2018 Editor's Choice Hotels for Weddings
Editor’s Choice: Wedding Hotel Venues
The Horn of Plenty - Taste of Autumn
Tavistock
‘The amiable staff at this charming country hotel make you feel like a guest in a good friend’s house.’
Llangoed Hall - Autumn Gold Package Special Offer
Llyswen
Deep in the Wye valley, this privately owned 17th-century manor house stands in ‘a great atmosphere of peace’, overlooking green meadows leading to the river.
Hipping Hall - Gourmet Getaway Break Special Offer
Cowan Bridge
In green grounds at the foot of Gragareth, this ‘friendly, unstuffy’ hotel makes a cushy base for travellers exploring the Yorkshire Dales and the southern Lakes.
Glenfinnan House Hotel - Three nights for Two Special Offer
Glenfinnan
A Victorian remodelling of an 18th-century inn, this stone mansion stands tall in a ‘beautiful situation’, with lawns stretching to the loch, and views of Ben Nevis.
Temple House
Ballymote
History hangs about Roderick and Helena Perceval’s Georgian mansion, approached via a drive through sheep-grazed parkland.
Langar Hall
Langar
Down an avenue of lime trees stands this characterful hotel, its apricot-washed facade a welcome sight to its legions of loyal fans.
Penally Abbey
Penally
Overlooking the Pembrokeshire coast, Melanie and Lucas Boissevain’s chic hotel is ‘clearly on the up’.
Goldstone Hall
Market Drayton
All is peaceful at John and Sue Cushing’s 18th-century manor house hotel, approached down a country lane embraced by green fields.
Bingham
Richmond-upon-Thames
‘Sumptuous’ inside and out, Ruth and Samantha Trinder’s refined hotel on the River Thames is in a ‘tranquil spot’ that belies its easy connection to the scramble and dash of London.
Budock Vean
Mawnan Smith
‘The beautiful location, wonderful service and excellent food keep us coming back.’
2017 Editor's Choice Hotels for Weddings
Editor’s Choice: Wedding Hotel Venues
Star Castle - 10% discount all year
St Mary’s
‘Everything you’d expect from a really good hotel is here,’ writes a trusted Guide correspondent in 2017, fresh from celebrating the holidays at the Francis family’s characterful hotel above Hugh Town.
Gregans Castle Hotel.
Ballyvaughan
In the otherworldly limestone landscape of the Burren, with distant views across valley and mountain to Galway Bay, husband-and-wife team Simon Haden and Frederieke McMurray run their 18th-century manor house as an ‘absolutely top-rate hotel’.
Langar Hall
Langar
Down an avenue of lime trees stands this characterful hotel, its apricot-washed facade a welcome sight to its legions of loyal fans.
The Lord Crewe Arms
Blanchland
The flagstone floors, cavernous fireplaces, labyrinthine corridors and barrel-vaulted crypt bar ‘reek of history’ at this cheerfully updated medieval abbot’s lodge in a conservation village on the North Pennine moors.
Boath House
Auldearn
There are whisky and castle trails to strike out on, but begin, perhaps, with a stroll around the Matheson family’s ‘lovely’ mansion – ‘the grounds are wonderful,’ say Guide inspectors in 2017.
Hotel Endsleigh
Milton Abbot
Olga Polizzi’s countryside retreat, at its origin a Regency fishing lodge created for the Duchess of Bedford, is today an ‘unpretentious, wholly enjoyable’ hotel ‘decorated with charm and taste’.
The Coach House at Middleton Lodge
Richmond
Horses and coaches once trundled up the tree-lined avenue to this former stables in Yorkshire countryside; today, James Allison’s ‘low-key, relaxing’ hotel attracts a rather smarter set.
Roundwood House
Mountrath
The vista stretches over open pastures from Paddy and Hannah Flynn’s Georgian mansion, standing in extensive grounds below the Slieve Bloom mountains.
Jesmond Dene House
Newcastle upon Tyne
In ‘an oasis of calm’, Peter Candler’s ‘impressive, imposing’ hotel stands in ‘an attractive wooded dell, with paths leading into woodland for exploration’.
The Assembly House
Norwich
‘Ideally situated’ in a quiet pocket of the city, this ornate building has hosted entertainment for more than 260 years, from genteel balls and concerts to waxwork exhibitions and a cinema.
