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English Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is known as one of the most beautiful parts of the United Kingdom. It is a very popular tourist destination, known for its pristine natural environment and its wide range of tourist attractions. The activities available in the Cotswold’s range from adrenaline pumping rock climbing through to soothing day spas and world-class restaurants.

To help you appreciate what the Cotswold’s has to offer, we have listed some of the most popular activities in the area…

Visit the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens

This huge 160-acre wildlife park is a great day out for children and adults alike. There are more than 260 different animal species in the park, including lions, zebras, rhinos and giraffes. The Madagascar exhibit is one of the key highlights, featuring dozens of energetic and amusing Lemurs. The beautifully landscaped park also features its own train, a petting zoo, reptile house (with crocodiles), restaurants, insect house and a bat house.

Have a Drink at Cotswold’s Distillery

This is a popular destination for adults visiting the Cotswold’s, it is the oldest working distillery in the region. Located on 4-acres of stunning gardens, the distillery specialises in making single malt whiskey, gin, and other natural spirits. The distillery tour is popular and there are regular tasting sessions available.

Visit the Cotswold Motoring Museum

Are you a car fanatic? If the answer is yes, you will absolutely love the Cotswold Motoring Museum. Located in the picture postcard village of Bourton on the Water, the museum has a massive collection of cars, caravans and motorcycles.

Enjoy Some of the Best Restaurants in the UK

The Cotswold’s is a foodie’s paradise! There are so many incredible eating options in the region, ranging from mouth-watering pub food through to spectacular fine dining experiences.

Some of the best restaurants in the Cotswold’s include Cutlers Restaurant at Number Four (Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire), My Great Grandfathers (Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire), The Rectory Hotel (Crudwell in Wiltshire), Lords of the Manor (Upper Slaughter), and Lumiere (Cheltenham, Gloucestershire).

Ride the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway

This railway line is a 12-mile long steam and diesel heritage railway that passes through Toddington, Winchcombe and the Cheltenham Race Course. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Cotswold’s, with authentic shops at the railway stops and a fantastic buffet car on the train. Visitors can enjoy the self-guided heritage trail, featuring a children’s play area, a signal box and a locomotive yard viewing area.

Jet Age Museum

This is an incredible museum located in Gloucestershire. The Jet Age Museum focuses on preserving the rich aviation heritage of Gloucestershire, starting from the first planes to fly in the area through the modern jets…

Montpellier District

Do you consider yourself a shopaholic? The Montpellier District in Cheltenham combines stunning architecture with some of the best shops, bars, and restaurants in the UK. You could spend days exploring the shops, trying new restaurants and enjoying local ales in the many bars.

Cotswold Farm Park

The Cotswold Farm Park is an excellent outing for families, particularly those with young children. This large working farm was created to protect rare breeds of farm animals in the UK. You will see many unusual cows, pigs, goats, horses and other farm animals during your visit to the farm and there are plenty of fun rides for the kids.  

Explore the Dragonfly Maze

The Dragonfly maze is a traditional yew hedge maze that has clues dotted around it. Visitors hunt to find the clues and solve the puzzles, in order to discover the Golden Dragonfly hidden in the central pavilion. Great fun for all ages!

Have a Punt at the Cheltenham Racecourse

The Cheltenham Racecourse is one of the most famous racetracks in the world. It is the home of jump racing and the Cheltenham Festival is held here every March. In addition to horseracing, the racecourse hosts concerts and comedy nights.

Get Active!

There are dozens of exciting outdoor activities to choose from in this area. Some of the most popular outdoor activities available include; sailing, bike riding, horseback riding, rock climbing, water skiing, swimming, snowboarding, canoeing, golfing, hiking and off-road driving.

As you can see, there is a lot to see and do here; making the Cotswold’s a fantastic destination for an unforgettable UK holiday.

Weddings are such special events and should be exciting, romantic and memorable. You can make your wedding even more memorable for your guests by giving them an unusual or rare wedding favour. A wedding favour is a special reminder of your wedding day that your guests can cherish. Here are a few ideas for wedding favours that are sure to charm and delight your guests!

Give guests a botanical gift!

Give your guests a potted plant or seeds which they can add to their garden. They can water their botanical gift and watch it grow as your marriage grows. This kind of gift fits in well with rustic style ceremonies or weddings that are held in a scenic country location. You could take it one-step further and include a quirky watering can to help them get started.

Unusual sweets

Track down some interesting sweet treats from another country. Guests are sure to enjoy the experience of trying something or the first time and this will help to make the wedding memorable. Look for treats that come in collectible tins and packaging so that guests have something to keep for future use.

Sunglasses

If your wedding is being held outdoors in a sunny part of the world, sunglasses are a useful and unusual gift. You will also get some great photo opportunities with all of your guests wearing the same eyewear! You could opt to buy sunglasses that have been personalised with each guest’s name or include some text mentioning the wedding.

Customised wine glasses or wine stoppers

You can give guests a wine stopper or wine glass with their name engraved on it, along with the date of the wedding. They will hang onto the present as a reminder of your event and enjoy using it for years. As an alternative, you may prefer to opt for personalised shot glasses or beer glasses.

