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THE RELAIS HENLEY, OXFORDSHIRE JOINS PRIDE OF BRITAIN HOTELS
The Relais Henley is an idyllic waterside retreat located in this iconic town on the River Thames. Situated in a restored heritage building that was traditionally a 16th-century coaching inn, the hotel’s interiors have been inspired by the river that runs parallel and local traditions and craftsmanship have been sensitively incorporated into the redesign. The windows frame the view of the Thames, with bold stripes representing traditional rowing club blazers running throughout its rich wool carpets. The hotel features 40 individually designed rooms, with some named after notable guests to have visited the site including King Charles I and Princess Grace of Monaco.
Boasting four different food and beverage concepts, The Relais Henley is home to The Clipper Restaurant offering all-day dining in a sophisticated setting; The Clip Bar; The Deli and The Quarterdeck Bar, an intimate bolthole tucked into the oldest part of the hotel with the patina of a traditional English pub.
The Glow Medispa located close to the hotel in the town of Henley-on-Thames allows guests to unwind and rejuvenate through a variety of relaxing treatments, available to book in-room at the hotel as well. From the hotel, guests can enjoy a cruise on the River Thames, horse riding within the nearby Chilterns and a round of golf on some of Oxfordshire’s leading courses.
The Relais Henley re-opened in 2021 showcasing the owners’ shared passion for luxury and community to deliver the best hospitality experience to their guests. Grace Leo, co-owner and managing director says: “I’m so excited that The Relais Henley, our flagship property of Relais Retreats, has joined Pride of Britain Hotels. As a passionate hotelier myself, I have always admired the principles of the collection and am very much looking forward to working with Kalindi and the Pride of Britain Hotels’ members to grow our brand.”
Kalindi Juneja, CEO of Pride of Britain Hotels comments: “We are thrilled to welcome The Relais Henley into our intimate collection of the very best hotels within the British Isles.”
Featuring the very finest, privately-owned properties across the British Isles, Pride of Britain Hotels was created in 1983 by a group of passionate hoteliers to reflect the collective ambition to offer the very best curated British hospitality experiences to guests. Today, this mission still stands with over 50 of the best places to eat, stay and unwind.
To find out more, visit www.prideofbritainhotels.com The Relais Henley hosts weddings. To find out more, visit www.therelaisretreats.com/henley
Photography of the exterior of Missenden Abbey courtesy of https://loveandlifestudio.co.uk
MISSENDEN ABBEY, GREAT MISSENDEN, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
This exclusive-use, 12th-century medieval Abbey has been lovingly transformed into a wedding venue marrying history with a contemporary feel. The main house boasts exquisite architectural details including unique stained-glass windows and a decorative staircase providing the perfect backdrop for big-day photos.
Outside, the beautifully maintained gardens set in 10 acres of picturesque grounds in the heart of the Chilterns are home to a summerhouse, a fish pond and a water feature plus a wonderful 500-year-old Cedar tree and the entire house and grounds are available exclusively for weddings.
Ceremonies take place in the Garden Room where the bridal party enter from the stunning staircase. This elegant room can can seat up to 100 guests. A drinks reception can be held outside in the picturesque grounds or, in the event of bad weather, inside the Garden Room, Bar or Library. The wedding breakfast can be hosted in the adjoining dining rooms with historic details including vaulted ceilings and stained-glass windows for up to 115 guests and a summer option is a seasonal marquee with a starlit canopy accommodating up to 150 people.
Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01494 866 811, https://missendenabbey.co.uk We love... hat the bridal suite is complimentary on the night of the wedding
This award-winning, exclusive-use barn wedding venue sits in 4,000 acres of land at the heart of the family-owned Wasing Estate that’s home to historic buildings, glistening lakes and a walled garden.
There’s a choice of 26 luxury bedrooms at the venue sleeping up to 64 guests with each one boasting bespoke design within an elegant historical setting, from the unique Grade II listed Granary, sat proudly on its staddle stones, to the fairytale-inspired Dovecote and a Honeymoon Suite featuring the largest bed in Berkshire.
