is that your guests wear some kind of eccentric or unusual head-attire. Some may already have something perfect in their wardrobe and crafty types will embrace the opportunity to make something unique, but getting in the spirit of this idea doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. A few decorative feathers in the rim of a normal hat can make it into something really fun and the headwear offered in fancy dress shops make the options endless. Gather a few spare hats for those who didn’t have time to get something together! You will be amazed how wearing something a bit different brings out the party spirit in your guests…

4. Choose A Food Theme

From cuisine of different countries, to different eras, the possibilities are vast when it comes to themes for feeding your party guests and using a theme will make the dining experience part of the entertainment. For example; a Midnight themed menu could be governed by blue and purple tones, and might involve blue cheese based recipes, squid ink pasta and berry deserts. You could even serve this theme as a midnight supper! Another fun theme is miniatures, which could include miniature vegetables, which are often available during the holiday season and miniature style canapés.

5. Set Up A Photography Station

If you or a friend is handy with a camera, you can set up a photography station to create some entertaining memories. Choose an area that won’t be in the way of the celebrations and perhaps put out a few chairs for your guests to use. Prepare some amusing props such as masquerade masks or some retro or vintage fancy dress items. Once the party mood is well established, encourage your guests to pose and capture them on camera to share in the New Year so everyone can remember what fun they had!

Saying goodbye to a friend or family member in anticipation of an upcoming new chapter such as a move to a different part of the country, or another part of the world is never easy.

A farewell bash is the ideal platform for saying goodbye as a group, allowing you to have a fun filled experience, sending your loved one off with plenty of happy memories.

The following tips will provide you with some great ideas and insight, helping you with the task of planning a farewell party that everyone will remember for a long time to come…

#01 Choose The Perfect Venue

Your choice of venue will depend on many factors, but primarily you need to consider the convenience of any location, making sure that it has a suitable capacity to cater for your numbers comfortably.

For a longer, weekend event; look for a great venue with sufficient accommodation for groups; for example a large manor house, where you can enjoy a luxurious and intimate environment in complete privacy.

Whether you are planning an evening event or an extended celebration, be sure to choose a venue with plenty of parking for all of your guests.

#02 Select Your Theme

Themes tend to be a fairly easy choice for a farewell party. Whether the guest of honour is retiring at the end of their career or heading off into the blue yonder you can choose a suitable theme taking inspiration from any given situation, career or destination. You could alternatively choose a more random theme that celebrates that individual’s passion. This could be absolutely anything from unicorns or star wars, to something more expected – such as maps and aeroplanes for a travel theme.

Choose a theme that reflects the individual’s personality best, after all, the point of this celebration is to demonstrate how much they mean to you all!

#03 Get Your Invites Out Early

Be sure to get your party invites out well in advance, as this will ensure that the majority of those invited will be available to attend.

A well designed physical invite is always lovely to receive, however you could consider sending a digital invite and you could also back up by creating an event on Facebook.

#04 Dec The Halls!

Decorate your venue choosing a variety of items that compliment your theme. This coordination will help to tie the whole look of the event together, creating a professional and utterly gorgeous looking background for your farewell party.

Again, you want to make this as personal to the star of the party as possible, so look for ways to incorporate the story of their past, present and future for a truly personal touch.

#05 Catering For Your Party

Planning and executing the catering yourself is likely to prevent those responsible for the organisation of the party from being able to relax and enjoy it all themselves. Look for an option that will involve minimal fuss, such as hiring a professional catering team or arranging for a fish and chip van to rock up unexpectedly!

Take inspiration from the individual’s favourite foods, or the cuisine at the destination they are moving to… Alternatively, you could give them a lasting reminder of a local favourite – such as Cornish pasties, or cream teas, to give them a pertinent reminder of something they will miss terribly once they move away!

#06 Dedicate A Skit To The Guest Of Honour

Personalise a little skit for the guest of honour, drawing on the creative skills of your group to come up with a fitting piece! This can be a great way to entertain all attendees, particularly when the skit is injected with personal anecdotes and humour. A great starting point is to begin with a famous song, story or poem, inserting your own content to personalise and entertain.

#07 Celebrate Your Stories & Connections

Invite all guests to contribute something personal in writing and use this content to create a very special farewell gift for the person who is leaving. This could be as simple as asking all guests to complete a short sentence, such as; “The thing I am going to miss about you most is…”, a short paragraph sharing how the guest met the guest of honour, or the invitation to divulge an amusing memory.