Donate to a charity

Instead of a physical wedding favour, you could opt to make a donation in your guest’s name. They will feel great knowing that their attendance at the wedding helped support a charitable foundation.

A set of drink coasters

Coasters are another great gift to remind guests of your wedding. You can purchase timber, stainless steel or glass coasters in a style to match the wedding theme. They could also be customised with text and images.

Wedding wish keys

These are beautiful antique keys attached to a ribbon and a label. Guests receive the keys and are asked the question “The key to a happy marriage is?” They write their responses on the label and give them to the bride or groom. This is a lovely way for guests to impart some wisdom onto the newlyweds.

Bottle openers

Another item that has a great deal of utility and longevity! Give your guests a bottle opener commemorating the wedding and know it will probably reside in their kitchen for the next 20 or 30-years. A great gift item that is very practical.

Tissue boxes

Weddings are emotional events and people love to have a good cry during the ceremony! Why not provide guests with beautifully decorated commemorative tissue boxes or packaging and encourage them to let it all out!

Tea sets

If the theme of the wedding is “classical”, tea sets make the perfect gift. There is a huge variety of designs to choose from and they can be customised to commemorate the event. You could also include commemorative tea bags or antique tea bag infusers.

 A commemorative cheese knife

Why not give guests a beautiful bespoke cheese knife? They will get years of use from it and be reminded of your marriage every time they use it.

By thinking outside of the box, you can give your guests a wedding favour that will ensure that they fondly remember your wedding and the unusual little gift you gave them for many years to come!

There are dozens of exciting holiday destinations in the United Kingdom, offering a wide range of different holiday experiences. You can surf on some world-class waves in Newquay, enjoy some incredible pub food in the Cotswold’s or go hiking on Dartmoor.

To help you choose the perfect destination for your next get-away, here are some of the UK’s finest holiday destinations!

Devon

Devon is a beautiful part of the United Kingdom. It includes pristine areas of natural beauty, many important historical sites and some of the best beaches in the United Kingdom. There are many fantastic holiday spots in Devon including:

• Woolacombe Beach
  Located to the north of Devon, Woolacombe Beach has just been voted the UK’s best beach for the second year in a row! The beach is a three-mile stretch of beautiful golden sand, giving visitors plenty of room, even in then busy summer months. There are some great surf breaks on the beach and it is patrolled for most of the year. You can also enjoy some delicious fresh seafood caught locally.

• Dartmoor and Exmoor
  The Dartmoor and Exmoor national parks are absolutely stunning. They are both fantastic holiday locations for nature lovers and bird watchers. Dartmoor is a rugged and beautiful place, with large rocky outcrops and views for miles; simply spectacular! Exmoor is located on the coast and combines rural beauty with stunning ocean views. Both national parks offer outstanding opportunities for hiking and picnics.

Somerset

Somerset incorporates a large section of the Exmoor national park, and some wonderful holiday locations including Glastonbury, Bath, Burnham-On-Sea, Bridgwater, Minehead and Cheddar. The highlights include:

• Bath
  This lovely town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to some incredible architectural marvels. While there you can visit the Roman Baths Museum, Victoria Art Gallery, Royal Crescent and Pulteney Bridge.

• Clevedon
  A stunning seaside town with some excellent restaurants and beachside walks. The town features a grade 1 listed Clevedon Pier, a Victorian bandstand and lovely ornamental gardens. There is also a riding club, golf club and many other sports on offer.

• Frome
  A historical town in Somerset that is a little quirky! There are dozens of unusual and interesting shops to enjoy, along with a thriving cafe scene.

The Cotswold’s

The Cotswold’s is one of the most famous holiday destinations in the UK because of its natural beauty and quaint country towns. A few of the best holiday destinations in the Cotswold’s include:

• Stow on the Wold
  This town is elevated high above the Cotswold’s and delivers magnificent views of the surrounding area. To go along with that amazing view, there are many art galleries, antique shops and quality restaurants to enjoy.

• Bourton on the Water
  Located just a few miles away from Stow on the Wold, this town straddles a beautiful river. There are beautiful bridges in and around the town, lovely traditional houses and quaint independent shops. This is a stunning part of the Cotswold’s that makes for a very relaxing holiday destination.

• Castle Combe
  Castle Combe is arguably one of the loveliest villages in the Cotswold’s. The village is built around a 14^th Century cross and water pump. It is full of historical sites of interest and surrounded by many places of outstanding natural beauty.

Cornwall

Cornwall is home to many of the best beaches in the United Kingdom! If you want to spend your holidays on a surfboard, wind sailing or working on your tan, it is the perfect holiday location!

• St Ives
  St Ives attracts thousands of tourists each year for its white sandy beaches and incredible seafood restaurants. It is also home to Tate Gallery and the Barbara Hepworth Museum, which are definitely worth a visit.

• Falmouth
  This town was established when Henry VIII built Pendennis Castle to protect the harbour. It is a booming tourist destination that combines natural beauty with dozens of activities and world-class restaurants.

• Truro
  Cornwall’s only city, it is a major shopping hub and cultural centre. Whilst there, make sure you visit The Royal Cornwall Museum. Many holidaymakers set up base in Truro, from which they explore various locations in Cornwall.

