Your Questions Answered

Wedding FAQs

How many guests can I invite to my wedding?

Our maximum capacity is 140 for the ceremony, wedding breakfast and evening party. This includes children as part of this figure. Is the Barn warm in the winter (and cool in the summer)?

In the Cow Shed we’ve recently installed air-conditioning, which will keep you & your guests cool in the summer through your wedding breakfast & celebrations & keeps it warm & cosy in the winter months. Throughout the rest of the buildings we have underfloor heating, The Hampshire Threshing Barn is naturally cool in the summer.

Do you have any disabled facilities?

Reducing the walk from the car park, disabled guests may be dropped off right outside the Hampshire Threshing Barn or Cow Shed. We do have ramps to cover any steps and the Cow Shed has its own flat entrance at the back to avoid any steps. We have disabled toilets in both the Hampshire Threshing Barn & Cow Shed.

How should my guests access Silchester Farm?

Try to avoid using our postcode in your Sat-Nav, it takes you in to the village instead of our gates. The best way to find us is by putting ‘Silchester Farm’ into your Sat-Nav.

Can we pick our own suppliers?

Other than the caterers and evening entertainment, of course. We have a great selection of recommended suppliers who we work closely with if you are struggling with where to start.

Can we have catering from an external company?

All our Catering is supplied in house by Silchester Farm, beautifully curated with local, if not home grown produce.

How does food and drink work at Silchester Farm?

All our food, drink packages & bar are all in-house - please visit the relevant pages using the drop-down options in the menu bar above. Alternatively, contact our weddings team on weddings@silchesterfarm.co.uk

Do I get a menu tasting opportunity before my Wedding?

Yes we offer two types of Tasting Events - a Booked Couples Event trying different courses and pairing drinks (£200 a couple) or a Private Dining Experience, where you get to choose differents courses and drinks, in an intimate setting with your Event Manager and Chefs (£350 a couple).

Will the bar be open before my ceremony?

Water is provided to your guests before your ceremony. Due to the legal nature of a marriage ceremony food & drinks are not permitted before or during a ceremony.

Is tea & Coffee included in my Wedding Breakfast?

Yes, tea & coffee will be served after your Wedding breakfast for your guests to help themselves.

When do I have to decide if I’m having an indoor/outdoor ceremony?

You can choose from an indoor ceremony inside the 400-year-old Hampshire Threshing Barn under the twinkling lights, or get married in our outdoor ceremony space next to our beautiful lake, with views of the willow tree. The best part? You don’t have to decide between indoor or outdoor until the day itself by 9:30am, so you can plan around the weather.

Are all the festoons & fairy lights included in the venue hire?

All the festoon lighting on the outside of the buildings are turned on at the appropriate times. The fairy light ceiling installations in The Hen House, Hampshire Threshing Barn, and Cow Shed can be booked & paid for separately through our trusted partner Farnham Sound & Light - they are around £500. The fairy lights wrapped around the beams in the Hen House & Hampshire Threshing Barn are part of the fixtures and fitting of the farm.

Is Silchester Farm accessible for disabled visitors?

We have made every effort to ensure disabled visitors can enjoy as much of the estate as possible. However please note we are a farm, with open spaces and pathways made up of different terrain. We do strongly recommend that disabled visitors are accompanied by a companion to assist them. Please note that routes around the farm have gravel paths requiring extra care. We have ramps in all of our main areas and located around the gardens.

How do I book my wedding at Silchester Farm?

Once we’ve welcomed you in for a viewing & you have chosen a preferred date we will hold this for you for 7 days at no obligation. Within this time is it suggested you enquire with the registrar, celebrant or church to check availability for your desired ceremony.

Within the 7 days, if you would like to go ahead we can issue you with a booking form, which you will need to fill out, sign & return along with a 50% venue hire deposit to secure your special day. A further £1500.00 is required to secure our in-house catering at the time of booking - this will go towards your final balance for catering.

