Welcome to the Cleatham Hall blog.  

We love to celebrate everything local, weddings and hospitality. In our blog we shall regularly share all of our top tips, favourite news, stories and historical interests from around Lincolnshire and the surrounding counties.  

what are the perks of getting married in a country house?

We may be slightly biased here at Cleatham Hall, but we believe that country houses make the loveliest wedding venues. The grand décor, idyllic surroundings and peaceful location all provide the recipe for a perfect wedding.

Based in the rural heart of North Lincolnshire, grade II listed Cleatham Hall is set on 10 acres of ancient parkland. As an established wedding venue, hosting hundreds of beautiful weddings since 2016, Cleatham Hall is here to digress the perks of getting married in an English country house.

1.     Stunning Wedding Photo Opportunities

 The grandeur of a country house, complete with its high ceilings, period features and maybe even a majestic staircase, lends itself to the most beautiful wedding photos. Not only this, but country houses tend to boast expansive gardens and grounds, providing breath-taking views at every angle and a perfect natural backdrop for your photos.

2.     Exclusive Use

 Many country house venues offer exclusive use for the entirety of your wedding celebration, ensuring your special day is a private and intimate occasion with only your nearest and dearest. Here at Cleatham Hall, the whole estate is exclusive to the bride and groom for the duration of their wedding, with our bespoke weekend package offering exclusivity the day prior to your wedding from 1pm.

3.     Locally Sourced Ingredients

 Being situated in the countryside also offers perks such as accessibility to high quality, locally sourced ingredients to cook up a delicious wedding breakfast. Here at Cleatham Hall, we source most of our produce locally, including the elderflower that is grown on our grounds that goes into making cordial, the fruit grown in our orchard used for desserts and the homemade jams and various other preserves cooked in our kitchens.

4.     Venues that have history behind them

 An English country house is generally steeped with interesting history and lots of fascinating tales to share with wedding guests. Dating back to the 17th century, Cleatham Hall was once home to the famous Charles Darwin’s ancestors. The main house was rebuilt in 1855 by Matthew Maw in the Classical Revival style. A collection of period features that have been preserved in the house include the grand cantilever stone staircase, the picture rails and the incredible ornate ceiling roses.

5.     Tranquil Setting

 Another benefit to getting married on a country estate is the peaceful and tranquil setting. For couples wanting escape the bustle of a town or city, the countryside offers a relaxing retreat for your magical day. The setting also provides a sense of calmness on the busyness of a wedding celebration. Cleatham Hall is nestled in the rural North Lincolnshire countryside. Although we are only located 5 miles away from the nearest motorway, Cleatham Hall has often been described as a ‘hidden gem,’ where couples can enjoy a private and idyllic celebration.

 More Information

 Now you have discovered how magical a country house wedding can be, why not check out our wedding brochure, or better yet, book your private tour of our beautiful manor house venue! Visit our wedding page to enquire.

Top Tips for Choosing Your dream wedding dress with osh gosh gowns

The search for the perfect wedding dress is an important moment in any bride's planning journey. It's more than just shopping; it's about discovering a wedding dress that reflects your personality, style, and the essence of your big day. Buying your wedding dress is a big decision, and we're ready and waiting to help you find that dream dress. The fabulous Osh Gosh Gowns, who are one of the longest established bridal boutiques in Lincolnshire, have provided these top tips to make your bridal gown shopping experience as magical and fulfilling as possible.

1. Set a Clear Budget

Don't be surprised if you find 'the one' at the first shop you visit. It's more common than you think, so you should always go to your bridal appointments ready to buy! Before you start making appointments, you should set a budget. Understanding what you're comfortable spending will guide your shopping experience and help our consultants suggest the best gowns within your range.

2. Do your Research

Start by researching different styles, fabrics, and silhouettes. Whether it's a ball gown, A-line, mermaid, or something uniquely you, having an idea of what you like can get us off to a great start. Pinterest, bridal magazines, and our YouTube channel are excellent sources of inspiration.

