May marks National Walking Month, an initiative by UK
charity Living Streets, which encourages people to discover the #MagicOfWalking
and celebrate the benefits it brings to your physical and mental health.
As the month draws to a close, we’ve compiled some of the
venues which are championing the positive impact getting outside for walking
breaks and ‘netwalking’ can have as part of a conference programme.
ICC Wales, Newport
Nestled within the Coldra Woods is a stunning woodland walk
and running trail, which can be accessed directly from ICC Wales. Surrounded by
the serene beauty of the woodland, delegates can reconnect with the natural
world which has been scientifically proven to have a profound impact on mental
health.
The ICC Wales woodland trail provides the perfect sanctuary
for those seeking a peaceful walk during a lunch break, an invigorating run,
discussing important business with a bit of netwalking or simply a moment of
reflection in the great outdoors.
Chapel House Estate
Found in the Kent countryside, veiled by a bountiful
orchard, lush paddocks and a charming walled garden, Chapel House Estate is a
versatile conference and events space. As well as facilities to connect, share
and learn, the 35 acres of outdoor space gives delegates room to breathe and
have proven popular for netwalking meetings. Delegates are welcome to explore
the grounds at their own pace, but walks can also be included as part of the
event programme.
For example, the venue’s gardener, Juliet, offers guided
garden tours, while the in-house environmentalist, Nik, leads wildlife
walks—both providing engaging opportunities to learn about the diverse flora
and fauna at Chapel House Estate.
Jockey Club Venues
With 15 locations throughout the UK, Jockey Club Venues
offer unique and versatile settings for exceptional conferences and events. As
well as first-class facilities and award-winning catering, each venue offers an
abundance of green space for breakout sessions, walking meetings or during
conference intervals.
For example, overlooking the Cotswold Hills, Cheltenham
Racecourse has 360 acres of accessible green space which can be explored via a
public footpath. The Gallops and surrounding grounds at Newmarket Racecourse
are all open to delegates and the public for walking and running alike. As well
as 600 sqm of green spaces, Epsom Downs Racecourse is located on the Epsom
Downs, an area of chalk grassland and woodland swathes making it the ideal
location for netwalking meetings.
Regular breaks and getting outside into nature for a walk
has known benefits including increasing productivity, reducing stress and
improved mental and physical health.
Leeds Castle, Kent
The historic Leeds Castle, located near Maidstone, Kent, is
set within 500-acres of seasonal gardens and parklands, with the 900-year-old
medieval castle at the heart of the estate. This backdrop is ideal for a stroll
between sessions or for walking meetings. Leeds Castle has a range of meetings
and events spaces, some of which, such as Maiden’s Tower, feature outdoor
space. With its own private walled garden, function rooms and five en-suite
bedrooms, the 16th century Maiden’s Tower is suitable for corporate away days
and summer parties.
In addition to its grounds, Leeds Castle is located close to
a number of popular walks including the Leeds Castle and Kingswood Circular
Walk, an eight-kilometre circular which takes around two hours to complete.
This route is open year-round and is popular among birdwatchers, hikers, and
runners.
De Vere Beaumont Estate
De Vere Beaumont Estate is surrounded by 44 acres of
parkland - known as the venue's very own Great Outdoors - which serve as a
natural extension of its indoor meeting spaces.
Research continues to show that time spent
outdoors—especially walking—can spark creativity, reduce stress, and National
Walking Month enhance mental clarity, making open-air sessions an increasingly
popular choice for delegates during the warmer months.
Whether it’s a walking meeting along the estate's dedicated
nature trails, a breakout session under the ‘Cedar View Canopy’ or a
team-building exercise in the new outdoor gym and activity field, De Vere
Beaumont Estate is seeing more and more guests embracing the benefits of
meeting in the fresh air. It’s a simple shift that often leads to more inspired
thinking and productive conversations.
