Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel and Country Club is a perfectly relaxing retreat in Ware, Hertfordshire. We were recently invited to stay and to see their gorgeous newly refurbished wedding rooms.
Stretching across 200 acres, this old Jacobean style hotel is truly awe-inspiring. With wood-panelled rooms, open fireplaces and intricate tapestries, this place is steeped in history.
We arrived, passing the sprawling golf courses and people trundling about in golf buggies and came to the grand entrance which led to an equally grand and elaborate lobby. Hanbury Manor is rich in elegant, historic fixtures and features but it’s still the details that make the trip like the hand illustrated map with little bunnies hopping about it!
The Hotel
Before we went to our room, we had a little peek in the beautiful Zodiac Restaurant and Oak Room behind the lobby where afternoon teas and pre-dinner drinks are held. The two rooms are lovely contrast, with the Zodiac Restaurant holding white panels with birds, the zodiac star signs above and a crystal chandeliers, and the Oak Room holding rock tapestries and a cosy fireplace, they both create the most beautiful calm atmosphere, it would be lovely for a chilled afternoon with your friends.
Our suite was one of the best – bright, crisp and clean with views over the golf course and a simple, modern feel. With elegant period touches and a king-sized four poster bed, there was plenty of room for relaxing and unwinding – perfect for a honeymoon. The bathroom was lovely; huge with a big walk-in shower and white marble. A great size for getting ready on your wedding day!
Spa
On to the pool and spa. The pool is bright white, with classical columns and bright blue mosaic tiles, a gorgeous place to sit and relax or have a dip, and there are outdoor seating areas with loungers as well– I really could have spent the whole day there!
Dinner
Dinner was in Hanbury Manor’s restaurant, Cast Iron Grill, a great, quality bistro with classic burgers, fish and chips and your usual excellent quality grill fare – it has a good, varied menu. Our meal was lovely, we can highly recommend the fish and chips, and the double chocolate brownie was divine! We enjoyed the lovely relaxed atmosphere as we ate – a hearty meal overlooking the beautiful grounds was just superb.
After a relaxing night’s sleep under the best Egyptian cotton, I headed to the spa for a 90 minute ‘Hanbury Signature Total Body Experience’ – head to toe exfoliation and full body massage with moisturising and refreshing facial. Hanbury Manor use Decleor products, which I love, and this was such a wonderful treatment, I left feeling properly pampered and very relaxed.
Weddings at Hanbury Manor
Hanbury Manor has 14 event rooms, but their Summer House is the absolute highlight and definitely worthy of a visit if you’re thinking of a country house wedding. Susan showed me the separate room in the garden court that sits beautifully looking out onto lawns and flowerbeds. Its vaulted ceiling is glass, with wooden beams and windows stretching down instead of walls. This would host a summer wedding perfectly, with full use of the surrounding garden for the rest of your day.
The Garden Court itself is a self-contained setting. A beautiful walled garden is great for photographs and aperitifs, and there’s a room next door to the summer house for a sit-down dinner. It can hold up to 120 for a wedding breakfast, 160 for an evening reception and 80 for the ceremony itself.
If you fancy an inside celebration, Hanbury Manor also has the Drawing Room as a wedding option, with stone fireplace, oak panelling and views across the golf course and lake. It can accommodate 48 for a wedding breakfast, and 40 for the wedding ceremony.
Poles Hall was originally the chapel of the Manor House and is simply breathtaking. It features vaulted ceilings and a minstrel gallery, but has a really modern vibe, with chandeliers and fresh, light paintwork. It holds up to 144 for a wedding breakfast and 120 for a ceremony, with a maximum capacity of 180 for an evening celebration.
Having had a little tour of the wedding facilities, we explored the grounds a bit more. With spa, golf, acres of gorgeous grounds and gardens and a beautiful history, Hanbury Manor ticks all the boxes for a beautiful, scenic stay and would make a truly memorable country house wedding. Thanks for having us!
Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club
Ware – Hertfordshire – SG12 0SD
Tel: +44 1920 487722