London

London is hard to beat if you are seeking a City break in the UK. There are hundreds of sights to see, incredible shopping opportunities, amazing food and dozens of activities. Greater London actually includes 33 boroughs, with many varied holiday experiences on offer. Some of the best include:

• Bayswater
  An architecturally traditional section of London with stunning Georgian terraces on display. There are numerous great restaurants and historical sites to check out and explore.

• Belgravia
  The perfect destination for history buffs! It is full of luxurious and grand residences. There are a number of exclusive Michelin starred restaurants to enjoy and some excellent clothing stores.

• Camden Town
  This area has developed a strong musical scene over the years and is home to some of London’s best pubs. A great location for those interested in enjoying some finely craft beers while listening to some great music. Every weekend visitors flock to Camden Town market, which is the largest open-air market in Europe!

It’s approaching that time of year when our winter blues will be washed far away as spring teases us with glimpses of sunshine, on the cusp of what we hope will be a glorious long hot summer.

So let’s have some fun! Crack out the oversized board games, some fabulous old classics and a few international games and let the outdoor fun commence!

Bigger Is Sometimes Better!

Board games are always fun, but what makes them even more entertaining is their oversized versions that are perfect for enjoying in the garden. Here are a few popular examples that family members of all ages will be dying to get their hands on.

• Connect 4 – The colour coordinated puzzle game that has entertained families for forty years!
• Chess – This tactical classic was featured in the oversized chess battle in Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone
• Guess Who? – This supersized version now comes with more customisation than ever, you can insert pictures of family members into the slots of this timeless classic for a real hoot!
• Jenga – Comes in all shapes and sizes and the larger than life addition adds to the challenge of constructing one of the world’s most famous towers
• 10 Pin Bowling – A popular classic that can be enjoyed in the sunshine instead of the dark dungeons of the bowling alley

The Classics

Not a lot of props needed here, just some old time classics that require quick thinking and some handy DIY skills. These traditional games are guaranteed to fill you with a warm feeling of nostalgia…

• Tug of War – Flex those muscles and find out who are the strongest members of the family in one of the oldest Olympic games
• Hide and Seek – Simple family fun at its best, great in a huge country garden
• Egg and Spoon – Not ideal for those with poor coordination, (or the family vegans), but the egg and spoon is a great battle for those who excel in speed and balance
• Sack Race – Empty out those spuds and hop in like a human potato to see who can jump, fall or roll the fastest towards the finish line

Modern Garden Games

Don’t be afraid of new things in the quest for the most entertaining ways to enjoy a family day in the sun. There are some wonderful games to choose from these days, many of which are available for hire.

• Gladiator/Bouncy Castle – Remember in the mid 90’s when men and women with huge muscles would beat each other with giant cotton buds? This game guarantees a lot of laughs and is integrated in some modern ‘obstacle course’ bouncy castles
• Sumo Suits – Anyone who has ever wished to bash their friends and family members whilst dressed as an overweight Japanese man can finally do so thanks to these giant cushioned costumes – be sure to get some action shots!
• Inflatable Limbo – Bring the beaches of the Caribbean to your garden and discover who is the most flexible member of the family

Wet & Wild

Having played all the games recommended so far, one would build up quite a sweat, so why not cool off with a fun water game?

• Melt the frozen t-shirt race – Two teams compete to see who can melt their t-shirt the fastest by any means possible, (safely of course). The winning team must fit the shirt on one of their teammates
• Slip and Slide – Always aided by a gently downward facing slope, have a great deal of fun travelling from one side of the garden to the other on your belly
• Water balloons – split into teams and enjoy soaking your opponents until they beg for mercy!

Fresh Air & Fun

There are so many options when it comes to getting outdoors and enjoying some fresh air and fun and hopefully we have given you some inspiration and some great ideas to start with. These outdoor games would be perfect for entertaining the whole family on a group family break or a family reunion.

With a bit of luck you will have plenty of opportunity to try out lots of our ideas and more this summer, without a screen in sight!

Catering is an integral part of our business here at The Big House Co and we take a great deal of pride in our ability to provide guests with a great variety of mouthwatering menus to suit every possible occasion whilst they are staying in any one of our big houses!

Whilst out and about, exploring the local area during your big break however, you are bound to want to explore some of the local eateries and sample some of what is on offer. With that in mind, we have put together a useful insider’s guide to some hidden gems in Somerset where you can sample some of the finest West Country grub to be had!

Tarr Farm Inn

Tarr steps is a magical little spot on Exmoor where you will find the longest medieval clapper bridge in Britain and explore the many walks alongside the River Barle in this popular beauty spot. Legend has it that the bridge was built by the devil, who allegedly owns the sunbathing rights to the stones… You have been warned!

The kitchens at Tarr Farm Inn will not disappoint and the menu features a range of local catches with everything from slow cooked, locally sourced pork and mouthwatering crackling, to delicious fresh lobster, caught by fishermen at nearby Lynmouth on the North coast.

Menu Gordon Jones

At this unique venue in Bath, you are guaranteed an exceptional dining experience and a great variety of food. This eatery is a great choice for a special occasion meal and a winner with anyone who has an adventurous palate, and particularly for those who relish the unexpected and enjoy the opportunity to try new things.

