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About

On Hitched.co.uk since 2022

Last update: November 2023

*Please note our guest numbers are up to 50 for a ceremony & meal followed by a further 40 for the evening (90 in total)* The Pilgrims Rest is a 600 hundred year old Wealden Hall House situated in the medieval town of Battle in East Sussex - right in the heart of 1066 country.

With endless features from huge inglenook fireplaces to ancient beams; linenfold doors to oak floors, The Pilgrims Rest is an historic gem. It even has ancient witch’s marks to ward off evil spirits and a secret tunnel that runs beneath the Abbey walls. ​The Pilgrims Rest is stunning backdrop for your wedding filled with rustic charm but without the added expense of venue styling and prop hire. Professionally designed and styled to need little decoration, but one you can add to and make your own, every detail has been carefully considered creating a wedding venue that is beautiful yet relaxed; affordable yet aspirational.

Perfect for small weddings and those a little larger, The Pilgrims Rest has no hidden extras; instead it includes lots of added extras. What's more, there are no corkage charges and no fixed suppliers, giving you the choice to have a DIY wedding, a fully catered wedding or anything in between. The Pilgrims Rest is an exclusive use wedding venue run by our friendly and professional team who will guide you on the run up to, and on the day of, your wedding, ensuring your day runs seamlessly.
The Pilgrims Rest is quite simply a truly magical place to tie the knot. But far more than just a beautiful building; this grand old lady has historic soul. She has hosted celebrations from Medieval banquets to Georgian balls, Victorian luncheons to Edwardian tea dances. Over the centuries flagons of ale, goblets of wine and flutes of champagne have been consumed beneath her eaves, to the sounds of merriment and laughter flooding through her walls. ​


The Pilgrims Rest is perfect for weddings all year round; during the warmer months and when the sun is shining - your guests can flood out into the pretty cottage gardens. And as the evenings start to draw in, stoke up the fires, light the candles, then watch as this grand old lady sparkles into life.…be a part of her history.
Please contact the team to discuss your requirements. Viewings are by appointment only. Historic licensed venue, Choice of DIY or fully catered weddings, Three working Inglenook fireplaces and candlelight. A truly unique wedding venue that is beautiful yet affordable; aspirational yet relaxed. Fitzherbert & Bryant dressing rooms for brides and grooms and professional wedding co-ordinator available.

  • Woman-owned
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Frequently asked questions

Venue type:

In the country
Small hotel
Pub or restaurant
Unusual weddings
Historic
Barn
Unique weddings

Ceremony options:

Civil ceremony licence

Dining options:

Seated meal facilities
Corkage option
Private catering allowed
Alcohol licence
Buffet meal facilities
In-house catering

Evening entertainment:

Dance floor
Live band facilities
Evening reception facilities
DJ facilities

Venue staff assistance:

Wedding coordinator

Other features:

Exclusive use
Confetti permitted
Changing room for wedding guests
Pet-friendly
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5.0 out of 5 rating
72 reviews
  • Quality of the service
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Response time
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Value for money
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    5 out of 5 rating
100% Recommended by couples
Holly
Holly T. Sent on 25/06/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Stunning Venue/Amazing Staff

My husband and I cannot recommend this venue enough. Waverley, Amy-Lou and Rachel - we thank you so much. The venue is absolutely stunning and our guests still talk about it. It was perfect for the intimate and rustic wedding that we truly wanted and we had a fantastic party in the evening!! The staff were so attentive, accommodating and professional from our very first viewing to the wedding day. We felt as though we were in safe hands the entire time. I hope I have the pleasure of being a guest next time I’m at this precious gem of a venue.
Josh
Josh B. Sent on 24/02/2024
5 out of 5 rating

A wonderful day

Pilgrim's Rest is a beautiful venue with the perfect backdrop of the abbey. The decorations inside were gorgeous and we had lots of people coming up to us to complement the venue. The ceremony went off without a hitch and it made loads of really great memories.

