Business and leisure have become one and and the same in recent years, and few places have seen this first-hand than the UK’s coastal hubs. You can see how some seaside cities have reinvented themselves entirely to cater to this crowd. In this article, we’ll look at the transformation witnessed by some of the UK’s best harbourside hubs, where work and play have merged.
The Rise of Harborside Hubs
Harborside hubs are development projects situated along the water, where the area’s natural beauty and coastal amenities combine with modern infrastructure to create the perfect spot for professionals looking to unwind and take things a little slower. These hubs have incredible skylines that would be unrecognisable from a decade earlier and are also working to redefine how professionals view business and leisure in their cities. Many businesses focus on collaboration and offering less traditional experiences, which is why harbourside hubs have become such a popular option.
Many of these cities have built up eye-catching marinas and high-end yacht clubs and are close to everything you need for a business leisure trip, like golf courses and conference venues. Golfing by the sea and the option of local fish ‘n’ chips afterwards? The corporate landscape will never be the same. This combination of business and leisure offers professionals and executives the chance to escape from the ordinary and find the perfect blend of luxury, relaxation, and productivity.
For executives looking to experience a harbourside hub, whether alone or with their team, the natural choice is to travel by private jet charter. While the cost might be higher than flying commercially, the luxury and convenience are unlike anything else. Instead of losing valuable time in endless airport queues, you could choose your own schedule and stick to it, which increases your productive hours. You can get to your favoured coastal hub at a time that suits you, mainly because many of these cities have their own airports open to non-commercial travel.
The UK’s Rising Harbourside Hubs
As we’ve explained, these hubs have become very popular among corporate employees looking to blur the line between business and leisure. Working weekends away will never be the same.
Plymouth — Home to Coastal Charms and Nautical Heritage
Plymouth is a historically significant city in the UK with the seaside heritage you would expect from a south-coast city.
The Royal William Yard is Plymouth’s state-of-the-art waterfront development, offering the perfect location for corporate events thanks to its mix of modern apartments, restaurants, and luxury shops.
What’s more, the Royal Plymouth Corinthian Yacht Club is a must-visit spot for any professional with an interest in the sea, making it perfect for networking and client meetings. If you want something more in line with classic corporate retreats, the Staddon Heights Golf Club might be more to your taste. With top views of the greater Plymouth area, it’s the perfect choice if you want to add something extra to your trip.
Cardiff — The New Corporate Face of Wales’s Capital
Cardiff has undergone a massive transformation in recent years, going from a small mining city with little to offer to a powerhouse in the south. As the capital city of Wales, Cardiff has a natural appeal, but with a waterfront to rival the very best and the recent development of Cardiff Bay, its reputation is growing. The Cardiff Bay waterfront area has the perfect blend of amazing architecture and a busy, vibrant atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for corporate events.
St David’s Hotel is the clear choice if you’re staying in Cardiff. Located on the waterfront, it’s the perfect setting for conferences and business meetings so that you can have the best of both worlds. If you want to take your business away from the city, Cardiff Golf Club offers a great view for a few rounds. After a visit here, you can be sure of making a lasting impression on your clients.
Southampton — World-Class Marinas and Luxury Experiences
Tucked away on England’s south coast, Southampton is known for its relationship with the sea. The city has an incredible marina known far and wide for being home to luxury yachts that would make the world’s very best jealous.
Many of these yachts are available for hire, so they could be a great option if you want to treat a client or business lead to an unforgettable experience, while the Royal Southampton Yacht Club is a great indoor option if the weather takes a turn. Southampton has everything from high-end hotels to conference and golf facilities, so you won’t leave feeling short-changed.
Southampton, with its world-class marinas and luxury experiences, offers a perfect blend of business and leisure on the UK coast. From hiring opulent yachts to hosting meetings at the Royal Southampton Yacht Club, this city is an excellent destination for impressing clients or unwinding after a day of work. For those inspired by Southampton’s maritime charm, exploring cruise ship roles could be a gateway to a rewarding career at sea.
Booking Your Business and Leisure Trip
If you’re planning a work trip and want to find the perfect blend of business and leisure, go with any of our picks. If we were to pick one, we’d probably go with Cardiff, owing to its strong rail and air transportation links, cultural heritage, and social scene — but you might feel strongly about somewhere else.
When researching, keep an eye out for accommodation and how close you are to conferencing and working facilities. What’s important is that once you choose somewhere that works for you and your team, you all enjoy the luxuries of the UK seaside. And if you’re looking for a corporate event, feel free to reach out to us to help you organize a watersport activity for you team in the UK!
