10 minute read

COMFY AND COSY ARE WE

Join us on a tour of the county’s cosiest winter venues

THE SPREAD EAGLE HOTEL & SPA

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01730 816 911 | www.hshotels.co.uk/spread-eagle

Located in the pretty market town of Midhurst and dating back to 1430, this charming black and white Tudor timber-framed inn retains its heritage while providing every contemporary comfort. The original coach house and stables, now joined to the hotel, have become the magnificent Jacobean Hall with natural stone walls, heraldic banners and minstrel gallery. While, the contemporary spa alongside it offers a haven to relax with indoor pool, treatment rooms and relaxation room.

THE “I DOS” Located in the oldest part of the building, the King Edward VII Suite boasts beamed walls and ceiling as well as an open fireplace. It can accommodate 30 loved ones to witness your vows. Meanwhile, the Jacobean Hall can host up to 100 for the ceremony.

THE CELEBRATIONS The Jacobean Hall is home to wedding receptions and has its own bar plus double doors leading out onto the Jacobean Garden. There’s space here for 80 guests for the wedding breakfast and up to 100 nearest and dearest for the evening bash. Alternatively, a marquee can be sited in the Jacobean Garden.

PLUS... The venue can be booked for exclusive use and the catering team specialise in delicious and locally-sourced cuisine. You’ll be offered a free tasting, as well as a complimentary one-night stay on your first anniversary.

THE RAVENSWOOD

01342 810 216 | www.theravenswood.co.uk

Built in 1426 and set within 18 acres of grounds, the warmth and charm of this manor house has made it popular for weddings. Boasting wooden beams, cosy corners, warm fireplaces, elegant staircases and tall castle towers, it offers ample opportunity for stylish wedding photos.

The stunning land features four lakes, ruins, bridges, a gorgeous boat house, pleasure gardens, patios and even a giant chair.

THE “I DOS” Outdoor ceremonies take place outside the Little Castle with its stone walls, side windows and ornate opening. There’s space here to seat 150 loved ones. For indoor “I dos,” the Old Baronial Hall seats 140 and boasts a rustic feel with wooden beams and staircase, open wood fire and glass door with views of the grounds. Also ideal for the winter is the recently-renovated Jacobean Suite where you can welcome 110 guests. This light and airy room overlooks the grounds and has been decorated in natural hues with wooden floors and impressive fireplace.

THE CELEBRATIONS Receptions are hosted in the Princess Beatrice Suite, a breathtaking round room with wooden ceiling, elegant drapes, large windows and its own bar. There’s space here for 150 nearest and dearest for the wedding breakfast and 300 for the evening do.

PLUS... The new Rosewood Cottage has proven a big hit amongst couples as it allows for a night-before package, where you and your wedding party can stay over. You can also enjoy a complimentary menu tasting, use of the Getting Ready Room from 8am on the wedding day as well as the newly-refurbished honeymoon suite included in all wedding packages.

BLACKSTOCK ESTATE

01323 848 006 | www.blackstockestate.co.uk

Set among 85 acres of glorious Sussex countryside, Blackstock Estate boasts two converted and restored wedding barns. With a picturesque lake and plenty of intimate areas around the grounds, there’s ample opportunity for five minutes of precious escapism as newlyweds. Here, you can wander and encounter a myriad of photographic options for your couple shots. THE “I DOS” The Tudor Barn is a fabulous 500-year-old restored Sussex barn, retaining many of its older features. It’s licensed for ceremonies and can play host to 120 loved ones. During the summer months you may choose instead to be wed in the grounds of the Estate. Here, it’s possible to invite 150.

THE CELEBRATIONS The Granary is a stunning restored barn with a magical atmosphere and floor-to-ceiling windows boasting breathtaking views. It can accommodate 150 of your nearest and dearest.

Where could be more romantic to celebrate a white wedding or civil partnership than at The White Palace, as The Grand is affectionately known, one of the most beautiful wedding venues in Sussex.

Photos by John Scofield Photography Limited

Couples have been tying the knot at The Grand for generations, seduced by its old world charm, elegance and style. From the architectural splendour of the Compton Room to the spectacular Princes Room, whether your wedding or civil partnership is a small family affair or an event on a grand scale, we have the setting, and most of all the experience, to make your most important of days truly memorable. If you’re looking for a luxury wedding venue in East Sussex that truly understands the meaning of the word “grand”, there’s only one choice.

To enquire at the Grand Hotel, please call our Events Team on 01323 412345 or email weddings@grandeastbourne.com | www.grandeastbourne.com

COTTESMORE HOTEL GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

01293 528 256 | www.cottesmoregolf.co.uk

This welcoming venue is set within 247 acres of stunning West Sussex countryside, and is home to 36 holes of golf, two lakes, a 26-bedroom hotel and seven self-catering lodges. The club house and hotel are part of the original charm and character of the 1884 farm buildings and the new parts have been carefully constructed to match the original brickwork.

