If you are looking for a creative concept for a whole campaign or as a one-off prize, our selection of ideas for weekends away in the UK will give you food for thought. This blog focuses on prizes for couples, however if you would like some ideas for ‘UK Prizes for Families’ and ‘UK Prizes for Groups of Friends’ let us know. We’re always up for a challenge when it comes to creating unique prize ideas.
UK weekend experience prizes for couples
| Celebrate our UK culture | ||
 David in Lisburn | Creative Commons  David Sedlecký | Creative Commons  | We are an island with a rich heritage and celebrate our culture and passions in a mix of festivals and events throughout the year. From the pomp and ceremony of the Last Night of the Proms through to the seriously wacky Birdman competition, here’s a selection of some of our favourites for couples.* Edinburgh Fringe FestivalNotting Hill CarnivalSt Patrick’s DayLondon Fashion WeekLord Mayor’s Show, LondonGlyndebourn Music FestivalWorthing International Birdman CompetitionCoopers Hill Cheese Rolling EventBristol International Balloon FestivalBrighton Pride FestivalBath Comedy FestivalBBC Proms FestivalLongleat Festival of LightFilm4 Summer ScreenChristmas at Kew | |
| UK Hospitality Events | ||
   | With many of the premium hospitality events cancelled for this year, we expect 2021 will see these annual experiences celebrated with renewed vigour. Give your winners the chance to attend the most prestigious events in the UK calendar. Here’s a selection of some of our favourites particularly suitable for couples.* Henley Rowing RegattaChelsea Flower ShowLadies’ Day at AscotThe Grand NationalEpsom Derby DayGlorious GoodwoodCartier Queens Cup PoloThe Royal Opera HouseVIP Box at the O2Last Night of the PromsThe British Grand Prix BallWimbledon Finals | |
| Indulgence Weekends | ||
   | It’s important to take time out to pamper and relax as a couple. Here’s a selection of some of our favourite luxury retreats.** Chocolate Spa WeekendHot Tub at ClivedenHammam Spa Experience for twoMindfulfness RetreatTreetop Suite, Chewton GlenThe Scarlet, CornwallLime Wood Hotel and Spa, New ForestGrantley Hall, RiponCoworth Park, BerkshireFoxhill Manor, Cotswolds | |
| Quirky Places to Stay | ||
 Treetops Treehouse | TripAdvisor  No Man’s Fort | TripAdvisor  Finn Lough | TripAdvisor | It’s predicted that after this summer, most people will opt for a ‘staycation’ rather than travelling further afield. As is befitting of the UK spirit, there’s a great range of almost magical accommodation to choose between. Here’s a selection of some of our favourites, from the gorgeous to the slightly more ‘out there’. Whatever you choose, it’ll certainly be a memorable break.** Exopods, CornwallThe Lighthouse, Solent FortTreetops Treehouse, North DevonBubble Domes, Northern IrelandHadlow Tower, KentVW CampervanThe Witchery by the Castle, EdinburghVintage Railway Carriages HotelAirstream Glamping, NorfolkThe Crazy Bear HotelHouseboat WeekendPort Lympne Hotel, KentAugill Castle, CumbriaSunborn Yacht Hotel, London | |
| VIP Weekends | ||
   | If you are looking to take things to a whole new level then a VIP weekend could be just the ticket. Compliment some stunning hotels with a mix of VIP experiences and you have a prize to inspire your dreams. Here’s our tantalising selection of VIP experiences for London, however this option could be delivered right across the UK from Edinburgh to Penzance.** Stylish and contemporary 5* hotelButler servicePowerboats on the ThamesDinner at a Michelin starred restaurantTop show tickets with a private boxPersonal shopping in Selfridges or Harvey NicholsVIP hospitality at a premier sporting event e.g. Ladies’ Day at Ascot or Henley RegattaPhoto makeover sessionChampagne experience at The Shard or London Eye | |
| UK Music Festivals | ||
   @markheybo | Creative Commons | Prizes based around festivals are always popular, so whilst there are not likely to be many festivals this year, there is always 2021! You do need to be mindful of licensing issues. Unless you are a sponsor you are unlikely to be able to offer Glastonbury or other main festivals as prizes, however there are other imaginative options to consider. Provide an allowance for a festival tickets websiteVIP Glamping for a larger festival (promotional approval would be required)Tickets for named niche festivals (promotional approval would be required)Vouchers for an outdoor concerts booking site | |
| Gourmet Indulgence (Food & Drink) | ||
   | Whilst we’ve all been staying home and cooking up a storm, we’ve been eagerly anticipating that all-important time when we can indulge in some gourmet treats. Here are just a few ideas.** Michelin dining experienceChocolate-making workshopDine in the SkyLe Manoir gourmet weekend – combine fine dining, an exclusive hotel stay and cookery classGourmet weekend, PadstowChef’s Table – dine at the chef’s table in a celebrity chef restaurantGintastic – create you own gin experienceWhisky, beer, wine or champagne tasting experienceHotel du Vin wine pairing dinnerGourmet pub weekendRooftop restaurantThe “Pub in the Park” festivalsThe biggest and best food festivals in the UK (e.g. Taste of London, The Big Feastival, Dorset Seafood Festival, Vegfest)Bake Off workshop | |
| Looking for an adventure? | ||
   | If it’s something a bit more thrilling you’re looking for then we’ve compiled a list of our best and most adventurous experiences.** Powerboat ExperienceLlama Trek, South DownsBlack Water Rafting, WalesVelocity Zip Line, Wales (The longest in the UK!)Helicopter FlightBoutique Boot Camp for twoHorse Trekking WeekendSwim with the Seals, North DevonClimb the O2, LondonSAS Survival WeekendStylish Surf Shack WeekendHot Air Balloon Flight | |
| Celebrate our (newfound) creativity | ||
   | Many people have recently found a new passion, hobby or skill, so let’s celebrate it. Whatever it is, you can be sure there’s a specialist weekend to help you explore, develop or improve your new interest. Here’s a selection of some of our favourites.** Antique restorationBakingBee-keepingCookingNeedlecraftPerfume makingPhotographyPainting and drawingShabby chic furniture paintingCreative writingTerrarium workshopGin masterclass | |
| Boutique Weekend Away | ||
   | Everyone loves a stylish weekend away, whether their ideal haven is a super slick city hotel, a beautiful country cottage or a beachside home with a hot tub overlooking the ocean. Whether you create a simple promotional concept of ‘stylish beach weekends’ or a more general ‘indulgent weekends away’ using mix of properties from the following categories, we are confident we will deliver some fabulous options.** Independent boutique hotelsDesigner hotelsStylish gourmet pubsVIP country house hotelsCastlesUnusual accommodationSuper stylish homesCountry cottage breaksSeaside specials | |
*There may be licensing considerations when using specific named events in promotions.
**When using specific named venues or hotels, Active manage supplier approval for promotional use if required.
Active create prizes and provide prize fulfilment for promotions and sales incentive programmes. If you need prize fulfilment services or prizes – from experiences, holidays and bespoke hampers to lifestyle gifts or high-tech items, please contact us.
