SOUTH AND WEST GLOUCESTERSHIRE Spotlight on...

We open the doors to some of the finest wedding venues

WHAT’S NEW?

The Greenway Hotel and Spa, a quintessential escape set in eight acres located near the Regency town of Cheltenham has enjoyed a £1.2 million renovation. Tucked away on the outskirts of the rolling Cotswolds, The Eden Hotel Collection has stylishly refurbished all 21 bedrooms at The Greenway Hotel and Spa with each now boasting its own unique colour palette, personality and characteristics.

The extensive renovation project, led by director of The Eden Hotel Collection Marian Cartter, who heads up the group’s design team, assisted by renowned interior designer, Lucy Yarwood, combines the hotel’s natural rural setting with its rich history and enchanting period features such as original stone windows and roaring fireplaces.

Room layouts within the hotel have also been altered to create larger, more elevated spaces and expansive bathrooms, placing the guest experience very much at the forefront. Some of the distinct design schemes introduced include opulent marble bathrooms with features such as classic roll-top baths and elegant brassware, whilst others have drawn on existing features to build a sumptuous design unique to each room.

Interior designer Lucy Yarwood says, “We’re thrilled with the results and can’t wait to show our guests. Each room is different which makes it exciting when guests walk in. For instance, one of our bedrooms already had a lovely fireplace featuring tiles with birds on, which we thought was stunning but needed elevating, so we matched it to a feather-print headboard on the bed. What we have strived to do is create a classic style with a contemporary twist which combines the history of the building

LLANTHONY SECUNDA PRIORY, GLOUCESTER

Llanthony Secunda Priory is situated just a short walk from Gloucester Docks and Gloucester Quays. The unique city-centre location offers a variety of nearby accommodation options within easy walking distance of the venue. Bursting with character and history, the medieval ruins and beautifully restored Grade 1 listed buildings are set within five acres of picturesque grounds. The Victorian Farmhouse, cattle pond, grassy lawns and veteran trees create a beautiful backdrop for weddings and big-day photographs and with its scenic location alongside the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal, couples have the option to arrive by boat.

This exclusive-use, dry-hire wedding venue provides the perfect option for couples who wish to create a personal day. The flexible and intimate spaces are brimming with character and history and can cater for a simple ceremony, a vintage-style afternoon tea or a glamorous wedding reception.

Ceremonies take place in The Lady Margaret Hall beneath a beautiful timber-framed roof that has been recently restored using traditional techniques. With high ceilings and full-length medieval windows allowing daylight to pour in, the hall has a spacious and historical feel. It offers a treasure trove of photo opportunities and can host up to 60 loved ones for ceremonies, the wedding breakfast and drinks receptions. Additional features are wireless speakers, full ventilation and underfloor heating, a platform lift to the first floor, an accessible toilet and Wi-Fi.

with our modern approach to the guest experience. It needs to work for the guest as well as for the room, so everything has been considered with them in mind.”

The Eden Hotel Collection has worked with artisan and local suppliers including Leicestershire-based Wreake Valley Craftsmen to create bespoke joinery such as bedside tables, desks and wardrobes; as well as renowned Kidderminster manufacturer, Brintons, who have provided the wool carpets. It has also worked with West Bromwich-based furniture and soft furnishing manufacturer Jameson Seating to re-upholster and re-use existing furniture including sofas and wardrobes to align with the group’s sustainable goals. Midlands firm Builtec Developments Limited, based in Leamington Spa, was awarded the contract for the refurbishment programme.

Mark Chambers, group managing director of The Eden Hotel Collection, added: “As custodians of great buildings, we are thrilled to bring this manor house back to life for our guests to enjoy. It’s been a tough few years for the hospitality industry but we are proud to build on our strategic programme of investment across the group as we continue to improve the quality of the visitor experience.”

To book, visit www.thegreenwayhotelandspa.com

For the wedding breakfast, it can hold up to ten 5ft round tables with two rectangular tables plus 60 upholstered dining chairs. An easel for the table plan is provided plus a cake stand and knife and table number stands.

Receptions take place in The Henry Dene Hall, a Grade I listed Tudor brick building that has been lovingly restored with high ceilings flooding the space with natural daylight. It’s the largest and most flexible self-contained event space in the venue hosting up to 80 guests for ceremonies, the wedding breakfast and the seated reception. For standing receptions and the evening disco, it can welcome up to 140 guests. It benefits from an integrated PA system with a handheld microphone, full ventilation and heating, roof lights with remote control blinds and Wi-Fi.