2016 Editor's Choice Hotels for Weddings
Editor’s Choice: Wedding Hotel Venues
Knockinaam Lodge - Late Availability 20% Discount Special Offer
Portpatrick
On a sheltered cove on the wildly scenic Galloway coast, Sian and David Ibbotson’s stone hunting lodge is liked for its ‘tranquil setting’, its ‘professional, friendly, caring’ staff, and its fine collection of single malts.
Watersmeet - Ramblers Package Three Night Special Offer
Woolacombe
Above Woolacombe Bay, this former Edwardian gentleman’s retreat is today a ‘comfortable, relaxed’ hotel owned by Amanda James.
Ballymaloe House
Shanagarry
‘Excellent all round.’ It is more than 50 years since farmer’s wife Myrtle Allen launched the modest restaurant that would burgeon into hotel, shop, café, cookery school and event space.
Bingham
Richmond-upon-Thames
‘Sumptuous’ inside and out, Ruth and Samantha Trinder’s refined hotel on the River Thames is in a ‘tranquil spot’ that belies its easy connection to the scramble and dash of London.
The Ollerod
Beaminster
‘The welcome is always friendly’ at this ‘likeable’ country hotel in a former priests’ house dating back to the 13th century.
Rose in Vale
St Agnes
In summer, swags of roses adorn the Doric porch of James and Sara Evans’s ‘elegant’ if much extended Georgian country house in a secluded valley in the village of Mithian.
Hotels not in the Guide that you may want to consider
Editor’s Choice: Wedding Hotel Venues
1863 Bar Bistro Rooms
POOLEY BRIDGE
In the heart of the village, a former blacksmith’s house (built in 1863) and later the village post office, has been elegantly reinvented. It has a wood-panelled bar with an open fire, seasonal menus in the contemporary bistro, and seven prettily decorated bedrooms above.
Malmaison
Oxford
This converted Victorian prison is now a stunning boutique hotel offering unique luxury accommodation in historic Oxford. Limited private parking is available for a surcharge. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
Arisaig House
ARISAIG
Backing on to Loch Nan Uamh, a stone-built manor with a relaxed country house atmosphere and loads of Scottish charm. Explore twenty acres of gardens and woodlands accompanied by one of the resident dogs.
Stocks Hotel
SARK
An elegantly decorated Victorian country house hotel with bright bedrooms – some in a converted farmhouse or stables. The comfortable lounge has a wood-burning stove, a library stocked with books about Sark and the Channel Islands. A vast array of single malt whiskies awaits in the adjoining 18th-century Smugglers Bar (white-washed stone walls, oak beams). Carriage rides using the hotel’s own livery stables can be arranged.
The Sun Inn
POOLEY BRIDGE
Family run, a flower-bedecked pub, popular for its children’s play area, and wholesome grub served in cheery, beamed dining areas or the large beer garden. Some dog-friendly rooms too.
Rudding Park
Harrogate
In parkland originally laid out by landscape designer Humphry Repton, this Grade I listed Regency mansion, has luxurious accommodation and two fine restaurants. Impressive facilities include a spa, two golf courses, a private cinema and a kitchen garden.
Grendon
Buxton
Wonderful views, luxury extras and home-baked treats - on a quiet road within walking distance of the town centre, this B&B in an Edwardian property has an immaculate modern interior and welcoming hosts.
The Old Bakery
Lincoln
Noted for its great food, this romantic restaurant-with-rooms close to the cathedral and castle, has three rustic bedrooms above.
The Bijou
Harrogate
Within easy walking distance of the town centre and railway station, this small B&B in a Victorian villa tempts with an honesty bar, pleasant front garden; private parking is an added bonus.
Hotel Indigo
BIRMINGHAM
In the iconic Cube building, a contemporary hotel with terrific views over the city and canal network below. Higher up is the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse, Bar & Grill. Guests have complimentary use of the club and spa, which includes a pool, sauna and steam/hot rooms.
The Old Hall Hotel
BUXTON
Reputed to be England’s oldest hotel, the building dates back to 1573, and has accommodated many illustrious Elizabethans, as well as the hapless Mary Queen of Scots. Today’s guests appreciate its blend of tradition with modernity and its great location opposite the beautiful Pavilion Gardens and Buxton Opera House.