3. Choose Your Entourage Wisely

The people you bring along can significantly influence your shopping experience. Opt for a small, supportive group whose opinions you trust. Too many voices can be overwhelming and confusing. Remember, this is your day, and your feelings about the dress should take precedence. We're also here to offer honest and helpful advice at all times.

4. Start Early

Give yourself plenty of time to shop for your dress. We recommend starting at least 9-12 months before your wedding. This timeframe allows for browsing, fittings, and any necessary alterations. Rushing can limit your options and add unnecessary stress to your bridal experience.

5. Keep an Open Mind

While you may have an idea of what you want, be open to trying different styles. Brides often fall in love with a dress they hadn't initially considered. Our experienced consultants are skilled in matching brides with their perfect dresses, often surprising them with choices they hadn't envisioned.

6. Read the Reviews

Checking out what other brides have said about their experiences can provide insights into the quality of service and dresses. Positive reviews like ours reflect our commitment to making your bridal dreams come true.

7. Don’t be afraid to commit

According to statistics, over 70% of brides find their dress in the first bridal boutique they visit. The feeling when you find ‘the one’ is instinctive, you just know it’s right. So don’t try and second guess yourself because you have appointments booked elsewhere or you want to try on more dresses. The very first dress you try on could be ‘the one’, or you might need to try on several different styles to find one that suits, but when you find it, you know.  

8. In-House Seamstress

Selecting a bridal boutique with an in-house seamstress means your dress remains in expert hands from the moment you find it until your big day. An in-house seamstress can work closely with your bridal stylists on all alterations, and you can enjoy peace of mind, knowing that every detail will be meticulously attended to, making your wedding dress truly perfect for your special day.

9. Follow Your Heart

Ultimately, the most important thing is how you feel in the dress. It should make you feel beautiful, confident, and, most importantly, like yourself. Stay true to what you love, regardless of others' opinions. This is your moment.

10. Enjoy the Journey!

Remember to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the first appointment to the final fitting, each moment is a step closer to your dream day. We promise a luxury bridal experience, offering an exquisite collection of dresses from some of the UK's leading designers and a supportive team dedicated to making your bridal dreams a reality.

Your dream dress awaits at Osh Gosh Gowns, where we believe in the beauty of your bridal dreams. Start your journey with us and discover the dress that matches and exceeds your vision. Visit us at our boutique in Lincolnshire, and let us be a part of your love story.

All copy and photos provided by Osh Gosh Gowns.

Cleatham Hall’s Top Tips for Choosing Your Perfect Wedding Venue

So, you’ve experienced the romantic proposal, shared your exciting news with family and friends, changed your Facebook relationship status and now you are ready to begin your wedding planning journey.

Choosing your wedding venue is a pivotal part of your dream day and sets the tone for the whole wedding. As an award-winning wedding venue, with hundreds of successful weddings under our belt, Cleatham Hall are sharing our top tips to consider when picking your perfect venue.

1.     Define YOUR dream wedding!

Sit down with your fiancée and envision your dream day. Use platforms like Pinterest to explore different themes and ideas, creating a mood board that perfectly aligns with your personality. Consider elements such as the size of your wedding, required amenities such as accommodation, accessible rooms and whether you would prefer an indoor or outdoor ceremony.

From Harry Potter to the Great Gatsby, Cleatham Hall has seen its fair share of creative themes. We understand just how personal your wedding day is and work alongside our brides and grooms to craft a wedding that celebrates everything special in their lives.

Cleatham Hall is a grade II Palladian mansion, surrounded by 4 acres of formal gardens and a further 6 acres of paddock. Our venue and grounds are fully licenced for your wedding ceremony, meaning that you can choose to get married wherever you want! Spotted a cosy woodland area you would love for your ceremony? Looking for stunning panoramic views while you say your vows? Or do you fancy a more traditional, intimate wedding in our ceremony room? Anything is possible at Cleatham Hall.

