October News; Marquee Weddings, Metal Detecting and Gargoyles...
With the recent cold snap at the end of September, we were all ready to don our woolly jumpers and winter coats, yet we’ve twirled into October with a gloriously sunny weekend. Our wedding couple, Emma and Aaron, were ecstatic to be enjoying drinks in the garden for their reception – what an Autumnal treat!
Laura Williams Photography
Last month was a busy one for Butley Priory as we welcomed our first and second cohort of guests for the inaugural Suffolk Sandlands Tours. If you have never heard of it, Suffolk Sandlands is the name given to our Luxury Metal Detecting tours where guests enjoy three full days in the field, led by expert hosts Andy & John.
The Farmhouse is a welcome retreat after a long day in the elements and we thank Country Cuisine for providing a delicious feast each evening (and every morning) for our guests. Before dinner, guests are invited to enjoy talks by local historians and archaeologists in the Priory – it’s a real jam-packed few days with some interesting ‘finds’, no gold hoards yet… we’ve had some wonderful feedback, with guests already booking again for next year!
Leading on nicely from metal detecting, it’s just been announced by Suffolk County Council that evidence of a 1400-year-old royal Hall of the first Kings of East Anglia has been discovered in nearby Rendlesham. The foundations of the large and elaborate timber Hall built for the kings, were uncovered by a community archaeological excavation, part of SCC’s Rendlesham Revealed project.
Our locality is certainly rich in history and historical finds, that’s for sure.
Credit: Suffolk County Council
Again, keeping to a historical theme, we welcomed a jolly gathering of some 80 guests to the Priory in September. ‘Friends of Orford Museum’, for the relaunch of ‘The Orford Historian’- a bi-annual bulleting on local history edited by Jack Cooke. Valerie Fenwick gave a talk about the history of Butley Priory.
The Orford Museum have plans to use the Priory for regular history talks starting on 29th November, when Gary Battell (Suffolk County Council’s woodland advisor) will be talking about Staverton Thicks and ancient Suffolk forests. Tickets are available through Orford Museum.
We’ve been lucky to see so many wonderful tents and structures for our September weddings, from tipi’s to transparent to stretch tents, we’ve pretty much seen them all. Here’s a few photos of the varying tents, each with their own magical transformation from our couples.
Last week, we erected some scaffolding to survey the upper reaches of the Priory. Thankfully, only a few bits of repair work needed, but it gave us a great opportunity to get up close to this little guy.
As we head full throttle into Autumn and Winter beyond, plans are afoot for a Christmas wreath-making workshop on Wednesday 7th December.
With sustainability at the forefront of our mind, we’ve teamed up with local eco florist & grower, Lucy Spencer, from Hall Lane Flowers. Lucy grows and forages all her own flowers and foliage for you to create a beautiful wreath for your front door this Christmas. No chemicals or floral foam here thank you!
While busily creating your wreath, you’ll enjoy listening to some festive tunes, sipping some fizz and a delicious warm mince pie. Before you know it, you’ll be channelling all the festive feels. And if you’ve always wanted to visit Butley Priory, you’ll have a chance to explore too!
Keep an eye on our website and socials for more details and how to book tickets.
September News; Arctic Monkeys, Quiz Night & Summer Weddings
There’s lots to talk about in this month’s post, and with no apologies, I’m going straight in with the exciting news that Sheffield band, Arctic Monkeys, revealed that their new album ‘The Car’ will be available on October 21st. Nothing extraordinary there, I hear you say…except that this very album was recorded right here at Butley Priory and they’ve kindly shared their choice of recording location with the press. We can’t wait to hear it!
Just as entertaining, was our August team outing to the Oyster Inn, Butley for their weekly pub quiz. If you haven’t been before, it’s well worth a visit. Landlady Jane & her team offer a warm welcome in the surroundings of a traditional Suffolk pub – and they make a cracking pizza too, all from their very own wood-fired oven. Delicious.
Two teams went head-to-head for the battle of the brains; The Monks and The Butley Babes – the latter of which was suggested in a poll on Instagram. Whilst the Babes shone in the music round, it wasn’t enough to outwit The Monks who went on to win first place overall! A re-match is certainly in discussion.
A few weeks ago, we welcomed the delightful residents from Grove Court in Woodbridge to the Priory. On arrival, they were greeted with a delicious light lunch, and fresh figs picked straight from the garden that morning. Nick Raison entertained them with some old favourites from his piano and after lunch, many of them enjoyed a wander around the Priory, finishing with a group photo in the garden. An enjoyable time was had by all.