Collate these little gems in a book, to be read aloud at the party. This book would provide an incredibly special memento for the leaver to treasure.

Customised photo boards and books also make a great focal point for any farewell party. Get creative and encourage all guests to dig deep for their most precious images to illustrate their relationship with the guest of honour. The resulting compilation is sure to entertain all and what a marvellous way to demonstrate your love and appreciation of that individual at their farewell bash!

Halloween parties can be so much fun for adults and children alike, but the garish mass-produced plastic decor that fills the shops every autumn is no use to anyone planning a glamorous and sophisticated event to celebrate Halloween…

Hosting a more sophisticated Halloween bash will require a little imagination and creative flare, but with the fantastic tips we share below – you are already half way there!

Less Is More

Rather than go over the top with a whole ton of Halloween themed decorations, take a ‘less is more’ approach, adding subtle details that will give greater impact. For example:

• Add a single delicate bat or spider to a frosted celebration cake for decoration.

• Use squid ink creatively to add a Halloween edge to your dinner menu. Something along the lines of spaghetti al nero would be an awesome choice!

• Chalk paint is easy to purchase and can be applied to glasses, bottles and surfaces creatively. Try adding it to bottles or glasses before applying your guests names or ‘drink me’ in beautifully formed italics.

• Place settings will also look fantastic in a monochrome theme, simply apply guests names, (or fun alternatives) using a calligraphy pen, for an elegant and ever so slightly eerie look!

Create The Perfect Halloween Atmosphere With Candles

The last thing you want at any Halloween party is bright overhead lighting. Dim lighting created with multiple flickering flames will be far more conducive to setting the scene. Be resourceful, using recycled bottles and jam jars, old candelabras and candlesticks, or metallic tea light holders to create the look you are going for.

Keep in mind that it is crucial to place your candles carefully as you don’t want any of your guests wigs or capes getting singed, (or worse), accidentally.

Decide On A Suitable Colour Theme For Your Event

Decorating the venue where you plan to host your event is so much easier once you have decided on your colour palette. Orange is the most obvious colour to spring immediately to mind when you think of Halloween, (thanks to pumpkins and autumnal hues), however for a stylish look this should be used as an accent colour; perhaps with a few well-carved pumpkins and some seasonal, orange toned floral arrangements on the table.

Working with a monochrome backdrop, your accent colour will pop out effectively. Try dressing your dining table with a black tablecloth and black crockery, then bringing it to life with some shiny cutlery, antique look candlesticks and your chosen centrepieces for a colour pop.

Create A Wonderfully Eerily Focal Point!

Choose a key area to serve as a focal point for your Halloween celebrations, and go all out with the creativity in this particular spot.

A cocktail bar is a fun choice for an adult party, with plenty of scope for creativity.

Create a cocktail menu with a variety of bright green, blood red or slightly gross themed cocktails for a bit of fun and curiosity.

You can also get incredibly inventive with your glassware. Think along the lines of laboratory experiments and get your hands on some laboratory style, glass beakers for mixing up your drinks. Small glass vials would be a fantastically good choice for an ominous serving vessel too!

Use skulls, mirror glass, masks, obscure antique finds to add mood and mystery and a spooky vibe to your cocktail bar. The more random and weird you can make it, the better!

A strong team of employees is not something that happens overnight. It takes time for a group of individuals to connect and form the type of bonds that will enable them to work together cohesively.

Smart businesses are well aware of the direct link between a cohesive team and a truly successful business, fully recognising the crucial role that teambuilding plays in helping any dream team to gel as one!

Teambuilding Events Benefit Your Business In Numerous Ways

If the mere mention of the word ‘teambuilding’ makes your employees eyes roll, you are doing something very wrong indeed. The benefits are plentiful, but this relies on the organiser having a creative approach, as well as a genuine understanding of the purpose and true value of this type of event.

For example:

1. Productivity

When a team of colleagues are given the space to focus on and discuss their current processes as a group, in an informal environment they are able to brainstorm and come up with fresh ideas to boost efficiency and make the business even more successful.

2. Relationships

In a typical workplace environment, many roles have no overlap, which provides little opportunity for many relationships to evolve and grow. A teambuilding event is the ultimate space for everyone to get to know each other that little bit better, whilst interacting and having fun together as a group.