Beautiful presentation, fantastic service from charming staff and food combinations that you would never imagine would work, such as bacon-flavoured ice cream. Who knew that could possibly taste so good?!

At The Chapel

The focal point of this converted chapel is a fabulous wood-fired oven, which is used to produce fresh croissants, breads and some of the most incredible pizza you have ever sampled!

The delightful bar garden produces its very own crops of fresh produce, which is used to enhance fine jugs of Pimm’s over the summer months, and those all important Bloody Marys!

The Lord Poulett Arms

This fantastic little gem is situated in the sleepy little village of Hinton St George. It is a proper pub with a homely and comfortable interior and some wonderful lunch and supper options to choose from.

With a great atmosphere, super friendly staff and food that could give most Michelin rated kitchens a good run for their money; if you are in the area this is a great spot for a hungry group of foodies.

The Archangel

Contemporary pub flavours merge with traditional favourites at The Archangel in Frome. The period building has an attractive, contemporary interior, providing a gorgeous backdrop for chilling out with friends or enjoying a romantic meal for two. A truly delicious menu and a great selection of wine, beer and cider. Just make sure you leave room for dessert as they are out of this world!

Many companies use an annual corporate retreat to accomplish a broad range of goals that cannot be tackled successfully in a one, or two hour meeting. Whether you are working on building your team, developing a strategic plan, or organising the launch of a brand new project, a well planned corporate getaway provides you with the ideal environment for getting things done!

Being outside of the usual workplace, all of the usual daily distractions are eliminated, leaving you with plenty of time and space for reflection and the opportunity to consider your projects and goals from entirely different perspectives.

Tighten Your Personal Connections – Strengthen Your Team

Taking your team on a corporate getaway and out of the context of their usual roles creates a unique opportunity for the group to bond with one another and tighten their personal connections.

For companies that employ remote workers, or operate from offices in several different locations, an annual corporate event like this puts all of the drivers in one place, allowing the entire group to forge and enhance personal connections. The amount of information that can potentially be learned and shared over a meal or whilst hanging out together and unwinding is quite astonishing.

This is highly beneficial to your company because returning to the workplace with a strengthened team opens the door to more efficient, collaborative work, where your entire operation becomes more productive due to the fact that everyone is pulling in the same direction.

Incorporate A Good Dose Of Fun In Your Corporate Getaway

Aim for a ratio of one part fun to four parts work, when planning the itinerary for your corporate getaway; in fact try to add as much fun as you can realistically afford to, and the company will ultimately benefit from doing so in the long run.

Pulling your employees away from their home life and commitments is a big deal, therefore some fun activities will help to soften the deal and give the group something to get excited about in the run up to the event.

Most importantly however, including plenty of time for fun and relaxation creates an important window for informal discussion and communication, helping to make sure that your team have ample opportunity to get to know each other better during the trip.

Clear Out The Cobwebs!

Many employees spend the majority of their work life in an office, behind a computer screen so spending time outdoors in the fresh air, moving around can be incredibly invigorating. The location of your getaway will help you to determine some suitable activities for the group.

Golf, go carting, horse riding or an archery session are just a few options you could consider to clear the cobwebs away, although an afternoon drinking Pimms in one of our sunny gardens is also an attractive option worth thinking about!

Last But Not Least – Throw In Some Perks

What better way to show your employees how much you appreciate them than to plan some well deserved perks for them – putting the icing on the cake!

Help them to relax and have a great time by booking them a bit of time on the golf course, a little massage or beauty therapy session, and last but not least, create a grand finale at the end of a successful corporate break with a party to remember…

Choose A Big House For Your Corporate Retreat

If you are booking a Big House for your corporate retreat this year we can help you out with some great ideas and suggestions to suit your group, as well as make arrangements on your behalf with local businesses and suppliers.

Once you have chosen your Big House, simply let us know what you want and we can take care of the rest!

Planning your next big house party is such a fun task and with our great list of ideas to inspire you, your job just got that little bit easier!

Setting The Scene

Take a creative approach to your lighting to ensure you set the mood right at your event. There are so many great options to choose from when you are looking at decorative lighting; strings of clear outdoor bulbs add classic appeal to any party scheme and work well both indoors and out and the same goes for fairy lights. Another way to accentuate the atmosphere of your event and inject it with a good dose of elegance is to get creative with candles and tea lights. Generally the more the merrier!

Plan Your Playlist Well In Advance

The best and most memorable house parties are built on a foundation of great music so make sure you make the effort to plan the soundtrack to your event meticulously! Keep the music fairly low key at the start of the event, allowing the music to gradually get a little faster and more fun, setting the tone as your guests warm up and begin to let their hair down, later on in the evening.

Consider Setting A Theme For Your Event

Themed parties and costumes can be great fun, so consider choosing a theme to tailor your event around. The possibilities are limitless, so choose something that suits you and your friendship group the best and then go with the flow. There is sure to be a lot of laughter as you watch your guests mingling in their costumes and the photo opportunities are guaranteed to be priceless!