Naturally, it’s still an extremely busy time for us with holiday guests in Butley Priory Cottage, plus several weddings taking place in the glorious August sunshine. We’ve received some incredible reviews from our clients, here’s just one from David and Sandy…you can read more on our google review page.
“Butley hosted our wedding in August 2022 (after two years of covid delay!).
Donna and team are absolutely brilliant; they struck the perfect balance of being super organised and tending to every detail - but while keeping a very relaxed atmosphere throughout the whole weekend. We had tipis (Events Under Canvas, also brilliant) and lots of different vendors as per most weddings - Donna brought it all together and the whole day went seamlessly, we couldn’t have asked for any more. We booked the farmhouse and cottage too, would highly recommend this as it meant about a 1/3 of our wedding party were on site from Friday - Sunday which added to the relaxed atmosphere throughout the whole weekend (loads of time to get ready, no need to move about). The venue is truly unique, all our guests commented on how beautiful it was - including the farmhouse. Both the priory and farmhouse have great facilities you can use the whole weekend which was perfect for making dinners and breakfasts for the group. Overall we cannot thank Butley and the team under Donna enough for what was an incredible weekend, I wish we could do it all over again!!!”
And we’ve received some incredible images from the pro photographers. Below you’ll find some of our favourites from Jenna & Sonny’s wedding back in July.
Last week, we commissioned some photography of our own from the talented Alexander Parnell, for some updated images of Butley Abbey Farmhouse. We focused on the ground floor reception rooms,The Drawing Room, The Morning Room and The Library (sounds like a game of Cluedo) - lighting log fires on such a hot day wasn’t ideal but needs must to tempt guests to stay for the winter months. We also created an exquisite lunch (or dinner) party to showcase the dining room for those looking for somewhere extra special to celebrate a birthday or anniversary. The breakfast room looked just as inviting, with the table set with bowls of peaches and strawberries, and pastries from Pump Street. We’ll show you the fruits of our labour next month!
I must just show you this flawless little scene of an outdoor rehearsal dinner at Butley Abbey Farmhouse from last Friday evening. Just as the sun was setting, some 30 friends & family of the bride & groom gathered to enjoy oysters and seafood platters in the garden. Just how adorable does this look?
On to September and it’s another busy month for us, with a drinks party for Friends of Orford Museum, lots more weddings and of course, we welcome our first guests for the Suffolk Sandlands Metal Detecting tours, with the second group following later in September. We’re also heading over to Detectival near Cambridge – the UK’s largest metal detecting event - to meet fellow detecting enthusiasts and to promote our 2023 tours. Maybe we’ll see you there?
August News from Butley Priory
Our monthly news blog posts are always a gentle reminder of how quickly each month comes around and I’m always amazed and aghast in equal measure at how time flies so quickly.
August conjures up the long summer break for schools and with it brings a busy influx of holiday guests to Butley Priory Cottage. We’ve had some lovely reviews from guests, and you can check these out on our Airbnb listing. Here’s just one from Tim who stayed with us recently…
Earlier in July, we welcomed a charming group from Earl Stonham WI who visited the Priory for a history talk from Edward Greenwell. It was a beautiful summer evening and they thoroughly enjoyed their visit which was organised through Historic Houses Invitation To View scheme. After their talk, they were given the opportunity to explore the Priory and then return to the Great Hall for tea and biscuits.
If you are part of a club, group or society which organises its own social calendar and your members might enjoy a fascinating talk on the history of Butley Priory, then please do get in touch with our Events team on 01394 450046.
As usual, we’ve been very busy with some amazing weddings here at the Priory. We’ve welcomed an array of different structures on the front lawn, from tipis from Events Under Canvas to clear-span marquees from Miller Marquees. We particularly loved Jenna & Sonny’s wedding, which took place on a beautifully hot day with some cool, stylish wedding planning – it looked amazing.
Then we celebrated with the adorable Dagnija & John, who welcomed some international visitors from Dagnija’s home country, Latvia. They chose to host their ceremony in the Great Hall with drinks in the South Garden before returning inside for a sumptuous wedding breakfast and evening dancing.
Photography: Beth Beresford Photography
Exciting news! We’ve now scheduled all our dates for next year’s Suffolk Sandlands metal detecting tours. We welcomed Kim from Bury & West Suffolk Magazine who wanted to try her hand at the full metal detecting experience. Our host Andy Sampson, was her guide for the afternoon and she thoroughly enjoyed it. As such, no hoards of jewels or coins on this occasion…though we look forward to seeing what our guests will uncover in September.
