Frequently Asked Questions

Not sure about something? Browse our Frequently Asked Questions and if you can't find what you're looking for please don't hesitate to get in contact with us and simply ask.

Pre booking

Venue capacity?
Daytime reception capacity: 260 Evening reception capacity: 350 Conference seating capacity: 180

Please see the seating plans on our website for layout ideas.

Can my event go on later than 12am?
As of August 2021, we are no longer offering the additional hour hire option to extend to 1am.

Last orders at the bar are 11:30pm, carriages at 12am and band/disco off site by 12:30am.

Can we get married at Winkworth Farm?
Yes, we are a licensed venue for Civil Marriages, Civil Partnerships and we welcome Humanist Ceremonies, Naming Ceremonies and Renewal of Vows. We have three licensed areas for civil ceremonies: two inside the barn and one outside in the Sunken Rose Garden. A room is provided for the preparation of the Bride and attendants from 11am on the day, until the ceremony takes place.

The earliest we can host a ceremony at Winkworth Farm is 2pm. Winkworth Farm charge £250 including VAT to host any type of ceremony. This fee is in addition to any fees you may pay the registrar, celebrant or other party.

We have a list of Harpists, Acoustic Guitarists or String Quartets who play regularly at ceremonies available from our office on request.

Can we get married at a local Church?
For ceremonies in the village Church in which Winkworth is situated (Lea), contact the Rev. Steve Wilkinson www.woodbridgegroup.co.uk. Administrator: Maggie Topp (works Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays). Telephone: 01666 511422. Email: [email protected]

What is the booking procedure?
50% deposit is required to secure your chosen date with a signed and completed booking form. If your wedding date is over one year away you can pay an initial 25% deposit, followed by a further 25% one calendar year prior to the event. Deposit payment is accepted in the form of a cheque or electronic bank payment. No cash is accepted and the deposit must also include the VAT. The balance is payable 8 weeks prior to the wedding along with extras such as Civil Ceremony fees, accommodation and drinks packages.

Can we bring our own caterer?
Yes. We have four local caterers who have been trained to use our commercial kitchens and associated power supplies. They have all worked successfully at the venue since opening in 2010. We do allow your own caterers, however this would incur an additional fee of £2,400 including VAT for use of the commercial kitchens.

Do you supply tablecloths, china and cutlery?
The caterers supply your table linens, china and cutlery, also glassware if appropriate.

Is there accommodation on site?
Yes there is the onsite Courtyard Barn as well as Glamping via Lulubells or Great British Glamping. The Courtyard Barn (where the wedding couple tend to stay) can only be booked and allocated by the Bride & Groom ~ this is at an additional cost, and paid for on your final invoice 8 weeks prior. Access to the Courtyard Barn is available from 11am. Unfortunately, we are unable to allow camper vans or your own tents due to our insurance and Health & Safety requirements.

Are there any campsites nearby?
Burton Hill Caravan & Camping Park is a popular choice and just 3 miles from Winkworth Farm - www.burtonhill.co.uk

Another option is www.whychurchfarmbandb.co.uk

Can we use our own florist or photographer?
Yes. please read the notes below. If you have any questions please contact us via email [email protected] or by telephone 01666 823499

Setting up
Access to Winkworth Farm is available from 11am on the day of the event. Tableware including table-cloths and cutlery will not be arranged until after this time. If you are in any doubt over timings please contact the bride to confirm. If the flower displays are made off–site and only need placing on the tables, these can be dropped off from 11am and the caterers will put them in place. Please note we do not have facilities to store flowers before the day of the event. Please ensure you have completed any floristry work well in advance of the arrival of guests. Flowers must arrive prepared and not arranged on site.
Flowers and cakes should arrive from 11.45am once the caterers have put the tablecloths on.

Please do not use any of the following in the barn
Adhesive pads, sticky tapes, nails, cable ties, drawing pins, or any other style of pin, staple guns, glue guns, blu tac type products all of which may damage the furniture/fabric of the building. Do not use non biodegradable confetti made of metallic plastic or glitter placed on the tablecloths (it blocks our floor cleaner up).

Health & Safety
Safety regulations dictate that you must not work from a ladder. Please also note that the white chairs in the barn must not be used to stand on, as it causes severe scratching to the surface of the seat.

Cleaning up after yourself
Please make sure any areas you have worked at are left clean and dry, with particular attention to the floor, as the cleaners won’t return prior to the event. Please take all rubbish with you when you have finished, including boxes and plant waste (leave no rubbish on site). Couples are offered the option to pay for our contract cleaners to pack up any decorations and displays after the event at an additional cost. If this service is being used then florists are able to leave any original boxes for vases on site. All items can then be collected between 8am–10am the following morning.