Ceremonies take place in the contemporary Garden Room with its bi-fold doors leading to the manicured garden, or outside in the Victorian Summerhouse that’s embellished with a stunning hand-painted mural. There’s also the picturesque parish Church of St. Nicholas situated within the grounds offering another option.
The magnificent Castle Barn provides a blank canvas for wedding receptions that can be decked in fairylights and decorated with candles and floral displays. Guests can relax and enjoy the mouth-watering menu beneath the adjacent stretch tent floating over the terrace at the back of the Castle Barn. Filled with
Photography of the exterior of Missenden Abbey courtesy of https://loveandlifestudio.co.uk
MISSENDEN ABBEY, GREAT MISSENDEN, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
This exclusive-use, 12th-century medieval Abbey has been lovingly transformed into a wedding venue marrying history with a contemporary feel. The main house boasts exquisite architectural details including unique stained-glass windows and a decorative staircase providing the perfect backdrop for big-day photos.
Outside, the beautifully maintained gardens set in 10 acres of picturesque grounds in the heart of the Chilterns are home to a summerhouse, a fish pond and a water feature plus a wonderful 500-year-old Cedar tree and the entire house and grounds are available exclusively for weddings.
Ceremonies take place in the Garden Room where the bridal party enter from the stunning staircase. This elegant room can can seat up to 100 guests. A drinks reception can be held outside in the picturesque grounds or, in the event of bad weather, inside the Garden Room, Bar or Library. The wedding breakfast can be hosted in the adjoining dining rooms with historic details including vaulted ceilings and stained-glass windows for up to 115 guests and a summer option is a seasonal marquee with a starlit canopy accommodating up to 150 people.
Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01494 866 811, https://missendenabbey.co.uk We love... hat the bridal suite is complimentary on the night of the wedding
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comfortable seating, cosy blankets, twinkling lights and firepits, this area provides outdoor space that can be used all year round.
Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 0118 907 0199, www.wasing.co.uk/weddings We love... that the estate regularly hosts a variety of health and well-being activities.
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BEARWOOD LAKES, WOKINGHAM, BERKSHIRE
The clubhouse at Bearwood Lakes golf club is a sophisticated wedding venue located within 200 acres of countryside. Accessed via gates that lead to a rhododendron-lined driveway that runs parallel with the golf course, the property offers lakeside photo opportunities by the waterfall and bridge and there’s also a Koi pond within the grounds.
The clubhouse was built 25 years ago and has a contemporary feel. It features two levels and is flooded with natural daylight through the large windows and doors overlooking the expansive 18-hole golf course. The interior is decorated in neutral tones, providing a blank canvas for wedding themes. A statement chandelier takes centre stage and during the evening reception, the carpet is rolled back to reveal the dancefloor.
Ceremonies take place for up to 60 loved ones in the lounge area of the clubhouse while the wedding breakfast and reception are hosted in the contemporary restaurant that can accommodate up to 110 people seated, or up to 150 loved ones for a buffet.
The view of the immaculately presented golf course is spectacular from the south-facing glass balcony, the perfect spot for a drinks reception. The golf course and surrounding grounds are maintained year-round by a team of full-time green keepers and gardeners.
Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01183 048 200, www.bearwoodlakes.co.uk/celebrations
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COMPLEAT ANGLER, MARLOW, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
This stylish four-star hotel showcases a classic English style dating back 400 years. The light and welcoming interior boasts timeless décor and elegant styling. It’s home to a selection of stylish bedrooms and suites with four-poster beds plus there’s a choice of two on-site restaurants.
The property commands the perfect location on the banks of the River Thames overlooking the suspended Grade I listed Marlow Bridge. Guests can take advantage of the on-site boarding for a short ride on the Thames during the summer months.
