How to Plan a Corporate Fun Day in the UK
A corporate fun day is one of the most effective ways to reward your team, strengthen relationships, and create memories that last far longer than a Friday afternoon email. But a great fun day doesn't happen by accident — it takes smart planning, the right partners, and a clear understanding of what drives costs, logistics, and impact.
This guide walks you through every stage of planning a corporate fun day in the UK — from setting objectives and choosing a venue to selecting activities, managing weather contingency, and understanding the budget drivers that shape your event. Whether you're organising for 20 people or 2,000, this is your complete planning companion.
Want us to handle everything? Get a free, no-obligation quote in 24 hours.
Your Planning Timeline
A stress-free corporate fun day starts with a clear timeline. Here's the planning roadmap we recommend to every client.
Set Objectives & Secure Budget Approval
- Define what success looks like — is this a reward day, a team-building exercise, a family event, or a mix of all three?
- Confirm your headcount range (even a rough estimate helps your event company plan accurately)
- Get internal budget sign-off — your event partner can work to almost any budget, but early clarity avoids wasted time
- Shortlist potential dates (weekdays are easier to staff; summer weekends book fast)
Choose Your Event Partner & Venue
- Brief your event management company — share your objectives, group size, preferred region, and any must-haves
- Review venue options (your own grounds, hotel estates, country parks, purpose-built event sites)
- Confirm your date and lock in the venue
- Discuss weather contingency — marquee cover, indoor backup, or weather-appropriate activity swaps
Finalise Activities, Catering & Entertainment
- Select your activity mix — competitive team challenges, inflatables, creative workshops, sports, family zones
- Confirm catering — BBQ, street food trucks, buffet, refreshments stations, or a full sit-down meal
- Book entertainment — DJs, live bands, performers, photo booths
- Agree the running order and site layout with your event manager
Communications & Final Logistics
- Send invitations to attendees with key details (date, time, dress code, parking, what to expect)
- Confirm final numbers with your event company
- Review the risk assessment and site plan
- Brief any internal stakeholders (senior leaders, comms team, photographers)
Final Checks & Handover
- Your event company handles all setup, staffing, and on-the-day coordination
- You arrive, enjoy the day, and take the credit
- Post-event: collect feedback, share photos, and start planning next year's event
What Drives the Cost of a Corporate Fun Day?
Costs vary by guest numbers, location, and format — we recommend options to match your goals and handle everything end-to-end. Here are the key drivers that shape every proposal.
Every event is bespoke. Tell us your headcount, location, and date window and we'll provide a fully itemised, no-obligation quote within 24 hours.
Group Size
The single biggest factor. More guests means more activities, more staff, more catering, and a larger venue. But per-head costs often decrease at scale — a fun day for 500 people doesn't cost ten times more than one for 50.
Venue
Using your own grounds or car park can significantly reduce costs. External venues range from public parks (low cost) to country estates and hotel grounds (higher investment). We offer a free venue-finding service across the UK.
Activity Mix
A handful of team challenges and inflatables sits at a different investment level to a full festival-style setup with 20+ activity zones. The right mix depends on your group size, objectives, and how long you want the event to run.
Catering
Refreshments and snack stations are the most cost-effective option. BBQs and street food trucks sit in the mid-range. Full sit-down meals or premium food experiences are a higher investment — but can be the highlight of the day.
Entertainment & Production
A PA system and playlist is straightforward. Add a live band, DJ, performers, staging, lighting, or theming and the production budget increases. These elements transform a good day into an unforgettable one.
Staffing
Every fun day needs trained event staff — hosts, activity coordinators, safety marshals. Larger events and more complex activity programmes require higher staffing ratios. All our staff are trained through our in-house training academy.
Timing & Season
Summer is peak season — venues and suppliers book up fast and may carry premium pricing. Midweek events are often easier to resource than weekends. Autumn and spring can offer excellent value with fewer competing bookings.
Location & Travel
Events in major cities are straightforward. More remote locations may involve additional travel and logistics costs for equipment and staff. With offices in Aberdeen, Livingston, and Manchester, we cover the entire UK efficiently.
