Wooden chairs at a dining table decorated with white tablecloths and silverware, with white 'Mrs' and 'Mr' signs hanging on the back of the chairs, indicating a wedding reception or celebration.

What is included when marrying in our Old Barn?

This is what is called a ‘DIY Style Wedding’ venue just 5-10min walk from Ambleside in the valley bottom beneath a load of beautiful fells. We provide certain elements for you, listed below, and then help you with all the other options and decisions. There isn’t a tick list, you get to choose what’s right for your style, budget and desirable atmosphere.

What we can sort for you…

  • The Barn - Beautiful large rustic space for up to 180 guests with some heating and props.

  • The Fells - Take a wander up a hill next door for some epic scenic shots among the fells. Its a short walk to Rydal Water or the river too! Loughrigg makes a glorious backdrop!

  • The Barn Bar - Bring your own option or our wonderful Wine List plus all the staff and glassware needed for great service. We can even add a Mixologist into the mix!

  • The Shippen Bar - Cosy snug downstairs with a bar, perfect for Reception Drinks or Cocktail Hour.

  • The Undercroft - Stunning space downstairs, next to the yard, with benches for Ceremony, pretty lighting and calm atmosphere… great for a wet weather Drinks Reception too.

  • The Sheep Yard - Including festoon lighting, seating and its getting greener each year.

  • Catering Space - Shelter, power and water for your caterer of choice.

So what do you get to choose yourselves?

  • Catering - We have the space for them but you get to pick the right one for you. We can help you choose who and what will work best for you then help them deliver their best.

  • Furniture & Lighting - We work with awesome people who can get you the right kit for displays, dining and more. Costs vary depending on quantities but we will point you in the right direction.

  • Ceremony - Whether you are having a legal Registrar Ceremony, a friend giving a Blessing or a glorious Celebrant led service, we have the contacts and beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces to help.

  • Decoration - From flowers to bunting, candles to linens, we are here to help guide you to the right businesses, designs or items to bring your vision to life.

If you can’t make a trip soon, what does this all look like?…

Location

The Rydal Valley is well known for inspiring poets and artists from across the world. The surrounding fells offer a dramatic backdrop among any weather conditions and the lakes aren’t far. You can walk for 15min or drive for 2 and be lakeside.

Rydal Water

Rydal Water is a small, shallow lake, between Grasmere and Ambleside. Measuring about 7 miles long, it is primarily fed and drained by the River Rothay which lies at the bottom of the valley and very close the the barn. It is renowned for its connections to William Wordsworth, and the Rydal Caves.

Ambleside

If you head out of our gate, in 5 minutes you enter this lovely little town. Its rich with cosy cafes and bars plus shops and restaurants. The mix of accommodation here means your guests won’t find it hard to stay somewhere close too.

The Venue

The Barn

Interior of a rustic event space with wooden beams, exposed stone walls, and string lights hanging from the ceiling. The room is set up with round tables decorated with flowers, bottles of wine, and place settings, ready for a celebration.
An elegant indoor event space with stone brick walls, wooden beams, and a polished wooden floor. A long dining table is set with white tablecloths and floral centerpieces, with chairs arranged along both sides. Soft white draped fabric and string lights decorate the space, and a large green hanging plant is suspended above the table.

Barn Bar

A bride and groom sharing an intimate moment at a rustic bar inside a barn with exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and a large chandelier overhead.
Interior of a rustic event space with exposed stone walls, wooden ceiling beams, and rows of wooden chairs arranged for a gathering, with soft natural light coming through windows and a floral arrangement near the back.

The Undercroft

A decorated event space with round tables covered in blue tablecloths, set with plates, glasses, and floral centerpieces. The room has stone walls, wooden beams, and string lights hanging from the ceiling, creating a warm, festive atmosphere.

The Sheep Yard

Outdoor social gathering with people dressed in formal and semi-formal attire, standing and talking, at a rustic stone building with string lights and trees in the background during daytime.
People gathered at a rustic indoor event space with exposed stone walls and a high wooden beam ceiling. A string of lights and a decorated backdrop with warm lighting and purple accents are visible, and guests are socializing, some holding drinks.
A rustic event space inside a stone building with exposed wooden beams and string lights. Set tables with white tablecloths, glassware, and place settings are arranged for a gathering.
Rustic kitchen with exposed stone walls, wooden accents, pendant lighting, candles, and a long wooden countertop.
A bride holding a bouquet of flowers stands on a lakeshore, as a groom in traditional Scottish attire twirls her.
A stone wall with a painted sign that reads "Welcome to Barn in the Fells." In the background, there is a courtyard with trees, planters, barrels, and a building made of similar stone material.
 
A smiling bride and groom holding a white umbrella outdoors in front of a rustic stone building and greenery, celebrating their wedding.
Vintage farm sale poster framed on rustic wall with candles and table setting in foreground.
Outdoor bar area with wooden barrels, a chalkboard sign reading 'Bar in the Falls', potted topiary trees, a bench, and a stone fireplace surrounded by leafless bushes and wet ground.
Two vintage armchairs with floral upholstery and pillows, a small black wood stove with a glass door, string lights hanging on a textured wall, and a window letting natural light into the cozy room.

The Shippen Bar

Interior of a rustic kitchen or bar area with three windows, string lights, a wooden counter, decorative candles, and a menu hanging on the front of the counter.
A bride and groom kiss outdoors on a grassy area with hills in the background and a town of houses below. A large tree with spreading branches is visible in the top right corner. The bride wears a white wedding gown, and the groom wears a dark suit.
A rustic bar with stone walls, a vaulted ceiling with exposed wooden beams, and a deer head mounted on the right wall. The bar has a variety of bottles and glassware, illuminated by soft lighting and a chandelier hanging from the ceiling.
A wedding couple standing on a grassy hill overlooking a small village with stone houses, surrounding trees, and mountains in the background under a clear sky.