Iconic scenes from film and TV evoke the beauty and drama of a place, giving it instant appeal to visitors from around the world. From the dramatic drone shots of The Traitors castle to the honey-hewed backdrop of Bridgerton and the sweeping grounds of Downton Abbey, when we see spectacular scenery on the screen, we want to step into the action ourselves.
Holding your corporate event in or near a famous filming location gives your guests the thrill of feeling part of a cultural moment. The brand storytelling and PR opportunities are endless, and it adds an element of fun and excitement to any event.
At Octopus, we can liaise with venues on your behalf to negotiate the best possible rates. Get in touch with Sarah to discuss your next Oscar-worthy event and take a look at our list of star-studded locations for inspiration:
Windswept Drama in Scotland:
Home of The Traitors, Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands is a private residence so while you can book it for a wedding, photo shoot or filming, it isn’t a traditional events venue. However, there are many other equally grand castles and mansions in Scotland where you can stay faithful to the wild, windswept luxury of Ardross. Give or take a tweed-clad Claudia…
Andy Murray and Kim Sear’s hotel, The Cromlix, near Andy’s hometown of Dunblane is a masterclass in rich, vibrant interior design, fine-dining and outdoor adventures. It has several stylish meeting rooms, 15 opulent bedrooms and an abundance of activities for guests to enjoy. With the option of exclusive hire, it would make an excellent venue for a senior leadership event with partners.
Glenapp Castle in Ayrshire gives Ardross a serious run for its money in opulent splendour, plus you can give your guests the once-in-a-lifetime experience of a Hebridean Sea Safari. If a corporate event north of the border sounds appealing, get in touch with us. We’ve got plenty more Scottish hotel recommendations up our sleeves including Cameron House on the shores of Loch Lomond that offers 208 bedrooms and can accommodate up to 500 for meetings and events.
Regency Romance in Bath:
With Austen’s 250th anniversary and another season of Bridgerton about to hit our screens, Bath is having a moment. Your guests can live out their Regency fantasies as they promenade through the golden stone Georgian buildings and “take the waters” at Thermae Bath Spa.
We recommend holding your event in one of the many country house hotels that surround the city and bringing guests in for tours and activities. Homewood House is a favourite of ours, an idyllic estate with a stylish relaxed atmosphere only 6 miles outside Bath. With a small spa and a huge range of on-site activities – including archery, segways, axe throwing and gin making – it’s ideal for a fun, team-building day or an overnight luxury reward and recognition programme.
Decadence in Hampshire
Six TV series and three films have forever cemented Highclere Castle as the much-loved fictional home of Downton Abbey. The rolling Capability Brown parkland, sweeping staircases and grand state rooms are as much the stars of the show as the actors themselves. Highclere is available to hire as a private venue, but the waiting list can be long, so if you’re super organised you could plan your event years ahead to secure the date you want or, if not, stay nearby and book a guided tour for your guests instead.
If the budget is generous, Heckfield Place is a beautiful choice with a range of meeting spaces to suit every occasion and exquisite dining options, not forgetting the impressive screening room that can seat 67. True to its name, The Vineyard in Berkshire has an incredible wine collection, a Tasting Room and several versatile meeting spaces, while The Retreat at Elcot Park is a satisfying combination of quirky British charm and country house luxury.
Feel-good fun in Richmond
The wholesome humour of Ted Lasso has melted the hearts of fans around the world. Much of the series was filmed in leafy Richmond with several key scenes shot in Richmond Park, on the banks of the Thames and outside The Prince’s Head on Richmond Green. Create your own feel-good event at The Petersham Hotel, just 8 miles from Heathrow airport and with easy access to central London. With bright, airy meeting rooms, intimate private dining spaces and 61 bedrooms, it’s an ideal venue for a Strategy Day, Team Building or Product Launch.
Shaken-Not-Stirred in Montenegro
Although much of it was actually filmed in the Czech Republic, Casino Royale put Montenegro on the map as the glamorous destination Daniel Craig races towards on a Japanese-style bullet train, sipping champagne. With beautiful mountains, medieval fortresses and an Adriatic coastline, the country is fast emerging as a standout destination for meetings and conferences. One & Only Portonovi is on our radar as a world-class venue on the banks of UNESCO-listed Boka Bay. It boasts expansive meeting rooms, global cuisine and a wide array of activities on and off the water. And with the news that British Airways is launching a new route from London Heathrow to Tivat next year (May – September) is fantastic
Mystery and Intrigue in Oxford
From Alice in Wonderland and Harry Potter to Inspector Morse and The Golden Compass, the dreaming spires of Oxford have long been the inspiration and setting for books, TV shows and films. The city also happens to be very local to Octopus HQ so we know it like the back of our hands.
The Store is an exciting new boutique hotel in the heart of the city with a restaurant, private dining room and rooftop bar with striking views of the Oxford skyline. It’s an ideal setting for a client dinner or rewards and incentives programme.
Out of the city in the countryside, nothing beats the history and grandeur of Blenheim Palace which has several spectacular private spaces available to hire for promotional events, product launches, showcases, spectacular parties and awards ceremonies. The photo opportunities are epic, and it has been used as film location for global blockbusters ranging from the BFG, Cinderella and Transformers to James Bond, The Diplomat and Mission Impossible
There are plenty of activities on offer in Oxford from punting on the river, food tours, private open top bus tours and ghost tours with stops at Oxford Castle. Other private tours close by include the MINI factory, Williams F1 and the world-famous Bodleian Library.
High Fashion in France
If fashion, culture and the arts align with your brand, the magical ‘City of Lights’ should be high on your list of potential locations. In recent years, the Netflix mega-hit, Emily in Paris has served as a stylish reminder of the city’s atmospheric pavement cafes, charming streets and elegant architecture. Don your best designer gear and host your event in the magnificent event spaces and well-equipped boardrooms of the Hotel Plaza Athenee on a tree-lined boulevard in the Paris fashion district. It’s a quick stroll to both the Eiffel Tower and the Champs Elysees.
For an equally sophisticated vibe but with Mediterranean views and sunshine, head to the South of France and the iconic Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, a Four Seasons Hotel on the French Riviera. The hotel can arrange memorable activities that range from St Tropez boat trips and vintage car rental to French pastry classes and mixology. An hour away, the Perfumerie Fragonard is a museum and perfume factory that offers workshops, tours and factory talks.
For a discovery call with Sarah about your next corporate event or to find out about the types of events we plan and deliver, please get in touch via our contact form, or email: hello@octopusevents.com
