Merewood Country House

Our lake view room, which is also a bridal suite, was spacious and had non-alcoholic drinks and a birthday card waiting for us. It was a lovely touch. The bed was very comfortable, and we slept well. There was a kettle with tea and hot chocolate, a Nespresso pod machine, filtered water in the hotel’s own bottle, and sweets in a mini milk bottle. I’d requested an iron, and it was waiting when I got back to the room. We had scones and tea or coffee in the comfortable room next to the bar. They were tasty, though the scones broke apart a bit too easily. Dinner in the dining room was well looked after from start to finish, including around dietary needs. Breakfast had both cold and hot choices, and the lovely lady serving us and Nicola made us feel welcome. The team were genuinely friendly throughout, and the service was first class. Check-out was smooth, and they asked how the stay had gone. We left planning to visit again. Before arrival, Nicola and then Adam helped make the booking process smooth, including with my dietary needs and request for a birthday message. The card had the venue on the front and a lovely message inside. On arrival, the signs lead to the upper car park, but if you have accessibility needs, try turning left near reception and parking there if a space is free, instead of going right and uphill. There was a short wait while other guests were being seen, then we were warmly greeted and given a room slip with the door code for returning if the front door is locked. They also explained the free guest WiFi. It didn’t work well for registering on my Apple iOS device, but a lady looking after us when we had scones and tea gave me access to a different WiFi, and then all was well.

The place was lovely and clean, but the welcome was disappointing. We weren’t sure where the entrance was and thought the door was locked, though we could hear people inside. We went through the bar and waited while two ladies kept chatting, even though they’d noticed us. When someone finally spoke to us, I think it was the manager, they said the door was open in a sarcastic way. We just smiled. The room could have been perfect, but the soap bottle in the bathroom was empty and the shampoo was too high to reach. I ended up filling a mug with soap from the sink to use in the shower. Breakfast was only offered at 8:30 or 9:30, and we chose the later time. By then there was nothing left, and the staff seemed in a hurry to finish. There was no toast offered, no glasses for juice and no fruit left. They also forgot my coffee, which I had to ask for, and the Danish pastries hadn’t been replenished. I knew it was the last breakfast sitting, but guests deserve the same service as those eating earlier, not leftovers. That wasn’t acceptable.

The grounds were stunning. The bluebell meadow was breathtaking and gave us some incredible moments and photos, while being close to Lake Windermere, the nearby jetties and lakeside views made the weekend feel peaceful and magical. It didn’t have that rushed, stressful feel of a traditional British wedding. As a gay couple, we felt completely welcomed and celebrated. Every staff member treated us with warmth and kindness, which meant a lot. The team were thoughtful, professional and genuinely welcoming throughout. Steve was attentive and always seemed to show up when needed. Tegan was incredible, with outstanding organisation, enthusiasm and attention to detail. She made us feel our wedding truly mattered to her, and her calm, hard work kept everything together. Tia was warm, attentive and on top of everything. Joice was lovely from the start, personable, efficient and great at solving problems. She made planning feel straightforward instead of the logistical hostage negotiation that weddings can become. It was reassuring to have a team who seemed calmer than we were. Revolutionary business model, frankly. We also loved meeting other couples who’d married there and returned for anniversaries, including silver anniversaries. After our experience, we understand why, and we’ll absolutely come back for ours. This venue becomes part of people’s lives and memories, as well as hosting weddings.

The soft drink prices were the only reason I took off a star. Several of us paid over £6 for a pint of draft Pepsi or soda, while the UK price range is £2.50-£4. I’d politely suggest lowering draft soft drink prices so non-drinkers aren’t penalised. I’d also have been happy to pay more for a premium option like homemade lemonade, mocktails or Kombucha, but those didn’t seem to be on offer. I attended a gorgeous wedding here. The food was absolutely delicious, service was fast, and the staff were warm and friendly. The decor and location were stunning. Such a lovely wedding venue 😍