Ceremonies take place in a choice of licensed wedding spaces including outside on the front lawn adjacent to the riverbank during the summer months for up to 100 guests. Inside the hotel, there’s the stylish Thames Suite for an intimate gathering of up to 30 people; the River Room that hosts up to 40 loved ones and the Regency Room with its private entrance and views from the covered terrace for up to 120 guests.
Reception drinks and canapés can be enjoyed on the front lawn during the warmer months while the Regency Terrace and River Room are perfect all year round, hosting large receptions for up to 120 guests.
Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01628 484 444, www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/compleat-angler We love... that within the selection of wedding packages, the hotel offers menu tastings and accommodation for the night of the wedding for the happy couple.
UFTON COURT, READING, BERKSHIRE
This 16th-century timber-framed tithe barn and Grade I listed manor house is nestled in 16 acres of manicured grounds located on the Berkshire/Hampshire border. An impressive sweeping driveway lined with ancient oak trees leads to this hidden gem and in addition to the expertly landscaped grounds, Ufton Court is home to a small valley and a traditional herb garden.
The interior of the tithe barn offers a wonderfully romantic atmosphere with the traditional oak beams decorated with ivy and fairylights. It’s a blank canvas that can be transformed to suit any wedding theme. Ceremonies and receptions take place here for 15 to 150 guests or in Archer’s Hall located opposite the barn in the courtyard which holds up to 80 loved ones. After the wedding breakfast, tea and coffee can be enjoyed in the Archer’s Hall and this space can be used again later as a quiet area for guests to relax and chat.
The Long Room in the Tudor Manor House is best suited to micro weddings and intimate gatherings of up to 50 people. These three reception rooms create a cosy and character-filled location for drinks receptions in the colder months and there are three locations for an outdoor wedding during the warmer months.
The venue offers an extensive list of recommended suppliers including a choice of six caterers, plus there’s a highly experienced wedding coordinator on hand and no corkage charge.
THE POST, NEWBURY, BERKSHIRE
This modern wedding barn has been built to the highest specifications. Features include the impressive floor-to-ceiling windows, exposed oak beams and the latest sound and lighting technology along with underfloor heating and a real log fire for cosy winter weddings.
The exterior encompasses red brick and cedar cladding with a slate-tiled roof and is framed with a tiled patio which overlooks the manicured grounds. At the end of the barn is The Arch where couples can get married inside or out. There’s also The OutPost which is a fully equipped al fresco kitchen and dining space that’s perfect for late-night nibbles or an outside alternative for evening dining during the summer months.
Beautifully manicured lawns stretch from The Arch to the adjacent Snelsmore House. There’s a lower lawn with a water fountain and a beautiful pagoda, perfect for couple portraits.
Ceremonies take place in several areas including in the main Post room, an awe-inspiring space that can be transformed into each couple’s vision, for up to 150 guests. The best option outside is on the Pavillion lawn under The Arch which seats up to 150 guests. For smaller celebrations, the lower lawn with the Pagoda is perfect.
Receptions take place in the Post Room and bar with a mezzanine area in the rafters providing comfortable seating overlooking the main function space. The Post can host up to 200 guests for an evening reception.
Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01635 881 800, www.thepostbarn.co.uk We love... the pamper room available for the bridal party.
The stately dressing room and oak-panelled library marry old and new, retaining original features and offering a hint of grandeur for the bridal party on the morning of the wedding.
Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01189 832 099, www.uftonweddings.co.uk
We love... that all profit from weddings is gift aided to their on-site children’s charity, helping fund and support disadvantaged children and their families, raising aspirations and developing personal and behavioural skills in the great outdoor.
HORWOOD HOUSE, MILTON KEYNES, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
Nestled in the rural tranquillity of the Buckinghamshire countryside sits this Grade II listed manor house hotel and spa, accessed via a tree-lined approach surrounded by perfectly manicured gardens. Designed in a Jacobethan style, the manor building incorporates tall brick chimneys, bay windows and stone surfaces with handmade red brick walls and original stone steps leading up to it. The H Spa is home to a 15-metre swimming pool complete with tranquillity beds, a thermal sauna and a steam room.
