Wedding venue inspiration - Historic venues

Deciding on your ideal wedding venue is an key part of your wedding planning.

There is a huge choice of different venue types in Bristol and Somerset including hotels, barns, country manor houses, romantic castles as well as chic city and town centre locations.

Check out these stunning wedding venues and those further afield in our listings below.

Historic venues: Tracy Park Hotel & Country Club, Bristol

Tracy Park Hotel & Country Club, Bristol

On the outskirts of Bath, in the heart of 240 acres of lake-dotted parkland and two championship golf courses, is this Grade II listed stately home wedding venue. The hotel provides a stunning setting for big-day celebrations with its contemporary reception elegantly entwined with the individually designed 19th-century accommodation blocks and Grade II listed manor house. The superior converted stables were inspiration for Anna Sewell's book Black Beauty.

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Historic venues: North Cadbury Court, Yeovil

North Cadbury Court, Yeovil

Set in its own 1,500-acre estate, this exclusive-use wedding venue is surrounded by sweeping lawns, parkland, lakes, woodland, tennis courts, walled gardens and incredible views. Visitors first glimpse the breathtaking building down a tree-lined driveway. Inside, the Grade I listed country house exudes a homely feel. Restored to a five-star luxury standard, there's a spa wing, casino, disco and the incredible Balcony Room – a spacious suite with room for the whole bridal party to get ready in. The venue also has a real sense of fun, showcased by the rooftop golf tee and putting green. There's even a mini lift to bring your drink up to you!

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Historic venues: Berwick Lodge, Bristol

Berwick Lodge, Bristol

Berwick Lodge offers a grand location for big-day celebrations, with its 18 acres of woodland and views across to Wales. The stunning gardens, managed by former royal gardener Robert Dunster, boast ornate fountains, a marble gazebo, an orchard and a summerhouse. The imposing red-brick Victorian manor is first glimpsed at the end of a tree- and lantern-lined driveway. Guests step inside to find the interior has an east-meets-west feel, with sumptuous oversized sofas, crystal chandeliers and open fires bringing a luxurious touch to this homely venue. Visitors climb the sweeping staircase to find 14 individually designed bedrooms.

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Historic venues: Ston Easton Park Hotel, Bath

Ston Easton Park Hotel, Bath

Situated within 36 acres of its own private parkland, wedding venue Ston Easton Park is a beautiful, honey-coloured Grade I listed Palladian country house with lavish examples of decorative and architectural features of the time. In the gardens surrounding the house, there's an abundance of photo opportunities, including forgotten paths, grottos and an ancient stone bridge, all designed by landscape architect Humphry Repton. Inside the house, visitors find a sweeping staircase and chandelier, followed by rooms adorned with antique furniture and fine art.

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Historic venues: Orchardleigh Estate, Frome

Orchardleigh Estate, Frome

Nestled among 5,000 acres of parkland and lakes, Orchardleigh is a family-owned estate just 10 miles from Bath. It boasts a 19th-century stately home wedding venue, a romantic island church, an 18-hole golf course and plenty of gorgeous accommodation. The house and grounds can be hired exclusively for weddings, and the expansive gardens and vistas provide endless photo opportunities.

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Historic venues: Hestercombe Gardens, Taunton

Hestercombe Gardens, Taunton

The happy couple can enjoy a choice of historic wedding venues within 50 acres of lovingly restored gardens, featuring lakes, light-dappled pathways and stunning views of the Blackdown Hills, Taunton. The idyllic scenery is tended by a team of skilled gardeners all year round.

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Historic venues: Dunster Tithe Barn, Minehead

Dunster Tithe Barn, Minehead

The charming village of Dunster is surrounded by the wilds of Exmoor and Dunster Beach to the north – at its heart is this rustic Medieval tithe barn wedding venue. The venue's walled garden is perfect for champagne and canapés, and couples will find plenty of picture-perfect spots all overlooked by the castle, church, a dovecote and folly tower.

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Historic venues: Brunel’s SS Great Britain, Bristol

Brunel’s SS Great Britain, Bristol

Set in the city's historic dockyard, wedding venue the SS Great Britain cuts a striking image in Bristol's harbour. Located a short reach from the city centre, couples can arrive by boat for their special day and enjoy stunning views across the city. The ship, which was launched in 1843, has been restored to its former glory, with gold trim and celebratory signal flags depicting the grandeur of her launch. As the world's first great ocean liner, the interior reflects the luxury of first-class travel.

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Historic venues: Leigh Court, Bristol

Leigh Court, Bristol

Shielded from the bustle of Bristol city by Leigh Woods, this honey-coloured Grade II* listed wedding venue was designed by architect Thomas Hopper for Bristol's first recorded millionaire, Sir Philip John Miles. Built in 1814 from Bath stone, its graceful Palladian architecture includes grand columns and terraces. Inside, its bold Greek-revival style is showcased through original features, a stunning floating staircase and an ornate ceiling. Sweeping lawns, which lead to fields and woodland, provide plenty of space for a marquee, a tipi or an outdoor reception.

