Spring has sprung, which means we’re celebrating the start of sunny days and the likelihood of getting soggy on a local park trip is finally reducing. Plus, with Spring being a time of renewal and growth, what better time to take your team outside for some fun and meaningful team building activities that shape them for the better?
Cheltenham has plenty of outdoor venues to choose from, each offering unique opportunities to bond, learn, and have fun together. Here are 6 winning spots to take your team building outdoors across the town:
Pittville Park
Perhaps Cheltenham’s most iconic outdoor venue, Pittville has plenty of green open spaces that make a picturesque (and free) backdrop to a team picnic, active trust-building games, or even an outdoor comedy improv session. Then if you’re feeling generous there’s the option of boating on the lake, the pitch & putt, or ice cream.
Sandford Park
Another open space just off the centre of town, Sandford Park is an excellent option for taking an hour out for an employee kickabout, or you could pack some table tennis gear and carry out a team tournament on the tables near the playground.
The Honeybourne Line
Want to make the most of a simple stroll? It’s proven that walking and talking can increase creativity, making it a great alternative to a sit-down team event. The Honeyborne Line makes a straightforward walk if you’re based in Cheltenham town, and has the added fun of the grown-up play/exercise apparatus dotted along the route if any of your employees fancy flexing their muscles.
Cheltenham Markets
If you’re interested in supporting other local businesses, a meet-up at one of Cheltenham’s Markets on the Promenade could be fun. How about giving each of your employees a budget to spend, then meeting at Imperial Gardens to discuss their purchases? Ok, this one’s not completely free, but it’s a sinch on using an expensive conference room hire.
Cheltenham Festivals
Cheltenham Festivals offer a variety of activities (many of which are free) to be enjoyed by teams of all sizes. Whether you head to the Jazz, Science or Literature festival, you’re sure to find something to engage employee minds and encourage conversation.
Leckhampton Hill
If you enjoy a good hike, how about taking your team up Leckhampton Hill (lying to the south and southeast of Cheltenham). This 961ft high hill provides a natural challenge and the rewards of amazing views across the town and beyond. There’s plenty of wildlife to look out for too, with buzzards and kestrels sometimes above head, providing a nice change to your daily office views. If you’ve got team members who aren’t able to trek up, Hartley Lane has parking near the hilltop.
Crickley Hill
Did you know Crickly Hill isn’t actually a natural hill? It’s an iron age fort hill. Yes, you learn something new every day. Either way, it’s another great spot for a walk and amazing views. There are a number of different walking trails to try, varying from flat and accessible to steep scree paths.
Cheltenham Cycle Paths
For another active outdoor team building activity, a bike ride is an unexpected choice but will see your employees having to work together to stay on track (literally). There are a number of free cycle tours you can take about the town.
Why take team building outdoors?
Studies show that getting your teams outdoors has a positive impact on both attention span, creativity and well-being. Which is perhaps no surprise, when you consider how stressful a workplace environment can be, even under the best management. The best news is, you don’t have to be outside for a whole day to experience the benefits of nature. Frontiers in Psychology discovered that as little as 20 minutes outside is great for mental health and mood.
More outdoor team building activity ideas
Found a nice outdoor venue but stuck for ideas on what to actually do to bring your teams together, encourage communication skills and have fun? Here are a few more ideas:
- Have a game of frisbee
- Hold a concert in one Cheltenham’s bandstands
- Play a game of croquet
- Carry out a treasure / scavenger hunt
- Take a tour of the town’s street art
Or how about booking an alfresco comedy improv workshop? Sunshine and laughter make a great combination for staff bonding. While comedy team building improves communication, boosts morale, helps with conflict resolution and builds employee confidence – promising a session of silliness with serious benefits.
Learn more about our funny staff bonding activities in this article.