2.     Consider the location of your wedding

Tradition dictates that your wedding should take place in the bride’s hometown. But don’t let this hold you back! Again, the location of your wedding is personal to you. Consider factors like budget, proximity to family/friends, if you have a sentimental location or destination that has a special meaning to you both. If you have your heart set on a particular supplier, take into account whether the supplier is willing to travel and what costs this may incur.

Often referred to as a ‘hidden gem,’ Cleatham Hall is tucked away in the picturesque Lincolnshire countryside. We have a total of eight boutique hotel rooms on-site, including our luxury bridal suite and we also offer a list of recommended local hotels. We are in close proximity to the motorway and just 12 miles away from Humberside Airport.

3.     Set your budget

Setting your budget is an essential first step in your planning journey. Make a list of all the elements that you envision for your wedding and rank these expenses in order of priority based on what matters most to you and your fiancée. This will then help you to determine how much of your overall budget you would like to allocate towards your venue.

When searching for venues, check out what kind of packages they offer and what is included in the venue hire price. Some venues will include catering and have their own on-site bar, whereas others will require external caterers.  

Cleatham Hall offers a selection of packages appealing to different budgets and wedding sizes. From micro weddings to twilight weddings, not forgetting our exclusive bespoke wedding package, Cleatham Hall is incredibly flexible in tailoring a wedding experience that perfectly suits your requirements.

4.     Go for a tour of the venue and ask lots of questions!

Looking at photos and videos is helpful when deciding what type of venue you would like for your wedding. However, we would strongly recommend booking a private show round of the venues that you are interested in. The reason for this being that you can see the space first-hand and visualise what it will look like on your wedding day.  Seeing the venue in person allows you to experience the ambience and atmosphere, which is difficult to gauge from photos alone.

Having a venue tour is also a fantastic opportunity for you to meet the venue staff and dedicated wedding coordinator, if they have one. You can ask questions, discuss your wedding vision and also get a sense of the level of service provided by the venue.

It’s also a good idea to keep an eye out for any wedding showcases or open days that venues host throughout the year, where you will see the venue dressed for a wedding.

5.     Check out reviews and recommendations 

Reviews offer real-life accounts from couples who have hosted their weddings at the venue. These reviews offer valuable insights into the whole experience, from venue features and amenities to the quality of service. Their unbiased feedback will allow you to assess the venues strengths and weaknesses and more importantly decide if it’s the right choice for your special day.

 By following these top tips and doing your research, you can find the perfect wedding venue that sets the stage for a memorable and magical celebration of your love.

Get in Touch

If you would like any further information about getting married at Cleatham Hall, please do not hesitate to get in touch! Email us: enquiry@cleathamhall.com and we will be happy to provide you with a copy of our brochure and arrange a tour of our wonderful venue.  

Dear Friends of Cleatham Hall, 

Firstly, may we wish all our customers and friends a very happy and prosperous 2023.

A new year brings new beginnings, and this beautiful photo from Rio & Elliot’s wedding last summer personifies that perfectly.

2022 was without doubt a huge year here at Cleatham Hall. We were delighted to host all of the remaining weddings that had been postponed from the pandemic, and see all our couples finally enjoy their special moments they had patiently waited for.  

Here’s to all the wonderful moments at Cleatham Hall that 2023 has in store!

There’s lots to tell you about the exciting year ahead at Cleatham Hall, and we shall keep you up to date throughout the year.

Being named as one of the top 3 historic wedding venues for 2023 in the East Midlands was a wonderful honour.  This is the 4th consecutive year that we have been a regional finalist in The Wedding Industry Awards, including winning it in 2021 and being named in the top 8 historic venues in the UK. We would like to thank all of our wonderful Brides and Grooms who voted for us. It has been a real team effort. 

We have started to see a significant return of hotel guests since the pandemic, and it was a delight to see the restaurant full of customers this December celebrating Christmas in style.

As we start 2023 we are all looking forward to more of a balance between weddings, events, hotels stays, a more regular restaurant service, as well as enjoying other celebrations such as Christenings, big birthdays, baby showers etc.

Our Sunday lunches proved to be very popular in 2022 and we plan to continue them through 2023 with some interesting additions to the choices available. We shall be celebrating Mother’s Day and Father’s Day with special Sunday lunch menus. 