Create A Fun Focal Point With DIY Food Stations & Bars

Guests love DIY food and beverage bars and they make a fantastic focal point at any party or event. The options are only limited by your imagination. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

• Olive Bar – Add a variety of olives, breads and great quality olive oils for dipping and voila, you have yourself a sophisticated olive bar.

• Oyster Bar – Oysters on the half shell look divine – add crushed ice, oysters, rock salt, pepper, chilli chopped coriander and fresh lime or lemon and you have yourself a fabulous oyster station.

• Ice Cream Bar – All you need is a selection of flavours, some great toppings and cones and you have yourself a wonderful ice cream bar that your guests are sure to love!

• Cupcake Bar – Encourage your guests to indulge their creative flair and sweet tooth at the same time with a sweet station loaded with various cupcakes, toppings, fresh fruit, chopped nuts and more. Sit back and watch as the masterpieces reveal themselves.

Beverage bars can be a lot of fun too…

• Punch Station– A punch station adds colour and interest to your party, a decent punch helps your guests to loosen up and express themselves as only they know how with their very best moves and grooves.

• Bourbon Bar – How about a bourbon tasting station at your next event? It is something a bit different to the norm and your bourbon loving friends will be made up!

• Go Retro – Add a bit of fun with a retro styled soda bar, stocked with some old fashioned favourites and stylish straws to match!

Use our suggestions to inspire your own ideas. Only you will know exactly what your guests would love and enjoy the most.

Rent A Karaoke Machine

Be prepared to step up and demonstrate your talent, (or serious lack of it), first if your guests are initially a little shy. However once you have broken the ice you will be amazed at the inner divas and personalities that are revealed as the evening develops. After enjoying a crazy singsong with a great bunch of old friends or family, you may wonder why you never hired one before.

Be prepared to laugh, a lot!

A shabby chic style wedding is the ultimate choice for any couple wanting to inject bundles of personality to their special day. Shopping for original pieces to complement your theme is an absolute joy, as there is so much scope and choice, regardless of your budget. The tradition of ‘something old, something new’ really comes into its own here as you add authenticity and style with your own unique combination of vintage finds and beautiful new pieces.

Choosing The Perfect Brides Outfit

Kate Middleton really nailed it with her famous lace sleeved dress on her big day, adding a touch of romance and vintage chic without overdoing it. Silks, linens and lace in subtle off whites are excellent choice to fit in with a shabby chic theme. Accessorise with delicate, vintage look purses and hair slides, adding a string of pearls to create a stunning look that makes it appear as if you have just stepped right out of a Jane Austen novel.

Shorter shift style dresses are an attractive and comfortable choice that will make it far easier for you to dance the night away free from restrictions – this could be particularly important if you are going to be navigating marquees and country barns on your big day!

Decorate With Vintage Look Jars

There are so many different ways to accessorise your event with glass jars. Vintage mason jars come in a variety of different colours and look incredible filled with flowers as a centrepiece, holding candles as decoration or filled with traditional sweets on a buffet table. Smaller jam jars can be equally effective; use tiny decorated jars to create sweet wedding favours for your guests, fill with tea lights for a warm and intimate look, tie to chairs along the aisle and fill with wildflowers, paint with chalkboard paint to create stylish table numbers… The options are endless.

Glass jars can be dressed with ribbons, lace, silk flowers, vintage fabrics, or a simple string of sequins creating a look that is on point and budget friendly.

Subtle Details

Dress your chairs simply by adding colour coordinated ribbons to tie in with your scheme. Burlap table runners are a great choice for decking out your tables as this natural look will coordinate seamlessly with just about anything you choose. A lovely touch is to add a lace trim to the outer edge of your runners.

Mismatched vintage china is a fun and eclectic choice for your reception tables and you will find many companies online that hire all kinds of vintage tableware for events.

Make It Personal

A rustic barn provides a wonderful backdrop for a shabby chic styled wedding. Once bedecked with lashings of flowers and bunting you will have a gorgeous, intimate environment for celebrating your special day with your favourite people.

Asking key family members and loved ones to prepare readings or perhaps sing at your event really emphasises the personal feel of a wedding. There is nothing like a heartfelt piece about love and the future for generating a few happy tears and some lasting memories.

Choosing Your Wedding Flowers

Keep it natural and oh so pretty with hand tied arrangements of seasonal wildflowers, fresh herbs and grasses or freshly cut peonies. Simple potted plants such as daisies or herbs can make the most wonderful centrepieces, looking bright and vibrant in keeping with the rustic, shabby chic theme at a minimal cost.

If you are tying the knot during the spring or summer months and are attracted to the idea of an English Country Garden wedding, then here at the Big House Company have several impressive wedding venues in the county of Somerset that would provide you with the ultimate backdrop for your theme.

English Country Garden weddings are all about letting the outdoors in and taking inspiration from nature. Think tea parties, bunting, English roses, pastel hues and jugs of Pimm’s served on a lush green lawn.

