Old Thorns was just amazing. The space was perfect, the staff were so friendly and incredibly professional, the food was out of this world too! The wedding team were just so on point with everything, the day could not have run smoother! No request from us was too much for them. Right from the start of our planning they were polite, helpful and so responsive. The venue is just so beautiful and we really did have the most perfect day. The team were wonderful, we asked, they beyond delivered. Special thanks to Izzy in the wedding team who was just so lovely and patient with us during planning, to Alice in the wedding team who looked after us on the day, a great calming influence and to Dan on reception who is always wonderful when he looks after us! We really could not recommend Old Thorns highly enough. The effort and care put into every task was top notch, right down to the little details. Perfect. Thank you Old Thorns!

Wow! We are still buzzing from our wedding here 4 weeks ago , everyone is still speaking about it . It truly was a magical day , there wasn’t anything the wedding team wouldn’t have done for us and it was an amazing location for our photos . The day went perfect and everyone was happy . Thank you again , Erin& Damian xx

Could not thank Old Thorns enough, especially the weddings team! Izzy was great with her correspondence via email and helping with our details meeting and Chloe was absolutely amazing the day off! Everybody commented on how much of a star Chloe was! She made our day so special and was there for us for anything we needed.
If you are still deciding on a venue I would recommend Old Thorns every single time!

Thankyou to everyone who was involved in our special day,
Mr & Mrs Brough❤️

Reception: Excellent
Venue: Excellent
Food: Excellent
Communication: Poor
Wedding Staff: Poor
Old Thorns was a dream venue of mine. The Hampshire Suite provided such an intimate charm—we loved the natural light and how beautifully it connected to the outdoors. The food was delicious, and the bridal lounge was elegant and calming. However, I cannot overstate how disappointing the communication with the wedding team was in the lead-up to our day.
Communication Issues
Unfortunately, the communication from the wedding team fell far below expectations. We dealt with three different wedding sales team members over the course of planning, and much of what was initially communicated to us was lost with each transition. Whether this is due to high staff turnover or the sheer volume of events hosted at Old Thorns, it created a lot of unnecessary stress for us.
Room Setup Confusion
We were told we would be informed six weeks in advance whether we could access the Hampshire Suite the day before the wedding to set up. Instead, we were only notified two days before—despite repeated follow-ups. This uncertainty caused me a great deal of anxiety, which I tried to communicate clearly and respectfully in an email, but none of my concerns were addressed or even acknowledged in later conversations. I didn’t feel listened to or valued as a bride, and instead felt like I was being handled as part of a military operation. I typically consider myself a very relaxed person, and I was a calm bride until it became clear that many key details were being mismanaged.
Setup Issues the Night Before
Despite sending detailed instructions and images well in advance, the room setup was still incorrect the night before. Specific tables I requested were not available, as they were being used for another event—something I was never made aware of. Thankfully, two kind receptionists and a waitress stepped in and went above and beyond to source the tables we needed. They were incredibly kind, and it was the first time I truly felt seen and supported during this whole process.
Reception Staff
The general reception staff were outstanding. They treated us and our guests like royalty and even addressed me by my new married name the next morning, which was such a thoughtful touch. However, my laptop was put behind reception the day after the wedding, and we weren’t informed of where it was. So we had to drive back an hour there and back to collect it —without any apology or acknowledgment of the inconvenience.
Additional Communication Issues
• Pre-wedding Dinner: We booked a restaurant table for 20 guests a month in advance, only to be told two weeks beforehand that the restaurant would be closed for maintenance. The alternative offered—the sports bar—was not a suitable setting, so we had to scramble to book a nearby pub instead.
• Guest Room Bookings: Many guests experienced problems booking discounted rooms. Some were told the venue was full, while others had no confirmation at all. My own room was accidentally booked twice, and we never received clarity on who had actually received the discounted rates.
• Pre-Wedding Visit: We arranged to visit Old Thorns to pay our deposit, ask questions, and receive another tour. We waited over an hour as no one was available, and the person who did eventually speak to us was unaware of any of our details. The room we were supposed to view was also unavailable. We were offered a complimentary hot drink, but the experience was frustrating and a waste of time after travelling over an hour to get there.
• Menu Confusion: At the tasting, our server couldn’t answer any of our questions, and we were initially told we could offer guests three meal choices. Later, we were told it was limited to two. The inconsistency was unhelpful and confusing.
• Venue Space Change: We spent a year preparing décor for a specific room we were told we could use, only to find out weeks before the wedding that it would no longer be available. It was an upsetting and unnecessary last-minute change.
Wedding Day Experience
While the wedding day itself ran mostly smoothly and the morning was peaceful, there were still issues that took away from the magic. We were promised champagne in the bridal lounge and it wasn't there until later—and only brought after we followed up. The tone changed when the coordinator arrived; it felt cold, rushed, and overly regimented.
I was spoken to in an abrupt tone, as though I was being micromanaged. For example, my photographer had to take care of last-minute details that the coordinator was meant to handle, including arranging the frames for our guest display—something I had spent days preparing. Those frames didn’t make it into the room until after our pictures were taken.
I was even shouted at to “stay there” before walking down the aisle and was asked “is everything okay?” repeatedly, but not in a calm or comforting way—it came across as impatient and disingenuous. My dress was not straightened as promised, resulting in it getting muddy and looking worn very quickly. My maid of honour could have helped, but I was assured it would be taken care of. Sadly, it wasn’t.
Final Thoughts
It’s disheartening to say, but I don’t believe our wedding ever felt like a priority to the staff coordinating it. I understand weddings are busy events, and February is a difficult month weather-wise—but the level of disorganisation and lack of care, especially after I voiced my concerns in writing before the day, is not acceptable.
Old Thorns is a stunning venue with potential for excellence. But unless the communication systems are improved and the wedding team receives better support, I fear other couples may have similar experiences. I hope this review encourages the team to reflect on the importance of not just the venue and food, but the care and attention every couple deserves when planning one of the most special days of their lives.
The cost of the venue went up £2000 within the space of a couple of months, because of the cost of living, and we do not feel this was worth it.
Holly & Ben Newton