Other points
Winkworth Farm will not be held responsible for any damage or loss of any florist sundries hired to a couple using the barn.

Can I bring my dog?
Yes, well-behaved dogs and owners are most welcome! We just ask owners of dogs attending to kindly clean up behind them, as not all guests appreciate pets at weddings when they are attending in their best shoes. Please note pets cannot stay in the on-site accommodation in order to keep the accommodation free from allergens.

Can we have a marquee?
Yes, a small marquee is permitted on the lawns for Champagne or Pimms reception, larger marquees upon request.

Are tables available for our event and what size?
Included within the venue hire are 20 round tables that can seat groups of 6, 8, or 10 (11 if required but not 12 per table). Also included are 6 trestle tables and 1 cake table. Additional trestle tables can be sourced but will incur a fee to hire.

Tables available at Winkworth Farm
20 x tables that seat 10 (11) – 5ft 6" 6 x tables that seat 8 – 6ft x 2ft 6" 4 x tables that seat 6 – 4ft 1 x 3ft round wedding cake table

Can we have an outdoor event / barbecue at Winkworth Farm?
The Folly on the Courtyard can accommodate Hog Roasts, Asados and BBQs outside. Please speak to any one of our four caterers to learn more about these options as well as pricing.

Is live music allowed outside?
Yes, for ceremonies or drinks receptions. Please note we do require PAT and PLI where relevant. For Harpists, Classical Guitarists, Quartets or more please contact our office.

Is confetti allowed?
Yes, but please ensure your confetti is biodegradable. Confetti, glitter, small metallic stars, decorative plastic beads or similar are not permitted inside the barn but there are two designated external areas allowed for biodegradable confetti or real petals. Regular photographers are aware of this. Please contact us for any clarification on this matter.

Are piñatas allowed?
No sorry the use of Piñatas are not allowed inside or outside of the venue.

Can we have fireworks or sky lanterns?
Yes, fireworks are permitted solely through our approved supplier - Northern Lights Fireworks Company Ltd throughout the week of bonfire night. Please let us know if you intend to book fireworks at your event. We do not allow fireworks or sky lanterns (even biodegradable with bamboo fittings) at any other times of the year out of respect for our neighbours and abundant wildlife which we share the farm with.

Once you have booked

Can my caterers arrive earlier than the standard time?
Access is available to caterers and approved florists only at 9am - there is a separate entrance. Their arrival must be pre-arranged with Winkworth Farm. Additional suppliers and the day's events should also be provided. All other suppliers and any family or friends making deliveries should not arrive prior to 11am allowing the cleaners to have completed their work from the previous event.

Can we access the venue the day before to drop off items and decorate?
No, unfortunately we are unable to guarantee this as we regularly have other weddings or corporate events taking place the day before and offer totally exclusive use to all guests who book Winkworth Farm. Your caterers may be able to take some decorations/favours etc. from you in advance to be set up on the day - to be delivered/dropped off at a location agreed with them.

Please contact our office to arrange delivery/drop off of your drinks in the week prior for couples who have booked the Bring Your Own drinks package. We will then store and chill in preparation for service on the day.

Can we buy discounted wine from Winkworth Farm bar for our wedding breakfast?
Yes, with advanced ordering our prices include glasses, service and recycling of bottles and cardboard boxes. Please contact us for current prices.

Can we supply our own alcohol or provide a cash bar for evening guests?
You may bring your own beverages for reception drinks, the wedding breakfast and toast.

Winkworth Farm charges a service fee from £12.95* including VAT per adult guest. This is limited to a choice of two soft drinks (i.e. Sparkling Elderflower and Orange Juice) and one alcoholic drink (i.e. Pimms or Prosecco) for the reception, half a bottle of wine per guest with your meal, and a glass of fizz for the toast. This price also includes the receiving of your delivery at a pre-arranged time during office hours, chilling, service, staff, provision of glasses, recycling of used bottles and cardboard and the re-boxing of any leftovers for your collection upon departure.

For each additional alcoholic drink (i.e. Bottled Beers) for the reception, an extra £1.20* including VAT is charged per adult guest.

We are happy to operate a tab behind the bar if you wish to do so. Hide this content.

Can we have the bar open and our own wine?
Yes, the bar can be open throughout the whole day even if you supply your own wines.

The bar can also be opened at your request prior to a civil ceremony for guests, however under the ceremony licence no drinks may be taken into the ceremony space either indoors or outside.

