An inspiring spot for Incentive Groups

12 September 2022
Gleneagles hotel in the autumn with hills in the background

Here at Gleneagles, with over 850-acres of surrounding estate and 50+ pursuits available to our guests, we’re big believers in the benefits of reconnecting with colleagues in the great outdoors, making the Glorious Playground the perfect destination for incentive groups. With a thousand and one things to do, get some extra inspiration with our incentives sample itinerary below.

Day 1

Arrive at Edinburgh or Glasgow airports and lean back as our chauffeur service sweeps you away to Perthshire, where 850 acres of hills, fields, streams and adventure awaits you within a 50 minutes’ drive.

3PM Arrive to the hotel with a friendly hello at the door by one of our majestic Golden eagles. Then head to The Parlour or the Billiard Room, two spaces in the heart of the hotel perfect for private check-ins. Enjoy some light refreshments while our porters ensure your luggage gets taken to the rooms.

6PM For your first evening head to Ochil House, perfect as an exclusive space for bespoke events, and enjoy an informal welcome cocktail reception with heavy appetizers. For larger groups, opt for a buffet style dinner in our elegant Ballroom, harking back to the glories of the Edwardian era.

The ballroom set up for a banquet with large round tables and chandeliers

Day 2

8AM Start the day tucking into our legendary breakfast in The Strathearn; indulge in smoked salmon, a full Scottish breakfast; made-to-order pancakes, a Bloody Mary and lashings of coffee before immersing yourself in our exhilarating program of pursuits.

9:30AM Today you’ll discover why Gleneagles is called The Glorious Playground. Try your hand at handling our beautiful gun dogs, flying a magnificent Harris Hawk, thrashing a 4 x 4 through a river, hitting clay targets at the shooting school or balls on the driving range.

12:30PM Nip back to the hotel for lunch at leisure in The Birnam. This afternoon it’s time to chill out on the lawn with some traditional games or explore our estate further using our iconic Pashley bikes.

7PM For dinner venture beyond the grounds of the Gleneagles Hotel and explore our local surroundings. You’ll find some excellent restaurants, including the Kirkstyle Inn in the historic village of Dunning. Or opt for a truly unique gastronomic experience at Lalique Restaurant in the heart of Scotland’s oldest working distillery, The Glenturret.

Day 3

7:30AM Head to The Strathearn for another divine breakfast or if you fancy a lazy start of the day, order your breakfast to have in your room.

9AM Today your group will be exploring Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city. Your coach will sweep you from the rolling Ochil hills to 16th Century cobbled streets where history comes to life.

10:30AM Your morning is all about seeing the best of the city with a panoramic tour and a visit to Edinburgh Castle. It’s a castle on a volcano, so it’s small wonder that Edinburgh Castle is one of the UK’s most iconic tourist attractions!

12PM With an unrivalled food offering from Michelin-starred restaurants, upmarket dining rooms to trendy cafés, you are truly spoiled for choice when it comes to eating out in Edinburgh. For smaller groups, head to The Spence at Gleneagles Townhouse.

2:30PM Continue your day with a private tour of The Royal Yacht Britannia. Visit the Royal Deck Tea Room and enjoy a Champagne Cream Tea in the very same spot where the Royal Family would have played deck games. Or head back to Princes Street and visit the Johnnie Walker Experience for an immersive whisky experience.

7PM It’s time to return to Gleneagles, where a cocktail reception in the Glendevon awaits, before immersing yourself in exceptional dishes created from Scotland’s finest produce in the Strathearn, the Birnam or The Dormy restaurant.

the Edinburgh skyline

Day 4

8AM It’s going to be another jam-packed day, so get the carbs on board with our Strathearn breakfast.

10AM This morning try your hand at some traditional Highland Games, which lasts anywhere between 2-4 hours depending on group size. Whether testing your strength at Tossing the Caber, indulging in the sport of Hammer Throwing, acquiring the ancient skill of Archery or going head to head with colleagues in a mighty Tug O’ War finale, we offer an exciting range of authentic traditional games demonstrated by renowned Highland Games Champions.

12:30PM Gather with your clan and celebrate victory with a casual group lunch in The Dormy while enjoying amazing views over the King’s and Queen’s courses.

2:30PM Finish your day relaxing with a leisurely swim and thermal experience, or book a luxurious treatment to get rid of any aches and pains in our newly refurbished Spa.

6:30PM In preparation for the evening’s dining excursion, we’ll deliver kilts and sashes to the rooms and provide a fitting demonstration. Slip into this historic piece of clothing before making the 20-minute journey to Stirling Castle for a Gala reception and dinner. A bagpiper will welcome your group on arrival at this spectacular historical site, followed by a four-course dinner and the traditional address to the haggis. A Scottish night isn’t complete without a Ceilidh dance, so get ready to move your feet! A Beat the Retreat Ceremony will bring the night’s celebrations to a close, before heading back to Gleneagles for a final night cap (or two!) in The Century Bar.

 

Day 5

8AM After all that dancing, you’ll want a quite start to the day with breakfast at leisure.

10AM Head out to explore some of Scotland’s most popular visitor attractions. Some local highlights with optional tours and within a 60 minutes’ drive are: Scotland’s oldest working distillery The Glenturret, crowning place of kings Scone Palace, Outlander film locations such as Doune Castle, Scotland’s first design museum V&A Dundee, luxury shopping at the House of Bruar, or explore the historic seaside town of St Andrews.

6:30PM On return to the hotel, head to The Shooting Lodge for a farewell reception, only a 5 minute transfer from the hotel. Cosy and casual, it has a real sense of the outdoors with beautiful wooden walls and exposed stone chimney. Enjoy a three course BBQ menu, the perfect alternative to a sit-down meal. Finish the evening with some local entertainment before getting a transfer back to the hotel. If you’re still not ready to call it a night, drop by The Inglenook for an al fresco whisky and cigar.

Stirling Castle

Day 6

9AM After all that, you’ll fancy a lazy start to the day so how about breakfast in bed with the papers. For those catching an early flight, we can set up a ‘Grab & Go’ breakfast in The Parlour, to make sure you are ready for the journey ahead.

11AM If you still have a little extra time ahead of a long flight you may want to dust off the walking boots for a walk around one of our three beautiful Championship golf courses in equally beautiful settings.

2PM That’s the end of your rural retreat, but as The Glorious Playground has even more to offer, we look forward to welcoming you back to continue your countryside adventure.

A successful corporate event is all in the planning. Which is why our experienced team are with you to discover your objectives together, listening to your needs and collaborating with you to deliver the best event imaginable.

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