WHAT’S ON AND EVENTS

Haven’t heard of Waresley Park Estate? Well, we’ve got a treat for you then! This amazing estate near the Cambs/ Beds border is a rural retreat that offers something for everyone! The estate is made up of 120 acres of unspoilt and rolling (practically hilly by Cambridgeshire standards!) countryside set around a stud farm and a fabulous house, and it’s home to some awesome public events throughout the year. These include a must-visit annual Christmas event with a stunning light trail, silent disco, outdoor cinema and mulled wine huts in the prey courtyard. There are also seasonal workshops such as wreath making, calligraphy, cocktail-making and fun art nights. Other events and workshops throughout the year include al fresco yoga classes, kid’s art classes, and outdoor theatre from top touring companies in the stunning grass amphitheatre.

At the idyllic private lake area there are regular wild swimming sessions, with tickets available to purchase for swims every Thursday morning. With a life guard on site it’s an ideal experience for anyone who wants to reconnect with nature and exercise in the wild – solo swimmers, couples or families. Oh, and did we mention there’s also a vineyard, the estate keeps bees for honey and makes it’s own its own walled garden gin as well as coffee that you can buy at Bean Theory in Newnham Cambridge.

THE HOUSE & SPA

The centrepiece of this glorious estate is a unique house that would look more at home in the States and that can be hired for weddings or holidays. Inside there are seven large bedrooms each with their own ensuite, so you can get away as a big group and there’ll be no queuing for the bathroom. There’s also a self-contained flat attached to the house that can sleep up to 6 more and a private indoor pool and spa area complete with bookable treatments. There are also plans afoot to transform two shepherd’s huts into extra wedding accommodation or just for anyone who fancies a quirky staycation in this beautiful part of the county.

You can even book the spa on an exclusive use basis without hiring the house. There’s a stunning pool area with exquisite views over the estate, a jacuzzi, sauna, gym and treatment room, where you can enjoy customised treatments including everything from relaxing massages to revitalizing facials by expert therapists.

WEDDINGS & CELEBRATIONS

Does the idea of a cookie cutter wedding at a traditional venue make you break out in a cold sweat? If you’re the sort of person who loves lots of choice and is looking to create a completely unique, personalised and seriously memorable wedding or event then Waresley Park Estate is for you. This estate has incredible potential for anyone looking to throw one hell of a party. Plus, the team here love nothing more than helping couples create the wedding of their wildest dreams, so the only limit is your own imagination!

When it comes to your wedding ceremony you can choose to say “I do” in a number of picturesque spots such as the grand temple, on the sweeping lawns, in the lavender-flanked walled garden, under a 100-year-old oak tree, or beside the fairytale lake. Or for a religious ceremony, the pretty village of Waresley has a lovely church.

There are yet more options for your reception. Once you’ve decided on the type of marquee, sperry tent or tipi you’d like, it’s time to choose where in the 120 acres to pitch it. It’s no mean feat deciding between all of the romantic backdrops, so we reckon the best way to ensure you use the entire estate to the max is by hosting a wedding weekend with multiple events around the big day itself. Between all the celebrations you can invite guests to stay over in a temporary bell tent village in one of the many fields or for more intimate occasions the house and flat, which sleep up to 20.

As it’s all about nature and the glorious parkland here, the wedding season runs from May – September so that couples can make the most of the great outdoors, so it’s perfect for anyone planning a wedding for spring and summer 2024 and beyond. Waresley Park Estate is also available for corporate event hire throughout the year.

Image credits: Sarah Brookes Photography, Masha Unwerth, Laura Williams Photography and Jon Mold.