The first event for you diaries is:

Valentine’s celebration: A fabulous 7 course taster menu + ‘Dine & Stay’ options

Our special Valentine’s celebration offers couples a romantic 7 course taster menu on Saturday 11th or Tuesday 14th February. Lucky couples can also make it extra special with an exclusive ‘dine & stay’ package (including 20% off your room). With only 8 rooms available and limited restaurant spaces, you will need to move fast to secure your special celebration.

Follow the link below for more detail, see the superb menu and to make your reservation:

While we are on the subject of romance, we would like to introduce you to Jessica Bailey, who has joined the Cleatham Hall team as our Wedding and Events planning manager. Jess shall be looking after all of our Brides and Grooms, as well as helping us plan and deliver our events going forward.

In 2022 we further developed our Alfresco dining space, and invested in some pizza ovens. These were hugely popular during our busy wedding season, and we plan to make this dining experience available to our restaurant customers on a more regular basis during the Spring and Summer months by introducing pizza and BBQ style dining evenings. 

We are excited to announce that we have Dan Hadfield (the world’s number 1 Gary Barlow tribute act) performing on Saturday the 26th August for our Pizza Experience and Gin event.  So keep your eyes peeled for booking announcement, coming soon!

Hotel

Hotel leisure and business guests are returning more and more following the pandemic, as Cleatham Hall Hotel offers something special. Our rooms are all unique and provide a wide selection of options to all types of guests. We are introducing a ‘Dinner, bed and breakfast’ option for regular business guests and a ‘Treats’ option for leisure guests returning as direct bookings. Call us to discuss.    

www.cleathamhall.com/hotel

Restaurant

Our new year menus for Lunch, Dinner and Afternoon tea are available on our website (follow the link below) and social media. With some old favourites alongside some new choices, offering something for everyone.

We still want to encourage more weekday customers back to the restaurant following the pandemic, so we are introducing an incentive to eat out on a Monday to Thursday for Lunch, Afternoon Tea or Dinner. Groups of 4 or more shall receive a 25% discount off their food bill. This offer is initially for January and February.  Special events and celebrations are excluded from this offer.

Following the success of our Festive Afternoon tea menu throughout December, Richard has come up with a new well balanced Afternoon Tea menu that brings a great selection of sweet and savoury, along side freshly baked scones and cakes to whet your appetite. 

Sunday lunches will continue on most Sundays throughout 2023, with 12:30pm and 2:30pm sittings. If you would like a large group booking of 30 or more then we can allocate the whole second sitting to a single group.  Please book as far in advance as possible, to avoid disappointment.

Here are some key dates to mark in your new 2023 diary!

Events in early 2023:

Valentine’s celebration (Saturday 11th February or Tuesday the 14th). We have a special tasting menu planned for Saturday the 11th which you can stay in one of our rooms with a 20% discount on the room rate plus, a complimentary bottle of Prosecco. or join us on the 14th for Lunch, afternoon tea or dinner and treat yourself to a stay. 

https://www.cleathamhall.com/events/valentines2023

Wedding Showcase (March). We are going to host our first showcase day of the year on in March. The exact date shall be confirmed by the end of January. So, if you would like to see, or know someone, who would like to see Cleatham Hall set up for a wedding, then this is a perfect opportunity. Please call 01652 649402 to book a place, or send us some details here:

https://www.cleathamhall.com/weddings/contact-us

We are also booked into the Lincoln Showground on the 12th March and Newark wedding Fair on the 5th February so if you are planning to go to these then please pop along and say hello.

Spring 2023 events:

Mothers Day (19th March). We will have a special menu for Mum as always, and following last year’s popularity we may have to have a 3rd sitting again. It’s a special time of year at Cleatham Hall with the gardens full of daffodils!!

Easter Sunday (9th April). Springtime is such a wonderful time of year in the Cleatham Hall gardens so we shall have another easter egg hunt set up for the children to enjoy after their Sunday lunch or afternoon tea.

