Situated on the outskirts of Cheltenham in the heart of the Cotswolds, Manor by the Lake is an award‑winning, Victorian manor house offering exclusive‑use weddings in a spectacular seven‑acre setting complete with landscaped gardens and a private lake (ukweddingguide.com).
Make no mistake, this a grand venue! It feels large, and the house itself is pretty huge. The grounds are really decent too, and despite being fairly close to surrounding industrial and commercial buildings, when you’re in the venue, you don’t feel like that at all – it feels quite private and secluded.
I enjoyed the house a lot – it’s really very ornate and beautiful, both inside and out. It serves as a spectacular backdrop for a wedding. The outside space surrounds the house and there is a pergola at one end where outdoor ceremonies can be held.
As the name implies, there is a lake and it’s complete with its own woodland walk and bridge, which is such a great way to photograph a couple, just walking around a picturesque lake.
Separate getting ready areas for brides and grooms are available and the bridal suite (along with many of the other bedrooms) are huge and beautiful. The groom’s bar room includes a pool table, couches and jukebox. The brides’ getting ready area is bijou but great for getting the party started, before moving to the main bridal suite for final getting ready moments.
Here’s a selection of images from a previous wedding:
Key Venue Highlights
Architectural Charm & Spaces
- Originally built in the 1850s and restored to highlight period character, the manor showcases gorgeous woodcarvings and ornate décor.
- Multiple indoor ceremony/reception rooms: from the ornate Ballroom (up to 250 seated) to the elegant Maximilian room (up to 100 guests), plus intimate spaces like the Library and Lyderick (forbetterforworse.co.uk).
Outdoor Ceremony Options
- Licensed for both indoor and outdoor weddings, including the Italian Pavilion, Lakeside Pavilion, or beneath romantic manor arches (forbetterforworse.co.uk).
Exclusivity & Full Access
- Exclusive‑use includes the house, gardens, lake and the popular Rock Bar, available to couples and guests throughout (manorbythelake.co.uk).
Accommodation On‑Site
- 12 individually styled bedrooms and suites sleeping up to 24 (plus cottage for bridal prep/honeymoon), featuring roll‑top baths and four‑poster beds.
Culinary Excellence & Service
- In‑house award‑winning catering offers flexible menus—fine dining, street food, vegan, or cultural cuisine to suit every couple (ukweddingguide.com).
- Renowned wedding team—named “Best Wedding Venue in the Country” at the Wedding Industry Awards (chooseyourvenue.com).
Grounds & Photo Highlights
- Enchanting seven acres of gardens with manicured lawns, hidden woodlands, and lakeside vistas offer countless dreamy photo backdrops (theweddingsecret.co.uk).
- Seasonal blooms, elegant arches, tree-lined paths, and the serene lake create a romantic countryside atmosphere.
What Couples Love
Feedback from newlyweds underscores:
“The staff were exceptional… planning process was exceptional… nothing was too much trouble.”
“The venue is beyond beautiful… food was exquisite.” (chooseyourvenue.com, cocoweddingvenues.co.uk)
A Reddit user also shared cost details:
“To hire the venue all day was £2,500 last year… £1,800 on canapés and two courses… £1,000 on drinks package… midnight licence with option to extend.” (reddit.com)
📌 Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Hatherley Lane, Cheltenham, Cotswolds |
| Exclusive Use | Full venue hire, 7 acres, Rock Bar |
| Ceremony Capacity | Indoor up to 250, outdoor options |
| Accommodation | 12 bedrooms (24 guests) + prep cottage |
| Catering | Award‑winning, bespoke menus |
| Awarded | Best Wedding Venue in UK |
| Pricing | Venue hire from ~£2,500; packages listed £7,500+ (cocoweddingvenues.co.uk, manorbythelake.co.uk, forbetterforworse.co.uk, manorbythelake.co.uk) |
Final Verdict
For couples dreaming of a fairytale country‑house wedding near Cheltenham, Manor by the Lake delivers a magical blend of grandeur, intimacy, and flexibility. With exclusive‑use privileges, versatile indoor/outdoor spaces, dedicated staff, delectable catering, and onsite accommodation, it’s a premier venue that consistently receives rave reviews and high acclaim.