Dillons of Whitby
Whitby
Ideally placed for both the town centre and historic port, an individually styled B&B in a renovated Victorian property overlooking Pannett Park.
Raithwaite Estate
WHITBY
A short walk from the coast, this collection of buildings nestles in 100 acres of gardens and woodland. Choose to stay in The Hall, The Keep, the six-bedroom private Lake House or one of the stone-built cottages. The luxury spa has four treatment rooms, a relaxation room, heated pool, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and small gym.
The Grafton
HARROGATE
In a quiet, leafy street, ten minutes' walk from the centre, this imposing, double-fronted Victorian house has contemporary rooms, plentiful breakfasts and welcoming, helpful hosts.
The Cow
DALBURY LEES
Sleekly refurbished, a cow-themed country pub with chic, rustic bedrooms, a beamed dining room for tapas-style dishes and a convivial bar stocking an impressive range of gins. Dogs are welcome. 9 miles W of Derby.
Victoria Hotel
WHITBY
On a clifftop, this comfortable, old-style hotel affords glorious coastal views over Robin Hood's Bay.
The Old Monmouth
LYME REGIS
Close to the sea front, a 16th-century house with a rich past, and a French-inspired light, airy interior. During summer months the whole house can be rented for up to 12 people.
Townhouse Exeter
EXETER
A contemporary, quirkily decorated B&B in a Grade II listed Victorian property within easy reach of the Cathedral, Quayside, university and train stations, Parking permits are provided.
The Rest Hotel Lincoln
LINCOLN
On a quaint, steep, cobbled street, an old parish hall has been imaginatively converted into a chic B&B with an on-site coffee shop. The Castle and Cathedral are a five-minute walk away,
Lyme Townhouse
LYME REGIS
A stylish guest house, just off the high street, and ideally placed for the historic Cobb harbour, beaches, beautiful gardens, pubs and restaurants.
Westwood Guest House
LYME REGIS
Worth the climb. This contemporary guest house is at the top of a hill with glorious views over Lyme Bay. Breakfast is taken in the light, airy conservatory or on a sunny terrace; bedrooms include a fridge with fresh milk and a laptop safe.
The Keep
YEOVIL
A smart, well-appointed B&B situated in the heart of town. A Continental breakfast is served in a contemporary dining area, or may be taken in the room.
The Kings Arms Inn
YEOVIL
Nestling by a church, a traditional, family-run country inn with a bar, comfy sofas and good food in two restaurant areas. The 17th-century building is close to Montacute House; Yeovil is a thirteen minute drive.
Charades Guest House
HEREFORD
There’s nothing pretend about the welcome at this Victorian villa. In a quiet conservation area, with a lovely park close by, it lies a short walk from the centre. Bedrooms mix period features and modern comforts; some have views over the city to the cathedral.
Somerville House
HEREFORD
A late-Victorian villa with a cosy guest lounge, bedrooms with contemporary features and a lovely terrace overlooking the enclosed garden. 20-minutes by foot to the centre.
Hotels in Herefordshire
Hotels in Malvern wells
Hotels in Monmouthshire
Hotels in Abergavenny
Hotels in LudlowFind your perfect wedding venue
From Sussex to Scotland and everywhere in between, hotels across the UK are the ideal locations for weddings because they really know what they are doing. The difficulty is finding the ones that really stand out as individual and characterful destinations with the best of style, design and, king of all attributes, customer service.
The Good Hotel Guide was built on an ethos of quality and identity, and at no time are those elements more important than when you’re planning a wedding. A time to look after and entertain all the people who are closest to you, the hotels we have found, from boutique hotels to grand country house hotels, city townhouses to the most elegant of rustic country pubs, all include those highly desired qualities in our collection of UK wide hotel wedding venues.
The collection includes a wide variety of locations, not just in terms of counties and cities, but varying from lakeside hotels near Windermere to mountainside locations in Wales, seaside hotels in Devon and Highland hotels in Scotland.
Each has its own approach to weddings, and many have in-house planners who make the whole process that much more carefree for the bride and groom. Food is a high priority in most places, and a tricky one to coordinate outside a hotel venue, adding another tick box in the reasons for choosing a hotel as your wedding venue.
Whether you’re looking for a grand event at the likes of Lewtrenchard Manor or a small and intimate occasion, there’s something for every wedding occasion amongst this collection.