Looking for an amazing, historic country house wedding venue that retains its original features and character? Then the Lake District might have what you're looking for with its many fabulous historic country houses! Here are some of my favourite historic Lake District country houses that have been sympathetically turned into luxury wedding venues set amongst the gorgeous Cumbrian lakes and fells. I have no affiliation with any of these venues, I've simply enjoyed capturing fabulous Lake District weddings at each of them!
Armathwaite Hall
Armathwaite Hall is a Grade II listed building dating back to circa 1500. It was substantially remodelled into the country mansion it is today in the 1850s and is set in 400 acres of parkland overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake in North Cumbria. It retains many historic features and has capacity for up to 90 wedding guests for a ceremony in its Lake View Lounge.
Website: https://www.armathwaite-hall.com
Broadoaks
This beautiful country house was built in 1836 and still retains its period grandeur complete with original oak panelling and open fires. Broadoaks sits on the hillside above Windermere in 7 acres of landscaped gardens, complete with a helipad! It can accommodate up to 100 guests for a wedding ceremony.
Cragwood
Cragwood was originally built in 1910 from stones quarried from its own grounds for a wealthy industrialist. While it has been extensively extended and refurbished over the years, it retains much of its Edwardian character with wood panelling, plasterwork ceilings and tiled fireplaces. It is situated on the shores of Windermere, has 20 acres of beautiful grounds and capacity for weddings with up to 80 day guests and 120 evening guests.
Website: https://www.lakedistrictcountryhotels.co.uk/cragwood-hotel
Holbeck Ghyll
Built during the 19th century, Holbeck Ghyll was once a hunting lodge for Lord Lonsdale. Having been extended and refurbished over the years, it is now a luxury hotel and enjoys extensive views over Windermere and beyond. It has capacity for exclusive use weddings of up to 60 guests in the main house and more with a marquee in the beautifully landscaped gardens.
Website: https://www.holbeckghyll.com
Merewood
Dating back to 1812, Merewood has retained a great deal of its historic features including open fireplaces, a wood panelled reception and gorgeous period staircase. With views over Windermere from its extensive and beautifully landscaped gardens, it has capacity for weddings with up to 120 day guests and even more for the evening.
Website: https://www.lakedistrictcountryhotels.co.uk/merewood-hotel
Storrs Hall
Storrs Hall and its boathouse were built on the shores of Windermere during the 1790s for a Yorkshire landowner. Subsequent owners have extended and remodelled this country house mansion to create the magnificent country mansion you see today. It as many unique features both in the house itself and in the 17 acres of grounds and has capacity for weddings of up to 80 guest for the ceremony and reception and a further 30 guests for the evening.
Website: https://www.storrshall.com