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Historic venues: The Orangery at Goldney House, Bristol

The Orangery at Goldney House, Bristol

The meticulously maintained Walled Gardens and grounds at Goldney House overlook the city and provide an oasis of calm away from the everyday buzz of Bristol for your big-day wedding venue. With a pretty rotunda, a shell grotto and various original features, guests can enjoy the serenity of this beautiful space.

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Historic venues: Crowcombe Court, Taunton

Crowcombe Court, Taunton

Set at the foot of the Quantock Hills is wedding venue Crowcombe Court. With its lake, hydrangea beds, kitchen garden, lawns and wild woodland, the venue provides plenty of stunning backdrops for photographs. The magnificent Grade I listed squire's mansion was built in English Baroque style in the 1730s from amber-coloured bricks with Bath Stone pilasters and frontispiece. Once inside, visitors find sumptuous interiors and 11 superb rooms with king-size beds, Edwardian furniture and luxurious en suites.

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Historic venues: St Audries Park, Taunton

St Audries Park, Taunton

Spanning more than 100 acres in the rolling Quantock Hills, wedding venue St Audries Park estate boasts an elevated position with fabulous coastal views. The deer park and lake are serene settings, and the immaculate grounds feature neatly striped grass and a manicured croquet lawn. The building provides an impressive backdrop for weddings, with towers, turrets, huge stained-glass windows and its Victorian-style Orangery. Inside, there are endless period features to enjoy in splendid surroundings.

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Historic venues: The Clifton Club, Bristol

The Clifton Club, Bristol

Nestled in the heart of Clifton village, a stone's throw from the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, wedding venue The Clifton Club boasts views over the beautiful Mall Gardens. Occupying a historical landmark, the building features an impressive columned façade standing proud above the street. Its classic Regency décor gives a nod to a rich 200-year history, with a host of romantic and luxurious touches. Think extravagant chandeliers, marble columns and grand domed glass ceilings. Visitors will also enjoy the snooker room, art collection and the quirky weighing machine with members' records dating back to 1832.

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Historic venues: Roman Baths & Pump Room, Bath

Roman Baths & Pump Room, Bath

Situated in the heart of Bath's World Heritage Site, the Roman Baths & Pump Room is one of the most distinctive buildings in the country. The award-winning complex is steeped in history, with its origins dating back 2,000 years and is a picture-perfect wedding venue in the city centre.

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Historic venues: The Bishop’s Palace & Gardens, Wells

The Bishop’s Palace & Gardens, Wells

Hidden within ancient ramparts and protected by a moat, 14 acres of tranquil, Grade II listed gardens await visitors to this stunning wedding venue. With herbaceous borders, pretty pools and the scent of roses in the air, there are endless photo opportunities against the backdrop of the cathedral. In 2016, the gardens were awarded RHS Partner Garden status.

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Historic venues: Hamswell House, Bath

Hamswell House, Bath

In the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty stands the historic Hamswell House and its romantic 18th-century gardens. This wedding venue is a fine example of English Renaissance architecture, the stately home is located within its own private estate.

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Historic venues: Bailbrook House Hotel, Bath

Bailbrook House Hotel, Bath

Set on a hillside and reached via a tree-lined drive, wedding venue Bailbrook House Hotel overlooks the glorious landscapes of Bath and the Avon Valley. Its idyllic gardens provide endless photo opportunities, with its lover's seat a particular favourite. A warm welcome awaits inside this handsome Georgian mansion, and visitors will find wonderful period features from intricate stonework and carved pillars to sash windows and grand fireplaces.

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Historic venues: Dillington House, Ilminster

Dillington House, Ilminster

Wedding venue Dillington House offers an exquisite backdrop for celebrations. With its romantic gardens, patios and surrounding woodland, this dreamy manor house is fit for the most elegant of weddings. Constructed from the local mellow-toned hamstone, its fairytale architecture echoes Downton Abbey. The inside is equally spectacular with an array of spaces to suit all tastes. Due to undergo a facelift, the building has 16 stunning bedrooms with magnificent countryside views.

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Historic venues: Maunsel House, Taunton

Maunsel House, Taunton

Wedding venue Maunsel House is found in 100 acres of grounds including stunning gardens, orchards and lakes. The venue is hidden away behind a driveway of chestnut trees and is surrounded by quintessentially English country gardens, which include a pergola and bandstand, walled garden and Victorian kitchen and herb garden. Visitors will love seeing the resident peacocks, Shetland ponies and other creatures roaming free.

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