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About

On Hitched.co.uk since 2025

Last update: July 2026

The Shire is a family-owned estate set within 150 acres of lakes, parkland and restored farm buildings on the Buckinghamshire–Northamptonshire border, close to Milton Keynes, Northampton and only an hour from London.

Carefully rewilded over 30 years, this secluded estate offers a serene backdrop where nature and understated elegance meet. We host just one wedding per weekend, with space to take things at your own pace. The estate can be a blank canvas for your perfect day, whether you want to add fireworks, weave in wellness activities, or even have a weekend long wedding.

Our indoor event space opens onto a beautiful walled garden for a natural indoor-outdoor flow, and for larger celebrations a marquee can be added down by the lake. We accommodate up to 120 seated or 200 standing. Some couples extend the weekend with a Friday evening meal and Sunday wellness day using the wild swimming lake, sauna and cold plunge, and other facilities.

The family team will support you from first enquiry to the day itself.

Frequently asked questions

Venue type:

In the country
Unusual weddings
Historic
Marquees and tents
Woodland and festival
Barn
Unique weddings

Ceremony options:

Chapel or temple on-site

Dining options:

Seated meal facilities
Corkage option
Private catering allowed
Buffet meal facilities

Evening entertainment:

Marquee available
Dance floor
Live band facilities
Evening reception facilities
DJ facilities
Outdoor fireworks permitted

Overnight accommodation:

Overnight accommodation for wedding couple
Overnight accommodation for guests

Venue staff assistance:

Wedding coordinator

Venue leisure facilities:

Fitness centre

Other features:

Exclusive use
Accessible facilities
Car parking
Changing room for wedding guests
Pet-friendly
Horse baraat permitted
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Do you have any questions?

Reviews for The Shire Retreats and Events

L
Lucy Sent on 14/10/2025
5 out of 5 rating

The most beautiful setting and unique setup !

We had our wedding at The Shire and couldn’t have been happier with the venue. The marquee overlooking the lake created a stunning backdrop, and having exclusive use of the space meant we could really make the day our own. The flexibility to bring in our own style and ideas was a huge plus and everything flowed really smoothly thanks to a great set of recommended suppliers. The church just down the road made the logistics simple and it all came together perfectly. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a beautiful, private setting with plenty of scope to personalise.
J
Jessica Sent on 03/10/2025
5 out of 5 rating

A truly exceptional venue for any large event

We were incredibly lucky to be the first ever event hosted at this breathtaking venue since it was transformed into an event space, and what an honour it was. From the moment you turn off the main road and begin the drive up to the venue, it’s clear you’re heading somewhere truly special. The approach winds through stunning countryside that sets the tone for what lies ahead.

The building itself is absolutely magnificent, beautifully restored with impeccable attention to detail. The indoor space is elegant, warm, and full of character, while the walled garden is simply magical. Whether you’re blessed with sunshine or not, the layout lends itself perfectly to any weather, with the garden and interiors offering equally spectacular settings.

George, who runs the venue, was nothing short of fantastic, thoughtful, helpful, and completely accommodating throughout the whole process. He made everything feel seamless and was instrumental in helping us create the celebration we dreamed of.

While you do need to bring in a few external contractors to put on a full-scale party, with a little planning it absolutely comes together, and in our case, it came together into the best party we could have ever imagined. Every single guest was blown away by the atmosphere, the setting, and the flow of the event.

They have a real gift for creating beautiful spaces that feel both grand and deeply personal. We couldn’t have asked for a better place to celebrate our wedding, and would recommend this venue in a heartbeat for anyone planning a wedding, big celebration, or any kind of large event. It was, truly, the most magical weekend of our lives and we can’t thank George and the team enough!
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Deals

Your events

15 Nov
Exposition

The Wedding Oasis is a supplier run wedding fair dedicated to helping the community and is coming to The Shire for the next event.

The event is focused on helping you find the perfect suppliers for your big day - all in one place! Giving you the best experience you can have when planning your wedding.​

We aim to make it the most diverse and lively fair around. So far we already have over 100 suppliers from over 36 different categories join us, meaning that at our fairs you will be able to witness live music from suppliers, experience catwalks showing off some incredible inspiration, meet food and drink suppliers offering mouth watering treats and everyone in between!

Book your free VIP ticket now.

Date: From 15/11/2026 to 15/11/2026 Schedule 11:00 - 15:00
Place: The Shire Retreat, Pury Hill Farm, Alderton Road, Towcester, Northamptonshire

Meet the team

George
George
Co-Founder

Hi, I’m George, one of the co-founders of The Shire. My family has spent decades re-wilding this land, planting trees, creating lakes, and bringing wildlife back to the old farm.

I’ll be your main point of contact from your first enquiry through to your wedding day, keeping everything straightforward, calm and bespoke. We host a limited number of weddings each year, so you’ll always have a relaxed, personal experience without any rush.

If you’re looking for a beautiful countryside space cared for by a family who truly love it, I’d be delighted to show you around.

Map

The Shire Retreat, Pury Hill Farm, Alderton Road NN12 7LS Towcester (Northamptonshire)
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