The Grand, York, Collaborate & Celebrate - Team Building

About Venue

Built in 1906 as a ‘Palace of Business’, originally the headquarters for one of the most powerful railway companies in England, it was built during the Golden Age of travel. The Grand is an iconic building, which reflects the elegance and glamour of the period, the success and wealth of the company that commissioned it.

In 2010, this imposing building was reborn as one of Yorkshire’s finest hotels and meeting spaces. Splendidly retaining many of its original features, The Grand exudes luxury and grandeur and has a reputation for exceptional service in the style and tradition you would expect from a five-star hotel, combined the warmest of Yorkshire welcomes.

The Grand, York is surrounded by the longest and best-preserved medieval walls in England. York is steeped in a rich history dating back to the Romans and the Vikings. The architecture and visitor attractions are testament to this, with a roll call of cultural treasures, museums and art.

The Grand, York is currently undergoing an extensive and exciting spa renovation, with our brand new spa opening on the 8th December 2025. Gests are still welcome to book Elemis spa treatments to enjoy throughout the duration of the renovations. We apologise for any inconvenience. Please be assured that the renovations should cause no further disruption to your stay with us.

Take some time away from working and bring the team together.

Whether it’s learning new skills in the kitchen, a spot of stargazing or even some competitive axe throwing, The Grand, York is the perfect location for your next team building event. With its versatile event spaces and city centre location it is ideal for visitors from across the country.

We’ve put together three “off-the-shelf” activities to make it easy or alternatively you can build your own from our range of create your own options.

TEAM BUILDING WITH BITE - It’s a chance for your team to show what they are made of in the kitchen. With various packages available, you can chose whether your group will need to work together or get competitive with each other to create the perfect dish.

MIX & TWIST - Enjoy a morning meeting in one of our fully-equipped meeting rooms, a wholesome lunch served in our Grand foyer and then get mixing with a two hour cocktail making class. Will that be shaken or stirred?

DISCOVER YORK - Bring the team together for a morning meeting on-site, enjoy a buffet lunch and then head off into historic York for an afternoon of discovery. It’s a wonderful introduction to the city for those who have never visited before.



Additionally we can create bespoke packages to suit your team including:

THE COOKERY SCHOOL The Cookery School at The Grand, York is the perfect setting for teams, the experience brings a dynamic, interactive element to any event. It’s a chance for your team to show what they are made of in the kitchen. With various packages available, you can chose whether your group will need to work together or get competitive with each other to create the perfect dish.

Ready, Steady, Cook It’s competition time! Let your team take part in the much-loved cooking classic – Ready, Steady, Cook! Groups are given a box of mystery ingredients to create a spectacular starter and main course that will blow away our judge.

The Grand British Bake Off It’s time to recreate the famous Bake-Off tent with your team. This experience will bring out your competitive side, exposing whether your team are star bakers or end up with sunken soufflés.

Private Classes The perfect opportunity for your team to cook in pairs or individually with a recipe of your choosing. Cookery School Director, Marc, will demonstrate each element of the dish allowing the team to then go back to their stations to recreate it.

LIVE FOR TODAY Get your competitive game on and challenge your team to an active day of axe throwing, archery or quad biking. For the ultimate team building, brain-training activity take part in a cryptic chase with your team, packed with clues, riddles and puzzles. This is no leisurely stroll, you’ll be up against the clock, get in gear and gain a place on the famous Cryptic Chase Leader board! Sure to keep you guessing until the very end!

FLORISTRY WORKSHOP Exclusively with Fulford Flowers During this floristry experience you will be joined by celebrity florist, Sheryl Popplewell of Fulford Flowers, who has worked with many A-List clients, films, TV shows and intimate celebrity parties. Your workshop will include refreshments, an introduction from Sheryl and an interactive flower arranging class where you can craft a display to take home with you. A perfect chance for your team, to relax, unwind and get creative together… and also find out who amongst them have green fingers!

STARGAZING IN THE NORTH YORK MOORS Enjoy an unforgettable evening in the North York Moors with an expert astronomer, where the skies have been recognised as one of the best spots for stargazing. A city hotel, but close enough to venture out to the beautiful countryside, we provide access to both sides of the county. From stargazing under the Yorkshire sky to expert guidance from Astronomer Richard Darn, leave the Dark Skies experiences feeling relaxed and enchanted The perfect opportunity for your team to wrap up warm and have a magical, memorable experience together.

Contact our team to find out more.