Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa

We booked our wedding at Macdonald Old England 3 months before our big day and Rebekah and the rest of the staff couldn't do enough to help us on the lead up and at the weekend. The food was incredible, our family is still talking about it a month later and they've all said its some of the best food they've ever had and definitely the best wedding food. The venue was beautifully decorated for Christmas which went perfectly with our theme. The team were brilliant and even left the room we had the wedding breakfast in set up for the next day so that we could all have breakfast together!

It all started one summers afternoon in Ambleside. Picture the scene two people in love (fueled by alcohol!) saying to one another "If we ever got married wouldn't it be great to marry in the Lakes". On Christmas Day 2001 came the proposal and those drunken words weren't forgotten!

We decided on a spring wedding, appointments were made to view various hotels around Windermere for Valentine's weekend in 2002 and we began our search. Although we viewed lots of lovely venues there wasn't really one that stood out for us so feeling disappointed we returned to Bowness to discuss the pros and cons. However, whilst stolling through the village we came across The Old England Hotel quite by accident. In we went to make enquiries and pick up a brochure. Right from this moment we couldn't have asked for more. Michelle Hipwell (their conference & banqueting contact) offered to show us around straight away and from that moment nothing was too much trouble and it felt so right. Michelle our extensive list of questions and we were pencilled in the diary for 10 May 2003. Away we went to discuss what we'd seen and another appointment for a couple of weeks later was made.

One of my biggest fears when we decided to get married was all the organisation (especially as we live in Manchester and were marrying away from home) but we couldn't have asked for more. Michelle took all our details and told us not to worry. She could't have been more helpful and we really didn't have anything to worry about. I'm sure we drove her mad with questions, phone calls a various visits but she never showed it and always made time to discuss our needs! She helped us organise everything from rooms for guests, lists of local B & B's, the DJ, photographer, etc, etc, etc - this list is endless. The wedding breakfast and evening buffeet were delicious and we were able to put together a menu that suited us and our guests instead of having to use set menus which had been a problems with other venues especially as I have a dairy allergy.

I must also mention Julie who runs the hairdressers in the hotel who did a fantastic job of mine, my 2 bridesmaids and my mums hair. She really helped us all look our best on the day.

Due to Michelle's help and organisation when the day finally came I just knew everything would be perfect which helped me remain calm and it was (including the weather). The hotel is lovely and the function rooms are a mixture of old and new. I think the most breathtaking thing about the hotel are the gardens and the backdrop. Situated right on the shores of Windermere with their own private jetty make for beautiful photographs.

We really did have the most fantastic day of our lives, and all our guest (young, old, day and evening) were blown away by the most perfect day in the most perfect setting.

We couldn't have done it without the help of Michelle and her team and I would recommend the hotel to anyone planning to marry in the Lakes. To help your wedding go without a hitch The Old England, Michelle and her team are the one's to choose.

Thanks for making the most special day of our lives even more special!!