AND FUTUREPast, present

Our roundup of Sussex’s historical venues from barns to manor houses

DEANS PLACE, ALFRISTON

01323 870 248

| www.deansplace.co.uk

Deans Place Hotel is a four-star country house surrounded by four acres of beautiful gardens. Nestled in the historical village of Alfriston, on the banks of the River Cuckmere in the South Downs National Park, its idyllic location offers a wonderfully picturesque backdrop for any wedding. The venue’s exclusive packages give you the run of the house for the day, with its cosy bar and lounge, a gorgeous restaurant and two bright function rooms offering views of the surrounding landscape. Following your ceremony, you can leave guests to enjoy drinks on the lawn, while you head off to seek some of the endless photo opportunities within the grounds and nearby.

One For The History Books

The Hotel dates back more than six centuries and is steeped in history. The team are often asked, “Who is Dean?” But the exact history of the name is a mystery, having been lost throughout the years. One theory is that Deans comes from the old Saxon word Dene, which means lowland. There was also a previous owner who went by the name of John de Dene and owned the estate around 1355.

Where To Wed

In the warmer months you can marry beneath the Wedding Garden

Gazebo, surrounded by glorious gardens and views of the South Downs. There’s space here for 120 guests to join you.

The Alfriston Suite can also accommodate 120 and is the Hotel’s largest function room. With oak floor, oodles of natural light and stunning views it’s a lovely option at any time of year.

The Garden Suite is a more intimate ceremony spot for 75 nearest and dearest. A bright and airy space it too offers panoramic views of the South Downs

A Space To Celebrate

The two suites can also host your reception. The Alfriston Suite is neutrally decorated to suit any palette or theme. It can seat 120 guests at round or long banqueting tables for the wedding breakfast. For the evening this space transforms into your party room with wooden dancefloor and inroom bar for up to 200 guests.

The Garden Suite, again ideal for more intimate celebrations, can seat 45 to join you for your first meal together as newlyweds. For the evening do, guests can move through to the Alfriston Suite.

The venue offers a menu tasting for you both, bedrooms for the night before and morning of to get ready, a bridal suite for the two of you on the wedding night, all complimentary, as well as the services of a professional toastmaster on the big day.

BURY MANOR BARN

01798 831 791 | www.burymanorbarn.co.uk

An impressive Tudor barn, this venue is set in the picturesque, rural village of Bury, near Pulborough in the heart of the South Downs National Park. In addition to its stunning riverside setting and amazing views, the Bury Manor Barn site includes several distinct areas including, an amphitheatre with lighting for extending the time guests can spend outside, a walled garden, a fabulous covered terrace area, a woodland area with a wonderful avenue of beech trees, and a pond and jetty with weeping willow.

ONE

For The History Books

The barn and its idyllic surroundings are located in the grounds of Dorset House School, one of the oldest prep schools in the country. Steeped in history, records of the Manor date back to the Domesday Book.

Where To Wed

Civil ceremonies, accompanied by 130 loved ones, take place in the beautiful inner barn or outside at the amphitheatre with stunning views across the Wildbrooks and River Arun to Amberley Castle and the South Downs beyond.

A Space To Celebrate

Receptions are hosted in either the Outer or Inner Barn. The Outer Barn can seat 140 nearest and dearest around trestle tables, or 120 seated at banquet rounds. The Inner Barn can seat 108 loved ones at banquet rounds if it’s not being used for the “I dos.”

The 16th-century barn structure is divided by a glazed wall and you have the freedom to decorate according to your chosen theme whether it be traditional, rustic or a day bursting with colour. The building has retained its original wooden beams, which you’re free to dress adding to the overall aesthetic. There’s also a superb state-of-the-art LED lighting system in place for you to utilise.

During your day you’ll have exclusive use of the barn, lower lawns, covered terrace, walled garden and woodland area. There’s a generous amount of time allocated for setting up and collection the following day, plus you’re offered a complimentary wine tasting with Digby Fine English.

Horsted Place

01825 750 581 | www.horstedplace.co.uk/weddings

Horsted Place Hotel is located two miles south of Uckfield and is as well a connected destination as you could wish for when loved ones are travelling from all over to be with you. Steeped in history, with a stunning Victoria Gothic backdrop, it offers an idyllic setting throughout the seasons. Step beyond the redbrick facade and you enter a world of giltframed paintings and roaring fires. Converted into a hotel in the 1980s it still bears the hallmarks of its auspicious past, yet has one foot firmly in the future. It’s available for the exclusive use of your wedding party, which means you get your own fully-staffed country house and garden for the day, including the bedrooms.