We had our wedding in November, and the team were so accommodating with all of our requests. We did something unique where we hired “children’s” entertainment, and that involved the old school parachute, hula hoops, games and foam! Our coordinator, Grace, was so attentive and made sure we were ok throughout the day, she always made sure myself and the groom had a drink and was always around checking on guests. The grounds are beautiful and very well kept, the Hampshire suite where we got married was beautiful and fit in with our theme. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a venue.

We had our wedding December 2023, the staff at old thorns were absolutely amazing, nothing was too much. Our day was perfect and still get comments on how beautiful the day was.
We cant thank old thorns enough for all their work to make our day so special.

We booked Old Thorns 2 and a half years in advance and the attention to detail on everything from the moment we booked until our special day and after has been more than we could have ever have asked for. Our coordinator on the day was absolutely incredible and made us feel so relaxed, we really appreciate the smaller things and how much she took notice of everything. We couldn’t recommend this venue more!

We got married at Old Thorns on 20/07/2024 and it was everything we could have imagined and more. Our wedding coordinator went above and beyond to make sure our day ran as smoothly as possible and nothing was too much trouble.

Everyone at the venue went out of their way to make sure we had the best day, the food was delicious, all served hot and everyone was fed pretty much at the same time, which was perfect.

The Hampshire suite is a beautiful venue and was perfect for everything we wanted. The hotel grounds are stunning and were the perfect backdrop for capturing our memories.

All of our guests have continuously told us how amazing the weekend was and that it was one of the best weddings they’ve ever been to.

We want to thank old thorns for everything they’ve done and we absolutely can not wait to come back as husband and wife.

Old thorns is one of the most beautiful hotel I have been seen or been to.. Also had my wedding here at the Hampshire suite and it was perfect so stunning. Everything we wanted and more. Packages are amazing and get so much for your money works out cheaper as your getting more for one price then paying separately! It’s perfect if your on budget like we were. It was perfect the staff are so lovely welcoming and made sure the day ran smoothly as much as possible..

Even make you feel
So special! With the little extra things like with the romantic room and the congratulations card and it’s champagne for your honeymoon suite!

Decor is beautiful - they will help with anything you need. Our decor was simple but was everything we wanted and the day was just so perfect!! Can’t believe it was 4 months ago
Today and I would do all again with old thorns if I could. Could not recommend enough!

I couldn’t pick just one photo!!
Photo of us, perfect spots for photos all the greenery and great sceneries, decor, dance floor, and the apartments.

The apartments were perfect and amazing!! Gave us plenty of room to all get ready and have fun with the girls before meeting my groom on the wedding day !! Also look at that view from our apartment! It’s all just Perfect

I had my wedding here in May and it was everything me and my husband could ever wish for and more!
The team was absolutely amazing from the moment we step in to view till the end of the night!
They helped with everything and there was nothing too big or small. The place itself is just stunning! The view for pictures is just perfect! I recommend old thorns to everyone!

We had the best day here! Chloe the f&b assistant manager is an absolute angel! She is soo good and professional she helped with everything we needed her to and more! Couldn’t recommend more!

We got married here in March 2024 and I would never recommended this venue to get married at.
I felt extremely let down and disappointed in the venue and organisation on the day. I felt anxious, stressed, worried, and spent a lot of my time keeping on top of the event rather than enjoying my wedding day – this is not what any bride should have to deal with.

I’ve listed below some things that happened on the day which affected my experience negatively and thought I should bring them to other brides attention so no other bride feels the way I did.