Amy and Waverley were so kind and couldn't do enough for us. Amy even fetched some jump leads when our car wouldn't start the day after! We'd rate 6/5 on everything if we could!
Olivia
Olivia Sent on 11/01/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Seemless from start to finish

The Pilgrims Rest is a wonderful venue. I visited years ago when it was a tea room and was so excited when I found out it was now a wedding venue. My partner and I just had our wedding here and it was the most perfect day. Waverley and Amy were everything you could ask for, facilitating viewings, answering big and small questions, and making sure everything ran seamlessly on the day: having people you can trust is so important on such a huge occasion. The venue is stunning, and the pre decorated areas are beautiful, with flexibility in style. Access the day before for decorating and run-throughs and the following day for collection also takes a large weight off your shoulders. It’s so nice to know you picked the absolute right venue for your wedding and would not hesitate to recommend it wholeheartedly.
Holly
Holly O. Sent on 19/11/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Stunningly beautiful venue with kind staff

The moment I found this venue online I knew it was the one, and once we had viewed the location we booked that week. The seasonal decorations are a huge bonus and the autumnal ones were absolutely stunning. Whenever we had questions or concerns Amy-Lou was fantastic and supported us so much and made sure that our day ran without a hitch, even kindly bringing us some glasses of wine and offering to bring a blanket when my husband and I were stealing a moment away from our guests which was so kind. The venue was kept lovely and warm and sweet touches such as announcing us to our table and saving our first cork were so appreciated and show at the detail and care that the team put in to making your day special. You will not regret booking this venue particularly if like us you love a place dripping in history and charm. Thank you again Pilgrim's Rest Team!
Charlotte
Charlotte H. Sent on 27/09/2023
5 out of 5 rating

incredible through and through

We got married at The Pilgrims Rest on Saturday 2nd September 2023. If you are considering getting married here, don't think, just book.

Waverely and Amy were incredible from day one of booking. The venue is magical but the team really make it.

Everything was perfect. The venue is intimate but big enough that you have space for everyone. The reception room with the long tables is a perfect setting for a reception dinner.

The gardens are just lovely even in winter.

You cannot fault here.

We will be forever grateful and The Pilgrims Rest and the team hold a special place in our hearts.

Love Charlotte and Colin

Xx
Bethany
Bethany C. Sent on 29/06/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Beautiful, unique venue with an amazing team

We cannot recommend Pilgrim's Rest enough. The venue is beautiful, full of character and very affordable for what you get. It is 'semi' dry hire which was fantastic. You can really make it your own by picking your own caterer, bar, florist and decor but unlike other dry hires we saw, the venue provides a lot of the basics. This includes basic furnishing/decor, recommended suppliers and a fantastic team to make sure things run smoothly. Waverley and Amy are INCREDIBLE - super responsive and helpful in the run up to the wedding and on the day did everything to make sure things went off without a hitch (e.g. everything from greeting/directing suppliers to making sure me and my new husband got first dibs on the hog roast in the evening). We loved being able to get ready at the venue and there being lots of different places for guests to enjoy themselves across the course of the day rather than everything being based in one room.
Lawrence
Lawrence S. Sent on 16/11/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Stunning venue your guests will love.

A beautiful venue, full of character and history which creates a wonderful backdrop to your day. Seasonal decorations and great staff take a big chunk of stress out of your day.
Megan
Megan C. Sent on 09/11/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Absolutely amazing

A* for the AMAZING Pilgrims Rest. We recently had the pleasure of hosting our Wedding at this amazing venue. The team, the building, the location - everything is top class.

Starting off back in late 2020, my partner and I enquired with The Pilgrims Rest about our wedding and Amy-Lou quickly responded. We organised a zoom call and virtual tour of the venue and we instantly knew it was the one.
Due to the pandemic, we weren’t able to secure a registrar for our chosen date until around February, however, Amy-Lou kept noting that there was no pressure to put a deposit down and no urgency to sign the contract until we had secured the registrar. We were honestly blown away by Amy-Lou’s patience in such uncertain times. We finally were able to visit the venue and meet Amy-Lou in the April of 2021, Amy-Lou and the team were so welcoming and helpful giving us a full tour of the building which was just as amazing as in the virtual tour.