Choosing the Right Venue
The venue sets the tone for your entire day. Here are the most popular options we work with across the UK — and we offer a free venue-finding service to help you choose.
Your Own Grounds
Car parks, office lawns, warehouse spaces — using your own site eliminates venue hire costs and makes logistics simpler. We bring everything to you.
Best for: Cost-conscious events, smaller groups, or when convenience is key
Hotel & Country Estate Grounds
Beautiful settings with built-in facilities (parking, toilets, indoor backup). Many offer catering packages that complement your fun day.
Best for: Premium events, client-facing days, or when you want a 'wow' setting
Public Parks & Open Spaces
Large green spaces that can accommodate big groups. May require permits and have fewer built-in facilities, but offer excellent value.
Best for: Large-scale events (500+) where space is the priority
Purpose-Built Event Sites
Dedicated event venues with infrastructure already in place — power, water, covered areas, and often on-site catering.
Best for: Events where weather contingency and facilities are non-negotiable
Weather Contingency
This is the UK — you need a Plan B. Every corporate fun day we deliver includes a clear weather contingency plan, agreed with you in advance.
- Marquee or gazebo cover for key activity areas and catering stations
- Indoor backup venue (if available) for a full wet-weather switch
- Weather-appropriate activity swaps — some activities work brilliantly in light rain
- Covered seating and socialising areas so guests stay comfortable
- A clear decision-making timeline — we monitor forecasts and agree a go/no-go point with you in advance
- Communication plan for attendees if the format changes
Choosing Your Activities
The best corporate fun days offer variety — something for everyone, from the ultra-competitive to the happily-watching-from-a-deckchair crowd.
Team Challenges
Crystal Maze, Beat the Box, It's a Knockout, relay races, problem-solving challenges
Builds teamwork, communication, and healthy competition
Inflatables & Games
Obstacle courses, bouncy castles, giant games, sumo suits, bungee runs
Pure fun — gets everyone laughing and moving
Creative & Relaxed
Art workshops, cocktail making, flower arranging, craft stations
Inclusive options for guests who prefer something less physical
Sports & Active
Football, rounders, archery, laser tag, mini golf, sports day events
Great for competitive teams and outdoor settings
Family Zones
Face painting, balloon modelling, soft play, treasure hunts, kids' craft tables
Essential for family fun days — keeps children entertained while adults enjoy activities too
Entertainment
Live bands, DJs, photo booths, caricaturists, magicians, stilt walkers
Creates atmosphere and gives guests memorable moments to share
Like What You're Reading?
We plan and deliver corporate fun days across the UK — from 10 guests to 5,000. Tell us what you need and we'll do the rest.
Speak to Our TeamCommon Mistakes to Avoid
We've delivered hundreds of corporate fun days. Here are the pitfalls we see most often — and how to sidestep them.
Leaving it too late
Start planning at least 8–12 weeks out. Summer dates and popular venues book up fast.
Not setting clear objectives
A reward day feels different to a team-building day. Be clear on the purpose so your event company can design the right experience.
Ignoring weather contingency
The UK weather is unpredictable. Always have a Plan B — your event company should build this into the proposal.
Trying to do too much
More activities doesn't always mean a better event. A focused programme with breathing room is more enjoyable than a packed schedule.
Forgetting about communication
Guests need to know what to expect, what to wear, where to park, and what time to arrive. Clear pre-event comms make a huge difference.
Not collecting feedback
A quick post-event survey helps you measure impact and plan even better next time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the questions we hear most from corporate fun day organisers.
How far in advance should I book a corporate fun day?+
What are the biggest cost drivers for a corporate fun day?+
Do I need to find a venue, or can you help?+
What happens if it rains on the day?+
Can you include families and children in a corporate fun day?+
How many people can you cater for at a corporate fun day?+
What's included in a typical corporate fun day package?+
Do you cover the whole of the UK?+
Ready to Start Planning Your Corporate Fun Day?
Tell us your headcount, preferred location, and date window. We'll come back within 24 hours with a tailored, no-obligation proposal — and handle everything from there.
Offices in Aberdeen, Livingston & Manchester — delivering UK-wide