If you’ve just had a ring put on it prepare to sit up and pay attention, for we are not only bringing you details of a stunning Yorkshire venue on the blog today, but we also have news of an A-MA-ZING competition that could see you win a wedding at this truly fabulous setting.
Got your attention now have we? Thought so!
Join us as we welcome The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa, as a brand-new Brides Up North Sponsor and share all the deets of their fabulous Win A Wedding Competition that could see you having the big day of your dreams without the expected price tag!
Set within 33,000 acres of dramatic English countryside on the Bolton Abbey Estate, The Devonshire Arms is one of the most beautiful venues at which to host your wedding celebrations. Combining panoramic beauty with the style and tradition, this well-loved four red star country house hotel, set in its own grounds, is a landmark property in heart of The Dales that provides ultimate luxury, relaxation and hospitality.
Originally a coaching inn dating back to 1610 and extended over the centuries, the hotel offers four beautifully appointed reception rooms, including the hand-painted oak-panelled, Cavendish Room, accommodating up to 90 guests, or the more intimate Barden Room, which holds up to 12 guests.
Celebrating its fabulous big day offering, the venue is giving one lucky couple the chance to win a wedding worth more than £7,000 to take place in March next year. The competition’s winning couple will be drawn on 20th November 2019, which will allow time to look forward to their spring wedding and decide who to invite to join them in their nuptials on either Thursday 26th or Saturday 28th March 2020.
The prize package, worth in the region of £7,250, has been sponsored by the region’s top bridal suppliers, including bridal photographer, Georgina Brewster, Ambience Venue Styling, Every Cloud Cakes & Bakes, Vanessa Wellock from Wildflowers florist and DJ, Ed Marshall, ticking off the planning ‘to do’ list in style for a truly enjoyable and memorable big day.
Keen to find our more about this sensational venue, we’re handing over the blog to The Devonshire Arms team who also have all the information you need to enter their incredible competition, and so be sure to scroll on to be in with a chance of bagging that EPIC prize! Best of luck to all!
Images supplied by The Devonshire Arms by Mr & Mrs Boutique Photography unless otherwise credited.
Where is The Devonshire Arms located?
The team say
: The Hotel is surrounded by glorious and dramatic English countryside. Set on the Duke of Devonshire’s Bolton Abbey Estate, 33,000 acres in the gateway to The Yorkshire Dales National Park, this country house hotel has panoramic views of the surrounding beacons and valleys. Popular with walkers, cyclists and fishermen, the natural beauty of the hotel’s location attracts both locals and sightseers from all over the UK and beyond.
Can you tell us a little about the history of the venue?
Owned by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, the hotel was built in the early 17th century, though there had been a place of hospitality on the site for far longer than that. It came into the Devonshire family in 1973, when the 4th Duke of Devonshire took on Bolton Abbey Estate. It was then further developed by the 5th Duke, who realised the importance of visitors to the area and more than 800 miles of footpaths connecting the estate and hotel to many walking routes so visitors could admire the views. The area attracted many famous artists and poets. It is said the Bronte sisters took tea with friends at the hotel, and Anthony Trollope wrote about Bolton Abbey and the hotel in one of his books. The artists Landseer and Turner painted the surrounding landscape whilst Wordsworth immortalised in prose the legend of the White Roe of Rylstone.
How would you describe the look and feel of the venue?
At The Devonshire Arms, it’s all about you. Open fires, four poster beds and one of the most historic wine cellars in the country; each and every detail is taken care of once you walk through the door. The hotel exudes charm and character, and its location offers unrivalled views. Inside, artwork and antiques from the Duke’s very own collection merge with contemporary comfort and furnishings chosen by the Duchess. The hotel is deeply spoiling and offers the ultimate comfort and relaxation, with two on-site restaurants, an Italianate box garden and The Devonshire Spa, located in a barn conversion opposite the hotel.
Can you tell us about the ceremony and reception areas and how many guests the venue can cater for?
With four beautifully-appointed function rooms, the hotel is able to accommodate two to 90 day guests, and up to 130 for an evening reception. If your guest list exceeds 100, the grounds are perfect for accommodating a yurt, tepee or marquee reception with exclusive use of the hotel.
The smallest of our function rooms, the Barden Room, is filled with natural sunlight and is the perfect place for a very intimate occasion, with capacity for ten guests including the happy couple. Next door, and accessible via the Barden Room, the Hartington is a light, airy and more spacious area able to accommodate up to 20 for a reception. The Clifford Room is able to hold a similar capacity, but instead offers rich décor with deeper tones, polished furnishings and a breath-taking chandelier.
Finally, our largest function room, the Cavendish Suite, is accessible via an anteroom which many brides place gift tables and table plans. The suite itself is an open plan and functional space with dancefloor, incorporated bar and projector. With a capacity for 90 day and 130 evening guests, it is our most popular wedding suite for larger celebrations.
What makes The Devonshire Arms a special wedding venue and sets it apart from others?
This historical and traditional venue offers a one-of-a-kind wedding set in a unique and undisturbed part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Its rich history provides an exclusive celebration, and the well-trained staff are all on hand to ensure your wedding goes off without a hitch.
Dining options at The Devonshire Arms prove a hit with couples. With a 4AA rosette award-winning team managing the banqueting kitchen, the food is simply exceptional. The team are focussed on locally-sourced produce, and much of the hotel’s ingredients come right from our very own doorstep in the kitchen gardens, or further afield from one of our trusted local suppliers.
What sort of bride would be a Devonshire Arms bride?
We see couples of all ages getting married at The Devonshire Arms. Often, larger celebrations in our large function suite feature younger couples, and vow renewals are perfect in our more intimate spaces. Couples often chose The Devonshire Arms as it was somewhere they or their partner enjoyed when younger, and they appreciate the luxurious country house atmosphere.
