Otley Hall is a stunning Grade 1 listed, 16th Century moated hall. It has been voted one of the top 20 Historic Houses in the UK and is listed in “England’s Thousand Best Houses”. Described by Pevsner as “one of the most interesting 15th and early 16th century houses in Suffolk”, the Hall has long been regarded as the oldest house in Suffolk to survive largely intact. It is surrounded by 10 acres of beautiful, award winning gardens.
Otley Hall and its surrounding 10 acres of magnificent gardens make a perfect location for your dream wedding.
We pride ourselves on being completely flexible when it comes to your day and we do not have packages that we insist you work to. Each wedding is a bespoke occasion and we work with you to bring your ideas to life. You may use whichever suppliers you wish (with the exception of the bar), and we can provide you with recommendations and suggestions to aid you in the planning process.
Otley Hall welcomes private groups by appointment all year round for guided tours of the House and Gardens. Still a family home, we offer a warm welcome and a chance to discover a unique house in a relaxed and informal atmosphere - look out for the socks on the Aga and the cats sleeping on the beds!
A tour guide will accompany you on a fascinating journey through history as you explore the ancestral home of the Gosnold family. House tours last around an hour and a quarter, tours of the gardens last approximately 1 hour.
Small groups and individuals are also very welcome to tour Otley Hall. You can either book directly with us or you may wish to join one of our tours organised through the Invitation to View Scheme (ITV). Please note that different charges apply on the ITV scheme; please see their website for further details.
A wealth of notable features in the Hall includes a cross or screens passage, richly carved beams, superb Linenfold panelling, and 16th-century wall paintings celebrating the marriage in 1559 of Robert Gosnold III and Ursula Naunton.
Outside, the lofty chimneys, herringbone brickwork and vineleaf pargetting, magnificent today, give a tantalising glimpse of an even more glorious past.
With their exquisite blend of wild and cultivated terrain, the 10 acres of gardens at Otley Hall provide a feast for the senses. They include parts of an important design by Francis Inigo Thomas (1866-1950), featuring an H-canal, nutteries, croquet lawn, rose garden and moat walk.
In addition, there are historically accurate recreations designed by Sylvia Landsberg, author of The Medieval Garden. These include an orchard, a herber, and a knot garden.
Otley Hall Gardens and cafe are open to the public every Wednesday from 11am-5pm from 2nd May-26th September (cafe closes at 4pm). You can wander in the Gardens and then enjoy a cup of tea or fresh coffee, delicious cakes or a light lunch and glass of wine in our licenced cafe. A 'Guided Tour of the Gardens' leaflet is available to purchase to help you make the most of the many fascinating parts of the Gardens.
Entry to the Gardens on a Wednesday costs just £3 for a single visit or for £5 why not purchase a seasonal pass that entitles you to FREE return entry for the remainder of the year! Terms and Conditions apply.
Otley Hall Retreat Days are a wonderful chance to enjoy our beautiful grounds whilst having an opportunity to reflect and grow spiritually. The Retreat Days are led by many different leaders, both lay and ordained.
Each Retreat Day has a different theme and is led by a different speaker who guides you through the day. The days include discussion, occasionally individual exercises to work on and time for silence. Throughout the day you are free to enjoy our award winning gardens, which are a lovely environment in which to spend a day of reflection.
(If you contact Otley Hall directly please let them know you found them on TheIdealVenue.com)