3. Communication

Nothing breaks the ice like a well-planned teambuilding event! With the time and opportunity to enjoy and explore conversations of a more fun and personal nature, (over a cheeky glass of Pimm’s), communication and connections can grow stronger than ever before.

4. Strengths & Weaknesses

You may find that your teambuilding activities reveal hidden talents you were previously unaware of, as some skills that were perhaps not evident within the workplace come to light!

Of course on the flip side, in addition to highlighting strengths, this type of event can also highlight weaknesses within the team. Keep in mind that all insight can form the basis of constructive improvements…

5. Morale

On return to the workplace after a fabulously executed event, employees enjoy stronger relationships and a deeper understanding of all of the complex personalities within the team. This tends to have a notably positive impact, improving workplace morale. 

Making It Count

If a job is worth doing, it is worth doing properly, and a night or two at an appropriate venue is an effective approach for anyone planning a fun filled and productive event.

A longer event makes it possible to achieve a greater balance, by incorporating plenty of relaxation, activities and fun, maximising the benefits for both the attendees and the business.

Plan something special, choosing a unique venue for your corporate event. Your efforts are sure to be rewarded, with a stronger, happier and far more successful team!

Putting together a guest list for your wedding can be a surprisingly challenging and time-consuming process for many couples, and with this in mind, we share some great tips below to assist you in completing this task with minimum hassle!

Establishing Numbers

Knowing the approximate headcount for your guest list is a priority from the outset because without this figure you cannot begin to make decisions about the venue or develop your budget.

Once you have a number to work with you can establish the projected cost per head and evaluate whether this is a realistic number to work with!

Time Is Of The Essence

However long you think this task is likely to take, try doubling it – and then some. This is one of those tasks that is guaranteed to take far longer than you ever anticipated. Balancing your guest list around your budget, your own personal opinions and the expectations of others can be a truly tricky arena to navigate.

Think of this as your first major task to tackle as a couple following your engagement. Giving yourself plenty of time to work on your list together is crucial, as breaks may be required!

Intimate Affair Or Massive Blowout?

Whether you choose to host an intimate event with your closest circle of family and friends or a gigantic blowout surrounded by guests from every era of your lives so far, it is important to remember that your choices will directly influence your event and your experience of it.

Many couples find that on reflection, a small crowd was perfect choice for them, as instead of feeling obligated to spend a huge proportion of the day greeting guests, they were able to focus on interacting, partying and celebrating with their loved ones.

For some people of course, a huge bash is the only way they would want it..!

Establish The Rules

The rules are that there are no rules – other than the ones that you decide on as a couple! In times gone by couples would feel obliged to invite each and every living member of their family to attend their wedding, where as these days it is not unusual for couples to take all kinds of different approaches, with many opting to scale down their wedding for a more contemporary and intimate affair.

It is important to establish rules and stick to them, considering whether children will be invited, how you will determine which guests are invited to the ceremony and which are invited to attend the reception only and so on…

Once you have these rules in place you will find it far easier to work through your guest list, falling back on these initial guidelines whenever you need them, until you reach an agreement on a final guest list that you can both feel proud of!

The secret to throwing the kind of great party that leaves your guests bursting with fond and hilarious memories of a great day is all in the planning and with the following tips up your sleeve; you can rest assured that the next event you host is going to be a roaring success!

Infuse The Air With Some BBQ Flavours

There is nothing like the smell of some deliciously seasoned meats and vegetables on the BBQ grill for creating some blissful, feel good vibes at your event so be sure to factor a decent sized grill in somewhere.

Apart from the pleasure of devouring said food once it is cooked, the process of grilling is such a wonderful, sociable experience.

Keep in mind that some of your guests may be vegan, vegetarian or have food allergies; (you may want to encourage them to share this info with you on an RSVP prior to the event). By providing a couple of different options for non-meat eaters you should be able to ensure that all of your guests feel well catered for and loved!

Create A Designated Photo Station

A well-stocked photo station is a great way to guarantee that you have a wealth of images to immortalise your party with. Choose a bright area that will provide you with a fabulous backdrop, and then stock your photo station with some great props such as cutouts of emojis, oversized frames, weird and wacky hats and masks, fake facial hair, wigs and anything else that will inspire your guests to strike a pose!

