39 Charming Country House Wedding Venues in the UK with Local Cheese Pairings
Hello, beautiful brides and handsome grooms!
I'm Jessica, your dedicated wedding planner. I'm here to guide you through one of the most important decisions you'll make for your special day: choosing the perfect wedding venue.
As a lover of all things romantic and charming, I'm excited to share with you some of the most enchanting country house wedding venues across the UK.
Ah, nothing quite compares to being surrounded by natural wonders and breathtaking countryside views whilst celebrating your special day. From its quaint charm to its unique atmosphere, planning a country house wedding can be an unforgettable experience that will last a lifetime.
The most popular venues for those looking to host their dream wedding in the UK are undoubtedly rustic estate houses offering couples some of the best backdrops imaginable. These locations have grand entrances, spectacular gardens, luxurious bedrooms and plenty of space for guests.
And to make your day even more memorable, I've paired each venue with a delicious local cheese from the region.
Whether you're dreaming of a fairytale wedding in a picturesque castle, a lavish celebration in a grand manor, or an intimate ceremony surrounded by the beauty of nature, these venues offer a stunning backdrop for your love story.
So, let's explore these magical locations together and find the perfect setting for your happily ever after.
Top Country House Wedding Venues in the UK
When it comes to celebrating your love, the setting plays a crucial role in creating unforgettable memories.
That's why I've handpicked 25 of the most enchanting country house wedding venues in the UK, each with a unique charm and elegance.
From grand castles to cosy manors, these venues offer a variety of styles and atmospheres to suit your vision for the perfect day. To add a special touch, I've paired each venue with a delightful local cheese reflecting the region's rich culinary heritage.
And as a bonus to you lucky readers, I've included a few more locations, notably from areas I love, including Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire (where I live), Cumbria (where I love to go), and Scotland, just because it's beautiful.
Let's begin our journey through these romantic locations!
Aynhoe Park, Oxfordshire
Aynhoe Park is an elegant 17th-century country house located in Oxfordshire. This Grade I listed building features a mix of classical and modern design, offering elegant spaces for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and celebrations. A perfect addition to your Aynhoe Park wedding experience would be to serve the Oxford Blue Cheese, a creamy and tangy cheese made in Oxfordshire that will add a local touch to your wedding menu.
Babington House, Somerset
Babington House is a stunning Georgian country house with 18 acres of beautiful gardens in Somerset. The venue offers a range of elegant spaces for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and celebrations, including the Orangery, which can accommodate up to 120 guests. Enhance the dining experience at your Babington House wedding by serving Wookey Hole Cave Aged Cheddar. This delicious cheese is aged in the nearby caves of Somerset, offering a unique and authentic local flavour.
Braxted Park, Essex
Braxted Park is a beautiful Queen Anne-style country house in the heart of the Essex countryside. The estate offers a variety of elegant spaces for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and celebrations, including the Walled Garden, which can accommodate up to 200 guests. Complement the grandeur of Braxted Park with a local cheese like Baron Bigod Brie, an artisanal cheese made in Essex that will bring a touch of luxury to your wedding menu.
Brympton House, Somerset
Brympton House is a stunning country house in Somerset, surrounded by breathtaking gardens and parklands. The venue offers a range of elegant spaces for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and celebrations, including the magnificent Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 150 guests. Enhance your Brympton House wedding experience with White Lake Cheese Rachel, a semi-hard Somerset cheese offering a sweet and slightly nutty flavour that guests will adore.
Castle Howard, Yorkshire
Castle Howard is an impressive, stately home in the heart of the Yorkshire countryside. The estate offers a variety of elegant spaces for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and celebrations, including the opulent Great Hall, which can accommodate up to 150 guests. Add a touch of local flavour to your Castle Howard wedding by serving Wensleydale Creamery Yorkshire Wensleydale, a creamy and crumbly cheese from Yorkshire that will delight your guests.
Chiddingstone Castle, Kent
Chiddingstone Castle is a stunning Tudor-style country house in the picturesque village of Chiddingstone, Kent. The venue offers a range of elegant spaces for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and celebrations, including the Great Hall, which can accommodate up to 120 guests. Incorporate a local touch into your Chiddingstone Castle wedding menu by serving Winterdale Shaw, a traditional clothbound cheddar cheese from Kent that offers a rich and savoury flavour.
