DO NOT DISTURB

THEMED VENUES DO NOTdisturb Our pick of the regions’ hotel venues

Venue capacities may change amid the coronavirus pandemic

THORNBURY CASTLE HOTEL

01454 281 182 | www.thornburycastle.co.uk

What can you expect? Thornbury Castle boasts the best-preserved Tudor gardens in England. With the backdrop of the grand castle and surrounding wisteria and English roses, the grounds here offer the perfect big-day setting.

The honeymoon destination of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, this venue is steeped in history. From the original mounting steps where Henry VIII would have stood, to the feature oriel windows, there are endless fairytale features. Each bedchamber allows guests to step back in time, with four-poster beds and exposed stone walls.

Let’s celebrate! Intimate ceremonies can be held in The Library (14 guests), The Lounge (24 guests) or outside in the Summerhouse in the rose garden (14 guests). Larger parties will love the historic splendour of The Goodly Gardens (75 guests) or The Tudor Hall (75 guests), with its stone walls, original fireplace and oriel window.

Small post-vow celebrations are held in The Baron’s Sitting Room and Chancellor’s Lounge (20 guests). These two adjacent rooms provide a long feature dining table alongside a private lounge. The largest celebration space is The Tudor Hall and Boyling House (120 evening guests). The Tudor Hall can be transformed into a memorable wedding breakfast room, with Boyling House providing a private reception room and bar.

We love… The Anne Boleyn and Jane Seymour wedding packages offer couples a complimentary menu tasting, as well as a bed-and-breakfast stay in a deluxe bedchamber for their anniversary

https://markleonardphotography.co.uk

www.jamesandkerriephotography.co.uk www.jamesandkerriephotography.co.uk

CROWCOMBE COURT

01984 618 752 | www.crowcombecourt.co.uk

What can you expect? Set at the foot of the Quantock Hills is Crowcombe Court. With its lake, hydrangea beds, kitchen garden, lawns and wild woodland, the venue provides plenty of stunning backdrops for photographs.

The magnificent Grade I listed squire’s mansion was built in English Baroque style in the 1730s from amber-coloured bricks with Bath Stone pilasters and frontispiece. Once inside, visitors find sumptuous interiors and 11 superb rooms with king-size beds, Edwardian furniture and luxurious en suites.

Let’s celebrate! Ceremonies normally take place in the grandeur of The Great Hall (100 guests) with its intricate Italian plasterwork and flexible layout, while The Carew Room is ideal for more intimate nuptials. Outside, the new Gazebo is the perfect outdoor setting, with the Quantock Hills as a spectacular backdrop.

After the formalities, bespoke wedding breakfasts can take place in The Victorian Ballroom (100 guests). Its high ceilings and stunning chandeliers make it a wonderful space for newlyweds to celebrate their first meal as a married couple. After this, the nightclub-style vaulted Undercroft has a stage, dancefloor and bar just waiting for a celebration.

We love… Couples can make use of the new Getting Ready Room. Designed for pre-wedding prep, it features make-up stations, mirrors, an en suite bathroom and plenty of space for champagne and photos!

HOTEL DU VIN & BISTRO BRISTOL

0117 925 5577 | www.hotelduvin.com

What can you expect? Located in the old quarter of the city, set inside a restored sugar house, this hotel offers a sophisticated yet relaxed venue with a focus on great food and drink. The collection of Grade II listed former sugar warehouses feature a tranquil courtyard with a canopy of lights, Juliette balconies and historical decor, which celebrates the city’s industrial past.

Inside there are 40 bedrooms, including double-height loft suites, and each offers its own eye-catching details. There’s also an award-winning bistro and exquisite private event spaces. to 120 people. Lombard (72 guests) benefits from high vaulted ceilings and a secluded roof terrace. Christie’s Library and Janneau Bar (36 ceremony guests and 80 evening guests) boasts exposed brickwork and rustic wooden beams. The welcoming Le Pin (24 ceremony guests and 40 evening guests) is elaborately hand-painted in the style of Gustav Klimt. Smaller parties will love Lanson (12 guests).

We love… Couples can opt for exclusive use of the hotel, giving them the run of the whole venue and its 40 bedrooms. There’s also complimentary menu tasting available.

www.lucydavenport.co.uk

MAUNSEL HOUSE

01278 661 076 | www.maunselhouse.co.uk

What can you expect? Maunsel House is found in 100 acres of grounds including stunning gardens, orchards and lakes. The venue is hidden away behind a driveway of chestnut trees and is surrounded by quintessentially English country gardens, which include a pergola and bandstand, walled garden and Victorian kitchen and herb garden. Visitors will love seeing the resident peacocks, Shetland ponies and other creatures roaming free.

The main entrance is draped in wisteria while climbing roses creep up the house. Inside, it has a brilliantly eccentric feel with its eclectic mix of interiors and memorabilia. The house has 13 luxury bedrooms, all of which ooze charm. Let’s celebrate! There are many beautiful settings for vows. The Regency Ballroom (up to 180 guests with extension marquee) gives a sumptuous feel with its gold curtains and gilded mirrors, while the undercover Pergola (180 guests) offers a picturesque spot for nuptials. Smaller parties should consider the beautifully decorated Dining Room (35 guests) or St Michael’s Church (50 guests).

The Regency Ballroom and Pergola are wonderful reception areas, while the bar within the main house is a great focal point for parties with its pub-like atmosphere.

We love… A dedicated wedding coordinator is allocated to each couple. If travelling from a great distance for planning meetings, nearlyweds are offered selfcatering accommodation for the night.

THE CROSSWAYS INN

01749 899 000 | www.thecrossways.co.uk

What can you expect? Found in the heart of Somerset, near Wells and Glastonbury, The Crossways Inn boasts a tranquil setting in the small village of North Wootton, with unspoilt views of Glastonbury Tor.

Originally a cider barn built in 1795, the beautifully renovated venue still has original architecture, which blends seamlessly with its modern features such as an oak and brushed-steel bar and glass bi-folding doors leading to the extension. Outside, the terrace is a wonderful spot for photographs and to enjoy a sunny drinks reception. space is decorated in a neutral style, so couples can put their own stamp on it. Double doors at the far end of the room allow guests to spill out onto the terrace for post-vow drinks.

Receptions for up to 250 people take place in the Tor View and extension. Depending on numbers, all tables can be in the modern Tor View or the bi-folding doors can open into the extension for additional seating. On warm days, the extension doors can also be flung open to bring the outside in.

We love… All packages offer complimentary wedding-night accommodation for the newlyweds in the Avalon honeymoon suite. This spacious, luxury suite features a four-poster bed, private hot tub and countryside views.