Provide Direction With Some Fun Activities

The activities you opt for will largely depend on your budget; however, rest assured that it is easy to inject some laughter and giggles without breaking the bank with costly equipment– all you need is a little creativity and imagination.

Think about the kind of activities that you loved as a child and use these as your starting point. Plan a scavenger hunt for a bunch of thirty something’s and watch their playful and competitive nature unfold before your very eyes, or dust off a bunch of old board games like operation and buckaroo and set up an old school gaming station!

Just like the photo station these ideas and props will complement your party by providing some direction for everyone and helping them to mix and enjoy themselves.

Choose A Central Theme

If you are throwing a party to celebrate Halloween or Easter, you already have a theme to work with but whatever the occasion, be sure to coordinate with a central theme, as it will give you a focal point for the party to build upon and embellish with signage, props etc.

Whether it is based on a current favourite show like walking dead, (encourage guests to express their inner zombie), or a vibrant carnival theme accessorised with lively music and brightly coloured lanterns and bunting, your theme will add structure and an air of professionalism to your party.

Be Selective With Your Invites

Forget about numbers as a great party relies on quality rather than quantity, without exception. Invite only your funniest, kindest and most sociable favourites, as this way you will find it far easier to relax and enjoy yourself on the day.

Choose Your Venue Wisely

If your own home is an unsuitable base for hosting your party, due to size restriction, grumpy neighbours or any other reason that means the space is not going to work for you, consider your alternatives for a space that will accommodate everyone more comfortably.

Options to explore could include renting out a local function room or community space close by, or for a seriously special occasion, you could rent a luxury party house and throw the house party of a lifetime!

Swimming pool

What is the key to throwing a successful pool party? Well great weather is an excellent start, but more importantly is to invite a great bunch of friends who will combine to form a wonderful atmosphere. Even if the weather ends up letting you down on the day of the event, if you have planned everything well and taken care of all the extra special details, your party is sure to be a hit!

Invitations

When designing your invitations, along with the usual details, don’t forget to include anything your guests should bring with them. If the pool is going to be used for swimming and not just as a backdrop, it is crucial to tell everyone to bring some swimwear and a towel!

Sunscreen and items to freshen up

A great touch is to have a few baskets or pretty containers strategically placed close to the poolside with useful items like small bottles of sunscreen, antibacterial hand wipes, facial wipes and so on, so that your guests can use them to freshen up should they wish to!

Creature Comforts

Even though your guests will probably bring their own, have a supply of dry hand towels and swimming towels available in case your guests need them and position plenty of comfortable chairs and seating around the pool area. Ensure you have a little more than the right amount of chairs for the number of guests you have invited and scatter a few gorgeous cushions around.

Some big, colourful and inviting looking beanbags dotted around the lawn would be the icing on the cake!

Safety First

Some of your guests may not be able to swim very well, so have some pool noodles, tubes and large, brightly coloured rubber balls floating in the water. This will add a vibrant touch to your party area, and the guests who cannot swim will feel a little more comfortable.

Place food and snacks in the shade

Make sure that your food and snacks are placed under cover and out of the hot sun. There is nothing worse than warm fruit or hot salads!

An extra large ice bucket

It is a wonderful sight – walking into a pool party and seeing a huge metal bucket filled to the brim with ice cubes and drinks. It can make you feel cool just looking at it on a hot day and your guests will be able to help themselves to cold refreshing drinks all day long. Have plenty of ice available to keep topping it up throughout the party.

Variety is the spice of the party

Offering a variety of food is vital, from a choice of salads and finger foods to a selection of meats on the barbecue. Don’t forget your vegetarian and vegan guests and if you are unsure, it is sensible to have some meat-free alternatives available just in case.

Choose the right time

Aim to miss everyone being out in the sizzling summer sun for the hottest time of the day, (especially between 12pm and 3pm) in especially hot weather as no one wants to be sweating profusely! It is always important to provide sufficient shaded areas to allow guests to escape the sun if they need to during hot spells.

Plan some games

You would probably like your party to be remembered for its delicious food and fabulous atmosphere, but to be extra sure that your guests have a wonderful time, get them involved in some fun outdoor games! A quick search on Google will throw up an enormous amount of entertaining ideas that will suit your space and the group you are entertaining.

If you are looking for the perfect venue to host your pool party, click here for some fantastic options!

