1. Water sports: Kayaking, Canoeing & Paddleboarding

For something more tranquil, head onto the water for a kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding session. Fresh air, open space, and peaceful lakes help teams unwind and reset their thinking.

Derwentwater (one of the region’s most beautiful lakes) - hosts a wide range of providers offering guided sessions suitable for all experience levels. Perfect for breaking up a day of strategy workshops.

2. Axe Throwing: Fun, Competitive & Unexpected

Axe throwing always brings a smile and quickly breaks down barriers. It is competitive, accessible, memorable - and can be set up directly on the castle grounds.

Local partner companies (Such as Lumber Lounge Axe Throwing) can bring the full experience to Rose Castle, meaning no travel time and an easy fit into your itinerary. Ideal as a pre-dinner warm-up or afternoon energiser.

3. Archery: Precision, Patience & Team Focus

Archery, delivered by trusted partners such as Michael Coates Activities, offers a calm yet engaging challenge that suits all experience levels. Under expert instruction, participants learn technique, control and steady focus while building confidence as a group.

It is a memorable, accessible activity that encourages teamwork, communication and shared achievement — ideal for teams who enjoy learning a new skill in a supportive, structured environment.

4. 9-Hole Crazy Golf: Light-Hearted Team Bonding

The 9-hole crazy golf course offers a fun, accessible challenge for all ages, making it ideal for relaxed competition, light-hearted rivalry and creative team-building tasks. Teams can bond as they navigate playful obstacles, celebrate small victories and enjoy an informal activity that encourages connection and conversation and collaboration.

5. Zip Lining & Abseiling: Challenge + Confidence Boost

Push your team out of their comfort zone with an exhilarating zip-line or abseiling experience. Keswick Adventures (leaders in Lake District outdoor pursuits for over 20 years) can either host you at their site or create a bespoke course at Rose Castle.

For the bold: imagine abseiling down the historic Strickland Tower. With highly qualified instructors, your team will be challenged safely and come away with renewed confidence.

6. Hiking: A Mindful Reset in the Fells

If you would like your retreat to create space for meaningful pause, a guided hike is the perfect choice. Just beyond Rose Castle lie some of England’s most iconic walking routes.

Choose from:

• Fairfield Horseshoe

• Helvellyn Ridge

• Scafell Pike

Whether you are aiming for a gentle walk or a more challenging climb, there is a route for every level - and the conversations that unfold on the trail can be genuinely transformational.

For teams seeking a deeper, more structured experience, we also work with specialist facilitators such as See Events, who can turn time on the trail into a mindful session that helps groups reset, reconnect and gain clarity together.

7. Fishing: A Calm, Connection-Building Escape

Fishing is one of the most underrated team-building activities - it slows the pace, encourages conversation, and creates shared moments of calm.

With the River Caldew running alongside Rose Castle, guests can cast for trout at golden hour before returning to a banquet dinner. We can organise permits, equipment, and guiding for all experience levels.

8. Whisky Tasting: A Relaxed Evening Wind-Down

Wind down after a productive day with a whisky tasting experience from The Lakes Distillery. Led by expert distillers, sessions can take place at the distillery itself or privately within the castle - including the State Dining Room or the Nicholson Room for a more intimate feel.

Ideal for encouraging connection, conversation, and reflection.

Why Choose Rose Castle for Your Corporate Retreat?

A corporate away day is more than a change of scenery - it is a chance to strengthen relationships, build trust, and unlock ideas that rarely flourish in busy offices.

At Rose Castle, we offer:

• 60 acres of private grounds for tailored activities

• Fully bespoke itineraries, from high-adrenaline adventures to mindful team sessions

• Historic and inspiring spaces for strategy meetings, workshops, and private dining

• A dedicated events team who handles everything from logistics to local partnerships

Whether you are planning a full-scale retreat or a one-day offsite, we will help you create an unforgettable experience (shaped around your goals and your team.)

Discover how Rose Castle can elevate your next corporate away day: Contact us today