Clearwell Castle, Gloucestershire
Clearwell Castle is a magnificent Gothic Revival castle located in the heart of the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire. The castle offers a variety of elegant spaces for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and celebrations, including the Grand Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 150 guests (photo by Charlotte Burn). Enhance the dining experience at your Clearwell Castle wedding by serving Double Gloucester, a traditional and smooth cheese from Gloucestershire that will be a delightful addition to your wedding menu.
Coombe Lodge, Somerset
Coombe Lodge is a charming country house nestled in the Mendip Hills in Somerset. The venue offers a range of elegant spaces for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and celebrations, including the Music Room, which can accommodate up to 150 guests. Add a touch of local flavour to your Coombe Lodge wedding by serving Bath Soft Cheese Co. Bath Soft, a creamy and mild cheese from Somerset that will be a delightful addition to your wedding menu.
Eastnor Castle, Herefordshire
Eastnor Castle is a stunning 19th-century Gothic Revival castle in the picturesque Malvern Hills in Herefordshire. The castle offers a variety of elegant spaces for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and celebrations, including the State Dining Room, which can accommodate up to 80 guests. Enhance your Eastnor Castle wedding experience with Monkland Cheese Dairy Hereford Hop, a local cheese from Herefordshire with a distinctive hop coating, adding a unique and delicious touch to your wedding menu.
Farnham Castle, Surrey
Farnham Castle is a magnificent 12th-century castle located in Surrey. The castle offers a variety of elegant spaces for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and celebrations, including the Great Hall, which can accommodate up to 200 guests. Add a touch of local flavour to your Farnham Castle wedding by serving Norbury Blue, a creamy and mellow blue cheese from Surrey that will impress your guests with its delightful taste.
Fawsley Hall, Northamptonshire
Fawsley Hall is a beautiful Tudor-style country house located in Northamptonshire. The venue offers a range of elegant spaces for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and celebrations, including Knightley Court, which can accommodate up to 150 guests. Complement the grandeur of Fawsley Hall with a local cheese like Cobblers Nibble, a handmade artisan cheese from Northamptonshire that brings a taste of the region to your wedding menu.
Fetcham Park, Surrey
Fetcham Park is an elegant Queen Anne-style country house located in Surrey. The venue offers a range of elegant spaces for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and celebrations, including the Great Hall, which can accommodate up to 130 guests. Enhance the dining experience at your Fetcham Park wedding by serving Hampshire Cheese Co. Tunworth, a delicious soft cheese from nearby Hampshire that is perfect for a special wedding menu.
Gosfield Hall, Essex
Gosfield Hall is a stunning Georgian country house in the heart of the Essex countryside. The venue offers a variety of elegant spaces for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and celebrations, including the Grand Salon, which can accommodate up to 110 guests (photo by Jasmine Jade). Complement the elegance of Gosfield Hall with a local cheese like Suffolk Gold, a smooth, creamy cheese from nearby Suffolk that will add a touch of luxury to your wedding menu.
Grittleton House, Wiltshire
Grittleton House is a beautiful Victorian country house located in the picturesque village of Grittleton, Wiltshire. The venue offers a range of elegant spaces for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and celebrations, including the Orangery, which can accommodate up to 150 guests. Enhance your Grittleton House wedding experience with Wiltshire Loaf, a traditional hard cheese from Wiltshire that boasts a rich and savoury flavour that guests will love.
Hedsor House, Buckinghamshire
Hedsor House is an exquisite Italianate-style country house nestled within 100 acres of historic parkland in Buckinghamshire. The venue offers a range of elegant spaces for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and celebrations, including the Grand Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 150 guests. Add a touch of local flavour to your Hedsor House wedding by serving Buckinghamshire Brie, a creamy and delicious cheese from the region that will delight your guests with its delectable taste.
Highclere Castle, Hampshire
Highclere Castle, famously known as the filming location for Downton Abbey, is an impressive country house located in Hampshire. The castle offers a variety of elegant spaces for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and celebrations, including the opulent Library, which can accommodate up to 120 guests. Enhance your Highclere Castle wedding experience with Lyburn Gold, a local cheese from Hampshire that features a smooth, creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavour that will impress your guests.
Hilles House, Gloucestershire
Hilles House is a striking Arts and Crafts-style country house located in Gloucestershire, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The venue offers a range of elegant spaces for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and celebrations, including the Yurt, which can accommodate up to 250 guests. Complement the beauty of Hilles House with Simon Weaver Cotswold Organic Brie, a delicious organic cheese from Gloucestershire that brings a touch of luxury to your wedding menu.