If you love the idea of getting married in the beautiful grounds of Tone Dale House in Somerset but you don’t really want to make a weekend of it, this could be for you.

This package gives you a fantastic blank canvas to do it yourself, to suit yourself! One day hire of these beautiful, landscaped grounds for wedding receptions for up to 80 guests.
You can benefit from our list of recommended and trusted local suppliers, but if you’d prefer to use your own, just run them by us & it should be no problem.

We’ll include:
◦ exclusive use of the grounds of Tone Dale House from 10am to midnight
◦ the marquee
◦ the party room for your evening dancing with fully integrated sound and lighting system
◦ the red room adjacent to the party room, great to use as a bar
◦ luxury portaloos
To see our full DIY terms & conditions, have a look on our website.

All this for just £1995
The offer is available Tuesday – Thursday only.
If you want to stay, the Stables (for 12) is £495 & the main house (for 21) is £1500.

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English Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is known as one of the most beautiful parts of the United Kingdom. It is a very popular tourist destination, known for its pristine natural environment and its wide range of tourist attractions. The activities available in the Cotswold’s range from adrenaline pumping rock climbing through to soothing day spas and world-class restaurants.

To help you appreciate what the Cotswold’s has to offer, we have listed some of the most popular activities in the area…

Visit the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens

This huge 160-acre wildlife park is a great day out for children and adults alike. There are more than 260 different animal species in the park, including lions, zebras, rhinos and giraffes. The Madagascar exhibit is one of the key highlights, featuring dozens of energetic and amusing Lemurs. The beautifully landscaped park also features its own train, a petting zoo, reptile house (with crocodiles), restaurants, insect house and a bat house.

Have a Drink at Cotswold’s Distillery

This is a popular destination for adults visiting the Cotswold’s, it is the oldest working distillery in the region. Located on 4-acres of stunning gardens, the distillery specialises in making single malt whiskey, gin, and other natural spirits. The distillery tour is popular and there are regular tasting sessions available.

Visit the Cotswold Motoring Museum

Are you a car fanatic? If the answer is yes, you will absolutely love the Cotswold Motoring Museum. Located in the picture postcard village of Bourton on the Water, the museum has a massive collection of cars, caravans and motorcycles.

Enjoy Some of the Best Restaurants in the UK

The Cotswold’s is a foodie’s paradise! There are so many incredible eating options in the region, ranging from mouth-watering pub food through to spectacular fine dining experiences.

Some of the best restaurants in the Cotswold’s include Cutlers Restaurant at Number Four (Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire), My Great Grandfathers (Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire), The Rectory Hotel (Crudwell in Wiltshire), Lords of the Manor (Upper Slaughter), and Lumiere (Cheltenham, Gloucestershire).

Ride the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway

This railway line is a 12-mile long steam and diesel heritage railway that passes through Toddington, Winchcombe and the Cheltenham Race Course. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Cotswold’s, with authentic shops at the railway stops and a fantastic buffet car on the train. Visitors can enjoy the self-guided heritage trail, featuring a children’s play area, a signal box and a locomotive yard viewing area.

Jet Age Museum

This is an incredible museum located in Gloucestershire. The Jet Age Museum focuses on preserving the rich aviation heritage of Gloucestershire, starting from the first planes to fly in the area through the modern jets…

Montpellier District

Do you consider yourself a shopaholic? The Montpellier District in Cheltenham combines stunning architecture with some of the best shops, bars, and restaurants in the UK. You could spend days exploring the shops, trying new restaurants and enjoying local ales in the many bars.

Explore the Dragonfly Maze

The Dragonfly maze is a traditional yew hedge maze that has clues dotted around it. Visitors hunt to find the clues and solve the puzzles, in order to discover the Golden Dragonfly hidden in the central pavilion. Great fun for all ages!

Have a Punt at the Cheltenham Racecourse

The Cheltenham Racecourse is one of the most famous racetracks in the world. It is the home of jump racing and the Cheltenham Festival is held here every March. In addition to horseracing, the racecourse hosts concerts and comedy nights.

Get Active!

There are dozens of exciting outdoor activities to choose from in this area. Some of the most popular outdoor activities available include; sailing, bike riding, horseback riding, rock climbing, water skiing, swimming, snowboarding, canoeing, golfing, hiking and off-road driving.

As you can see, there is a lot to see and do here; making the Cotswold’s a fantastic destination for an unforgettable UK holiday.

