To complete the experience relax in the luxurious abbey bridal suite with a champagne breakfast.


Binham Grange, Old Cleeve, Minehead, TA24 6HX. Telephone: 01984 640056. www.binhamgrange.co.uk


Friars Court, Clanfield Binham Grange a unique and charming venue


from Minehead a few miles away. Binham Grange is set among 300 acres of working farmland and dairy produce is used in the restaurant. Vegetables come straight from the garden to the kitchen which is personally supervised by Marie and her daughter, and fresh seasonal local produce is delivered.


The house and gardens at Binham also create an ideal venue for an intimate country wedding, with an emphasis on flexibility. Marie Thomas can offer advice on local accommodation for your guests and have a wealth of knowledge of local companies offering wedding services from bridal wear to hair and make-up and from florists to music.


You may wish to enjoy celebration drinks and canapés on the garden terrace followed by a personally tailor-made menu for up to 35 or buffet for 52 in the great dining hall.


With its ancient moat and acres of elegant gardens, this old Cotswold stone country house hotel in rural west Oxfordshire is a relaxing place for a restful break, and an atmospheric location for a wedding.


Friars Court has been the family home of the Willmers since 1917. The current Cotswold stone house has stood on its moated site, close to the River Thames, for over 300 years. There have been buildings on the site since 1149 when the Monastic Knights of St. John founded the first ‘Hospitallery’ in Oxfordshire. Here the resident friars would have offered rest and refreshment to the traveller.


Today Friars Court is open exclusively to private groups and the Wilmers continue this ancient tradition of personal care and service. The Winterhalter Wedding Garden provides the lovely setting for wedding photographs, inspired by the works of the 19th century painter.


There are many interesting and unusual trees and shrubs throughout the garden, which has information boards placed around to add to visitors’ interest. The Yew Arch (Taxus baccata) is made from two yew trees thought to be over 300 years old. Originally two separate trees they were joined by Richard Willmer in the 1920s and now form a natural tunnel leading to the arched bridge over the moat as seen today. One tree is male, the other female and fruits most years. The trees are lightly trimmed to shape usually in October.


Friars Court, Clanfield, West Oxfordshire OX18 2SU. Telephone: 01367 810206. www.friarscourt.com It is also the home of Silver Pear Weddings run by Jeffrey Cleaver, www.silverpearweddings.co.uk


Hestercombe


Hestercombe is a unique collection of three gardens spanning three centuries of garden history and design, with the romantic 18th century garden in the combe behind the house, the Victorian terrace and the Edwardian garden in front of it.


The Pear Tree at Purton, Church End, Purton, Wiltshire, SN5 4ED 01793 772100 Special Occasions 17 Individually decorated Rooms and Suites Award winning Conservatory Restaurant Dog Friendly


7.5 Acre gardens including 50 metre Herbaceous Border, Wild Flower Meadow, Wetlands and Vineyard Special Breaks


www.peartreepurton.co.uk


Hestercombe offers a great destination for an exciting short stop or a wonderful leisurely day out. Walk the gardens, visit the coffee shop and Stables Restaurant to enjoy delicious refreshments - or browse in the gardens shop, filled with interesting and unusual gifts, books and a well stocked plant centre. Entry to these areas is free.


The children’s playground, situated by the sunny and comfortable picnic area, offers a safe haven for the little ones aged up to 7, with easy access to all facilities. Entry to the playground and picnic area is free.


Hestercombe has a choice of versatile venues for weddings, conferences and parties; business meetings, exhibitions, events and celebrations of all kinds. There is an exciting


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