Homme House, Herefordshire
Homme House is a charming Georgian country house on 180 acres of picturesque parkland in Herefordshire. The venue offers a range of elegant spaces for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and celebrations, including the Panelled Room, which can accommodate up to 90 guests. Enhance your Homme House wedding experience with Croome Cuisine Worcestershire Sauce & Shallot Cheese, a unique and flavourful cheese from nearby Worcestershire that will be a memorable addition to your wedding menu.
Huntsham Court, Devon
Huntsham Court is a magnificent Victorian country house in the heart of the Devon countryside. The venue offers a range of elegant spaces for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and celebrations, including the Great Hall, which can accommodate up to 120 guests. Add a touch of local flavour to your Huntsham Court wedding by serving Quicke's Extra Mature Cheddar, a traditional cheese from Devon that offers a rich and tangy flavour that guests will adore.
Kirtlington Park, Oxfordshire
Kirtlington Park is an elegant 18th-century Palladian country house situated in Oxfordshire. The venue offers a range of elegant spaces for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and celebrations, including the Saloon, which can accommodate up to 120 guests. Enhance your Kirtlington Park wedding experience with Oxford Isis, a local washed-rind cheese from Oxfordshire that boasts a strong, pungent flavour and a creamy texture that will delight your guests.
Larmer Tree Gardens, Wiltshire
Larmer Tree Gardens is a stunning Victorian pleasure garden located in Wiltshire. The venue offers a range of elegant spaces for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and celebrations, including the Singing Theatre, which can accommodate up to 150 guests. Complement the beauty of Larmer Tree Gardens with Brinkworth Dairy Wiltshire Blue, a creamy and tangy blue cheese from Wiltshire that will add a touch of local flavour to your wedding menu.
Leeds Castle, Kent
Leeds Castle is a magnificent 12th-century castle surrounded by a picturesque moat in Kent. The castle offers a variety of elegant spaces for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and celebrations, including the Henry VIII Banqueting Hall, which can accommodate up to 100 guests. Incorporate a local touch into your Leeds Castle wedding menu by serving Ashmore Farmhouse Cheddar, a traditional clothbound cheddar cheese from Kent that offers a rich and savoury flavour that guests will enjoy.
Luton Hoo, Bedfordshire
Luton Hoo is an opulent 18th-century mansion located in Bedfordshire. The venue offers a range of elegant spaces for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and celebrations, including the Romanov Suite, which can accommodate up to 120 guests. Enhance your Luton Hoo wedding experience with Wodehill Blue, a creamy and mild blue cheese from nearby Cambridgeshire that will impress your guests with its delightful taste.
Maunsel House, Somerset
Maunsel House is a magnificent 13th-century manor house nestled within 100 acres of stunning parkland in Somerset. The venue offers a range of elegant spaces for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and celebrations, including the Regency Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 200 guests. Add a touch of local flavour to your Maunsel House wedding by serving Godminster Organic Vintage Cheddar, a delicious and smooth cheddar cheese from Somerset that will be a delightful addition to your wedding menu.
Each venue offers an enchanting setting for a memorable country house wedding. By incorporating a local cheese from the nearby area, you can further celebrate the unique heritage and flavours of the region, creating a truly unforgettable experience for you and your guests.
Charming Wedding Venues in Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire
The picturesque counties of Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire offer a wealth of breathtaking country house wedding venues that exude romance and charm. From regal castles to elegant stately homes, each location promises a unique and unforgettable experience for you and your guests. To further enhance the celebration of your love, I've carefully selected local cheeses that beautifully complement each venue's distinct character. So, let's explore these delightful destinations in Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire!
Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire
Belvoir Castle is a magnificent Regency castle situated in Leicestershire. The castle offers a variety of elegant spaces for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and celebrations, including the lavish Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 120 guests. To celebrate your local heritage at your Belvoir Castle wedding, consider serving Sparkenhoe Red Leicester, a traditional cheese from Leicestershire that boasts a rich, nutty flavour that guests will love.