We have now sold out for spaces on our later tour, but still have some available spots for the tour starting on 5th September. To read more about it, take a look here.
Nigel delighted the events team with a ride in his open top dune buggy. Lovingly restored, coloured bright red and on a really warm day, we took a short drive at lunchtime to view what remains of ‘The Clumps’. For those who are familiar with our street address, the quincuncial 'Clumps' are a group of four beech trees surrounding a single pine tree, planted as an avenue near Butley Priory. It was a lot of fun and not too dissimilar from feeling like you’re inside a tumble drier!
Finally, our long-awaited Team ‘Pizza & Pimms’ night took place on the hottest day of the year so far. It was great to spend an evening relaxing with the team, such a jolly bunch – and the Pimm’s slipped down a treat.
The younger ones enjoyed playing hide & seek inside the Priory and splashing around in the water sprinklers, a dual-purpose effort of watering the garden and keeping them cool at the same time.
Looking ahead to August, we’ll be welcoming the residents of Grove Court in Woodbridge for a visit to the Priory, plenty more romantic weddings, holiday stays and a photo shoot for a childrenswear brand. It’s going to be a busy one!
July News
July News from Butley Priory
We’ve officially passed the halfway mark for the year. Like me, you’re probably wondering how on earth this has happened quite so quickly!
The weather has been kind, with lots of sunshine, meaning the events team now enjoy our lunch under fluffy white clouds. Not quite so favourable for the garden team, as there’s now plenty watering to be done and what has prompted us to consider the creation of a borehole, a sustainable natural water source. It’s a sizeable job and as we’re in full swing with wedding season now, it’s one scheduled for early next year – we’ll keep you posted!
We recently hosted our first outdoor wedding ceremony for Lucy & Adam, the first day of the Jubilee weekend – complete with flypast too – organised especially for the happy couple of course. What a treat. Lucy enjoyed her procession from the entrance at the bottom of the South Garden, to the Priory steps where she joined her groom. All perfectly timed to music and under the bluest of skies.
Suffolk Sandlands is gathering a-pace with a very successful press launch in early June. Journalists from the Daily Mail, writers from Treasure Hunting magazine plus many more, enjoyed a two night stay at Butley Abbey Farmhouse with a full day metal detecting. In the evening, they were treated to a tour of the Priory following an in-depth history talk by local historian Sheila Harrison.
There are two tour dates in September and places are filling up fast! With a limited number of spaces available, we’re keeping the groups small and intimate, allowing plenty of time and space for guests to truly enjoy a peaceful, few days of pacing the fields. Luxury, comfortable bedrooms, and delicious meals provided by our private chef await you at the end of the day. To find out more, click here
We’ve been busy with some beautiful weddings this last month. Jack and Isabel married in Butley Church and returned to a wonderful reception in a sailcloth tent, which looked particularly magical at night with all the fairy lights twinkling away.
The pro photos are just in from Melissa and Michael’s May wedding too, so we’re sharing a few of these with you today. Credit: Images by Anna
Next week we’re looking forward to getting the team together for a Summer Pimms & Pizza night, although Kimmy & Daniela have already decided they’re swapping the Pimm’s to sample some of our Edmund’s Cocktails, which are going down a storm at weddings! Favourites include Expresso Martini’s and Strawberry Daiquiri’s…
Back at Butley Abbey Farmhouse, the pink roses are out in full display and looking spectacular. From the Lupins in June to the roses in July, we can’t wait to see what August brings.
Looking for a weekend wedding venue where you can celebrate in style and stay on site with your closest guests? Explore our weekend wedding venue experience at Butley Priory or get in touch, we’d love to show you around.
June News
June news from Butley Priory
We’re heading into the Jubilee weekend with a bang – with a wedding for Lucy & Adam on Thursday which looks to be a corker, featuring plans for an outdoor ceremony in the South garden. We’re all keeping our fingers crossed for sunshine and there has been meticulous planning to ensure the music timings are correct for Lucy, as she arrives to meet her groom. Coming from a musical family, we’re expecting something orchestral for the bridal entrance – all very exciting!
Over the Jubilee weekend, we’ve noticed an abundance of garden fetes taking place in the local area – one of my absolute favourites has to be Bredfield Church Fete. It’s the epitome of this wholesome, much-loved British Summertime tradition. If you haven’t been, you must go. It’s held in the gardens of The Old Rectory on Saturday 4th June from 2pm.
