Planning a corporate away day can sound easy at first, but all it takes is a calendar clash or a late venue change to tip things off balance. Add in the pressure of choosing the right team away day activities for a larger group and that excitement quickly turns to stress. Most people want the day to feel meaningful without being exhausting. Keeping things simple and sensible makes a big difference.

We’ve pulled together steps that simplify the process and help shift your focus to the people involved, not just the plan on paper. Whether you’re thinking ahead to early spring or tackling the mid-winter lull of January, getting the basics right means less hassle and a better experience for everyone.

Choose the Purpose Before the Place

Before chasing locations or dates, it helps to stop and ask what success looks like. A good away day doesn’t need to tick a hundred boxes; it just needs a clear goal. Maybe your team needs a chance to connect beyond the usual work chats, or fresh energy to kick off a new project. Some groups benefit from space to reset and reflect, others need action to bring ideas to life.

Think about what your team needs most right now. Is it stronger communication? A spark of creativity? Or simply time together that doesn’t revolve around work tasks? Once that’s clear, you can shape everything else around it.

For larger groups, keep everyone’s working style in mind. Mixed departments and leadership levels often mean different expectations, so include a balance. Avoid focusing everything on just one group’s preferences. When everyone feels included,the whole day runs better.

Set the Right Timing for the Time of Year

Not every season fits every idea. January, for instance, isn’t the time to rely on outdoor activities or long evening meals. Daylight hours are short and travel can often be unpredictable. But that doesn’t mean you need to wait for spring to run a high-impact team day.

Think of early-year away days as a reset rather than a reward. Indoors usually makes more sense from both a comfort and planning angle. With the right setup, indoor spaces can be just as energising as anything outside.

To keep things low-stress:

  • Avoid school holidays and financial year-end weeks when diaries are packed
  • Secure venue dates well ahead, especially for larger groups
  • Set a clear plan early to avoid last minute decisions that cause extra stress

Pick Activities That Work for Larger Groups

The activities you choose will shape the tone of the entire day. For larger teams, fluid and high-participation formats tend to work better. You’re looking for ideas that let people connect and allow everyone to take part.

Team away day activities that focus on interaction rather than pressure usually go down best in January. Simple challenges that spark teamwork, creative formats that encourage thinking in new ways, or physical tasks that don’t exclude by ability, all offer value.

Here’s what we’ve seen work well for big groups:

  • Hosted formats with structure and flow everyone can follow
  • Energising problem-solving tasks to encourage collaboration
  • Sessions that build momentum without draining people early

Communicate Clearly and Early

A simple plan shared early nearly always beats a detailed one shared last minute. Once you’ve got the basics in place, it helps to start looping people in. Clear communication helps teams feel included and gives them something to look forward to.

When you’re dealing with large numbers, even small delays in communication can lead to confusion. So keep things clear and practical:

  • Share the date, location and general times as soon as they’re confirmed
  • Let people know the purpose of the day early so they understand the aim
  • Outline anything they need to bring or wear 

Try not to have  a packed agenda from start to finish. Instead, allow time for informal conversations and moments that don’t feel too forced. It’s often these pockets of time  when the strongest connections happen.

Consider Professional Support for Structure

When it comes to running large events, having someone guide the flow can make all the difference. It keeps momentum going and stops unnecessarily long transitions or people waiting around awkwardly. 

Relying on internal team members to manage and participate at the same time can stretch morale thin. Those guiding the sessions risk missing the value themselves. A hosted structure gives space for leaders to focus on being present without having to think about what’s next.

Good structure removes friction on the day and helps large groups feel like they’re moving together. It also reduces the pressure to fix things in the moment, which is where stress tends to build.

Make the Most of the Day You’ve Built

When everything comes together, a corporate away day leaves more than just a shared lunch or a few photos. It gives people something to talk about that isn’t just about work shifts and project milestones. 

Taking time to plan it properly signals that the team matters. Matching your team away day activities with the season, energy level and group size reminds them they are more than a task list. They’re a connected part of something wider.

Even in the quieter stretch of the year, a day run with care can leave a lasting impact and build energy for what comes next.

Planning your next away day should be smooth, engaging and focused on what truly matters. We have crafted countless experiences that spark energy and connection . Whether you already have ideas in mind or are simply looking for something new, our team can guide you to the perfect mix of team away day activities. At Team Challenge Company, we know how to create memorable events that work for large teams across the UK. Get in touch and let’s put together an experience your team will never forget.