Weddings are such special events and should be exciting, romantic and memorable. You can make your wedding even more memorable for your guests by giving them an unusual or rare wedding favour. A wedding favour is a special reminder of your wedding day that your guests can cherish. Here are a few ideas for wedding favours that are sure to charm and delight your guests!

Give guests a botanical gift!

Give your guests a potted plant or seeds which they can add to their garden. They can water their botanical gift and watch it grow as your marriage grows. This kind of gift fits in well with rustic style ceremonies or weddings that are held in a scenic country location. You could take it one-step further and include a quirky watering can to help them get started.

Unusual sweets

Track down some interesting sweet treats from another country. Guests are sure to enjoy the experience of trying something or the first time and this will help to make the wedding memorable. Look for treats that come in collectible tins and packaging so that guests have something to keep for future use.

Sunglasses

If your wedding is being held outdoors in a sunny part of the world, sunglasses are a useful and unusual gift. You will also get some great photo opportunities with all of your guests wearing the same eyewear! You could opt to buy sunglasses that have been personalised with each guest’s name or include some text mentioning the wedding.

Customised wine glasses or wine stoppers

You can give guests a wine stopper or wine glass with their name engraved on it, along with the date of the wedding. They will hang onto the present as a reminder of your event and enjoy using it for years. As an alternative, you may prefer to opt for personalised shot glasses or beer glasses.

Donate to a charity

Instead of a physical wedding favour, you could opt to make a donation in your guest’s name. They will feel great knowing that their attendance at the wedding helped support a charitable foundation.

A set of drink coasters

Coasters are another great gift to remind guests of your wedding. You can purchase timber, stainless steel or glass coasters in a style to match the wedding theme. They could also be customised with text and images.

Wedding wish keys

These are beautiful antique keys attached to a ribbon and a label. Guests receive the keys and are asked the question “The key to a happy marriage is?” They write their responses on the label and give them to the bride or groom. This is a lovely way for guests to impart some wisdom onto the newlyweds.

Bottle openers

Another item that has a great deal of utility and longevity! Give your guests a bottle opener commemorating the wedding and know it will probably reside in their kitchen for the next 20 or 30-years. A great gift item that is very practical.

Tissue boxes

Weddings are emotional events and people love to have a good cry during the ceremony! Why not provide guests with beautifully decorated commemorative tissue boxes or packaging and encourage them to let it all out!

Tea sets

If the theme of the wedding is “classical”, tea sets make the perfect gift. There is a huge variety of designs to choose from and they can be customised to commemorate the event. You could also include commemorative tea bags or antique tea bag infusers.

 A commemorative cheese knife

Why not give guests a beautiful bespoke cheese knife? They will get years of use from it and be reminded of your marriage every time they use it.

By thinking outside of the box, you can give your guests a wedding favour that will ensure that they fondly remember your wedding and the unusual little gift you gave them for many years to come!

There are dozens of exciting holiday destinations in the United Kingdom, offering a wide range of different holiday experiences. You can surf on some world-class waves in Newquay, enjoy some incredible pub food in the Cotswold’s or go hiking on Dartmoor.

To help you choose the perfect destination for your next get-away, here are some of the UK’s finest holiday destinations!

Devon

Devon is a beautiful part of the United Kingdom. It includes pristine areas of natural beauty, many important historical sites and some of the best beaches in the United Kingdom. There are many fantastic holiday spots in Devon including:

• Woolacombe Beach
  Located to the north of Devon, Woolacombe Beach has just been voted the UK’s best beach for the second year in a row! The beach is a three-mile stretch of beautiful golden sand, giving visitors plenty of room, even in then busy summer months. There are some great surf breaks on the beach and it is patrolled for most of the year. You can also enjoy some delicious fresh seafood caught locally.

• Dartmoor and Exmoor
  The Dartmoor and Exmoor national parks are absolutely stunning. They are both fantastic holiday locations for nature lovers and bird watchers. Dartmoor is a rugged and beautiful place, with large rocky outcrops and views for miles; simply spectacular! Exmoor is located on the coast and combines rural beauty with stunning ocean views. Both national parks offer outstanding opportunities for hiking and picnics.