How do I book my civil ceremony at Silchester Farm?

Once you have booked your wedding date at Silchester Farm, you will need to contact Hampshire Registry Office to book your registrar. We recommend doing this as soon as you book your wedding date. Please visit the Hampshire County Council website for more information on how to book.

What is the best time of day to have my ceremony?

We can do ceremonies anytime from midday. This will depend on the availability of your registrar, celebrant or church. For the smoothest timings of your day we recommend between 12.30-2pm however, we are flexible here at Silchester Farm and your day can be designed around you.

What buildings do I have access to with the venue hire?

With the venue hire, you have access to Silchester Farm from 10am through till 11:30pm Sunday – Thursday (including all bank holidays) & midnight Friday & Saturday. You will have exclusive use of The Hampshire Threshing Barn, Cow Shed, Outdoor Ceremony Pergola, Dutch Barn and our associated courtyards and gardens.

What rooms do I use for each part of the day?

We are licenced for ceremonies in all areas of Silchester Farm, so you are welcome to take your pick on where you would like to get married (weather permitting for our outside areas!). For the drinks reception, we recommend either our courtyard for those warm, summer days, or the Hen House for the colder/wetter seasons.

Following your drinks reception, you and your guests will wander through our Kitchen Gardens up to The Cow Shed for the wedding breakfast and celebrations.

Unfortunately, we do not permit evening receptions in the Hampshire Threshing Barn. This allows for a great flow & minimum turn around using all of the farm for your special day.

What else is included in the venue hire?

Lots! To name a few – rustic wooden tables, wooden cross-back chairs, wooden benches, cake stand and knife, a dedicated wedding coordinator, a fully stocked and staffed bar, PA system for background music, microphones for speeches. Adequate parking for your guests.

The Wood Shed (getting ready room) is also included as part of the venue hire.

What accommodation do you have on-site?

We can sleep up to 27 guests staying in the accommodation on site. With a mix of family sharing & en-suites bedrooms. All of the guest accommodation is compulsory as part of your booking. The total cost for the accommodation includes a beautifully curated breakfast by our very own head chef, using all the best local suppliers and some extra treats thrown in.

In addition to the above accommodation, our collection of Luxury Pyggies accommodate an additional 18 guests, in 9 guest suites across 6 handmade pods which have been carefully designed and built in Hampshire. Each will boast a king size bed, kitchenette and stunning private rural views for all event and wedding guests to wake up to.

This will be freshly delivered to your accommodation the morning after your wedding.

I’m a guest at a wedding, can I book a room at Silchester Farm?

All bookings for on-site accommodation must be made through the wedding couple. We do not take direct bookings for rooms.

If we are staying at Silchester Farm overnight what time is Check-in/Check-out?

Check in is from 2pm & check out the following day is 10am.

Are we able to get married at a church?

Of course! Our closest Church is St Mary The Virgin, which is just a few minutes from the Farm.

Can we have amplified music outside?

Unfortunately due to our sound restrictions, only acoustic music is allowed outside.

Can we have confetti?

We are very happy for natural dried flower petals only to be thrown in the garden but unfortunately can’t allow them within the Barn.

Can we have sparklers or fireworks?

We unfortunately do not allow fireworks or sparklers due to the nature of the farm and the animals we have onsite. We do, however, allow smoke bombs outside in specific areas.Are we allowed outdoor games?

Yes, but please liase with your event manager before booking anything in.

Can my dog attend my wedding?

Yes, your dog is welcome to stay for the ceremony and drinks reception, as long is the dog is on alead at all times. Dogs are not allowed in the Cow Shed or accommodation during the day.

What time can we access the Woodshed prep room?

You will be able to access the Woodshed from 9:30am on the day of the Wedding. The bride, friends or family can start their day here, in relaxed environment, whilst being pampered for the big day.

Is smoking permitted?

Smoking outside is absolutely fine. We provide plenty of ashtrays in both the Courtyard and Terrace.

