Hale Park

Setting

Hale Park, a Georgian estate built in 1715 by renowned architect Thomas Archer, offers a picturesque and private setting in the northwestern corner of the New Forest. Surrounded by rolling agricultural land and wildlife such as cows, sheep, horses, hares, and deer, the estate exudes a tranquil charm. It remains a family home situated on an agricultural estate, offering an intimate and natural backdrop for weddings.

Ceremony

Many ceremony options at Hale Park are designed to suit every couple’s preferences. For a traditional Church of England service, the estate’s church, set within the gardens, can host 110-130 guests. Other nearby options include Romsey Abbey, Breamore, and Fordingbridge churches.

Hale Park has a civil wedding license for those wishing to marry on-site, allowing legal ceremonies in the house’s elegant Drawing Rooms or anywhere across the extensive gardens. Independent celebrants can offer more flexibility, with the possibility to create a unique service and hold ceremonies in locations that resonate personally with the couple.

Reception

The reception at Hale Park typically begins with drinks in the gardens, where guests can mingle as the newlyweds make their entrance, either with fanfare or a quiet, intimate joining of their friends and family.

Formal dining can be held in the Drawing Rooms, with long tables for 90 guests or round tables for up to 120, offering flexible arrangements for any aesthetic. For larger parties, there are expansive lawns where marquees can host between 150-250 guests, and for a more casual, festival-like atmosphere, food trucks and outdoor seating offer a relaxed alternative.

Accommodation

Small but perfect, the accommodation at Hale Park is ideal for intimate parties. The South Wing can sleep eight guests in two bedrooms, with a shared bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen. This space often serves as a preparation area on the morning of the wedding, transforming into a romantic and beautifully prepared suite for the newlyweds on their first night together.

Food & Drink

Hale Park is a dry-hire venue, which means couples have complete freedom to bring in their own caterers and bar services. There are recommended caterers available, offering a wide range of price points and styles to suit every budget and taste.

Sustainability

Sustainability is a core focus at Hale Park. Solar panels generate hot water and return energy to the grid, while water is sourced from an on-site borehole and heated by a water source heat pump. All drinking water is filtered and treated with ultraviolet light, and electricity is sourced responsibly. The South Wing operates almost entirely off the grid, powered by renewable sources.

Local Area

Hale Park is perfectly situated for guests looking to explore the surrounding area. Nestled between the small towns of Fordingbridge and Downton, the region offers charming villages, pubs, and independent shops, as well as a range of local B&Bs and hotels. The estate lies within the New Forest, where wild ponies, cows, and deer roam freely. For those seeking outdoor activities, the River Avon flows through the estate, offering fishing and even opportunities for wild swimming. Nearby destinations include the historic city of Salisbury, just nine miles away, and the coastal town of Ringwood.

Getting There

• Hale Park is easily accessible from London, just 100 miles away, and within an hour’s drive of Winchester, Portsmouth, and Southampton.
• The estate is well-connected by road, with routes via the M27, M3, A34, A33, and A303.
• Trains run directly from London to Salisbury and Southampton Airport Parkway, while regional airports such as Southampton, Bournemouth, and Bristol provide convenient access for international guests.