Somerset

Somerset incorporates a large section of the Exmoor national park, and some wonderful holiday locations including Glastonbury, Bath, Burnham-On-Sea, Bridgwater, Minehead and Cheddar. The highlights include:

• Bath
  This lovely town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to some incredible architectural marvels. While there you can visit the Roman Baths Museum, Victoria Art Gallery, Royal Crescent and Pulteney Bridge.

• Clevedon
  A stunning seaside town with some excellent restaurants and beachside walks. The town features a grade 1 listed Clevedon Pier, a Victorian bandstand and lovely ornamental gardens. There is also a riding club, golf club and many other sports on offer.

• Frome
  A historical town in Somerset that is a little quirky! There are dozens of unusual and interesting shops to enjoy, along with a thriving cafe scene.

The Cotswold’s

The Cotswold’s is one of the most famous holiday destinations in the UK because of its natural beauty and quaint country towns. A few of the best holiday destinations in the Cotswold’s include:

• Stow on the Wold
  This town is elevated high above the Cotswold’s and delivers magnificent views of the surrounding area. To go along with that amazing view, there are many art galleries, antique shops and quality restaurants to enjoy.

• Bourton on the Water
  Located just a few miles away from Stow on the Wold, this town straddles a beautiful river. There are beautiful bridges in and around the town, lovely traditional houses and quaint independent shops. This is a stunning part of the Cotswold’s that makes for a very relaxing holiday destination.

• Castle Combe
  Castle Combe is arguably one of the loveliest villages in the Cotswold’s. The village is built around a 14^th Century cross and water pump. It is full of historical sites of interest and surrounded by many places of outstanding natural beauty.

Cornwall

Cornwall is home to many of the best beaches in the United Kingdom! If you want to spend your holidays on a surfboard, wind sailing or working on your tan, it is the perfect holiday location!

• St Ives
  St Ives attracts thousands of tourists each year for its white sandy beaches and incredible seafood restaurants. It is also home to Tate Gallery and the Barbara Hepworth Museum, which are definitely worth a visit.

• Falmouth
  This town was established when Henry VIII built Pendennis Castle to protect the harbour. It is a booming tourist destination that combines natural beauty with dozens of activities and world-class restaurants.

• Truro
  Cornwall’s only city, it is a major shopping hub and cultural centre. Whilst there, make sure you visit The Royal Cornwall Museum. Many holidaymakers set up base in Truro, from which they explore various locations in Cornwall.

London

London is hard to beat if you are seeking a City break in the UK. There are hundreds of sights to see, incredible shopping opportunities, amazing food and dozens of activities. Greater London actually includes 33 boroughs, with many varied holiday experiences on offer. Some of the best include:

• Bayswater
  An architecturally traditional section of London with stunning Georgian terraces on display. There are numerous great restaurants and historical sites to check out and explore.

• Belgravia
  The perfect destination for history buffs! It is full of luxurious and grand residences. There are a number of exclusive Michelin starred restaurants to enjoy and some excellent clothing stores.

• Camden Town
  This area has developed a strong musical scene over the years and is home to some of London’s best pubs. A great location for those interested in enjoying some finely craft beers while listening to some great music. Every weekend visitors flock to Camden Town market, which is the largest open-air market in Europe!

It’s approaching that time of year when our winter blues will be washed far away as spring teases us with glimpses of sunshine, on the cusp of what we hope will be a glorious long hot summer.

So let’s have some fun! Crack out the oversized board games, some fabulous old classics and a few international games and let the outdoor fun commence!

Bigger Is Sometimes Better!

Board games are always fun, but what makes them even more entertaining is their oversized versions that are perfect for enjoying in the garden. Here are a few popular examples that family members of all ages will be dying to get their hands on.

• Connect 4 – The colour coordinated puzzle game that has entertained families for forty years!
• Chess – This tactical classic was featured in the oversized chess battle in Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone
• Guess Who? – This supersized version now comes with more customisation than ever, you can insert pictures of family members into the slots of this timeless classic for a real hoot!
• Jenga – Comes in all shapes and sizes and the larger than life addition adds to the challenge of constructing one of the world’s most famous towers
• 10 Pin Bowling – A popular classic that can be enjoyed in the sunshine instead of the dark dungeons of the bowling alley

The Classics

Not a lot of props needed here, just some old time classics that require quick thinking and some handy DIY skills. These traditional games are guaranteed to fill you with a warm feeling of nostalgia…

• Tug of War – Flex those muscles and find out who are the strongest members of the family in one of the oldest Olympic games
• Hide and Seek – Simple family fun at its best, great in a huge country garden
• Egg and Spoon – Not ideal for those with poor coordination, (or the family vegans), but the egg and spoon is a great battle for those who excel in speed and balance
• Sack Race – Empty out those spuds and hop in like a human potato to see who can jump, fall or roll the fastest towards the finish line

Modern Garden Games

Don’t be afraid of new things in the quest for the most entertaining ways to enjoy a family day in the sun. There are some wonderful games to choose from these days, many of which are available for hire.