The suppliers list provided by the Pilgrim’s Rest team was incredibly helpful, all of the other suppliers we used were recommended by the team and spoken so highly of that we had no doubts. Throughout the entire process the whole team were so quick to get back to us with answers to all of our weird queries and were so good at calming our nerves on the lead up to our day, also providing us with a full final checklist making us aware of things that hadn’t even crossed our minds.

When it got to the day before our wedding day, we were given the afternoon to set up the venue and upon arrival we were welcomed by Amy-Lou who didn’t just open the door but also was very hands on with the set up and pre planning of the wedding days organisation. All of the seasonal decorations are beautiful and were already in place for us to use and to add our personal touch to.

Amy-Lou and the team were so keen and attentive to anything that was being moved or brought out later on after the ceremony, which really helped us on the day and everything just fell into place.

The day was amazing, all of our guests were incredibly complimentary of the venue and all staff involved. We cannot believe how lucky we are to have found somewhere like the Pilgrim’s Rest. We are so jealous of every couple that comes across this beautiful venue and get to experience their day here and with this amazing team, as we wish we could do it all over again.

Thank you so much to you all at the Pilgrim’s Rest
Lucy
Lucy B. Sent on 30/10/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Incredible venue

We got married here on 24th Sept '22. It was everything we dreamed of and more! This venue is unbelievably special. So many people commented on what a gem it is and how much they loved our wedding.

The Pilgrims Rest team made the planning process run super smoothly and were always willing to help and do whatever they can, which we were very appreciative of.

I had the full capacity of guests and I was worried that during the evening party, the venue would feel cramped. It didn't - AT ALL!! Believe me, you can still have all your guests dance the night away.

The most brilliant thing about Pilgrims Rest is the flexibility when it comes to suppliers. You can have whoever you want as your caterer, florist etc (with the help of their 'tried and tested' list if you need) - which is hard to find elsewhere. The team really do want you to have your perfect day - however that may look to you.

The day after the wedding, the team had basically packed up everything for us - so it meant we didn't even have to do a lot with our rough heads!

Cannot thank you enough Waverley and the rest of the team - you are amazing!
Laura
Laura R. Sent on 22/05/2022
5 out of 5 rating

A magical unique venue for a fairy tale wedding

This venue is unique. Our wedding was like a magical fairy tale. The team were outstanding and made the day seamless and extra special. Harold's hog roast was very fitting for the surroundings, delicious and reasonable. I would 100% recommend this venue for a more memorable wedding. Thanks all we had a truly amazing day!! Xx
Sophie
Sophie B. Sent on 20/04/2022
5 out of 5 rating

The most incredible day, venue and staff we could have asked for!

I have nothing but amazing things to say about The Pilgrims Rest. The staff (especially Amy-Lou who we dealt with from start to finish), were absolutely lovely, accommodating and couldn't have done anything more to support us. We initially booked just before lockdown, and Amy was so great when we had to postpone and making sure we got another day that suited us. They were also so great and helpful with contacting our suppliers to help organise/pull everything together for the big day (which finally took play on 2nd April this year!).
The venue itself is just so magical - the space is intimate, beautiful and has such wonderful personality, near enough all our guests said what a gorgeous space it was! All the beautiful details (flowers, vases, hanging decor etc) you get included in the price (considering it is classed as dry hire), is just the cherry on top of the cake!
If you are wanting a small, intimate wedding, with supportive staff and a gorgeous, gorgeous space - you just HAVE to choose The Pilgrims Rest as your venue. You absolutely will not be disappointed!
Thank you again so much to the Pilgrims Rest team (again, Amy-Lou especially, she's just so lovely!) for helping us with our special day. It was nothing short of perfect!
Sophie and Shane (The Bar-Mars!) xx
Loksan
Loksan H. Sent on 04/10/2021
4.2 out of 5 rating

Lovely venue and great staff

Incredible property. Staff who go above and beyond. Made us feel very comfortable.
Only downside is you have to collect your own rubbish and that isn't made clear at the outset.
Cekwells
Charlotte W. Sent on 05/12/2021
5 out of 5 rating

Intimate, magical and cosy...perfect for our October wedding!


