PURE RELAXATION

HOTEL VENUES Pure relaxation

Discover some of the best wedding venues with accommodation

RUSHTON HALL HOTEL AND SPA

01536 713 001 | www.rushtonhall.com

Rushton Hall is a Grade I listed building conveniently located in Northamptonshire between the M1 and the A14 – perfect for guests travelling in.

Upon arriving at the hotel’s entrance, guests will be greeted by the manicured lawns. The incredible gardening team preserve and condition the grounds throughout all seasons; so couples are sure to have a stunning backdrop to weddings all year round. The lake provides a refreshing break in the countryside and offers many photographic opportunities.

The venue has a traditional style with a contemporary twist. Each wedding space is located within The Orangery, which allows guests to enjoy the day uninterrupted and offers views of the stunning gardens. With a breathtaking stone façade, the Orangery is in keeping with the rest of the historical building.

Inside, the property boasts exquisite interiors, intricate ceilings, beautiful windows, crystal chandeliers and stunning stone floors. With original features from the 15th-century as well as magnificent decor, wooden floors and roaring log fires, the hall will wow all guests.

Rushton Hall features 51 individually styled bedrooms with a selection of double, twin and family rooms that are all equipped with en suite bathrooms or shower rooms. There are also two newly refurbished luxury lodges.

The experienced restaurant team strives to deliver an unforgettable dining experience – be it for fine dining in the restaurant, afternoon tea in the Great Hall or one of the stunning State Rooms. The beautiful Stable Yard Spa offers a wide range of treatments and facilities – perfect for pre or post-wedding treatments.

The Picture Gallery is the perfect space for ceremonies with 180 people. The Minstrel Balcony is ideal for a string quartet to create memorable atmospheres and grand entrances. Or exchange vows in the Ballroom with 250 loved ones. The elegant space cannot fail to impress with high ornate ceilings and crystal chandeliers.

Receptions with up to 500 people can take place in the Grand Hall, which features a bar area alongside a magnificent fire place and stone flooring. Or The Ballroom, The Picture Gallery and The State Room can be opened up to create space for 300 loved ones.

Rushton Hall offers couples a complimentary first-anniversary stay on the night of their wedding.

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Leading up to their special day, pairs will receive a food tasting session to try some dishes.

© Chris Haley Photography © Chris Haley Photography

KILWORTH HOUSE HOTEL

01858 880 058 | www.kilworthhouse.co.uk

Set in 38 acres of rolling parkland, Kilworth House is an elegant venue located in the heart of rural Leicestershire. With breathtaking views, expansive grounds, fine dining, luxurious accommodation and an outdoor theatre, what’s not to love about this property?

The hotel lies at the end of an inviting tree-lined approach that leads guests through the tranquil grounds to the well-maintained lawns and south-facing façade. Guests will love exploring the parklands and woodland areas, which create gorgeous backdrops to photographs. Exchange vows with 130 guests in the fully-restored Victorian Orangery, which features glorious rural views and vibrant natural lighting. After the vows, couples can enjoy drinks receptions on the terrace before returning to the Orangery for wedding breakfasts.

Alternatively, The Wordsworth Room features a domed ceiling with glittering chandeliers and can accommodate 40 people for the vows. Next door, pairs can use the Library Restaurant for showstopping wedding breakfasts. With a cosy setting, views over the Knot Garden, fairytale bookcases and a Victorian fire place, what location could be better?

For more intimate weddings, the Shakespeare Room is perfect for celebrations with 20 loved ones and features ornate décor. The space brings intimacy and grandeur to both wedding ceremonies and wedding breakfasts. After dancing the night away, loved ones can retreat to the stunning bedrooms.

Lovebirds can enjoy the sumptuous surroundings in peace as exclusive hire is available from 3.00 pm on the day of arrival to 9.00 am the following morning.

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When couples book the venue, they’ll receive a complimentary menu tasting session.

THE BELMONT HOTEL

01162 544 773 | www.belmonthotel.co.uk

Situated in the heart of the city centre, The Belmont Hotel is a Victorian building that dates back to the 19th-century. The family-owned property has a homely feel, and all the function spaces are individually designed in a neutral décor to match any colour scheme. The Rose Room is a versatile area that can accommodate 110 loved ones for the “I dos” and wedding breakfasts, as well as 200 for evening celebrations. Alternatively, The Rowan Room is the ideal location for relaxed events with ample room for up to 40 guests for the vows and reception meals, while The May Room works great for more intimate nuptials.

