8 minute read
HISTORICAL SPLENDOUR
Horsley Towers has been one of managing editor Danielle Harvey’s bucket list of Surrey venues to visit; so she jumped at the chance to spend some time at this renowned wedding venue...
Few Surrey venues have quite the façade as that of exclusive-use wedding venue Horsley Towers. The widely used photography of the picturesque lake view with the towers in the background is simply enchanting, like something plucked straight from the pages of a fairytale. In real life, it’s the definition of breathtaking as the Towers slowly come in to view as you approach via the driveway and pull up alongside the lake, eager to enter the historical property to see what awaits inside.
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The ancestral home to the Lovelace family, the Towers were bought by Lord Lovelace from William Currie in the 1800s. Lord Lovelace added the iconic Italian tower, the clock tower and Great Hall, and commissioned the cloisters and beautiful chapel for his wife Ada Byron. Its historic significance and impressive backdrop has been recognised by TV and film crews featuring in popular Netflix drama The Crown, BBC’s Call the Midwife, and Disney’s Through the Looking Glass.
Visitors will certainly not be disappointed as the interior is all that you would expect, equally complementing the exterior in charm and aesthetic. Sympathetically refurbished, it retains many of its historical features, with furnishings synonymous with the De Vere hotel brand. LORDS AND LADIES OF THE MANOR Of course, the exterior of Horsley Towers is picture-perfect, but inside the Victorian mansion, couples really are spoilt for choice with standout rooms perfect for nuptials. History buffs will adore the authentic 19th century splendour of the Great Hall, which remains mainly untouched in its appearance boasting a beamed cantilever roof and trusses, oakpanelled walls, fireplace, and 150 coats of arms. The Minstrel’s Gallery also gives a sweeping bird’s eye view of the magnificent room and boasts a working organ. This traditional banqueting hall can host 110 loved ones for the ceremony and wedding breakfast.
For those looking for a more elegant space with plenty of light and luxe furnishings, the Sopwith Suite is ideal. Still perfectly complementing the splendour of the Towers, this space is suitable for 120 guests for ceremonies and the wedding breakfast.
When tying the knot here, there are three aptly named wedding breakfast packages, The Ada Byron, named after the daughter of the romantic poet Lord Byron who married Lord Lovelace; The Charles Barry the designer of the wonderful towers, and Lord Lovelace who bought
the towers and lived there in the 1800s. Even the most discerning of food critics can delight in the ample cuisine choice with meat, fish, vegetarian and vegan options on offer. From delectable canapés to five-course sitdown set dinners, evening buffets, paellas and hog roasts, if that’s not enough to whet your appetite and there’s something else you’re looking for, you can discuss with the team of chefs bespoke dining options.
Post-vows and dining, The Charles Barry Room sits alongside the Towers Bar making it ideal for evening receptions for up to 250 loved ones. And after a day of true pomp and splendour, where better to rest your head at night than in one of the 28 en suite rooms comprising of the bridal suite, junior suites, family rooms and deluxe rooms. All refurbished to a high standard with comfort and luxury in mind. What’s more, there are a further 180 rooms in Horsley Towers if you’re having a truly grand affair.
EDITOR LOVES ❤ The cloisters and chapel – These breathtaking spaces provide the most romantic settings for photos and a quiet moment for the couple to spend quality time together. Consider a blessing in the chapel for a ceremony to remember. ❤ The grounds – There’s ample space to utilise for summer weddings including the terrace and croquet lawn. ❤ The all weekender option – Oh-so popular with modern couples, the venue offers dinner the night before, breakfast the following morning and a ‘girls night in’ package. ❤ The grooms room – Not many venues cater so attentively to the men too, and the Grooms Room will be a hit with the gents complete with pool table, TVs, fridges and more! ❤ The cosy snugs – There are ample chairs, sofas and facilities for loved ones to spend quality time together. ❤ Toastmaster Steve Eggleton’s history tour – Guests too can enjoy the history tour and Steve’s absolutely charming, his passion for the venue is infectious. ❤ The team! – There’s not one person that truly wasn’t a delight to deal with so you can rest assured your wedding day is in safe hands.
Special mention to general manager Michael Micallef, duty manager
Peter Roche, wedding coordinator Kate Bansgrove, Guita, and everyone else, thank you!
GREAT EXPECTATIONS
Here at County Wedding Magazines and Events HQ we’re looking forward to kickstarting our Spring wedding show season. From must-visit local fairs in some of the region’s best wedding venues, to our larger Signature Wedding Shows home to more than 100 exhibitors each, we can’t wait to welcome back our couples and help plan their wedding days.
Here’s what to expect when attending one of our events...
Whether you’re joyous that restrictions have passed, or are still a little hesitant, couples can rest assured our venues are continuing to maintain some of the government guidelines and measures to ensure everyone can feel comfortable and enjoy the day:
• Attendees will need to pre-register to attend events • There will be allocated time slots for visitors • All venues will also have enhanced cleaning procedures, with hand washing and sanitising facilities still available • Spaces between exhibition booths will be maintained to ease congestion • Optional face masks • Anyone with symptoms must refrain from visiting
Each event will boast a huge range of specialists who will be on hand to talk through your planning ideas and requirements; venues, bridal boutiques, photographers, florists, cake makers and more, there’s everything you could need to plan your wedding under one roof.
On the day refreshments will be available to purchase from each of the venue’s on-site restaurants, bars and cafés, and attending our exhibitions is free!
For more information on any of our exhibitions visit County Wedding Events’ website.
We look forward to seeing you at one of our events. Sarah
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Sarah Ellis, Sales and Events Director County Wedding Events.
Psst! Our pre-registered Signature Wedding Show visitors will have the chance to win a £250 gift voucher courtesy of Spabreaks.com
A date for your diary...
ASCOT RACECOURSE, 24TH APRIL, 2022 THE BRENTWOOD CENTRE, 2ND OCTOBER, 2022
WEMBLEY STADIUM, 5TH MARCH, 2023 MERCEDES-BENZ WORLD, DATE TO BE RELEASED
FREE ENTRY
DATE TO BE RELEASED SOON
Hosted at Mercedes-Benz World Brooklands Drive, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 0SL
Hosted at
SUNDAY 2ND OCTOBER - 11AM TO 3:30PM THE BRENTWOOD CENTRE, ESSEX
Follow us on: /CountyWeddingEvents @CountyWedEvent @countyweddingevents
SUNDAY 5TH MARCH, 2023 WEMBLEY STADIUM, LONDON
• Free entry • Win a luxury honeymoon • Huge number of wedding specialists including venues • Bridal fashion shows • Entertainment • Refreshments • Covid-19 secure
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
A date for your diary... Sunday 24th April 2022 | 11am to 3.30pm
Hosted at Ascot Racecourse, High Street Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7JX