Can you supply real ale keg beer?
Yes, we are happy to supply ‘Real Ales’ at your request, please contact us for more details.

Does the bar have credit/debit card facilities?
Yes, we are able to accept all major credit/debit cards including AMEX. We require no minimum spend on card.

Can our photographers view the venue in advance of our wedding?
Yes, photographers are welcome to attend any of our monthly viewing days or during office hours on available weekdays. Dates are available on the homepage or email the office.

Can I have chair covers?
The only approved supplier is www.chordiem.com Tel: 01793 887632 as they will place the covers and and sashes on at 11am on the wedding day and remove at Midnight, so the chairs can then be stacked away at the end of the evening.

Can I have a cheese wedding cake?
Of course, but please arrange for delivery via your caterer, and do not organise delivery to the venue days prior to the wedding.

Can we have a DIY pick & mix sweet stall with jars on a table for guests to help themselves?
Yes, but we request you use polycarbonate containers. No glass jars/breakable containers are allowed due to risk assessment. You must also notify your caterer to maintain the sweet stall during service. Winkworth Hire offers a fully maintained sweet stall with insurance if required, see website for details.

Can we have a chocolate fountain or Mr. Whippy ice cream van?
Yes, chocolate fountains & ice cream vans are allowed, but must be operated by professionals, who will be present with the equipment throughout. We require copies of their Health & Hygiene certificates, valid PAT testing of equipment, and their Public Liability Insurance. Daisy's Trailer Company is a good on-site option and supplies various flavours of local Marshfield ice cream.

Booking a disco or band We highly recommend our local DJ Kenny Welch - www.mobile-party-dj.co.uk Tel: 01249 812 113 Mobile: 07970 550 449

Our approved supplier for wedding bands, discos and more is Après Ski Bands - 07730 612808 or visit their website www.apresskibands.com.

You are welcome to supply your own Band or DJ. Please note they must have valid, full Public Liability Insurance and all performance equipment must have valid Portable Appliance Testing certificates at the time they are due to perform. This must be supplied two weeks prior to the event in either e-copy or hardcopy by post or email.

The width of the long barn (where the dance floor is located) is 4.5 metres wide. DJs/bands can only perform in The Long Barn (shown as area 5 on the 3D Floor Plan). 2 x 13mp sockets are provided - no other sockets or extension leads may be used.

Please also note the following restrictions that all bands must adhere to:

No staging is permitted. No smoke/vapour/bubble machines.
No changing facilities, food or drink are provided by the venue (caterers may be able to provide food - please ask).
The inset window blinds in the Long Barn must not be used as they are strictly for use during wedding ceremonies.
We do not have a sound decibel limiter but may request your DJ/band to lower their volume at the request of fellow guests.
Music stops at 12am.
The DJ/band must be packed up and off site by 12.30am.
A list of Bands who regularly play at Winkworth Farm and have been recommended by previous couples is available. Please contact our office for details.

Are we able to use friends as the DJ/band?

No DIY discos are allowed.

All DJ/bands must hold Public Liability and PAT certificates.

You may use your own playlist for indoor and outdoor ceremony music and background music during the wedding breakfast only. Connections are provided for you to control your own music.

Our Local DJ Kenny Welch www.mobile-party-dj.co.uk Tel: 01249 812113 Mobile: 07970 550 449

For Discos, Wedding & Party music Bands our approved supplier is Après Ski Bands - 07730 612808 or visit their website www.apresskibands.com.

Can we have staging erected for our DJ/band or entertainer?
Unfortunately staging is not permitted within the barn for any performers due to health and safety.

Do you have a changing room for the DJ/band?
We do not have any additional changing rooms for DJ/bands or performers, however there is space in the Civil Ceremony room provided the room is not being used for anything else. Please make sure you request DJs/bands take this into account when booking them.

Do you supply catering and drinks for the DJ/band performers?
If you wish to provide your DJ/band with food please contact your caterers in advance. We do not supply free drinks or food for the band or performers. Please make sure you address this when booking them. A tab for the DJ/band/performers can be pre-arranged at the bar if you wish to do so.

As a green venue what items are not allowed?
We do not permit table confetti, rice, glitter, metallic helium balloons (only latex), table party bombs, fireworks, sky lanterns. Sparklers and bottles of blowing bubbles are available upon request.

Can we have candles, if so what are the restrictions?
Yes you may have candles on the tables, or in the four main window recesses. We do ask that all candles are provided in heatproof containers to protect all surfaces, including your table linen. No candles are allowed for Civil Ceremonies by request of the registrar.

