Symondsbury Manor

Symondsbury Manor is a striking country house in the Dorset countryside. Behind its mellow stone walls and mullioned windows lies an unexpected interior-vibrant, full of character, and brimming with a playful vintage charm. The Manor is surrounded by gardens with ancient trees and generous lawns, offering ample space for guests to mingle, relax, and capture their own photographs. Lloyd Loom chairs can be placed around the gardens for comfort and convenience.

While Symondsbury Manor does not hold a civil ceremony licence, there are several nearby options. Bridport’s registry office, housed in a Georgian building, is a short distance away. For a setting with sea views, the Guildhall in Lyme Regis is a little further. ‘The Chapel in The Garden’ in Bridport, a Unitarian church, offers multi-faith and non-religious ceremonies with a civil licence. St. John the Baptist’s Church in Symondsbury is another nearby choice.

The Manor’s 18th-century panelled ballroom provides an elegant space for dancing and dining, whether a buffet or a seated meal. Acoustic music is permitted outdoors, while DJs and dancing can continue indoors. For those seeking a quieter evening space, a comfortable sitting room offers garden views. All music and noise must conclude by 11.00pm.

The Manor offers 11 bedrooms and sleeps up to 22 guests. The Feather bedroom, often chosen by wedding couples, features a four-poster bed, a garden view, and a freestanding bathtub. The remaining rooms include five doubles (four en suite) and five twin rooms (one en suite). A large sitting room, a well-equipped kitchen with an AGA, and a dining table seating 24 complete the space.

Couples have the freedom to choose their own catering service. Recommendations for trusted local caterers are available on request. The Manor’s kitchen, including a wine cooler, is exclusively available for guests’ use.

Symondsbury is a picturesque village of thatched cottages, known for Colmer’s Hill, a favourite among artists and photographers, offering panoramic Dorset views. Next to the Manor, Symondsbury Estate has a café, shop, art gallery, and an eco-friendly hair and beauty salon. Nearby, Bridport is a bustling market town with independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. The surrounding coastline includes Eype and Burton Bradstock beaches, perfect for sea swims in summer or bracing walks in colder months.

The Manor is a short distance from Bridport, with bus links connecting to local train stations.