How can your staff help to make the planning process easier and the big day amazing?
Our dedicated wedding coordinators are on hand throughout the entire process, ensuring each venue detail is taken care of. Menus, reception drinks and guest rooms are perfectly orchestrated by the team, so you can savour and cherish each moment of the day without worrying about the detail.
On the day, the operations team are available throughout to calm the nerves and provide and exceptional service. From lighting candles just before arrival, to taking Champagne to the bride whilst getting ready, no detail is too small; the team are trained to take care of upcoming requests without needing to be asked.
Image by Hamish Irvine
Can you tell us about the accommodation at the venue?
Feel inspired by the rural countryside in one of our 40 bespoke bedrooms. Firstly, designed for comfort and luxury, but including well-appointed amenities intended to charm, each of our rooms has its own quirky character. Our original eleven bedrooms housed in the ‘Old Wing’ were built in the 17th century, and their style reflects traditional country-style living. You’ll find many of our original bedrooms include beautiful four poster beds, feature fireplaces and picturesque views.
In 1981, the hotel underwent a major renovation and an additional 29 rooms were created to form our ‘New Wing’. Large windows are an important feature in each room, designed to take advantage of the unique panoramic views on offer. Her Grace the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire supervised the renovation and design of each bedroom, and upkeep continues under the eye of the current Duchess. Throughout each bedroom, similar to the rest of the hotel, much of the artwork has come from Chatsworth’s Devonshire Collection, one of the finest private art collections in Europe.
As part of a wedding package at the Devonshire Arms, a total of ten bedrooms are included. Most of these are for friends and family, and a family room which offers the perfect place for guests to change and prepare for the day. The bridal suite is divided into two parts, and features a comfortable living area and bedroom space, it’s an ideal area for the bridal party to assemble.
What facilities can bridal parties and guests make use of at the venue during their stay?
Bridal parties often arrive early to experience everything The Devonshire Arms has to offer. With more than 800 miles of walking routes, guests are welcome to shake off the cobwebs and explore the Bolton Abbey Estate; complimentary entry is included as part of your experience at The Devonshire Arms. Upon return, The Devonshire Spa is a haven of tranquillity, offering four treatment rooms, an intimate swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and Rasul temple with experience shower.
Tell us about your catering services and what makes them special?
With fine, fresh and locally sourced food at their fingertips, our chefs have the best possible ingredients to create a very special kind of food experience for you and your guests. The historic Yorkshire Coast gives us succulent prawns, juicy haddock, tender plaice and meaty crab. Local game from the Bolton Abbey Estate is easy to source and crisp crunchy vegetables are never far away in our kitchen garden. When it comes to designing your wedding menu, we ask you to join our head chef to explore the culinary possibilities; he will then create the perfect feast. Our head sommelier will also guide you through a selection of recommended accompanying wines from the Devonshire Cellar.
Image by Hamish Irvine
What is the feedback like from couples about The Devonshire Arms? What do they love about the venue and service?
Looking at our reviews and thank you cards from brides and families, the majority of reviews mention the outstanding service from the front of house team and wedding coordinators. The team are dedicated to ensuring the day runs like clockwork, and many reviews mention the finishing touches to the room, and the unrivalled attention to detail. The menu choice is often talked about by guests, with many mentioning the fantastic vegetarian, gluten free and vegan dishes offered alongside the traditional menu.
How can our readers get more information on the venue?
To view our packages and receive updates on our late availability, we advise looking at our website. We also have an exclusive email list, and we keep members updated with wedding fairs, blogs and exclusive special offers. The mailing list is free to join.
Do you have any special events or open days coming up shortly that may be of interest to our readers?
On Sunday 15th December we are offering a Christmas-inspired beginners calligraphy course. Aimed at people wishing to perfect their penmanship, the course will take place in one of our private function rooms and is perfect for those wishing to create their own bespoke invitations. In terms of open days, we usually have a wedding showcase in late winter/early spring, to find out more keep an eye on our website or subscribe to the mailing list above.
Any other exciting news to share?
Since painting the Cavendish Suite in a warm-toned neutral grey colour, we have taken time to update our offerings. This year, ornate sconces are being added to bring the room to life during a ceremony, and the dancefloor has been sanded to refresh the space. Mirrors have recently been added to the panelled walls, which has opened up the room and showcases the natural light. The bedrooms are also constantly being updated with new furnishes, and amenities are always reviewed and updated.
Win A Wedding at The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa
The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa is offering one lucky winner the chance to experience a true Yorkshire wedding.
For the chance to win this fabulous prize, please complete the entry form via the link below. Please note, the competition will close on the 20th November 2019.
Good luck!
Our prize package includes:
- Civil ceremony room hire and set up including white table linen.
- Reception drinks for 40 people.
- Chef’s choice set three-course menu for 40 people.
- Two glasses of house wine per person for 40 people.
- One glass of prosecco for toasts for 40 people.
- Evening buffet for 40 people.
- White table linen and crockery.
- Dedicated Wedding Coordinator to look after every venue detail.
- Master of Ceremonies from the hotel throughout the day.
- Bridal suite for the happy couple to include breakfast the next morning.
- Evening disco until close from DJ Ed Marshall.
- Photography package from Georgina Brewster Photography.
- Two-tier iced cake from Every Cloud Cakes & Bakes.
- Venue dressing package from Ambience Venue Styling including chair covers, sashes, table runners and much more.
- Flowers from Wildflowers including four table centrepieces, top table arrangement, bride’s bouquet and three buttonholes.
If couples wish to upgrade the prize to cater for more guests, additional catering and accommodation then this can be arranged (subject to cost).
Competition Terms & Conditions.
