Berwick House

Go ‘Full Downton’ as you and your guests enjoy an impressive slice of Georgian (with a hint of Victorian) splendour, living lavishly as landed gentry. I can just see the Instagram feeds now…

No corsets are required to make the most of this vast, palatial property. Everything about Berwick House is big – it’s the place for big weddings (sleeping up to 40 wow-ed guests under one roof), impressive events, and parties with a capital ‘P’.

The owners instruct guests to ‘expect opulence’ and you’ll soon see why. Oak panelling, marble fireplaces, intricate stained glass, floor-to-ceiling windows, and high moulded ceilings award grandeur to every room.

It is these huge glass windows that spill light across the South front, leading onto the terrace to overlook the rolling countryside, immaculate gardens, and River Severn.

Berwick House is also brilliant for intimate gatherings. Friends and families will appreciate the cosy surroundings of the Georgian Library, the imposing full-size snooker table in the aptly named Billiard Room, or catching up over a smart beverage in the Oak Room Bar, and enjoying a sensorial stroll through the lush kitchen gardens.

As you’d expect, the kitchen has been kitted out to accommodate a full house, with catering recommendations if you prefer to be waited upon instead.

Outside is an acre of walled garden, plus a large enclosed patio area to enjoy alfresco dining or light the BBQ should the mood take you. Alternatively, you can enjoy a picnic on the lawn whilst the children soar skywards on the tree swing and race around the gardens.

Edmund’s favourite feature

“What a place! Hard to pick a fave, but I think it’s got to be that super-high, glorious stairwell chandelier. Superb.”

About the location

Berwick House is the crown jewel of Berwick Estate, located on the northern side of Shrewsbury. The House is just over a mile north of Shrewsbury town centre and about 10 minutes away from the A5, which becomes the M54.

Berwick is also easily accessible by car or cab from Shrewsbury’s train station.

Things to do

Go city or country, depending on what you’re after.

Nearby Shrewsbury offers a wealth of shopping and eateries, alongside historic attractions such as Quarry Park and Shrewsbury Castle.

The surrounding countryside provides an almost endless source of walks and wanders, including Carding Mill Valley’s waterfalls and the scenic Shropshire hills.

Weddings

When it comes to ‘big days’ bride and grooms-to-be are spoilt for choice, with eight different potential ceremony spaces, both indoor and out, including Berwick’s own Chapel.

Start with a few cocktails in the Oak Room and Library, then it’s across to the South front for dinner. Up to 120 wedding guests can dine under crystal chandeliers in the magnificent and light-filled Drawing Room. The party continues in the Main Hall under the stained-glass ceiling, which casts a colourful glow over the proceedings.