Your Questions Answered

Wedding FAQs

How do I book my wedding at Silchester Farm?

Once we’ve welcomed you in for a show round & you have chosen a preferred date we will hold this for you for 7 days at no obligation.

Within the 7 days, we will issue you with a booking form, which you will need to fill out, sign & return along with a 50% venue hire and a further £1500.00 in-house catering deposit both of which are required to secure your special day.

What style of ceremony can I have at Silchester Farm?

You can book a registrar from Hampshire County Council website for a civil ceremony. We recommend doing this as soon as you book your wedding date.

We can also have blessings or book a celebrant to conduct your ceremony. All styles of ceremony are welcome at the farm.

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

We recommend a ceremony from 1pm, but we are flexible here at Silchester Farm and your day can be designed around you. You will work with our weddings team throughout your planning to create a smooth and personalised running of the day.

What buildings do I have access to 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. Our Woodshed will open at 9.30 for you to get ahead with your prep and pampering.

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

We are licensed 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.

We do not host evening receptions in theHampshire Threshing Barn. We have designed the venue so you can enjoy each space at the most suitable time of day, and 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 47 guests staying in the accommodation on site. With a mix of family sharing houses and 10 private suites across the farm. Elements of the accommodation are compulsory as part of your booking. Our traditional Farmhouse sleeps 15, in 7 bedrooms. The Barn House sleeps 12, in 6 bedrooms and 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 boasts a king size bed, kitchenette and stunning private rural views for all event and wedding guests to wake up to. Our final and most unique space, the original Granary, offers a tranquil space for 2.

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. 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 unless they have been allocated to you directly. You can contact stay@silchesterfarm.co.uk for more information and to enquire on availability.

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.

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.

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.

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 into 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 and drink collections are supplied by our team in house. You can contact our weddings team on weddings@silchesterfarm.co.uk for information on new menus at anytime through your planning.

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 (approx £200 a couple) or a Private Dining Experience, where you get to choose different courses and drinks, in an intimate setting with your Event Manager and Chefs (approx £350 a couple). Alternatively lots of our couples choose to come to our open public events, with our restaurant open as often as possible throughout the year. You will find details on our upcoming dining events, and be able to book on our What’s On page.

Will the bar be open before my ceremony?

Yes, depending on your ceremony time, the bar will be open for a short period ahead of your ceremony. We do have to be mindful of consumption ahead of a ceremony, due to the legal nature of a marriage ceremony food & drinks are not permitted in the ceremony room, but we can also provide a pre-drinks collection for your guests if this is something you would like to include.

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. The fairy lights wrapped around the beams in the Hen House & Hampshire Threshing Barn are part of the fixtures and fitting of the farm.

Can we have amplified music outside?

We can have acoustic music outdoors and through your drinks reception. This suits the setting and works perfectly in this environment. Our trusted suppliers can provide details on what has worked and been popular in the past, giving you confidence that your entertainment will be enjoyed by all.

Can we have confetti?

We are very happy for natural dried flower petals to be thrown in the garden.

Can we have sparklers or fireworks?

Due to the nature of the farm and the animals we have onsite, we no longer permit fireworks or sparklers. We do, however, allow smoke bombs outside in specific areas which offer a perfect alternative and stunning photos.

Are we allowed outdoor games?

Yes, we have a number of options for outdoor games within our recommended suppliers list, so if you are looking for something in particular please do let the team know as they will be able to assist with what is suitable and where to locate it on the day for you.

Can my dog attend my wedding?

Yes, your dog is welcome to stay for the ceremony and drinks reception, we simply ask that it has an allocated responsible person to look after it during its visit! We love to see your furry friends and understand it’s important that you get some photos too!

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 a 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 - all alcoholic drinks must be supplied by Silchester Farm and we ask that no drinks are consumed in bedrooms. We can provide a 'fill the fridge' selection of drinks so you can enjoy a nightcap. Please do let our team know what you would like and we will ensure its ready for you. We kindly ask that noise is kept to a minimum and only guests staying onsite go back to the houses and Pyggies.

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 vehicles and belongings are left at the owner’s risk.

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?

For the comfort of all guests and to respect our surroundings, we’re unable to extend beyond the set end time - but rest assured your day will be full and unforgettable.

Stay FAQs - Pyggies

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 well-behaved dog can stay per booking for a small £25 fee. We kindly ask that dogs remain on a lead when outside and are not left unattended inside the property.

Is Silchester Farm accessible for disabled visitors?

