When you hear the term ‘getting back to nature’, your brain might automatically turn to the idea of outdoor showers and treks through forests, and you’d be right! But The Firs brings an element of luxury to your visit, so you never feel like you’re slumming it. Instead, you can count it as an experience you’ll never forget, for all the right reasons. Are you ready for a glamping holiday of a lifetime?

A BLISSFUL HIDEAWAY

The 22-acre site is set around a farmhouse and has a range of glamping accommodation options for you to choose from, with large bell tents and teepees for you to get comfortable in. All are equipped with proper beds, mattresses and bedding, so you are guaranteed a good night’s sleep in nature. One of the best things about the location is that it is just a short drive from Birmingham. Turn off at J5 on the M5 and you are almost there, so you can plan regular retreats without having to travel too far.

And despite its proximity to the city, you will feel like you’re a million miles away from all the chaos. And it is the perfect location for big groups of people to stay. You can book out the whole venue for your occasion, whether that’s a birthday, anniversary, wellness retreat or a wedding and there will be room for everyone.

To add that premium edge to your visit, The Firs has recently obtained its alcohol license and there is now has a bar. There are plans for a fine-dining set-up in the woodlands, allowing you to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the space at the same time as eating really good food. There are fire pits, which are great for relaxing around in the evening, and the showers might be outdoors, but they come with some truly breathtaking views that will make for a lovely cleansing experience.

A LAID-BACK VIBE

Sarah and Zak Sweeney took over the site in 2019, but this is their second season welcoming guests. They have a lot of ideas on how to create a chilled-out, festival space, with plans to convert some of the grade-II listed barns to high-end holiday lets and a full calendar of wellness activities currently being created.

But if you don’t want to follow a timetable, this is the perfect place to unwind and take your time. There are lots of local attractions within walking distance, including National Trust site Hanbury Hall and plenty of village-style pubs. If you just want to put on your walking boots and head out, the site lies right on the Hanbury Circular, so you can stroll to your heart’s content!

A TAILORED RETREAT

Sarah considers The Firs to be a blank canvas when it comes to retreats. She is happy to tailor a whole weekend around what her guests want. In the past they’ve had people bring alpacas, bucking broncos and arcade machines, but she suggests that it would also be a great spot for clay pigeon shooting, axe-throwing or garden games. She’s keen to provide for everyone.

Sarah has a full directory of wellness practitioners on hand. From yoga instructors, meditation experts and breathwork guides to those offering sound baths, nutritional information and rapid transformational therapy. In the future you might also see cold water plunge baths on the site. So, if you want to organise your own wellness retreat that works around your groups’ needs, Sarah can help.

One of the loveliest things about The Firs is that whichever accommodation option you choose, you’ll feel like you’ve picked the best one. Sarah still can’t pick a favourite spot, “The haybarn is probably one of my favourite places. The glamping feels lovely because it’s got a nice view, but the woodlands, especially in April, it’s like a sea of bluebells, it’s quite stunning. People always say it’s quite magical here”.

Fancy a magical retreat that’s close to home? Book your trip via The Firs website:

thefirs-hanbury.co.uk

“it’s stunning, people always say it’s quite magical here”

A BLANK CANVAS FOR YOUR GLAMPING RETREAT

“The couple don’t have to do anything on their wedding day here”

Redhouse Barn has just celebrated its crystal anniversary – the 5th September 2024 marked 15 years of weddings at this specialist design-built venue. Despite being one of hundreds of wedding venues in the county of Worcestershire, it is easy to see why Redhouse Barn has stood the test of time.

We spoke to owners Jeremy Bellis and Jane Finch to see what makes this such a special venue for your big day.

A wedding as unique as the couple

“There is a lot that we do that other venues don’t. It is very much a high-end lifestyle business for us rather than a wedding factory. We only do around 60 weddings a year, so it’s about quality rather than quantity and the experience that couples and their guests have with us.

“We don’t restrict couples to food or drink packages – everything is tailored by our caterers Morgans, ensuring couples have what they want. Once they have designed their menu with Chef Anthony Morgan, they have the opportunity to have a meal of their actual wedding breakfast at the Barns. See how the food looks, importantly, how it tastes, to experience the service and make any tweaks. And we hold wine tastings for the couples and their parents twice a year.

“Each table has a member of staff to serve the food as soon as it is ready, which means it is served piping hot and those posh scotch eggs are runny. Our ‘staff to guest’ ratio is very high ensuring an exceptional service experience.”

Taking on the weight of the wedding

The Redhouse Barn team is very hands-on once the wedding planning is underway. Jane & Jeremy live on-site, so they are available to contact day and night.

“We sort as much as possible. We set up most of the wedding accessories and tables. The couple don’t have to do anything on their wedding day here, they just have to enjoy every moment of it. The attentive MC and front of house managers ensure that everything is done in a timely and seamless way without any fuss.”

Making it special

The flexibility of a civil ceremony on site means couples can get married anywhere within the five-acre grounds of Redhouse Farm. There’s over an acre of formal gardens, koi ponds, waterfalls, perfectly striped lawns and play lawns, ensuring that no matter where you set up, the photos will be incredible. There are equally impressive indoor options too, so you never have to worry about the weather.

The venue is well-equipped to make for a hassle-free, special day. There are fairy-lit trees, garden games, lanterns and accessories, as well as a full Bose sound-system, light-up LED dance floor and professional special effects lighting rig. There’s even a large drop-down screen and digital Bluetooth projector that allows guests to share messages, use during speeches or for the couple to show lots of pictures of their journey together.

But Jane believes that a good wedding relies on a great party and on good food. “Nobody wants a wedding that is remembered for them being hungry, so feed your guests well – it’s a long day with alcohol throughout, so delicious food keeps hunger at bay.”  

That’s why Morgans cook all the food fresh, in-house, with a catering team that have previously won The Wedding Industry Awards and The Food Industry Awards ‘Caterers of the Year’. Meanwhile, Redhouse Barn has been awarded The Wedding Industry Awards and English Weddings ‘Wedding Venue of the Year’. So as far as accolades are concerned, you’re in good hands!

“Morgans cook all the food fresh, in-house, with a catering team that have previously won industry awards”

“Take a few moments throughout the day to spend time with each other”

Not just a wedding venue

Redhouse Barn is great for other events too. In the past they’ve hosted children’s parties, anniversary dinners and corporate events. They recently held HSBC’s client breakfast meeting and a very successful corporate marketing and rebranding launch to 180 staff for a large Midlands accountancy business. 

The Barn has space for 160 seated or 200 to party, while smaller events can be held in the Lounge Bar. “We can do most types of event – just come and chat to us!”

But of course, weddings are still the main focus for Redhouse Barn. Jane has a top tip for her couples: “Take a few moments throughout the day to spend time with each other and step out of the wedding bubble to take in what’s happening. The day goes by really quickly, so enjoy those small moments.”

Want to discover the magic of Redhouse Barn for yourself? Their next wedding open event is Sunday 12th January 2025. Could this be the wedding venue you’ve been looking for?

For more information, head to:

redhousebarn.co.uk