Amy-Lou is an absolute gem and was one of the main reasons we chose the venue...her knowledge and support was incredible (especially with a date change!). Waverley & Elle are also great!
All our guests loved the vibe and we would 100% recommend!
Monica
Monica A. Sent on 24/11/2022
4.8 out of 5 rating

The most magical day in a little piece of History!

We finally got married here August 2022 - Honestly, there are not enough amazing words to describe the Pilgrims rest, a beyond beautiful venue with an absolutely stellar team!!
So many of our friends and family commented on what a stunning venue we had chosen and how it was such a lovely day.
We were one of the very first wedding bookings for the Pilgrims by Amy-Lou, back at the end of 2018. Loving absolutely everything rustic, Tudor and heavenly, our hearts were set on the Pilgrims rest immediately. We warmed to Amy-Lou and the team instantly and it is evident how dedicated they are to ensuring every Pilgrims couple has their dream, magical day!

Throughout the complete chaos of having to postpone our wedding three times & four dates later, Amy Lou was more of a friend, supporting us - listening to us, empathising and weighing up our options. We had heard of so many truly awful experiences other couples had gone through during the pandemic - thoroughly affecting their wedding plans, but the team at the Pilgrims rest always made us feel at the absolute heart of everything, keeping us informed - especially Amy-Lou, giving her time for lengthy, supportive chats!

From the set up, to the day itself Amy-Lou, Waverley and the girls helped out and rallied round like nothing was too much trouble at all. You really do feel special and we would have thought after 4 years of having us on their books, they would've grown bored of us - but not a sign of this at all!! We had the most amazing, truly magical day - that had evolved and become a much more intimate and special occasion. We couldn't have chosen a more charming, beautiful place - with such a lovely, kind and caring group of ladies! Thank you again Amy-Lou, Waverley Emily and Team xxx
M
Megan Sent on 05/10/2023
5 out of 5 rating

A charming treasure of a venue

The Pilgrim's Rest. What can I say. It's honestly just magic. My husband and I were looking to get married from abroad, in an area close to his parents. We found the Pilgrims Rest in our research and sent his mum and dad to have a look, who told us about how charming this building was. It was pretty much from this we decided to book, without even seeing the venue! From here, we had impeccable communication from Waverley and Amy while overseas. We chose the venue due to how stress free it seemed. When we finally arrived to see the venue, we we're just astounded! The venue - incredible. The decorations inside - absolutely fitting for the seasons and the interior, I didn't even add any further except fresh florals! The dining room and ceremony table + chairs included - even less stress now to organise. Dressing rooms for bride + groom were just so lovely to know we were both there getting ready, less stress about getting to the venue on time! A bar inside that's ready to be stocked up in a gorgeous room - just so handy! A cottage garden out the front and on such a cute high street - dreamy!! I cannot fault this place. It was literally SO stress free to organise from Australia. They also put together this amazing list of vendors to work with who I just don't think you can go wrong with, whichever you pick.
This really felt like a one of a kind venue with exceptional organisation by the ladies, who are just angels on the day helping out as well. Our day was so beautiful and special here, I recommend this gem and treasure with all my heart! Many fond memories forever. Megan + David x
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Hitched Wedding Awards 2023 Winner
Hitched Wedding Awards 2022 Winner

The Pilgrims Rest Real Weddings

Madeline & Tom
55 photos · 22/07/2023
Michelle & Paddy
84 photos · 27/08/2022
Jie & Freddie
66 photos · 18/06/2022
Jordan & Michael
114 photos · 02/10/2021
Michaela & Robert
130 photos · 03/10/2019

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Map

1 High Street TN33 0AE Battle (East Sussex)
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