If you are in the process of gathering inspiration for your perfect English Country Garden wedding, then you have come to exactly the right place, as we have plenty of ideas to help you to create a gorgeous, stylish and truly memorable event…

1. Blackboard Signs & Arrows

Let your guests know which way to go with some fun blackboard signs and arrows. Be playful and fun with your wording and help everyone to navigate their way around the venue with ease. There are plenty of ways to be creative with your signage and you could even use it as a photo prop in your wedding photos.

Country Garden Bunting

Bunting is a wonderful accessory for any country garden wedding and the colours can be chosen to tie in with the rest of your theme. Floral prints, stripes and pastels are just a few of the options and you could of course opt for personalised bunting in key areas around the venue.

Drape bunting inside the venue, your marquee and around the grounds to add soft colour and oodles of style and personality to your event.

Tea Party Food Flags

Why not decorate part of your feast with some tiny food flags and label them with cute comments such as ‘eat me’, or ‘pick me’, or even ‘I do’!

Food flags are the perfect addition to cupcakes, strawberry tarts and any other sweets and treats on your desert table.

Classic English Blooms

Choose classic English blooms to tie in with your theme, creating gorgeous bouquets with peonies, sweet peas and roses. With this relaxed summer theme, there are so many ways to present your floral arrangements on the day.

Pretty jam jars finished with twine, metal buckets and even watering cans are just a few of the receptacles you can use to make a unique centrepiece!

Shimmering Tea Lights

What better way to light up your event after dusk than with bundles of pretty tea lights to create a relaxed, magical atmosphere. You can never have too many of them, hang little holders from trees, and use their wonderful shimmering glow to light up pathways and steps, table settings and seating areas.

Go Bare

No, not you – your cake!

Naked cakes, with their natural and organic style have created a trend that does not appear to be going anywhere, anytime soon. Garnished with natural elements like succulents, moss, lavender or colourful fresh fruit, a naked cake is a wonderful alternative that combines seamlessly with this particular wedding theme.

A Style That Never Tires

I hope that we will have provided you with at least a few ideas worth stealing. The English Country Garden theme is a style that never tires, celebrating all things that are natural and British.

Do get in touch with us at the Big House Company if you would like some information about booking one of our luxurious wedding venues for your wedding!

Cotswolds, England

If you have booked yourself a stay in our luxurious Cotswold Manor, the chances are that you will be so blissed out in your gorgeous surroundings that you will feel reluctant to stray too far! Nonetheless, we have plenty of great ideas for days out in the Cotswold’s if you do fancy exploring the area, so without further ado, here is our insider’s guide to some well-loved local hotspots:

1. Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens

This is a beautiful place to spend the day and as the largest privately owned zoological collection in the UK, the Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens boasts over 260 different species of animals within its 160 acres. Features of the park include a reptile house, bat shelter, insect house, tropical house, train ride and a glorious woodland walk.

With plenty of convenient facilities including a café with fresh snacks and refreshments, ample picnic areas, dog-friendly zones and an adventure playground, there is plenty to keep you fed, watered and occupied during your visit.

2. Tewkesbury Abbey

If you are into visiting historical sites then you should make time to go to Tewkesbury Abbey. Tewkesbury Abbey boasts the largest Norman tower in the world and its exterior arch is the largest in Britain. The church is operational as a religious place of worship and you may like to take the opportunity to attend one of the regular mass services.

3. Dragonfly Maze

If you like a good maze, the Dragonfly Maze is going to exceed your expectations. This maze is renowned for being a bit tricky so it is great fun to work together to identify the 14 clues which will help you to successfully get to the middle. Great fun for families and friends and a chance to bond as you work together to find the ‘treasure’ at the centre of the maze.

4. The Model Village At Bourton-On-The-Water

This popular model village has fascinating features such as its collection of tiny manicured bonsai trees. For decades, visitors have been captivated by the display of detailed scenes and houses exhibited.

This unique hotspot offers a unique experience for visitors of all ages; do not forget to capture a few images of you and your group posing as giants before you leave! (Adults and children alike will have a whale of a time doing this!)

Situated at the rear of The New Old Inn with its beer garden, bars, children’s play area and patio, this exquisite miniature village that has been open to the public since 1937 is a truly great spot for a day out with your family and friends.

5. Cotswold Distillery

Are you passionate about whisky or gin? If so, a trip to the Cotswold Distillery would be a great choice for you. Known as the best distillery in the area, the Cotswold Distillery is home to the finest natural spirits. Visitors enjoy a tour of the distillery, complete with an actual tasting of some of the gin and whisky that is produced on site. Gin lovers may be particularly interested in the eclectic range of flavoured gin available.

Friendly and knowledgeable guides provide insightful information on the brewing and production process. Before you leave, remember to pop into the distillery shop to choose a few fine bottles for sampling later!

6. Cotswold Falconry Centre

As a bird lover, what could be more epic than spending a day at the Cotswold Falconry Centre, learning how to handle birds and observing these magnificent creatures soaring above your head?

Home to over 130 birds from dozens of different species, the Cotswold Falconry Centre with its hawks, eagles, owls, falcons and kestrels is a fabulous choice for a day out. In addition to regular, well-presented bird shows, the centre also displays breeding aviaries and provides visitors with detailed information regarding the different birds.

