Team Building Activities in London

Why do most team building activities fall flat?

Finding team building activities in London can be a thankless task. Some colleagues hope the event clashes with a client call, while others dread being pulled into an awkward icebreaker.

That hesitation is understandable. An Acas survey of 1,052 employees across Great Britain found team-building activities were the most disliked work social of all, with 31% of employees naming them as a least favourite. One-off celebrations, including birthdays, leaving dos and Christmas parties, were viewed far more positively, with only 12% disliking them.

The difference is that workshops can put people under pressure, while celebrations give them permission to relax. The best team activities therefore feel less like organised bonding and more like a party with a game built into it.

At The Curling Club, we host winter work parties for groups of six to 400+. Reluctant colleagues usually start relaxing within minutes, often as soon as someone unexpectedly wins the first end.

What should you ask before booking?

Start with the actual group size. Ask venues how many people can participate at once, rather than relying on their advertised capacity. A venue that accommodates 60 guests may only allow 20 to play while everyone else waits.

You should also agree on a budget per person. An activity by itself will usually cost less than a package that includes food, drinks and a reserved area, so check exactly what the quoted price covers.

Think carefully about the season and venue. Outdoor activities can work well during summer, but events between November and March need to be indoors or have a reliable bad-weather alternative.

Most importantly, consider whether everyone can participate comfortably. Avoid activities that rely on fitness, alcohol or solo performances. It should also be easy for someone to step away for a round without attracting attention.

Timing matters too. Evening events can exclude commuters and employees with caring responsibilities. Holding the activity during working hours often makes it easier for the whole team to attend.

Ice-free curling at The Curling Club

Ice-free curling is played on a synthetic surface using weighted stones that are pushed by hand towards a marked target. There are no skates, no cold conditions and no previous experience required.

We run curling at Vinegar Yard, a short walk from London Bridge station, and at our Chelsea venue, part of the winter village at Chelsea Winter Illuminations, from November each winter. Groups can range from six people to 400+ with exclusive venue hire.

How does curling work?

Teams take turns sliding stones towards a circular target. Once every stone has been played, the team with the closest stone scores. Each round is called an end, while the final stone is known as the hammer and gives its team an important tactical advantage.

That is almost the entire rule set. Most groups understand the game within four minutes and start competing almost immediately.

Why does curling work for teams?

Everyone begins at roughly the same standard. Curling depends more on communication, judgement and touch than strength or fitness, so sporty colleagues do not automatically have an advantage.

Nobody has to perform alone, and the short rounds allow people to step away without disrupting the game. There is also no ice, special clothing or footwear to worry about.

The activity then flows naturally into the rest of the event. Guests can continue the evening with street food, drinks, music and plenty of debate about which shot actually won the game.

The Curling Club is an Official Partner of the Team GB Foundation and works with Olympic curlers, including Beijing 2022 gold medallist Eve Muirhead. We also partnered with World Curling to run the inaugural UK Floor Curling Championships, giving teams the opportunity to try a genuine competitive sport in a relaxed setting.

Locations and packages

Vinegar Yard is a short walk from London Bridge station, while our Chelsea venue forms part of the winter village at Chelsea Winter Illuminations. Rent 2 Curl can also bring the lanes, stones and instructors to workplaces and event venues throughout the UK.

Packages range from Pay and Play sessions through to reserved-area options. The House package includes a reserved area for three hours, a drink, a small plate and an hour of curling. Curls of Wisdom includes four hours in a reserved area, three drinks, a main meal and an hour of curling. See current pricing and availability to book.

Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available with advance notice. Larger groups can also arrange exclusive venue hire, or get in touch to discuss custom packages.

Other unusual team building activities in London

Quiz Boxing in Camden places players inside a boxing-style arena, answering questions individually or in pairs rather than throwing punches. Groups can customise the categories, although each arena holds a maximum of 12 players, so larger groups will need multiple arenas running side by side. It usually suits groups of four to 36 and costs around £25 per person.

The Traitors Live Experience in Covent Garden recreates the round-table format of the television programme. Guests receive roles and spend around two hours trying to identify who is lying. It can be entertaining for confident groups, but some colleagues may find the deception and public discussion uncomfortable. General admission currently starts at £39.50 per person for off-peak dates, rising to around £70 per person equivalent for a VIP private table, with private tables available for larger parties.

Baranis on Chancery Lane has an indoor pétanque court attached to a French-inspired cocktail bar. The game is straightforward and relaxed, although having one court means larger groups will spend more time watching. Pétanque is free to play for large group bookings and private hire, with a small per-person booking fee for casual slots, and food and drinks charged separately.

Reliable alternatives

Social darts is one of the safest options for mixed groups. Electronic boards handle the scoring, and different game formats keep the activity accessible. Sessions often cost between £10 and £15 per person, although food and drinks are generally charged separately.

Social bingo also works across a wide range of ages and abilities because winning relies on luck rather than skill. Live hosts and prizes create a lively atmosphere, although the seated format may not appeal to more active groups. Standard tickets typically range from £10 to £20 per person, with themed or meal-inclusive packages costing more.

When should you book?

An activity alone will generally cost between £15 and £30 per person. Packages that include food, drinks and a reserved area are more likely to cost between £35 and £60. Exclusive venue hire is priced separately according to the date and number of guests.

Begin planning Christmas events during spring or early summer. The most popular December dates at central London venues can disappear by July, particularly Fridays and the two weeks before Christmas.

Seasonal venues follow a different calendar. The Curling Club operates from November through to late February, making it well suited to both Christmas parties and winter work events into the new year.

Come and curl with us

The best team activity is one your colleagues would choose even if attendance were optional. Everyone should be able to participate without training, and the event should continue naturally once the game finishes.

Ice-free curling meets both requirements. It works for groups of six to 400+, requires no experience and can be combined with food, drinks and a reserved area.

Tell us your preferred date, group size and dietary requirements, and we will help you choose the right package.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most popular team building activities in London?

Curling, escape rooms, bowling and crazy golf are popular because they are familiar and easy to organise. However, choosing something less familiar can make the event feel more memorable.

How much do London team building activities cost?

Most activities cost between £15 and £60 per person. The lower end usually covers the activity alone, while higher-priced packages may include food, drinks and a reserved area.

What are some unusual team building ideas?

Ice-free curling, Quiz Boxing, indoor pétanque and immersive experiences such as The Traitors offer alternatives to standard escape rooms and bowling.

Which activities work for large groups?

Groups of more than 40 should look for venues offering exclusive hire. Ask whether everyone can participate simultaneously or whether guests will need to rotate through the activity.

Do you need experience to try curling?

No. Every session is designed for beginners and includes guidance from The Curling Club team. There is no ice and no special clothing or footwear is required.

Where can you try curling in London?

The Curling Club operates at Vinegar Yard near London Bridge and at Chelsea Winter Illuminations during the winter season.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other dietary options are available with advance notice.

When should you book a Christmas team event?

Aim to book by the end of September, or by mid-October at the latest. December Fridays and dates immediately before Christmas usually sell out first.