Can we arrange to leave items in the venue overnight?
All items brought into the venue must be packed away at the end of the event. You can book our contract cleaners in advance to pack up your decorations and displays for collection by 10am* the following morning. The cost is £60. Payment is made directly to the cleaners. Alternatively, you are welcome to pack up your own decorations/displays and store by the front door overnight for collection by 10am* the following morning.

*If you have hired items from the florists, we can keep these for collection at a pre-arranged time. Please contact us for further details.

Are there any restrictions on decorations?
We ask people to be respectful of our venue, and particularly the oak beams and Cotswold Stone walls. No nails, sellotape, glue, staple guns are to be used anywhere at Winkworth Farm. You are welcome to use any of the existing fixings. No signage or Balloons are to be placed on the approaching roads by order of the highways department.

Can we have outdoor furniture or games on the farmhouse lawn?
Some outdoor furniture is provided - further furniture and outdoor games can be hired if required. You are also welcome to bring your own garden games. These should be packed away by dusk when the gardens close.

Just before the big day!

Check list of requirements for the bride and groom (from T&Cs). Final payment is due 2 months prior to the wedding to include any ceremony charge, accommodation booked, extras and £500 deposit for damage waiver.

Copy of PAT and public liability insurance details - from band or disco.

Permission for Animals to attend in writing.

If there are 10 or more children under 11 years of age at the time of the event – professional childcare supervision must be in place with adequate insurance.

Agents/Suppliers list - 4 weeks before event.

Conduct - 7 days before the wedding, names of two people appointed to remain at the end of the event to ensure all guests leave the venue.

Can the guests get access to the gardens before the ceremony?
Yes, at the couple’s request in advance.

Can the bar be open prior to the ceremony?
Yes, at the couple’s request up to one hour in advance.

Can the guests take drinks into the ceremony?
Under the council licence, you are not allowed to consume food or drink during the ceremony.

Can we smoke inside the venue?
No. However, there are areas outside to smoke and pots provided for disposal of stubs. E-cigarettes should not be used inside the building.

Is there a waiting area for guests after the event?
No, there is no waiting area for guests. You must ensure transport is available for guests to leave promptly following the event, as this forms part of our terms and conditions. Coach/taxi transport is advisable for departing guests when possible. Coaches/Taxis should be on site from 23:45, departing by 00:15.

Do you have extra room for children, nursing mothers or the elderly to use as a quiet space?
Yes, the Woodbridge/Civil Ceremony Room (inside the barn), is available following any civil ceremony (due to it being used by the registrars prior to the ceremony). It is adjacent to the baby changing facility.

Is there car parking available onsite?
Yes, free car parking is available for up to 80 cars with an over flow car park at rear. We also have disabled car parking and coach parking facilities. Vehicles are left at owners' own risk. Collection time is between 7.30am - 11am the following morning. Please ensure cars are removed by 11am the following day as the security gates may be closed if guests arrive outside of these times.

No vehicles are allowed to remain on site overnight with occupants sleeping inside, as there is no emergency access to the main road once the security gates close on the lane until the following morning.

Transport
Winkworth Farm is not responsible for any transport arrangements, we only provide a list of local companies to help guests. If you are booking a Taxi the venue normally closes at Midnight, if in doubt please contact our office 01666 823499 and we can check the booking details and timings. Please do make arrangements for your transport home in advance. There is no inside waiting area out of hours at the barn.

Private Hire

Taxis
Abbey Taxis* – 01666 823366 Peter Woods* – 01666 826072 Bells Taxis – 01793 951322 Bradies Taxis* – 01249 890794 The Pink Cab – 07960 036003 Calne Travel – 01249 821111 Express Taxis of Tetbury – 07858 450098 Yell Cabs – 01249 304050 DCM Taxis – 01249 404444 V Cars* – 01249 655471 SN1 Taxis* – 01793 523523 United Taxis* – 08454 817351 24/7* – 01793 469247

*Companies listed with an * all have multi-seated vehicles available on request.

Coaches
Andrew James www.andybus.co.uk 26-55 seater coaches. Vintage cream open top double decker bus Tel: 01666 825 655 Kinchs of Minety www.kinchcoaches.co.uk 21-100 seater coaches. Vintage blue and yellow open top double decker bus Tel: 01666 860 339 Alexcars of Cirencester www.alexcars.co.uk includes a vintage 1950 Bedford Coach Barnes Coaches www.barnestravel.co.uk

Trains
The nearest mainline station from London Paddington is Kemble, Gloucestershire located 8 miles away. Other mainline stations from London Paddington are Swindon 15 miles or Chippenham 12 miles.