Prestwold Hall, Leicestershire
Prestwold Hall is a stunning Grade I listed stately home in the heart of the Leicestershire countryside. The venue offers a range of elegant spaces for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and celebrations, including the Ornate Dining Room, which can accommodate up to 140 guests. Enhance your Prestwold Hall wedding experience with Long Clawson Stilton, a world-renowned blue cheese from Leicestershire that offers a creamy and complex flavour that guests will adore.
Kelham House, Nottinghamshire
Kelham House is an elegant Edwardian country house nestled within nine acres of landscaped gardens in Nottinghamshire. The venue offers a range of elegant spaces for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and celebrations, including the Garden Room, which can accommodate up to 100 guests. Complement the beauty of Kelham House with Colston Bassett Stilton, a creamy and indulgent blue cheese from Nottinghamshire that will add a touch of luxury to your wedding menu.
Norwood Park, Nottinghamshire
Norwood Park is a stunning Georgian country house located in the heart of the Nottinghamshire countryside. The venue offers a variety of elegant spaces for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and celebrations, including the Gallery, which can accommodate up to 250 guests. Enhance your Norwood Park wedding experience with Cropwell Bishop Blue Shropshire, a semi-hard cheese from Nottinghamshire that boasts a rich, tangy flavour that guests will enjoy.
Picturesque Wedding Venues in Cumbria
Cumbria's idyllic landscapes and stunning natural beauty provide the perfect backdrop for a country house wedding. The region boasts a variety of captivating venues that seamlessly blend elegance with rustic charm. To make your wedding day even more memorable, I've paired each Cumbrian venue with a delectable local cheese that showcases the area's rich gastronomic heritage. Let's discover these enchanting locations and the mouthwatering cheese pairings that await you in Cumbria!
Armathwaite Hall, Cumbria
Armathwaite Hall is a stunning 17th-century country house located on the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake in Cumbria. The venue offers a range of elegant spaces for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and celebrations, including the Lime Trees Suite, which can accommodate up to 150 guests. Enhance your Armathwaite Hall wedding experience with Thornby Moor Dairy Cumberland Farmhouse, a traditional hard cheese from Cumbria that offers a crumbly texture and a tangy flavour that guests will love.
Askham Hall, Cumbria
Askham Hall is a charming and elegant Grade II listed mansion in Cumbria, surrounded by picturesque gardens and beautiful countryside. The venue offers various spaces for ceremonies and receptions, including the Bank Barn and the stunning gardens. To make your Askham Hall wedding even more special, consider serving Thornby Moor Dairy Cumberland Farmhouse. This traditional Cumbrian cheese offers a delicious, full-bodied flavour that will delight your guests.
Broughton Hall, Cumbria
Broughton Hall is a magnificent stately home set within a vast private estate in Cumbria, offering a luxurious and exclusive setting for your wedding day. The venue boasts a range of elegant spaces for your ceremony and reception, including the historic Broughton Hall and the enchanting Eden. Enhance your Broughton Hall wedding with a taste of Ribblesdale Blue, a creamy blue cheese with a mild, tangy flavour that perfectly complements the venue's grandeur.
Low House, Cumbria
Low House is a beautiful Georgian country house with acres of private gardens and picturesque Cumbrian countryside. With its warm and inviting atmosphere, Low House offers an idyllic setting for an intimate wedding celebration. To add a local touch to your Low House wedding, serve Wensleydale Creamery Kit Calvert Wensleydale, a classic and creamy cheese from Cumbria. It is known for its crumbly texture and mild, slightly sweet flavour.
Silverholme Manor, Cumbria
Silverholme Manor is a stunning Georgian manor house nestled within the Graythwaite Estate on the shores of Lake Windermere in Cumbria. The venue offers a variety of elegant spaces for your ceremony and reception, as well as breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding countryside. To celebrate the region's flavours, pair your Silverholme Manor wedding with Hawkshead Relish Damson & Gin, a delightful cheese accompaniment from Cumbria featuring rich flavours of damson fruit and a hint of gin for a unique and memorable dining experience.
Stunning Wedding Venues in Scotland
Scotland is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, historic castles, and rich cultural heritage. It is an ideal destination for a romantic country house wedding.
From the enchanting Highlands to the picturesque Lowlands, Scotland offers a diverse selection of venues that will awe you and your guests.
To further elevate your Scottish wedding experience, I've paired each venue with delicious local cheese that showcases the region's incredible culinary traditions. Let's explore these magnificent wedding venues and discover the perfect setting for your Scottish love story!
