The Park, Cheltenham
Regency Countryside in the Heart of Cheltenham
Within walking distance of Montpellier, The Park is a relatively unknown gem, hidden in the heart of Cheltenham. The Park began life as it appears today in 1831, when Thomas Billings bought the land intending to build the Gloucestershire Zoological, Botanical and Horticultural Gardens. Shortly after, Samuel Daukes turned The Park into pleasure grounds and built the villas which can be seen today.
The focal point of the estate, Fullwood House, was built in 1847, and in 1899 owner Mrs McKnight Crawford installed the solarium which bears her initials. Today Fullwood House remains the heart of The Park and with wide views over the lake, the solarium will provide an ideal backdrop for your civil ceremony*, drinks reception or wedding breakfast.
The 9.5 hectares of formal landscaped garden which surrounds Fullwood House and Lake creates a natural screen giving you privacy and seclusion. The ideal setting, whether you have in mind a traditional marquee with all the trimmings, an elegant Nordic Tipi, exotic Arabian tent or, homely Mongolian Yurt. Fullwood Lawn can accommodate marquees seating up to 400 people. Larger marquees, funfairs or other entertainments can be erected on Broadlands Lawn which lies adjacent to the Fullwood grounds.
The shallow ornamental lake was designed in the shape of Africa and is populated by ducks, geese and kingfishers. The trees outlining Fullwood Lawn and Lake include many rare and original specimens including a Yew planted in 1831 and three Dawn Redwoods. The car park supports areas of low, herb-rich sward growing within the ‘grass pavers’ parking bays. Species include yarrow, wild strawberry and black medick.
Current or former student and staff members of the University of Gloucestershire are able to have their wedding ceremony in the Chapel of St Mary & St Paul at Francis Close Hall, approximately 10 mins by car from The Park (see below).
* Awaiting licence
For a tour of the site, a quote or for more information, please call 01242 714830 or email weddings@glos.ac.uk.
The Chapel of St Mary & St Paul is an Anglican chapel.
Francis Close Hall
The Chapel of St Mary & St Paul is a stunning Grade 2 listed example of Edwardian architecture. Built in 1909 to support the students of St Paul’s and St Mary’s Teacher Training College, the chapel retains panelling of Austrian oak, aisle facing pews, and an impressive 3 manual pipe organ.
Current or former student and staff members of the University of Gloucestershire are able to have their wedding ceremony in the College Chapel.
The Chapel lawn can be hired for drinks receptions or marquee wedding breakfasts and the grade 2 *listed mock-gothic Victorian quad will certainly provide an impressive backdrop to your event. Alternatively, The Park (see above) is located approximately 10 mins by car from Francis Close Hall.
For more information on getting married at the Chapel of St Mary & St Paul click here.
For a tour of the site, a quote or for more information, please call 01242 714830 or email weddings@glos.ac.uk.
The Chapel of St Mary & St Paul is an Anglican chapel.