• Gladiator/Bouncy Castle – Remember in the mid 90’s when men and women with huge muscles would beat each other with giant cotton buds? This game guarantees a lot of laughs and is integrated in some modern ‘obstacle course’ bouncy castles
• Sumo Suits – Anyone who has ever wished to bash their friends and family members whilst dressed as an overweight Japanese man can finally do so thanks to these giant cushioned costumes – be sure to get some action shots!
• Inflatable Limbo – Bring the beaches of the Caribbean to your garden and discover who is the most flexible member of the family

Wet & Wild

Having played all the games recommended so far, one would build up quite a sweat, so why not cool off with a fun water game?

• Melt the frozen t-shirt race – Two teams compete to see who can melt their t-shirt the fastest by any means possible, (safely of course). The winning team must fit the shirt on one of their teammates
• Slip and Slide – Always aided by a gently downward facing slope, have a great deal of fun travelling from one side of the garden to the other on your belly
• Water balloons – split into teams and enjoy soaking your opponents until they beg for mercy!

Fresh Air & Fun

There are so many options when it comes to getting outdoors and enjoying some fresh air and fun and hopefully we have given you some inspiration and some great ideas to start with. These outdoor games would be perfect for entertaining the whole family on a group family break or a family reunion.

With a bit of luck you will have plenty of opportunity to try out lots of our ideas and more this summer, without a screen in sight!

Catering is an integral part of our business here at The Big House Co and we take a great deal of pride in our ability to provide guests with a great variety of mouthwatering menus to suit every possible occasion whilst they are staying in any one of our big houses!

Whilst out and about, exploring the local area during your big break however, you are bound to want to explore some of the local eateries and sample some of what is on offer. With that in mind, we have put together a useful insider’s guide to some hidden gems in Somerset where you can sample some of the finest West Country grub to be had!

Tarr Farm Inn

Tarr steps is a magical little spot on Exmoor where you will find the longest medieval clapper bridge in Britain and explore the many walks alongside the River Barle in this popular beauty spot. Legend has it that the bridge was built by the devil, who allegedly owns the sunbathing rights to the stones… You have been warned!

The kitchens at Tarr Farm Inn will not disappoint and the menu features a range of local catches with everything from slow cooked, locally sourced pork and mouthwatering crackling, to delicious fresh lobster, caught by fishermen at nearby Lynmouth on the North coast.

Menu Gordon Jones

At this unique venue in Bath, you are guaranteed an exceptional dining experience and a great variety of food. This eatery is a great choice for a special occasion meal and a winner with anyone who has an adventurous palate, and particularly for those who relish the unexpected and enjoy the opportunity to try new things.

Beautiful presentation, fantastic service from charming staff and food combinations that you would never imagine would work, such as bacon-flavoured ice cream. Who knew that could possibly taste so good?!

At The Chapel

The focal point of this converted chapel is a fabulous wood-fired oven, which is used to produce fresh croissants, breads and some of the most incredible pizza you have ever sampled!

The delightful bar garden produces its very own crops of fresh produce, which is used to enhance fine jugs of Pimm’s over the summer months, and those all important Bloody Marys!

The Lord Poulett Arms

This fantastic little gem is situated in the sleepy little village of Hinton St George. It is a proper pub with a homely and comfortable interior and some wonderful lunch and supper options to choose from.

With a great atmosphere, super friendly staff and food that could give most Michelin rated kitchens a good run for their money; if you are in the area this is a great spot for a hungry group of foodies.

The Archangel

Contemporary pub flavours merge with traditional favourites at The Archangel in Frome. The period building has an attractive, contemporary interior, providing a gorgeous backdrop for chilling out with friends or enjoying a romantic meal for two. A truly delicious menu and a great selection of wine, beer and cider. Just make sure you leave room for dessert as they are out of this world!