•Firstly, when my bridesmaids and I were leaving to go to the Chapel it was heavily raining so we were waiting for the buggy as we were told it make a few trips to take everyone over however this was not the case. The buggy could only take myself plus two others and would not allow children, so my other bridesmaids and flower girls had to run in the rain in their dresses with their hair and make up done. They were not even provided with umbrellas!
•A huge issue for myself and my groom was that our wedding photos should have been taken during the drinks reception, but this did not happen as Dani our wedding co-ordinator informed us there was another wedding walking around the venue with a videographer and a photographer, so we were not allowed to use the space. I spoke with my videographer and photographer about this, and they informed me the venue were being extremely difficult with regards to timings and that their hands were tied. Therefore, the only photos we had taken of us as a couple are a handful in the corridor. This is beyond unacceptable. As a married couple, photos are the biggest part of the day, and they are treasured for years after the wedding as a chance to reflect on the most magical day – this was taken away from us and we have barely anything to show for it.
•As a result of the above we have a very limited timeframe to take photos, with our photographer trying their best in an awful situation, we had our photos taken after dinner in the corner of the room. Mine and my bridesmaids hair and makeup was not full and fresh, my child had eaten dinner, so he was agitated and tired, we had to miss our main course in order to ensure we had family shots, and we were standing in a corner of the room. This is not how I planned my wedding photos to be, and it certainly is not what was promised when I booked this venue.
Another point is that our wedding evening was planned to start at 7:30pm, but we had no DJ and the tables had not been cleared by the point our evening guests were arriving. I spoke to the wedding co-ordinator and was told the DJ was in another wedding covering for a different DJ how this is okay?
•I was in contact with Dani throughout the day and raised all of these concerns to her but felt as though I was met with a blunt, rude, and dismissive attitude. I did not feel supported or heard and spent the entire day with anxiety and stress caused by the huge disappointment that was the venue.

We booked Old Thorns because of it’s reputation and with the amount of weddings you host, we trusted we would be looked after and have the wedding day we dreamed of. It is really sad that we were left with such a disheartening experience and after spending so much money on a day that did not live up to the expectations because of the venue.

I was in contact for week after the wedding trying to talk to someone in person, the company would not talk to me in person and disregarded all my comments on the day, their customer service is absolutely awful.

Everyone at old thorns went above and beyond to make our day so special and to make it exactly how we wanted! There is nothing more we could have asked for and are forever thankful for delivering such an amazing service!

I stumbled across this venue on Hitched (of course) and was blown away by the value of their packages and what was included. I liked the idea of getting married somewhere that encapsulated everything, and I also liked the idea of getting married off season, an Autumn wedding was my dream, which of course the Old Thorns could cater too with a delicious looking seasonal menu.

The whole thing seemed too perfect for the price, there had to be a catch…

We got in contact with Jade who immediately booked us in for a tour. When we arrived I was awestruck when we saw how big, beautiful and luxurious the hotel was. Jade did such a good job of showing us everything, and I mean everything, the venue had to offer. We saw all three venue spaces, the spa, the gym, the sports bar, the atrium bar, the hotel rooms, the hotel apartments, the restaurant, it all! Plus, Jade walked us through all our wedding options in detail; from bridal suite options, classic photo shot recommendations, different drink packages, how they handled two weddings on the same day without the brides seeing each other, the whole works. I was so impressed, she really knew her stuff!

We were sold about half way through our tour and I knew this was the place I wanted to get married. So we booked our wedding the very same day.

The whole process leading up to our weddings was seamless. I like to nit pick at every detail, but Jade and the whole Old Thorns team were more than accommodating, answering my every question and assisting on our requests. I especially like going for our complimentary food tasting, where we were pretty much treated like royalty.

A couple of weeks before our wedding we had a ‘final details’ meeting with Jade where we covered and confirmed every detail and all the timings of how our day would run. This gave me great peace of mind knowing that everything was in hand and that everything, even the things I would have never thought of, were covered.

We stayed on site the night before and met the wedding coordinator who would be looking after us on our day, Amber. Firstly, the handover from Jade to Amber was flawless, not a single detail was missed and it was great to clarify all the last minute changes and confirm where everyone was going to be and when.

And that meeting was the last moment I had to think about my wedding day. I spent the rest of my time at the Old Thorns enjoying and taking in my special day with all my loved ones.

A massive credit to Amber who went above and beyond to make sure everything went according to plan; making sure my groom was waiting down the aisle before I even stepped out of my bridal suite, making sure I was hidden away before my dad came to collect me so I could do a big reveal, making sure everyone was in their seats before I walked down the aisle, picking out all the best spots around the golf course for photos despite it raining the day before and so much more.

So, in short, yes - you can and will have the perfect wedding at The Old Thorns Hotel & Resort without breaking the bank.

Our whole wedding day was a perfect fairytale and it’s all thanks to the wedding team at the Old Thorns. I can’t recommend it enough.

We got married here last October (almost time for our first wedding anniversary eeeek!). I could not recommend them enough. To accommodating a late night viewing of the venue due to our work commitments, to being extremely flexible the entire way through the process, Old Thorns did everything they could to make our special day as perfect as possible. The staff were beyond incredible, the food was outstanding and they ensured every tiny detail was thought of. The day was incredibly well organised and the entire team came together to ensure a smooth running. The setting is gorgeous, all staff genuinely care and there were lovely little touches we didn't even ask for throughout the day. I wouldn't consider anywhere else. We had the best day of our lives and it's all down to them.