Alfriston Gardens

Surrounded by the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park, Alfriston Gardens is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty, just moments from the historic village of Alfriston. The two-acre gardens, designed by RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medallist Juliet Sargeant, provide a lush and vibrant backdrop throughout the year. Thoughtfully planted borders, mature trees, and open lawns offer a picturesque setting for wedding celebrations and endless opportunities for stunning photographs.

Alfriston Gardens offers two distinct ceremony options. The historic Century Barn, with its blend of 17th-century architecture and contemporary design, is licensed for civil ceremonies. A stylish mezzanine, featuring reclaimed vintage theatre seating, provides a comfortable retreat for guests while offering a unique vantage point over the ceremony.

For an outdoor celebration, vows can be exchanged within the gardens, with guests seated on the lawn on either side of a bespoke aisle. This open-air option allows couples to embrace the beauty of their surroundings on a glorious day.

Following the ceremony, guests can enjoy a drinks reception outdoors among the gardens’ floral borders and mature trees or inside the welcoming Oak Lodge. The Woodland Barn is then transformed for the wedding breakfast and evening celebrations.

The Woodland Barn, seamlessly integrated with the historic Century Barn, offers a spacious setting for up to 155 guests. A skylight fills the room with natural light, while a bi-fold glass wall opens onto the decking and gardens, blending indoor and outdoor spaces. Both barns feature bespoke lighting, climate control, and a state-of-the-art PA and sound system. A fully equipped catering kitchen and spacious bar ensure every detail is carefully considered.

For more intimate weddings, the Oak Lodge provides a refined alternative, seating up to 70 guests with a stylish bar and adaptable events space.

Alfriston Gardens offers exclusive-use accommodation for up to 58 guests. A selection of lodges and charming shepherd’s huts ensures family and friends can stay closeby while newlyweds can retreat to the luxurious Lavender Lodge.

• Lavender Lodge features an open-plan living and dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a striking stairwell adorned with Alex Monroe’s iconic bee designs. A spacious primary bedroom and a bathroom with sweeping views of the South Downs offer a peaceful escape. Downstairs, a super king sofa bed and a modern wet room are ideal for family groups or wedding parties, with accessibility considerations included.
• Shepherd Huts provide a cosy retreat, combining rustic charm with modern comfort. Each en-suite double hut is fully insulated and offers a snug space surrounded by wildflowers.
• Vine Lodge is a contemporary accommodation option featuring a living roof and ten modern bedrooms, including four family rooms.
• Oak Lodge offers a primary suite with a bespoke bathroom and two twin and two double en-suite bedrooms. Breakfast is served in the ground-floor multifunctional space.

Dining at Alfriston Gardens is tailored to each couple’s preferences. Special menu and wine tastings allow couples to experience their wedding meal in advance. Black Pepper Hospitality, the venue’s catering partner, collaborates with couples to create personalised menus using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Whether a formal dinner, family-style feast, or specific dietary requests such as vegan or kosher, each dish is thoughtfully prepared and served with expert care.

Alfriston Gardens is committed to protecting the surrounding East Sussex landscape. Sustainable initiatives include low-level outdoor lighting to preserve the South Downs’ status as an International Dark Sky Reserve. During development, measures were taken to protect local wildlife, including newt-fencing for the endangered Greater Crested Newt and installing bat and bird boxes. A hibernaculum and a living roof on Vine Lodge further support biodiversity. Thoughtful planting throughout the gardens provides vital habitats for bees, butterflies, and other species, earning the venue the National LIS Award for Best Development in 2023.

Located just three minutes from Alfriston, the venue benefits from the charm of a medieval High Street filled with independent shops and historic buildings. Views extend across rolling hills, rivers, and woodlands, with the Long Man of Wilmington visible from the Shepherd Huts. Guests can enjoy country walks, welcoming pubs, and an award-winning zoo nearby.

Alfriston Gardens is easily accessible between Brighton and Eastbourne, just off the A27. The A23 provides direct routes to Gatwick and London. The venue is a 13-minute drive from the seafront and 30 minutes from Brighton. Berwick train station is three minutes away, and parking is available for up to 50 vehicles.