Gleneagles, Scotland
Gleneagles is a luxurious country house hotel and golf resort situated in the heart of the Scottish countryside. The venue offers a variety of elegant spaces for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and celebrations, including the Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 300 guests. Complement the grandeur of Gleneagles with Strathearn Cheese Co. Strathearn, a handcrafted washed-rind cheese from Scotland that boasts a strong, pungent flavour and a creamy texture that will impress your guests.
Dundas Castle, Scotland
Dundas Castle is a stunning 15th-century castle located just outside Edinburgh in Scotland. The castle offers a variety of elegant spaces for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and celebrations, including the Croquet Room, which can accommodate up to 110 guests. Add a touch of local flavour to your Dundas Castle wedding by serving Isle of Mull Cheddar, a traditional clothbound cheddar from the Isle of Mull in Scotland that offers a rich, savoury flavour that guests will adore.
Carlowrie Castle, Scotland
Carlowrie Castle is a beautiful 19th-century castle located just outside Edinburgh in Scotland. The venue offers a range of elegant spaces for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and celebrations, including the Orangery, which can accommodate up to 120 guests. Enhance your Carlowrie Castle wedding experience with Lanark Blue, a delicious blue cheese from Scotland that boasts a creamy texture and a spicy, tangy flavour that will delight your guests.
Culzean Castle, Scotland
Culzean Castle is a magnificent cliff-top castle located on the picturesque Ayrshire coast of Scotland. The castle offers a variety of elegant spaces for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and celebrations, including the Round Drawing Room, which can accommodate up to 100 guests. Complement the beauty of Culzean Castle with Arran Cheese Shop Arran Smoked Cheddar, a local cheese from the Isle of Arran in Scotland that features a delicious smoky flavour that will add a unique touch to your wedding menu.
By incorporating a local cheese from the nearby area for each country house wedding venue, you can celebrate the region's unique Scottish heritage and flavours, creating a truly unforgettable experience for you and your guests.
Tips for Incorporating Local Cheese Pairings in Your Wedding Menu
Serving local cheese at your wedding is a delightful way to honour the region's culinary traditions and add a unique touch to your special day. As a cheese wedding cake specialist, we understand the importance of selecting the perfect cheeses to complement your chosen country house wedding venue. I'd like to share some expert tips to help you seamlessly incorporate these delicious cheese pairings into your wedding menu.
Before we dive in, I'd like to mention that I've previously written two blog posts that you may find helpful. The first post, "How To Incorporate Cheese Wedding Cakes into Your Wedding Menu," offers guidance on creating a stunning cheese wedding cake as a centrepiece for your celebration. The second post, "Pairing Wine With Your Cheese Wedding Cake," provides valuable insights on choosing the perfect wines to accompany your cheese selections. Don't forget to check out both posts for more inspiration and guidance!
Now, let's explore 5 tips for adding local cheese pairings to your menu, keeping in mind the focus on cheese wedding cakes:
- Create a cheese platter or grazing table around your cheese wedding cake
- Offer cheese-themed canapés or appetisers using the cheeses from your cake
- Include local cheese in your main course, inspired by the flavours of your cheese wedding cake
- Curate a cheese dessert station featuring the cheeses from your cake, along with accompaniments
- Pair your cheese wedding cake with regional wines or craft beers, as suggested in our wine pairing blog post
By thoughtfully incorporating these local cheese pairings into your wedding menu and showcasing your cheese wedding cake, you'll celebrate the region's unique flavours and create a memorable gastronomic experience for you and your guests.
Conclusion
As we've journeyed through enchanting country house wedding venues across the UK and their mouth-watering local cheese pairings, I hope you've discovered the perfect setting for your special day.By incorporating a cheese wedding cake and other cheese-inspired menu items, you'll create a unique and memorable dining experience and celebrate the region's rich culinary heritage.
Remember, the key to a successful wedding is all about personalisation and showcasing your love story. From the breathtaking backdrop of your chosen venue to the delicious local cheese pairings, every detail will make your day truly unforgettable.
If you need any further guidance or assistance choosing the right cheese for your wedding or selecting the perfect cheese wedding cake, don't hesitate to reach out to us at the Cheese Wedding Cake Shop.
We're here to help you every step of the way, ensuring your wedding day is as magical and memorable as your love story.
Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials, and here's to a lifetime of love and happiness!