Speaking of all things pretty, we recently hosted a styled wedding photo shoot at the Priory. This is where a team of wedding suppliers collaborate their efforts to produce a range of images for self-promotion.
Our thanks go to the team, and you can discover more of their work on Instagram here…
Photography: @maephotography_uk
Florist: @valefloraldesign_uk
Hair: @heavenlyhair_amayaspa
Make-up: @clarabo_uk
Dress: @lilychristina_bridalcollection
Suit: @coes_stores
Stylist: @pammystyles
Models: @crootrebecca, @jacoblevismith93
As part of our own self-promotion, we’re excited to announce that we’re now a featured venue on Coco Wedding Venues – the UK’s original style-focused wedding venue directory, showcasing a carefully curated selection of the very best wedding venues in the UK and beyond – and we’re proud to be selected.
This Friday 3rd June sees the start of the 73rd Aldeburgh Festival. This year they are back with an especially extended, 24-day celebration of music and the arts. Programming strands include Britten and Women and a celebration of the Britten Pears Young Artist Programme at 50, and there are also events marking the Platinum Jubilee.
Browse all the Festival events here
I must show you the glorious display of Lupins in the Butley Abbey Farmhouse garden, I happened to walk through just yesterday and was greeted by this striking rainbow of colour. I just love them! What a fabulous flower they are. Huge thanks to Baz for his tireless work in this spectacular garden – our guests next weekend are very fortunate to have timed it just right!
Lastly, we offer our heartfelt congratulations to Melissa and Mike, who held their wedding with us last month. They enjoyed beautiful sunshine on their day, where guests were greeted with a deliciously cool Fisher’s gin & tonic on the terrace before being ushered into the Great Hall for their ceremony. Drinks & croquet on the lawn, followed by a hearty wedding breakfast from Peter Harrison and then dancing into the wee hours with cool tunes from The Rustiques.
Have a happy & glorious Jubilee weekend and we’ll see you next month!
May News
May news from Butley Priory
Spring has definitely sprung here at Butley and we’ve enjoyed seeing the daffodils, tulips and now a glorious sea of Bluebells in the surrounding woodland.
As ever, we’ve been welcoming many lovely couples to Butley, showing them around the Priory, Cottage and Farmhouse, with viewings booked midweek, evenings and weekends – keeping us very busy indeed.
April saw our first wedding of the year for Emily & Marie who enjoyed fantastic weather throughout their wedding weekend, albeit a little blustery.
Their ceremony took place inside the Great Hall, followed by a confetti line outside the Church gate where Emily’s father rang the church bell with gusto! Many of Marie’s family had travelled over from France to join in with the celebrations.
After canapes in the South garden, our guests were welcomed back into the Great Hall for a delicious four course dinner, complete with cheese course – interestingly served before dessert in traditional French style. After dinner, guests adjourned to a tipi on the front lawn for music and dancing until the wee hours – we wish them our hearty congratulations!
Butley Priory Cottage enjoyed its first influx of guests over the Easter holidays for midweek and weekend breaks. We’ve had wonderful feedback and many 5 star reviews. Guests particularly enjoyed its great location for visiting the Suffolk Coast and tourist hotspots, plus that it’s dog friendly, with plenty of safe outdoor space.
“Beautiful cottage in an amazing location. We had a great time as did our dog!” - Darren
“Great house and grounds. Great for dogs to run around safely in the grounds” – John
Meanwhile, Brian has been beavering away at repairing our stone wall just outside Butley Abbey Farmhouse. It’s taken a while, but he’s so nearly there and it’s looking fantastic, we particularly love the gargoyles he’s installed and don’t the red and yellow tulips look striking against it?
Our new venture ‘Suffolk Sandlands’ is gathering some attention with a brilliant feature in the East Anglian Daily Times. We’ve had a good response from the metal dectorists favourite magazine, the May edition of Treasure Hunting.
Suffolk Sandlands provides metal detecting enthusiasts with an incredible opportunity to enjoy a three-day detecting holiday on prime farmland with unrivalled archaeological interest, with evening talks from our local expert historians. You can read more about our tour dates for September HERE
Lastly, a couple of birthdays have been celebrated in the Events office for both Kimmy & Donna, where ample supplies of delicious cake were provided by Libby – too tasty for words, thank you Libby.