One For The History Books

Built in 1850 for Francis Barchard, Horsted Place is one of the finest examples of Gothic revivalist architecture you’ll find in Britain today, thanks to its architect Samuel Daukes, a keen follower of the movement. In structure it remains little changed to this day. Indeed, if Mr Barchard were able to see it now, he’d surely be able to instantly recognise his beautiful home.

Where To Wed

Take your pick from three areas licensed for ceremonies: the intimate Library, the larger, newly refurbished Garden Room with French doors leading out onto the formal gardens and the Victorian-style summerhouse, in front of which the “I dos” can take place outside on the lawn.

A Space To Celebrate

The team love to offer you flexibility to create the wedding of your dreams and appreciate that a large celebration isn’t for everyone. Therefore, they’re careful to cater for guest numbers from 80 to 120. For a private, more intimate wedding, the gorgeous, wood-panelled library is the perfect place. Or on a glorious summer’s day, why not consider the croquet lawn for al fresco celebrations?

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Open Day

24th June 2023 | 10am - 4pm

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EXCLUSIVELY YOURS

Beautifully situated in the historic village of Alfriston, set in the heart of the South Downs National Park

Exclusively yours for your special day, you can make the most of the picturesque surroundings for your ceremony, wedding breakfast and evening reception

WEDDING SHOWCASE OPEN DAY: Register online now for: Special Offers | Goody Bag | Glass of Fizz

SOUTHLANDS BARN

01798 306 550 | www.southlandsbarn.co.uk

Southlands Barn is a charmingly rustic venue, part of the Southlands Farm Estate, which is situated in the heart of West Sussex in the quaint village of West Chiltington. With rolling fields, picturesque lake and breathtaking views of the South Downs, the farm also features plenty of wildlife who may decide to drop in.

One For The History Books

The farm dates back to the early 17th century and boasts unspoilt views of the South Downs National Park to the south and Southlands 17th-century listed farmhouse above the courtyard. The stunning Sussex Barn dates back to 1714 and was originally used as a cattle-holding barn.

Where To Wed

Here you can choose to exchange your vows inside or out and the venue is licensed to host 150 guests in all areas. The Sussex Barn has a wonderfully romantic atmosphere thanks to its fairylights and hand-cut bottle chandeliers – it’s a magical place to say “I do.” Benches or chivari chair seating is available. The Cattle Barn is now licensed for ceremonies too.

The al fresco option is outside in the Pergola, overlooking the farm and South Downs. As you can imagine it offers some stunning views to act as the backdrop to your ceremony.

A Space To Celebrate

Celebrate in style in the venue’s newly completed second barn: the Cattle Barn. Drapes and atmospheric lighting are included in your hire. Having use of the Cattle Barn alongside the Sussex Barn allows you to have the perfect flow to your day, utilising the entire space available for your 170 guests. The two barns are connected by a courtyard and full bar area where you’ll also find all the necessary facilities. There’s a games room too equipped with a pool table.

OCKENDEN MANOR HOTEL & SPA

01444 416 111 | www.hshotels.co.uk/ockenden-manor

This 15th-century Hotel is set in the pretty village of Cuckfield, only 20 minutes from Gatwick Airport. Nestled among nine acres of peaceful gardens and parkland, it boasts views across the West Sussex countryside to the South Downs.

The Spa was purpose-built inside a 19th-century walled garden and offers a host of luxury facilities including an indoor pool with swim-through to an outdoor heated pool, outdoor hot tub and eight treatment rooms.

One For The History Books

Ockenden Manor is a charming and tranquil Elizabethan manor house. It’s full of history and character with an elegant sitting room warmed by a roaring log fire, cosy, wood-panelled bar, an oak-panelled private dining room with painted ceiling and stained-glass windows.

The hotel has 28 distinctive bedrooms and suites, some with four-poster beds, all individually furnished and each named after a member of one of the two families who’ve owned the building since 1520.

Where To Wed

Ceremonies can take place in either one of the venue’s two licensed spaces. The Drawing Room is a bright and sunny spot featuring antique furniture, open fire and views of the garden. It can host up to 50 loved ones for the “I dos.”