We’ve made every effort to ensure disabled visitors can enjoy as much of the estate as possible. Please note that as a working farm, some areas feature open spaces and uneven terrain. We recommend that disabled guests are accompanied by a companion to assist them. Ramps are available throughout our main areas and gardens.

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.

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’.

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.

Do you provide hairdryers and irons in your accommodation?

Yes – you’ll find hairdryers in most of our rooms, and our Hampshire Pyggies and houses have ironing boards and irons. If you’d like any specific equipment during your stay, just let our team know in advance and we’ll be happy to arrange it for you.

How do we make a reservation?

Please make your booking through our online booking platform . If you need to book any special add-ons, please email 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?

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.

Do you provide hairdryers and irons in your accommodation?

Can we have breakfast?

Yes we have a selection of breakfast options available, including our classic breakfast including - fresh pastries, yoghurt, seasonal fruit and a home-baked sweet treat.

Or you can upgrade to something special - our hot bacon and sausage breakfast rolls will get you set for the day ahead.

If you fancy something on the go - our Farm Shop has fresh treats delivered daily, with coffee to take away too if you are in a hurry.

If you would like to arrange special requests ahead of your stay, please email - stay@silchesterfarm.co.uk

Do you have a Farm Shop?

Yes! Our Farm Shop, Trough, is located next to our collection of Pyggies just across the lawn from The Farmhouse - perfect for takeaway treats, hot & cold drinks, fresh baked goods, and locally sourced gifts. Please check our website for opening times.

How do we access the leisure facilities?

Guests have free access to our swimming pool, tennis courts, and bikes (a refundable deposit applies). You can find our seasonal opening times on our Farm Leisure page.

Do you have robes?

We do not currently offer robes, but we do offer towels if you would like to swim during your stay - just let our team know in advance and we’ll be happy to arrange these for you.

Stay FAQs - Barn House

How do we make a reservation?

Please make your booking through our online booking platform . If you need to book any special add-ons, please email 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 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 provide hairdryers and irons in your accommodation?

Can we have breakfast?

Yes we have a selection of breakfast options available, including our classic breakfast including - fresh pastries, yoghurt, seasonal fruit and a home-baked sweet treat.

Or you can upgrade to something special - our hot bacon and sausage breakfast rolls will get you set for the day ahead.

If you fancy something on the go - our Farm Shop has fresh treats delivered daily, with coffee to take away too if you are in a hurry.

If you would like to arrange special requests ahead of your stay, please email - stay@silchesterfarm.co.uk

Do you have a Farm Shop?

How do we access the leisure facilities?

Guests have free access to our swimming pool, tennis courts, and bikes (a refundable deposit applies). You can find our seasonal opening times on our Farm Leisure page.

Do you have robes?

We do not currently offer robes, but we do offer towels if you would like to swim during your stay - just let our team know in advance and we’ll be happy to arrange these for you.

Stay FAQs - The Granary

How do we make a reservation?

Please make your booking through our online booking platform . If you need to book any special add-ons, please email 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 provide hairdryers and irons in your accommodation?

Can we have breakfast?

Yes we have a selection of breakfast options available, including our classic breakfast including - fresh pastries, yoghurt, seasonal fruit and a home-baked sweet treat.

Or you can upgrade to something special - our hot bacon and sausage breakfast rolls will get you set for the day ahead.

If you fancy something on the go - our Farm Shop has fresh treats delivered daily, with coffee to take away too if you are in a hurry.

If you would like to arrange special requests ahead of your stay, please email - stay@silchesterfarm.co.uk

Do you have a Farm Shop?

How do we access the leisure facilities?

Guests have free access to our swimming pool, tennis courts, and bikes (a refundable deposit applies). You can find our seasonal opening times on our Farm Leisure page.

Do you have robes?

We do not currently offer robes, but we do offer towels if you would like to swim during your stay - just let our team know in advance and we’ll be happy to arrange these for you.

Do you have a Farm Shop?

How do we access the leisure facilities?

Guests have free access to our swimming pool, tennis courts, and bikes (a refundable deposit applies). You can find our seasonal opening times on our Farm Leisure page.

Do you have robes?

We do not currently offer robes, but we do offer towels if you would like to swim during your stay - just let our team know in advance and we’ll be happy to arrange these for you.

Corporate FAQs

Do you have electric charging points?

We don't currently, 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.

Who do you recommend for Team Building activities?

We work closely with trusted partners including Hi 5 Events and Pop Up Games Company, who offer a range of fun and engaging team-building experiences. 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.

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?

For single occupancy, we can accommodate up to 19 guests across our Farmhouse, Barn House, Granary, and Pyggies, each with its own en-suite or private bathroom. If some guests are happy to share we can sleep more.