We shall be sending out details, and reservation booking in next month’s newsletter, and on social media, so stay tuned!

Other 2023 events:

Fathers Day Sunday Lunch (18th June). We look forward to celebrating this great occasion again. Perhaps we will see a few of our Grooms back with their new babies!!

Dan Hadfield (26th August). Dan is considered to be the best Gary Barlow tribute act in the world, by Gary himself, and he lives in Lincoln! He is joining us for Saturday the 26th August to entertain our guests with an up close and personal performance of some of Gary’s greatest hits during our Gin and Pizza extravaganza evening. Tickets only and pre-booking is essential.

We shall keep you updated with details and your chance to book these events. 

Please reach out to the team if you have any questions.

Here’s to a healthy and happy 2023!

See you all soon at Cleatham Hall.

CLEATHAM HALL OCTOBER 2022 NEWSLETTER

Hi All, 

Wow, what a truly wonderful year of special moments at Cleatham Hall! 

As Autumn settles in we take time to reflect on our busiest year of weddings since we started, with so many long-awaited beautiful unions being celebrated, as 2022 saw the end of the catch up from delayed pandemic weddings. We thank all our customers for your support and patience. 

That has culminated in us being voted by our couples as an East Midlands regional finalist in the prominent 2023 TWIA awards for the fourth consecutive year.  As winners in 2021 and second place in 2022, we couldn’t be more honoured and grateful to be recognised for doing what we truly love.  

We are now excited that we can focus on our Hotel and Restaurant through the Autumn and Winter months…

The Orangery Restaurant

We are pleased to announce that Amy Bryant has joined the team recently, as our Hotel and Restaurant manager. Amy comes with lots of experience of running restaurant service and events, so alongside executive head Chef, Danny Porter and Richard Osborne our second chef, we are looking forward to welcoming you all back very soon for some culinary delights! 

Our NEW Autumn menus for lunch, dinner and afternoon tea are available on our website and social media. With some old favourites and some new seasonal choices, there is something for everyone.

Whilst pre-ordering is essential for most menus, we have even prepared some lunchtime menus so that you can make your choice when you sit down, meaning that you can now enjoy an impromptu lunch with friends & family.

Our Festive menus will launch on Saturday 12th November with a Festive Afternoon tea starting from the 12th and the Festive lunch and dinner starting from the 1st December and all running until Christmas. 

Our Festive celebration dinner menu will start from the beginning of December, so book early to avoid disappointment. We have an exclusive wedding on the 9th and 10th December and only have a few tables and rooms left for Saturday the 17th December. So don’t delay and book some weekday groups to celebrate Christmas with family and friends 

Sunday Lunches will continue Every Sunday, with 12:30 and 2:30 sittings, if you would like a large group booking of 30 or more, on a Sunday then we can allocate the whole second sitting to a single group. 

Events for the Autumn and Winter

A Wedding showcase - we are planning to hold a showcase day on the 5th November. So, if you would like to see, or know someone, who would like to see, the Hall laid out for a wedding, this is a perfect opportunity. As we will limit attendance, please call to book a place.

Wreath Making workshops - set for the 26th and 28th of November with Justine Gould. The Saturday the 26th workshop is followed by a festive afternoon tea, while the 28th evening workshop has some optional light supper ideas to follow. So, make a social event of it, bring a friend or just make new ones and take a wreath home for your front door. 

A Cleatham Christmas - Yes, we have decided to restart our much loved, Cleatham Christmas event this year. Spread over the 3rd and 4th December, with a collection of local stalls and a special Christmas Café menu on the Saturday. Then on Sunday we have our delicious Festive Sunday Family lunch, both with the opportunity for the kids to meet Santa Claus in the afternoon. 

A great opportunity to buy some Christmas gifts, such as vouchers and Cleatham Hall Jams and Chutney’s

Closing for Christmas – we will be closed from the 24th December PM until the Thursday 5th January.

Beth & James’ Love Story

A Cleatham Hall Love Story by Bethany Sleight

“James worked for my stepdad; and both he and my mum decided to introduce us. I was 17, still in sixth form and James was 20. 