There is ample space for an alfresco picnic on dry days and the well-stocked shop is brimming with bird themed gifts. An interesting gift idea for yourself or a loved one would be one of the experience packages on offer at the centre including a flying course or an evening with the owls.

7. Cotswold Motoring Museum

How about visiting the Cotswold Motoring Museum, which is home to a variety of classic cars, motorcycles, vintage cars, and original motoring artifacts, all under one roof? The large and rather eccentric collection that the museum offers integrates the different phases of the motoring world throughout the 20^th century.

Apart from being wowed by the captivating ensemble of fine motors, you will also get to learn plenty of interesting facts through the numerous information cards and knowledgeable staff who act as tour guides, both enhancing your visit.

Following on from Part 1, where we shared some of our favourite local hotspots in Somerset with you, here are a few more places and landmarks that are special, making them popular with visitors and locals alike…

5. The Willow Tree

This fabulous, award-winning restaurant is conveniently situated right in the heart of Taunton in a beautiful 17^th Century character building making it a great choice for a special meal with friends.

Ever since it was first established in 2002, the owners have taken this eatery from strength to strength and The Willow Tree is now widely regarded to be one of the best restaurants in the entire region.

This is a charming space with unbeatable food and great service. Take advantage of the waterside terrace during the warm summer months where you can enjoy an alfresco drink or meal in a wonderful little oasis.

6. West Somerset Railway

This heritage line is one of the longest preserved lines in the UK and a great experience for visitors of all ages. The slightly worn carriages somehow add to the authenticity, transporting you back in time as you absorb the breathtaking scenery. There is lots to see and do along the route and numerous events to get involved in during the year. Take a magical trip to see the candle lit night in Dunster before Christmas or a trip on the Santa special, complete with Santa and his elves, presents, port and mince pies!

7. Wells Cathedral

A visit to this incredible building is an absolute must if you are in the area of Wells in Somerset and it is easy to appreciate what makes this landmark so popular when you are standing there and it has literally taken your breath away. The cathedrals impressive history is evident in every detail as you explore the space and you may be able to time your visit so that you can enjoy the acoustics of the building whilst some carols or hymns are practiced!

8. The North Somerset Butterfly House

This hidden gem is a relatively small attraction but what it lacks in size it makes up for in substance. There is always plenty to see and do and the space is particularly well geared up for little ones. If you have even the faintest interest in butterflies, this is a great attraction to visit. Take your time strolling around the pathways and admire the beauty of the different varieties as they flutter around you.

I almost forgot to mention the cake! You will find large slices of delicious cake in the cafe on site along with lots of other homemade fare. Overall, this is a wonderful way to spend a morning or afternoon in Somerset.

9. Glastonbury Tor

Glastonbury Tor is a historical national Trust site in Glastonbury, a picturesque, conical hill topped with the roofless monument of St Michaels Church Tower. This is a truly special place with a wonderful atmosphere and energy. Prepare yourself for a bracing walk to the top, with a fantastic payoff of the most incredible, far-reaching 360-degree views over Somerset to reward you for all of your hard work!

Glastonbury Tor is a unique and impressive landmark with a fascinating history.

Seeing as several of our Big Houses are situated in the beautiful county of Somerset in the south west of England, we thought it might be a nice idea to share our insider’s guide to some of our favourite local hotspots.

Let us introduce you to some places that are well loved by the locals…

1. Cheddar Gorge

Britain’s largest gorge was created over millions of years by waters from the ice age and has a depth of 449ft. Cheddar Gorge is renowned as a world famous beauty spot and well worth a visit if you are staying in the area. Take in the most magnificent 360-degree views of the dramatic landscape by climbing Jacobs Ladder all the way up to the Lookout Tower, then have fun exploring the incredible stalactite caverns, (the most beautiful in Britain) below.

This popular tourist spot attracts in the region of 500,000 visitors each year and is the site where the oldest complete human skeleton in Britain was discovered, back in 1903. The skeleton, known as ‘Cheddar Man’ is estimated to be more than 9,000 years old.

2. Thermae Bath Spa

Treat yourself to an incredible spa day at Thermae Bath Spa, in the heart of the city of Bath. This wonderful setting is a unique blend of old and new as the well known historic spa buildings have been blended with new design, enabling you to bathe in warm mineral rich waters just as the Romans did more than 2,000 years ago, in a contemporary setting!

Choose from over 40 wonderful spa treatments, relax in the indoor Minerva Bath, invigorate your senses in the aroma steam rooms, or take in the spectacular views of this beautiful city from the comfort of the open-air thermal pool on the roof!

3. Hestercombe Gardens

Step through over 300 years of fine garden design at this inspirational estate, which is open to visitors all year round and has excellent facilities for families and children. Wander through the Georgian Landscape Garden, take in the views from the Victorian Terrace and last but not least, explore the incredible Edwardian Formal Garden that is widely accepted to be one of the finest examples of the famous partnership between Edward Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll.

Between the extensive gardens and the excellent indoor facilities, it is easy to make a day of it at Hestercombe. Art lovers will enjoy Hestercombe Gallery with its contemporary exhibitions and if you are looking something to eat or drink, you are also in luck here!