With the festive season upon us, the property is offering a host of festive experiences throughout December. Book one of the hotel’s brand-new Manor Suites located on the top floor of the original house offering spacious lounge areas, deluxe super-king beds and Art Deco-inspired bathrooms from £249.50 per person, per room including breakfast. Guests can also book a table at Harry’s Bar & Kitchen and tuck into their new menu, which has been curated by executive chef Will Dimartino.
The All Wrapped Up package (available until 23rd December) is offering a 50-minute body wrap and facial treatment, use of the wet-spa facilities from 9-5 pm and a delicious afternoon tea complete with finger sandwiches, sweet and savoury festive bites, and freshly baked scones. It’s priced at £130 per person during the week and £145 per person on Friday and Sunday. Alternatively, the Spa-ty Season package provides a 50-minute Gelebration manicure and pedicure priced at £140 per person midweek, or £155 per person on Friday and Sunday.
See in the New Year in style where glitz and glamour will be at the heart of the evening. As a live jazz band provides the sultry sounds, enjoy a welcome glass of champagne followed by a spectacular sharing spread of lobster and oyster from a decadent seafood tower, alongside delicious savoury plates of confit duck pastilles, spinach and feta filo rolls, and roast rib of beef with bearnaise and peppercorn sauce. After dinner, dance the night away to the rhythmic sounds of jazz. Priced at £89 per adult, the event will be on from 7.30 pm until 12:30 am.
When it comes to weddings at the property, The Drawing Room, which seats up to 80 guests for the ceremony, is brimming with grand features including high ceilings decorated with magnificent detailing, an impressive stone fireplace and a stunning bay window providing plenty of natural daylight. It leads directly to the Manor Bar and panelled seating area – ideal for reception drinks during the winter months. The Eyre and Cook Suites are also licensed for larger ceremony numbers and provide generous spaces for the wedding breakfast.
For a picturesque outdoor backdrop, stroll past the tranquil lily pond and through the secret garden gate into the blossom garden, home to a white wedding pavilion to be enjoyed throughout the summer months, with a capacity to host up to 190 guests. Couples can also choose to use the manicured grounds for a drink reception and photography. There’s also a less traditional setting for a wedding blessing or renewal of vows as the Manor House steps are framed by elegant wisteria and there’s a magical well hidden amongst the woodland.
Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01296 722 100, www.horwoodhouse.co.uk
We love... the prosecco, cocktail, champagne or gin stations that can be set up for a wedding accompanied by the chef’s homemade canapés, or couples can suggest favourites of their own. For intimate winter drinks receptions, don’t forget the Manor Bar!
THE FEATHERED NEST, NETHER WESTCOTE, OXFORDSHIRE
This charming gourmet country pub built from traditional Cotswold stone provides some of the best views in the Cotswolds of the surrounding valley and beautifully landscaped gardens. Dating back to the 15th century, the interiors are full of rustic charm, combining contemporary and traditional pieces with cool muted tones, mismatched furniture and exposed wooden beams.
The Feathered Nest is the ideal location for an intimate celebration or grander affair. The gardens are the perfect location where a canopy provides shelter and bespoke art sculptures and firepits are dotted around the grounds.
Ceremonies take place in the main restaurant or garden room where up to 65 guests can be seated either inside or outside the building on the covered terrace. The restaurant and bar allow for smaller celebrations, with diners enjoying 3 AA Rosette cuisine and for larger events, a marquee or tipi can be erected on the grounds.
The property has recently launched a new cottage to add to its bespoke room collection. The cosy accommodation combines period charm and modern elegance with original features including flagstone flooring, an exposed fire mantle and wooden beams. The sitting room and modern kitchenette feature a comfy sofa and dining area. On the middle floor is a modern bathroom and on the top floor is a luxurious double bedroom home to a super king-size bed. The cottage is offered free for the couple on the night of the wedding as well as a six-course tasting menu (with wine) on their first anniversary.