They introduced us at my mum’s birthday party in early 2015. I started the conversation with 'so I hear you’re my stepdad’s sidekick'. We played pool together most of the night and started messaging most days. James is a farmer and I went to visit him at work a few times as it was his busy season, our first date was McDonalds! 

We decided we were official and said 'I love you' for the first time later in that same year.

We bought our first home together in Gainsborough and spent 10 months renovating and moved in the middle of 2017. Then we bought our first pet together, a bearded dragon, in the September. 

James began planning the proposal with his best friend and best man. They came up with the fake Peaky Blinders night happening in a pub near Kirton Lindsey so that we would both be dressed up and I wouldn't ever suspect that he was actually taking me to Cleatham Hall to propose!

On the way to the 'Peaky Blinders night' we ‘by chance’ drove past Cleatham Hall. It has been a place that I had been obsessed with since I visited for a wedding fair. He said 'should we call in?'. 

I was obviously confused as we would be late to the pub and you can't just 'call in' to Cleatham Hall. We drove in, he opened my car door and took me to the back lawn, where I saw a table for two set up under the arch. We sat down and he poured us a drink then came round and got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I was so overwhelmed that I couldn't speak, just nodded. 

He put the ring on my finger and we had the most beautiful meal together. James said he had already discussed potential dates with the Cleatham Hall team, and May 21st 2022 was available. I couldn’t believe he had planned it all and I was just in shock.

The date we got engaged was 15th July 2021.

After more talks with the team at Cleatham Hall we booked 21st May 2022 for our wedding and 10 months later had the best day of our lives. 

We had lots of personal details that we wanted to make our day special: and Heidi and the team were so supportive all the way though the process and it was so much better than we ever could have imagined. We even arrived on our own tractor to the Hall!

We will always have beautiful memories from our special days at Cleatham Hall and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone.”

Zoe Butler - Photographer

​Zoe is a photographer based in Lincolnshire, but also works nationwide. She loves capturing special moments and telling a story through photographs and this is what she has done for James and Bethany Sleight. She photographed both their engagement and wedding at Cleatham Hall and loved being a part of their love story.

​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zoebutlerphoto/

​Instagram: @zoebutlerphoto

Hotel

Cleatham Hall hotel is now open for booking for leisure stays from Monday 17th May offering exceptional hospitality, comfort and style. 

With local attractions such as: 

• Lincoln Castle

• Hemswell Antique centre

• Blyton racetrack

• Hibaldstow skydiving

• KORK Off-roading driving experience

All are within easy reach, and the stunning coastline and the historical City of York are only 40 minutes away.  Cleatham Hall offers a perfect destination for a UK staycation or mini break.

We are really looking forward to welcoming back all of our regulars, and greeting our new ‘staycationers’, adventurers and business guests to Cleatham Hall.

See you all soon!

GAINSTHORPE MEDIEVAL VILLAGE

Cleatham Hall is situated just a short distance from our local English Heritage Site, Gainsthorpe Medieval Village.

This historic site is of an actual deserted medieval village and it’s one of the best examples in England.  This village was clearly mentioned in the Domesday Book where it states that it had a windmill and a chapel in 1208 but was deserted by the late 17th century.

Gainsthorpe lies in a field belonging to Gainsthorpe Farm. The typical medieval layout of sunken roads and raised rectangular tofts and crofts is clearly seen in the humps and hollows of the field and the remains of over 200 buildings still stand.

There’s a pair of streets that are parallel to the Roman street to the east suggesting that the village was established in those times.  There’s also a manor house, a fishpond, barns, longhouses and crofts for you to puzzle over.

No one knows why the village was abandoned but legend says that it was a haven for thieves and their corruption led to the villages downfall.  More simple explanations come from the evidence of the Black Plague during that time.

We are perfectly located for those looking to explore the area and stay over.  Book your stay at Cleatham Hall

LEARN MORE HERE

JOIN ENGLISH HERITAGE