The Ockenden Suite has the wow factor in spades with spectacular views over the terrace, gardens and South Downs beyond. It can host 96.

A Space To Celebrate

The Ockenden Suite can also be used for wedding receptions, again for up to 96 guests. For more intimate celebrations, the Burrell Suite is a beautiful oak-panelled room with a door leading out to the garden. It can host up to 40 nearest and dearest for an intimate wedding breakfast. The venue can accommodate 100 guests for the evening do.

Ockendon Manor can be hired exclusively and the restaurant serves some of the finest food in Sussex using only the best locally-sourced ingredients.

Southend Barns

01243 641 247 | www.southendbarns.co.uk

Set on a working farm in the beautiful West Sussex countryside, Southend Barns has been lovingly restored with rustic charm and romantic touches. Surrounded by stunning landscaped gardens and peaceful courtyards, it’s a delightful setting for your nuptials.

One For The History Books

Despite celebrating its 10th anniversary as a wedding venue in 2022, the roots of the buildings themselves go back way further, with the beautifully rustic and magnificent Threshing Barn dating back more than 200 years.

Where To Wed

The Dairy Barn is fully licensed for all ceremonies. With a delightful, 22-metre, sweeping aisle, exposed wooden beams and benches made of sweet chestnut, the barn is an idyllic setting for the “I dos.” Holding up to 120 guests it can also be used for a drinks reception or transformed into an entertainment room for the children.

Southend Barns also has a fully-licensed outdoor ceremony area known as The Secret Garden. An enchanting and tranquil spot, it’s nestled between the resident alpacas’ field and the flint walls of the Dairy Barn. It can seat up to 100.

A Space To Celebrate

The Threshing Barn can seat 120 diners, while 200 guests can attend the evening bash. This historical space radiates rustic charm with its authentic wooden beams and wrought iron chandeliers.

There’s ample outdoor space with a picturesque courtyard that lies at the heart of the venue, the perfect spot for reception drinks and garden games. As night falls, guests can gather around the relaxing Collecting Yard with its sumptuous sofas, firepit and al-fresco bar to enjoy a truly magical evening setting; the perfect end to a perfect day.

There’s also on-site accommodation, with a luxurious shepherd’s hut and larger bridal suite that comes with everything you could need for a relaxing and romantic stay.

THE GRAND HOTEL, EASTBOURNE

01323 412 345 | www.grandeastbourne.com

Affectionately known at The White Palace, The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne exudes five-star luxury and 19th-century elegance throughout its 152 bedrooms and array of celebration spaces.

The Hotel is located a mere pebble’s throw away from Eastbourne’s beach and boasts splendid views out to sea and along the coast. The Princes Lawn in the hotel grounds is the ideal spot for an al fresco drinks reception.

One For The History Books

Built in 1875, a time when the upper classes ruled the land and took their holidays by the sea, the Hotel has welcomed a galaxy of the great and good including Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin, Arthur Conan Doyle and King Constantine of Greece.

Where To Wed

The largest of the ceremony spaces here is the Princes Room, which can seat 120. The high ceilings and twinkling chandeliers create a true sense of romance, while the delicate palette of golds and creams mean it will suit any theme.

The Dukes room can host 80 loved ones. Originally the hotel library it offers a real sense of sophistication. The most intimate of ceremony spots is the Arundel Room, which can seat 60. It boasts wall-to-wall windows, a neutral colour scheme and stunning chandeliers.

A Space To Celebrate

There’s a myriad of reception spaces here at The Grand. Ranging in capacities from 16 in the Gallery Suite to 192 in the Compton Room for the wedding breakfast.

The Compton Room’s elegance harks back to its beginnings as the Hotel’s ballroom. Boasting ornate plaster work, vast ceilings and a sprung dancefloor, it’s the ultimate setting for a wow-factor wedding. It can accommodate 250 or the evening.

A further highlight is the Arlington Room, which can host 55 for the wedding breakfast and 70 for the evening. This fairy tale of a room with wrought iron moulded fireplaces dominating each end is arguably one of the most romantic rooms in the Hotel.

To find out more about the wealth of other spaces available to you, be sure to check out the venue’s website.

Castle Goring now offers you the complete wedding venue hire for only £2340 (price includes VAT).

This fabulous offer applies to all mid-week bookings (Monday to Thursday). Call 07791 673070 to find out more.

YOUR WEDDING FOR ONLY £2340