The Stables Cafe is a fabulous stop for home cooked lunches, delicious cake and tea, or you may prefer to visit the more formal Column Room Restaurant for a three course lunch and yet more spectacular views.

4. Somerset Lavender

What could be more relaxing than a visit to a small, family run farm that is entirely dedicated to growing lavender? If you have never had an opportunity to visit lavender fields in person and take in not just the fabulous scenery, but also the heavenly scent, then this is your opportunity!

This wonderful farm is situated in Radstock, Somerset and you will find something to occupy your entire group, regardless of age. At harvest time, you can take a tour and gain insight into the process that is involved in distilling the lavender to create essential oil and at other times during the year, you can visit the cafe and the farm shop where you will discover a variety of lavender plants and unique lavender related gifts for sale.

Hiring a big house for the festive season and spending Christmas or New Years Eve away from home in comfort with a large group of family or friends is a sure fire way to have an amazing time together and create the kind of legendary celebration that will be talked about for many years to come.

At The Big House Company, we have some beautiful big houses to rent for the festive season. Whether you are dreaming of long blustery walks in the countryside followed by cosy log fires, port and funny stories, or glamorous gatherings where you and your favourite people eat, drink and dance under the same roof until the early hours, we have you covered.

Space & Privacy

Our big houses are ample sized properties that offer plenty of bedrooms, bathrooms and living space, enabling large groups to spread out and socialise comfortably, as well as obtain the privacy required to enjoy some quality free time individually before rejoining the group for more fun.

Atmospheric Properties

The Big House Company have a wonderful selection of atmospheric properties that are literally oozing with style and atmosphere, the perfect backdrop and space for the ultimate Christmas dinner with plenty of room to fit three generations, or your entire gang around the same table comfortably.

Taking The Hard Work Out Of Christmas

Once you are over the battle of writing stacks of cards, nailing the ultimate gifts for your loved ones and choosing the perfect outfits, what you really feel like doing is getting cosy and putting your feet up to relax with a glass of your favourite tipple. The trouble is that the preparation and work that goes into laying on a fabulous celebratory feast demands great organisation skills and an alarming number of hours.

If you fancy opting out of the cooking when hiring a big house, you do have the option of calling in a private chef to take care of the catering for you. That way you and your guests can socialise, relax and enjoy each other’s company, completely freeing yourselves from all of that stress and hard work.

A Winter Break From Home

Being away from home with a great group of people over the holiday season gives every one of you the opportunity to enjoy a change of scenery and a break from home. All of the big houses available for hire in the UK through The Big house Co offer you an extraordinarily special backdrop in terms of their interiors and some fantastic scenes to explore outdoors in the fabulous British countryside.

With complete privacy to use the space as you please and the pleasure of socialising in a homely property that is not your own, you have plenty of scope for a memorable winter break whiling the hours away over long extended mealtimes, hilarious games and crisp walks exploring the history and hills in your surroundings.

A Riotous Celebration Or Relaxed Festive Break

Hiring a big house for the holiday season is guaranteed to make your holiday even more special, whatever your style. The majority of our properties are already booked for Christmas & New Year 2015, but there are still a few left for those looking for something last minute if you hurry!

Keep in mind that it is never too early to book for next winter, for more information about booking any of our properties, drop us a line and we will be more than happy to assist you.

If you’re looking for a new experience to share with friends, or if you’re a seasoned race going, the Cheltenham Festival is a treat not to be missed.

With 4 days of great racing from 15^th – 18^th March 2016 it’s one of the highlights of the jump racing season.  The prize money runs to an eye watering £3.8m for owners and jockeys to battle over.

Set in the beautiful Cotswolds, Cheltenham racecourse lies in a scenic amphitheatre below the Cotswold Hills and makes a fabulous backdrop to some great racing.

It has a wide range of facilities and tickets are still available for most of the enclosures.  Dining in one of the course side restaurants makes it a very special day, but needs to be booked in advance.

There’s shopping too, if you’re in the mood, the Shopping Village has a large variety of trade stands to suit most tastes.

History

The Hall of Fame is definitely worth a visit, with winners’ silks and trophies from years gone by, fascinating information about the history of Cheltenham and a hologram of the great horse Desert Orchid.

Champion Day

The first day of the meeting and features the Stan James Champion Hurdle, won impressively last year by Faugheen, from the on form stable of Willie Mullins (8 winners during the festival!).  Whether that run of form continues is questionable given Faugheeen’s last outing in November in the Morgiana Hurdle.

Ladies Day

A great excuse for the ladies to dress up and have a good time with your friends.  There’s even a best dressed ladies competition!

St Patrick’s Day

Celebrate the day with plenty of Guiness on tap and live music flowing.  Maybe watch some Irish winners too.

Gold Cup Day

Scene of Arkle’s historic 3 consecutive wins in the 60’s, this race is the highlight of the fixture list.  Last year winner, Coneygree on only his fourth outing over fences, was the first novice horse in 40 years to win.  Could he be following in the footsteps of the great Arkle?

Make a break of it

Why not make an occasion of it, get all your friends together and stay locally for the 4 days.  Cotswold Manor is only 30 minutes away from the course.  It’s a wonderful, elegant country house to enjoy after a day at the races.