FOR THE ULTIMATE DESTINATION WEDDING, COME TO THE COTSWOLDS  

06/12/24

Picture-book pretty

When it comes to destination weddings, the Cotswolds in the heart of England is the perfect choice for couples seeking a unique alternative to more pedestrian beach or urban scenes; it is no surprise, therefore, that 40 per cent of bookings at Cornwell Manor are from overseas couples. Guests from abroad also love the area’s proximity to London. Jump in the car and 90 minutes later you are in the heart of the Cotswolds where the rolling hills, honey-coloured villages, medieval castles and meandering rivers is England at its most idyllic. No wonder Taylor Swift chose to base herself here during the UK leg of her Eras tour, or that Kate Moss, Jeremy Clarkson and the Beckhams all have sprawling estates nearby.

Nearby popular town of Bourton-on-the-Water
Wedding Ceremony at Cornwell Manor, photo credit Imogen Xiana

“Getting married at Cornwell was a dream. Planning a destination wedding has its challenges but Charlotte and the team made the process easy, stress-free and, dare I say, fun. Cornwell Manor is everything you want in a wedding venue: A quick drive from Heathrow, surrounded by charming villages for guests to enjoy, and sprawling views of the beautiful Cotswolds. The property is stunning and a perfect backdrop for wedding festivities and swoon-worthy photos! We can’t recommend it enough!”
Emmy Hann Miller (bride), Texas

 Chloe Lowe   
Rachel Takes Pictures

A World Apart

Cornwell Manor (which can be fully reserved, thus ensuring complete privacy and exclusivity) is the epitome of old-world elegance, its historical façade bringing to mind scenes from a Jane Austen novel or the recent TV adaption of Jilly Cooper’s book Rivals, which was filmed nearby. Exquisite on the outside, warm and inviting within, the house mixes traditional English furnishings – huge oil paintings, vast four-poster beds, the odd stag’s head – with five-star amenities including luxurious bathrooms, super-soft bed linen, speedy wi-fi and a venue team eager to take care of guests’ requirements, from in-room spa treatments to private tours to bespoke menus offering both British and international cuisine.

Michael Newington-Gray
The Curries

“We were so delighted with our daughter’s wedding at Cornwell Manor. With many of our guests travelling from Tennessee and all parts of the US, we felt the Cotswolds offered a dream destination, with easy travel links to from Heathrow and wonderful area to explore. The very best part was housing 24 close friends and family in one place for three days, well fed and celebrated in the big embrace of a lovely home. Cornwell Manor is the quintessential English manor house, brimming with historic charm, beautiful backdrops for wedding photos and the different spaces for multi-day celebrations, including a church!
Janette Shelby-Smith (mother of the bride), Nashville

Michael Newington-Gray

Quintessentially English

Although it’s so close to London, the Cotswolds with its ancient pubs, historic houses and stunningly pretty market towns feels like a million miles from the hustle and bustles of the capital. Guests who want to enjoy the very English amenities at Cornwell can play croquet on the lawn, shoot clays or eat scones and jam on the terrace overlooking the lakes, while those who want to venture further afield can visit historical sites including Sudeley Castle (built in 1443), Chipping Camden (an exquisitely pretty former wool trading centre), Bourton-on-the-Water (also known as the Venice of the Cotswolds) and any number of excellent local pubs for a traditional English roast and locally brewed ale – perfect for a grooms lunch!

Michael Newington-Gray: Grooms Lunch at The Kingham Plough

Accessibility for international guests:

From Heathrow Airport: 
By car: 1.5-2 hours’ drive; By train: Take Heathrow Express or Elizbeth Line to Paddington (30 minutes). From Paddington take a direct train to Kingham Station (1 hour and 20 minutes).  

From Gatwick Airport:
By car: 2.5-3 hours’ drive. By train: take Gatwick Express to London Victoria (30 minutes); transfer to London Underground and take Circle Line to Paddington. From Paddington take a direct train to Kingham Station (1 hour and 20 minutes).