Moreton House

Set within five acres of mature, tree-lined grounds on the edge of Bideford, Moreton House balances Georgian grandeur with an easy, lived-in feel. The Grade II-listed house sits just minutes from the North Devon coast, with Westward Ho’s wide sandy beach, coastal walks, and open countryside all close by.

The gardens unfold across terraced lawns framed by established trees, roses, and rhododendrons, creating a sense of privacy while still feeling open and expansive. Hidden benches, carved animals, and a swing seat introduce moments of surprise, while the secret garden, complete with gazebo and fire circle, offers a more secluded setting as the day drifts into evening. It’s a place that invites wandering, conversation, and unhurried time together.

Moreton House is licensed for civil ceremonies and offers a range of indoor and outdoor options, allowing couples to shape the day around their guest list and style.

Inside, the formal ballroom provides a refined setting for up to 72 guests. Large south-facing windows draw in natural light, while Robert Adam-style architectural details give the space a sense of occasion without feeling formal or imposing. For smaller gatherings, the panelled hall offers an intimate alternative for around 30 guests.

Outside, the portico entrance creates a striking backdrop for ceremonies of varying sizes, while the garden gazebo in the secret garden suits couples drawn to a more relaxed, informal atmosphere. Elopements and small, low-key ceremonies are welcomed, making the venue well-suited to everything from quiet exchanges to fuller celebrations.

Following the ceremony, guests gather in the entrance hall and beneath the portico, with the Morning Room bar close by for drinks, canapés, and confetti moments. From here, doors open onto the gardens, encouraging guests to drift outside for photographs, conversation, and lawn games such as croquet or giant chess.

Dining takes place in the grand dining room, which can be arranged for either formal seated meals or more relaxed layouts. As evening arrives, the house offers distinct spaces for different moods. Some guests may head to the bar to dance, while others settle into the club room lounge for a game of snooker, pool, or table football. Later on, the fairy-lit secret garden becomes a natural gathering point for drinks or evening food around the fire, with the snug library providing a quieter corner for a final nightcap.

Accommodation at Moreton House sleeps up to 30 guests and is arranged to support a full wedding weekend rather than a single overnight stay. The mix includes large self-catering suites, generous getting-ready spaces, and simpler en-suite guest rooms, each with its own character.

The self-catering suites sit around an open courtyard, creating a relaxed setting for group breakfasts, barbecues, or a post-wedding brunch. In colder months, woodburners, cosy snugs, and a spacious open-plan kitchen-diner offer a welcoming indoor alternative.

Throughout the house, period features sit comfortably alongside modern comforts, including WiFi, smart TVs, and underfloor heating. Four-poster beds and roll-top baths add a sense of indulgence, while thoughtful layouts mean some rooms suit families, some welcome pets, and others work well for guests with restricted mobility.

Moreton House gives couples complete freedom when it comes to food and drink. There is no in-house catering requirement, allowing you to choose your own caterer, bar, or drinks service to suit your tastes and plans.

The venue is equipped with a catering kitchen and bar counter, including fridges and a sink, making it straightforward for external teams to work comfortably on site. There is no corkage fee for supplying your own drinks, whether that means carefully chosen wines, local beers, or something entirely personal.

Planning support is included, with guidance and local catering recommendations to help match suppliers to your style and coordinate the logistics of bringing different services together smoothly throughout the day.

Moreton House is a UNESCO Biosphere Business Partner, part of an accreditation scheme for businesses operating within the North Devon Biosphere Reserve. This reflects an ongoing commitment to environmentally responsible practices and thoughtful land management.

The venue also supports Earth Action North Devon and is a Southwest Coast Path Business Partner, recognising the importance of protecting the surrounding coastline and countryside. Sustainability here is approached as a long-term responsibility rather than a headline, shaping day-to-day decisions and the way the house and grounds are cared for.

Located on the outskirts of the historic port town of Bideford, Moreton House sits at the heart of North Devon’s varied landscape. Westward Ho!’s expansive sandy beach is just minutes away, with coastal paths, sea views, and open skies offering plenty for guests to explore.

The surrounding area combines countryside, coastline, and characterful towns, making it easy to turn a wedding into a longer stay. Whether guests choose morning walks by the sea, afternoons in the gardens, or time exploring the local area.

Moreton House is straightforward to reach while still feeling quietly removed from everyday life. The venue is around one hour by car from the M5 (Junction 27) via the main North Devon link road. Barnstaple railway station is approximately 15 minutes away, with onward taxi connections available.

Free off-street parking is provided for guests, along with EV charging facilities.