For the wedding breakfast, it can hold up to ten 5ft round tables, two rectangular tables and up to 80 upholstered dining chairs. Again, an easel and cake stand can be provided.

Ceremony licence? Yes

Contact: 01452 563 499, https://llanthonysecunda.org

We love... the beautiful garden courtyard.

Berkeley Castle

Striking, stunning and grand, Berkeley Castle is a magnificent Medieval fortress built from Cotswold stone situated on the edge of the Cotswolds with views stretching across the Gloucestershire countryside and River Severn. It boasts beautifully manicured, tranquil gardens and grounds home to flora-filled terraces and a picturesque lily pond with a water fountain and a small cascade waterfall.

This luxurious, historic building is home to some fabulous reception spaces including the decadent drawing rooms with their gilded mirrors and chandeliers, cosy chairs and open fireplaces. The Great Hall showcases a vaulted ceiling, tiled floor and 13th-century tapestries meaning that Berkeley Castle offers the feeling of grandeur mixed with that of a cosy family home.

Ceremonies can take place at the property for up to 130 guests both inside or outdoors and also in St Mary’s Church that’s situated on the private driveway of the castle. Inside, couples can get married in either the Long Drawing Room, The Small Drawing Room or The Great Hall.

Outside, they can say their vows on the Queen Elizabeth bowling lawn, by the Culloden pine, on the old tennis court or by the cascade.

The pretty gardens, especially the lower lawn and downstairs by the lily pond are ideal for a summer al fresco drinks reception while the drawing rooms provide a good winter alternative. The Gun Terrace and Inner Courtyard are grand and fun areas perfect for evening entertainment and catering.

The Wedding breakfast takes place in The Great Hall for up to 130 loved ones receptions can be hosted at the castle for up to 180 people.

Ceremony licence? Yes

Contact: 01453 512 999, www.berkeleycastleweddings.co.uk

We love... that accommodation for two nights for up to 36 guests is included in the hire charge with no check-out time – guests can leave at their leisure. There’s also a honeymoon cottage for the happy couple on the night of their wedding with a complimentary champagne breakfast.

Delta By Marriott Cheltenham Chase

Delta by Marriott Cheltenham Chase, part of The QHotels Collection is set in 15 acres of beautiful parkland overlooking the beautiful Cotswolds. It’s located right on the edge of the Cotswolds, just a short drive from Cheltenham and Gloucester and just a 20-minute journey from the famous Cheltenham Racecourse. It offers affordable and delightful getaways in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and also provides an ideal bigday backdrop.

The four-star hotel resort has a range of rooms licensed for civil ceremonies so that the entire wedding day can be taken care of by the dedicated team. Wedding planners are on hand to help with all of the details, no matter how small. Whether couples are planning a large wedding or an intimate family celebration, the hotel has function rooms to cater for 20 to 200 guests.

It has been stylishly refurbished with 122 spacious, modern bedrooms and a contemporary on-site health club and spa with a fully equipped gym.

Weddings take place in a choice of rooms. The Buckholt Suite is the largest of the private rooms and is situated on the ground floor. With its own reception area, bar and cloakroom it can accommodate up to 200 guests. This chic room can also be split in two, providing space for up to 100 guests in each section. There’s also a range of smaller rooms available suitable for private dining and more intimate affairs.

Ceremony licence? Yes

Contact: 01452 519 988, www.thecheltenhamchase.co.uk

We love... that wedding fairs take place throughout the year and there are late-availability dates for weddings available.

THE SLAUGHTERS MANOR HOUSE, LOWER SLAUGHTER

This 17th-century manor house combines striking interiors with traditional charm, attentive service and is home to one of the most acclaimed restaurants in the Cotswolds. It's nestled within five acres of stunning landscaped gardens boasting fine specimen trees including magnificent redwoods and horse chestnut varieties, plus a croquet lawn that's perfect for outdoor summer weddings.

Ceremonies take place in the Pink Lounge, a romantic room with dual-aspect windows showcasing far-flung views across the manicured lawns. The Pink Lounge can accommodate up to 22 guests for an intimate ceremony and can be styled with lounge furniture for a more relaxed, informal and quirky feel.

The restaurant offers another option for larger ceremonies of up to 86 guests. It's a modern and elegant space, filled with plenty of natural daylight. It's also home to a restored stonework fireplace, making it the perfect pick for a winter wedding. Receptions also take place here for between 40 and 86 loved ones.

Ceremony licence? Yes

Contact: 01451 820 456, www.slaughtersmanor.co.uk

We love... the luxurious bedrooms and suites which are ideal for wedding guests.