The hotel’s terrace area makes an excellent spot for drinks receptions and informal pictures in the summer months. Other photographic spaces include The Oval for capturing group photos, while the steps from the original house are great for couple portraits.

Lovebirds who book the venue for their wedding as well as a three course wedding breakfast will receive a complimentary tasting session, a night’s stay on their special day and a dinner voucher for their first anniversary stay.

In the countryside

Olivia Gibson discovers what Sawcliffe Manor Country House has to offer

What’s not to love about Sawcliffe Manor, a property that offers the perfect location for hen dos, pre-wedding getaways, weddings and minimoons?

Built on the site of a Medieval village in north Lincolnshire, the property is bursting full of character and historical features. The Elwes family has been restoring the site for many years to bring the spaces back to life, so I was over the moon when the opportunity to see the property in person arose.

Upon arrival, the lovely Jana greeted us with a warm welcome, prosecco and some delicious cake before giving us a tour of the property. We viewed all the stunning spaces, including The Manor, Party Yurt and the stunning Dovecot Chapel, which is perfect for wedding ceremonies. Each area is charming with its own character and eye-catching features. The team has added so many thoughtful touches and personal details – it’s clear how much they love the venue.

PURE RELAXATION

The property offers three different cottages on a self-catering basis; each one offers something truly unique and special. My partner and I were lucky enough to say in the beautiful Rose Cottage, one of the oldest parts of the site.

Sitting in the living room felt like I’d stepped back in time as the space showcased many Tudor features, especially the inglenook fire place that’s perfect for those winter nights. The luxurious bathroom was my favourite part of the cottage; it features a gorgeous freestanding bath and a freefalling shower. The large navy kitchen with an AGA cooker had all the pots, pans and utensils needed to cook a feast. For those who would prefer to enjoy a nice meal out, the venue recommends The Hope & Anchor nearby.

Upstairs are two cosy bedrooms with plenty of space to relax and get ready. We decided to try out the nook room, which features a large bed that provided the perfect escape from everyday life, thanks to the curtains that created an almost den-like feel. Here we had the perfect night’s rest and woke up feeling refreshed for the day ahead. Honestly, I was out like a light as soon as my head hit that pillow.

THE MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY

After the perfect night’s rest, what better way to start the day than a full English breakfast? The team at Sawcliffe Manor provided us with a basket full of everything needed to create the perfect meal. We enjoyed fresh orange juice, milk, eggs, locally cured bacon, Lincolnshire sausages, a fresh granary loaf, tasty pastries, cake, honey, homemade jam and granola with different toppings. I usually grab breakfast on the go with how busy everyday life can be, so it was so lovely to take time together to cook a lovely meal.

PAMPERING SESSIONS

Sawcliffe Manor is home to a natural, off-grid spa that provides a private space to relax and pamper yourself for three hours. Its stunning surroundings create the perfect backdrop to disconnect from the world and enjoy quality time with loved ones.

The spa takes the team seven hours to prepare, so we felt privileged to be able to try it out. We started with a dip in the wooden hot tub made from spruce and larch wood. No chemicals or electricity are used, so it’s perfect for those with sensitive skin. Our favourite part of the experience was the copper milk bath, which left our skin smooth and hydrated. We soaked in the tub for 30 minutes before rinsing off. Unlike my partner, I was brave enough to face the Swedish ice bucket, which was definitely ice cold! To warm up, I used the freshly picked herbs to create some tea while my feet were soaking in the salt foot bath. We then scrubbed our body with Beldi soap and an exfoliation mitt to remove all our dry skin – I felt a million dollars afterwards. What better way to finish our relaxation session than a good old clay mask?

TIME TO EXPLORE

We love a good competition and couldn’t wait to participate in an archery session, an activity we had done before and really enjoyed! Our instructor Reg was fantastic. His passion for the sport was evident, and he shared plenty of knowledge with us. After shooting a few arrows in the 17th-century dairy, we got the hang of it and had the best time.

After a fun morning session, it was time to explore the nearby nature reserve to try and find the wild Exmoor ponies. The herd of 32 ponies roam free on 400 acres to help keep the grass levels down and support the ecosystem. After a short walk, we turned a corner to find the magnificent creates almost waiting for us. We watched them from afar amongst nature and enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere.

THE FINAL VERDICT

We had such a fantastic stay at Sawcliffe Manor! The team couldn’t have been more welcoming, and it felt like a home away from home. The venue provided the perfect location for us to relax and unwind together in dreamworthy surroundings. We created so many lovely memories, and I can’t wait to go back in the future.

Discover more about the property here: www.sawcliffemanor.com