THE “I DOS” Civil ceremonies can be held either indoors in the oak-beamed Barn Room and al fresco on the immaculate wedding lawn. Nestled in a treelined glade it offers you and your loved ones peace, tranquillity and romance. Both options have space for up to 150 of your nearest and dearest. THE CELEBRATIONS The Challis Suite, Buchan Suite and Barn Room can host up to 150 for a wedding breakfast and up to 200 for an evening reception. Their connected, flexible and multi-functional layout allows for a more personal and bespoke celebration. Meanwhile, ambient, colour-themed lighting and Bose and SONOS sound systems ensure maximum impact. Full of natural daylight, floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the Frenchstyled courtyard, which is complete with ornate fountain, pretty pots and planters, the perfect place for a drinks reception. Charming antler chandeliers adorn the exposed beams and the marble-topped bar creates an impressive feature, as well as being fully stocked with the latest draught beers, wines and spirits.

PLUS... The venue offers a complimentary honeymoon room for the wedding night and a free menu tasting.

HIGHLEY MANOR

01444 811 711 | www.highleymanor.co.uk

This beautifully romantic 19th-century manor house, located in the heart of the Sussex Downs welcomes guests through its grand entrance with a sweeping staircase and wood panels, accompanied by the most incredible stained-glass window. The tall walls bring a classic and traditional feel to the house, while the long drive and modern castle-like structure lends it an air of the modern fairytale. Highley boasts seven acres of sweeping lawns and woodland. It’s also surrounded by a beautiful range of chalk hills.

THE “I DOS” Seating for up to 150 loved ones is available inside the Ceremony Room. This space has a beautifully rustic feel with wooden beams, an open wood fire and a bay window so that you don’t miss the views. Outside there’s seating for 86 guests in front of the Pavilion with its wooden beams and incredible views of the South Downs.

THE CELEBRATIONS You can be joined by 86 nearest and dearest in the Ballroom, which is perfect for a formal wedding breakfast, surrounded by detailed ceilings and bay windows. Later on you can dance the night away here with 200 loved ones.

PLUS... The venue offers a complimentary menu tasting, three-course meals included; use of the stylish new Getting Ready Room from 8am on the day of your wedding, and of the recently-refurbished honeymoon suite, which is also included in all wedding packages, as are Chiavari chairs and an easel for your table plan.

https://cole-youngphotography.com

BURY MANOR BARN

01798 831 791 | www.burymanorbarn.co.uk

Bury Manor Barn is a Tudor structure set in the picturesque rural village of Bury, near Pulborough in the heart of the South Downs National Park. The barn and its idyllic surroundings are 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.

The grounds boast several distinct areas including an amphitheatre with lighting, extending the time guests can spend outside; a walled garden; covered terrace with elevated views of Amberley Castle and the South Downs; a woodland area; and a magical pond and jetty with weeping willow. Picture-perfect spots every one!

THE “I DOS” Ceremonies with 120 guests take place in the inner barn with stunning views across the Wildbrooks and River Arun. There’s also scope across the venue for church, civil or humanist ceremonies. THE CELEBRATIONS The 16th-century barn is divided into two distinct areas by a pretty glazed wall and there’s ample freedom to decorate however you wish. The barn has also retained its original wooden beams, which you’re free to dress adding to the overall look. There’s even a superb state-of-the-art LED lighting system available for your use. Here, you can seat 140 at trestle tables or 120 at banquet rounds. Capacity for an evening do is 228. Alternatively, once your ceremony is complete in the Inner Barn, the space can be transformed into the perfect party space with room for a band and dancefloor. Or, if you’ve said your “I dos” elsewhere, it can also be used to seat 108 around banquet rounds for a wedding breakfast.

PLUS... The venue offers generous time for set-up and collecting belongings after the big day. You’ll be offered a complimentary wine tasting with Digby Fine English in its beautiful wine-tasting room in Arundel.

SANDMAN SIGNATURE LONDON GATWICK HOTEL

01293 561 186 | www.sandmansignature.co.uk

Near to Gatwick Airport, close to vibrant Brighton and a leisurely hours’ drive from the beautiful South Downs, you’ll find this super-stylish hotel. With so much to see and do nearby, your guests won’t be short of a spot of sightseeing if they’re staying over after your big day. Nymans Gardens, Hever Castle, Wakehurst Place, Tilgate Park and Bluebell Steam Railway are all only a short drive away.

THE “I DOS” The Hotel’s dedicated events floor includes the Vancouver Suite. Flooded with natural daylight, it holds a license to welcome up to 150 loved ones. If you’d prefer a more intimate ceremony however, the team are more than happy to assist in your planning. THE CELEBRATIONS The Canadian Suite is the place to be for wedding receptions. Adjoining a private pre-event area including a full bar, it’s the perfect place to celebrate your big-day and dance the night away. With space for up to 150 guests, this suite provides an ideal bright, blank canvas to create your own backdrop. The team are on hand to help you bring your vision to life and can introduce you to their trusted suppliers. With private facilities you’ll feel happily enclosed in your own bubble.

PLUS... Here, you can make the most of your celebrations and invite your guests to stay overnight and benefit from special accommodation rates. Each of the Hotel’s 151 bedrooms has air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, flat screen LCD TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi.

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