Eastnor Castle

Address

Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 1RL
Tel: +44 (0)1531 633160 Email: enquiries@eastnorcastle.com
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Summary

Description

Eastnor is a dramatic, fairytale castle situated in a 5000-acre estate in the Malvern Hills within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The castle, surrounded by a lake, deer park and arboretum, with magnificent views of the rolling Herefordshire countryside, is the home of the Hervey-Bathurst family.

Despite its spectacular rural location, Eastnor Castle is only ten minutes from the national motorway network and only two and a half hours by car from central London.

Besides being a fascinating visitor attraction, the Castle fulfils many other roles … as a unique setting for weddings, private parties, corporate entertaining, filming and product launches.

The history behind Eastnor Castle derives from two distinguished families, the Cocks and the Somers. The Cocks’ family moved to Eastnor at the end of the 16th century. The Cocks’ married into the Worcestershire Somers’ family, and it was the combination of their estates that gave the 1st Earl Somers the financial means to begin the construction of Eastnor in 1810.

At that time, the size and splendour of a country house were the most obvious indications of the standing and fortune of any family, and there can be no doubt that the imposing mass and scale of Eastnor was intended to reflect the personality and stature of its creator.

The style proposed by the architect, the young Robert Smirke, was Norman Revival. From a distance, Eastnor was intended to create the impression of a medieval fortress guarding the Welsh Borders.

The cost of the construction of the fabric of the Castle was so great that the decoration of the interior inevitably held a lower priority. It was not until 1849, that the 2nd Earl commissioned Pugin, who had completed the remodelling of the House of Lords just two years earlier, to decorate the Drawing Room in High Gothic revival style.

Despite the massive expenditure on Eastnor, the family fortunes flourished. By the 1870’s, the Somers Cocks’ estates exceeded 13,000 acres. However, the agricultural depression of the 1870’s caused a decline in the family wealth. When Lord Somers was appointed Governor of Victoria in 1926, the family moved to Australia and Eastnor was left unoccupied.

The revival of Eastnor was started by Hon. Elizabeth Somers Cocks and Benjamin Hervey-Bathurst, the parents of the present owner, when they moved into the Castle in 1949. James Hervey-Bathurst and his family came to live in Eastnor in 1988 and accelerated the restoration and internal repair of the Castle.

Weddings

Good food is an important part of any wedding, and we are proud of the exceptionally high standard and wide variety of menus that are designed to cater for a range of tastes. The best fresh local produce is used wherever possible, and our wine list has been carefully selected to offer good quality, easy-drinking wines at sensible prices.

The Great Hall, with its 60 foot high ceiling and roaring log fires in winter months, is an imposing yet intimate space for the reception, and conveniently connects to The Octagon Saloon with French windows onto the terrace lawns. In summer months, we serve drinks here, overlooking the lake usually accompanied by a string quartet or small jazz band.

We have a licence to hold civil wedding ceremonies in the Gothic Drawing Room. This richly decorated room, designed by Augustus Pugin, is a perfect, romantic setting for the wedding itself. The room is licensed for a maximum of 80 guests.

The State Dining Room will seat up to 80 guests at round tables for a served or buffet-style meal.

If your wedding ceremony is not taking place in the Castle, then we offer the option of using the Great Hall as a dining room, seating up to 150 guests.

For much larger weddings, the Castle itself can be used for a drinks reception following by a dinner dance in a marquee on the lower terrace next to the lake.

There are twelve beautiful guest bedrooms in the castle that are available for the bride and groom and their family and close friends. Each of the luxurious bedrooms is individual in style and character, containing original works of art from the family collection, and all have stunning views of the lake, grounds or Malvern Hills.

Our outstanding facilities and service provide an exceptional venue for your wedding, and our experienced and friendly staff will ensure that everything runs smoothly. We will help co-ordinate your plans, recommend excellent suppliers and suggest exciting and innovative touches that will enhance your wedding day.

Private Parties

Eastnor Castle is a family home which was designed for parties and entertaining. Eastnor is the ideal venue for birthday parties, wedding anniversaries, family re-union or any private party.

Our experienced team will organise every aspect of your party and can suggest exciting and innovative touches which will enhance the event. We will also recommend tried and tested suppliers who can provide top-quality entertainment and music. Delicious food, made with the best fresh local produce is served with excellent wines and Malvern Spring Water.

Corporate Events

Dramatically situated in the Malvern Hills in an area of natural beauty, Eastnor Castle makes a unique and impressive setting for all types of corporate entertaining and events.

Eastnor Castle is available for business or private use, and our luxurious bedrooms can be used by small groups wishing to include dinner and overnight accommodation in their programme.

We pride ourselves on the highest standards of comfort, impeccable service and personal attention to detail. Our experienced and friendly team will plan and organise your event and your guests will enjoy a warm and relaxed atmosphere in this truly exceptional family home.

The hilly terrain and breathtaking scenery also make the Eastnor Estate an ideal location for teambuilding and activity days.

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