If we stay overnight, can guests take drinks back to their accommodation?

Yes you can - although all alcoholic drinks must be supplied by Silchester Farm and we ask that no drinks are consumed in bedrooms. We kindly ask that noise is kept to a minimum and only guests staying onsite can go back to the houses.

Can we use the Swimming pool?

The Swimming pool will not be accessible on your Wedding day itself, however if you are here the night prior you will be able use the pool from your check in time to 8pm.

Can I have breakfast with all my guests the next day?

Of course! This is a lovely opportunity to get together with loved ones after your special day, we can deliver the breakfast to one of the houses and you can catch up over a pastry before checking out at 10am.

Can I leave my car overnight?

Your car can be left in our car park overnight however, it must be collected by 11am the following morning. Please note that we do not accept any liability for your car or any belongings left onsite overnight.

We do not permit guests to stay overnight in caravans/motorhomes, all guests staying at the farm must be allocated a bedroom within our onsite accommodation.

Do you work with any local hotels?

For any guests not staying on site we recommend the below hotels. There are other local hotels, within a 10 mile radius.

The Wellington Arms - located in Stratfield Turgis with 25 rooms available for block bookings, nice pub feel and food available.

The Hare & Hounds – located in Newbury it provides a comfortable & welcoming home from home with 30 individually designed bedrooms.

Should I take out insurance?

We recommend that every couple take out wedding insurance to protect yourselves and the money you have spent on your big day.

Can I extend the end time of my wedding?

Unfortunately, due to our licencing, we are unable to extend the end time of your wedding.

Are we able to extend our evening license?

Unfortunately this isn’t something we offer.

Stay FAQs - Pyggies

What time is check in and check out?

Check into your Pyggy from 4pm at our Reception, unless you book for an early 2pm check in.
Check out is at 10am.

Some of the Pyggies look out over The Cow Shed. Are they still private?

All the Pyggies will be fitted with double curtains, allowing you to draw a lightweight set to ensure privacy while still letting in light during the daytime. Each Pyggy will also be surrounded by lots of lovely planting to create screening from the public areas.

How many people can they sleep?

Each Pyggy contains a king-size bed and sleeps 2 people. Some Pyggies will have space for an additional infant in a travel cot, but this should be discussed with a member of the Silchester Farm team before your stay, and will only be allowed if confirmed in writing by Silchester Farm.

How do we book a Pyggy?

Please make your booking through our online booking platform. If you need to book any special add-ons, please email stay@silchesterfarm.co.uk

What is included?

The Pyggies are all equipped with air conditioning units that provide both heating and cooling. Each Pyggy is en-suite, and the larger luxury Pyggies feature free-standing baths. They all contain a small kitchen area equipped with a microwave, fridge, kettle, crockery, cutlery, and glassware. Our Pyggies have tea & coffee facilities which includes a filter coffee machine with milk frother.

For wedding guests, a breakfast of pastries, fruit, cereals, bread, eggs, cheese, and ham is included. For all other bookings, breakfast will be an optional extra and will be outlined during the booking process.

Are the Pyggies Dog Friendly?

We have one dog friendly Luxury Pyggy - Rosemary.
One dog can stay at any one time with a fee of £25 per stay. Dogs must be on a lead at all times when outside the property and under no circumstances left in the property unattended.

Is Silchester Farm accessible for disabled visitors?

Stay FAQs - Farmhouse

Are there tea and coffee facilities?

Yes our houses have tea & coffee facilities which includes a Nespresso machine.

What time is check in and check out?

Check into the Farmhouse from 4pm at our Reception, unless you book for an early 2pm check in.
Check out is at 10am.

How do we make a reservation?

Check our live diary, or make your reservation directly with our stays team by emailing stay@silchesterfarm.co.uk

Are you Dog Friendly?

We welcome up to 2 dogs with a £25 charge per dog, per stay in The Farmhouse.
We ask that dogs stay downstairs, and must be kept on a lead at all times when outside the property and under no circumstances left in the property unattended.

Is Silchester Farm accessible for disabled visitors?

Do you have a Farm Shop?

Yes. In addition to the 9 Sleeping Pyggies, our Farm Shop, Trough is located on The Drift just across the lawn from The Farmhouse. Perfect for takeaway treats, hot & cold drinks, fresh baked goods and locally sourced gifts and goodies. Please check here for opening times

Where have the names come from?

A 'drift' is the collective noun for a group of pigs. Since the entire area will be designed with the Hygge concept in mind (Hygge meaning 'a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being') and all structures being pig arcs, we merged the two concepts, and out popped 'Pyggy.

How do we access the leisure facilities?

You will have free access to our swimming pool, tennis courts and bikes (with a refundable deposit). Head to our Farm Leisure page to find our seasonal opening times.

Do you have a Farm Shop?

How do we access the leisure facilities?

You will have free access to our swimming pool, tennis courts and bikes (with a refundable deposit). Head to our Farm Leisure page to find our seasonal opening times.

Stay FAQs - Barn House

How do we make a reservation?

Check our live diary, or make your reservation directly with our stays team by emailing stay@silchesterfarm.co.uk

Are you Dog Friendly?

We welcome up to 2 dogs with a £25 charge per dog, per stay in The Barn House.
We ask that dogs stay downstairs, and must be kept on a lead at all times when outside the property and under no circumstances left in the property unattended.

Is Silchester Farm accessible for disabled visitors?

Are there tea and coffee facilities?

Yes our houses have tea & coffee facilities which includes a Nespresso machine.

What time is check in and check out?

Check into the Barn House from 4pm at our Reception, unless you book for an early 2pm check in.
Check out is at 10am.

Do you have a Farm Shop?

How do we access the leisure facilities?

You will have free access to our swimming pool, tennis courts and bikes (with a refundable deposit). Head to our Farm Leisure page to find our seasonal opening times.

Stay FAQs - The Granary

How do we make a reservation?

Check our live diary, or make your reservation directly with our stays team by emailing stay@silchesterfarm.co.uk

Are you Dog Friendly?

The Granary is not dog friendly unfortunately.

Is Silchester Farm accessible for disabled visitors?

Are there tea and coffee facilities?

Yes The Granary has tea & coffee facilities which includes a Nespresso machine.

What time is check in and check out?

Check into The Granary from 4pm at our Reception, unless you book for an early 2pm check in.
Check out is at 10am.

Do you have a Farm Shop?

How do we access the leisure facilities?

You will have free access to our swimming pool, tennis courts and bikes (with a refundable deposit). Head to our Farm Leisure page to find our seasonal opening times.

Corporate FAQs

Who do you recommend for Team Building activities?

Hi 5 Events , Pop Up Games Company. We have a list of Corporate Activities here.

Do you have a way for me to get corporate news?

Yes, you can sign up to our new corporate newsletter to get our latest news and updates.

Do you have electric charging points?

Not at the moment, the closest options would be Pod Point Charging Station (Lidl car park) in Tadley (8 mins) , Mer Charging Station Bramley (10 mins), Instavolt Charging Station Chineham Park (15 mins).

What AV do you have?

43 inch TV screen on wheels , microphones through in-house speakers in both barns

Do you have air conditioning?

There is air conditioning in the Cow Shed and our Pyggies.

What does your day delegate rate include?

Our Keep Me Going catering package includes tea & coffee throughout the day along with an Elderflower Spritz, arrival pastries & seasonal fruit, a sweet or savoury snack to tide you over and a seasonal, locally sourced working lunch with a chefs choice dessert

How many guests can you sleep single occupancy?

Single occupancy we can sleep 19 guests across our Farmhouse, Barn House, Granary & Pyggies with individual en-suites/bathroom. If some guests are happy to share we can sleep more.