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News from Preston Court

Case Study: The Summer Takeover (And Why Creative agencies love Preston Court).

🌳✨ Let’s talk about the summer Preston Court went full ‘Phantom.’ ✨🌳

Four years ago, we handed the keys to our estate over to one of London’s most innovative digital studios.

They didn’t just book a venue; they executed a full-scale creative takeover. The result? An unforgettable, high-energy event that proved why Preston Court is the ultimate playground for the UK’s top creative minds.

The Challenge: Creative agencies are different. You don’t want a sterile hotel conference room or a “package” experience. You want a canvas—a place that reflects your brand’s edge and gives your team the space to decompress and play, hard.


The Preston Court Solution

When the Phantom team arrived, they traded skyscrapers for sprawling fields and digital screens for a high-octane, “retro-festival” atmosphere.

  • The Blank Canvas Barns: The Oak Barn was stripped of its “traditional” feel and transformed into a production-ready hub. Whether you’re projecting branding onto 17th-century timber or setting up a bespoke lighting rig, our infrastructure is built for high-spec activations.

  • The “Work-Hard, Play-Hard” Transition: They moved seamlessly from strategy sessions to a full-blown competitive field day. The grounds were alive with Tug of War, Beanbag tosses, and “Silly Races” featuring Sacks, Eggs & Spoons, and the inevitable chaos of Water Balloons.

  • The Ultimate Fairground Vibes: We brought out the big guns for the Phantom crew. The estate echoed with the sounds of Dodgem Cars, the Test Your Strength Striker, and friendly rivalry at the Cork Shooting and Darts stalls.

  • Creative Expression: To keep the studio’s artistic roots front and centre, a dedicated Graffiti Wall allowed the team to leave their mark on the day—proving that inspiration flows better outside the office walls.

  • The Vintage Wow-Factor: Nothing says “agency life” like the contrast of a cutting-edge digital team taking a spin on our Victorian Carousel under the stars. It’s the ultimate nostalgic “wow” factor that looks incredible on every team member’s social feed.


Why Your Studio is the Perfect Fit

We know that creative directors and studio managers are looking for the “next big thing” in team culture. We provide that rare balance of high-end production capability and raw, authentic charm.

Our Creative Agency Package Includes:

  • High-Speed Connectivity: Reliable WiFi for those essential morning “syncs” before the phones go away.

  • Bespoke Activity Curation: From high-energy Dodgems to artisanal local catering, we help you design the day from the ground up.

  • The Full Takeover: We allow for deep customisation. Brand the space, fly your flags, and make the estate yours for the day.

Preston Court isn’t just a venue; it’s a partner in driving your agency’s culture forward. If you’re planning your next retreat, brand launch, or summer blowout, let’s talk about how we can build your own version of the “Phantom Takeover.”

Ready to make history?

Case Study: The Summer Takeover (And Why Creative agencies love Preston Court). Read More »

Preston Court Named a Finalist in the 2026 Muddy Stilettos Kent Awards!

We have some incredibly exciting news to share with our Preston Court family!

We are thrilled to announce that we have been officially named a finalist for the Best Wedding & Party Venue in the 2026 Muddy Stilettos Kent Awards.

Being recognized by such a prestigious platform—and by the people of Kent themselves—is an incredible honor. At Preston Court, we strive to offer more than just a space; we aim to create a magical, one-of-a-kind experience that stays with you forever. From the whimsical charm of our Victorian carousels to the tranquil beauty of ceremonies on Juliana’s Island, we take pride in every “I do” and every celebration held within our 17th-century oak barn.

Why This Means So Much to Us

The Muddy Stilettos Awards celebrate the very best of local Kent businesses, and the competition this year is truly stellar. Being a finalist is a testament to the hard work of our dedicated team and the wonderful couples and guests who bring our venue to life.

Whether you’ve danced under the fairground lights, strolled through our lush gardens, or simply supported us from afar, you are part of the reason we’ve made it this far.

How You Can Help Us Win!

The winner is decided entirely by public vote, which is why we’re turning to you. If you’ve ever attended a wedding here, celebrated a milestone, or just believe that Preston Court is a special corner of Kent, we would be so grateful for your vote.

How to vote:

  1. Click the link below.

  2. Navigate to the ‘Best Wedding & Party Venue’ category.

  3. Select Preston Court!

A Huge Thank You

Regardless of the final result, we feel like winners just to be part of such a vibrant community. Thank you for choosing us to be the backdrop of your most important memories.

Stay tuned to our social media channels for updates, and hopefully, we’ll be celebrating a big win together very soon!

Couple dancing under the maypole at Preston Court.
The vintage carousel at Preston Court Wedding Venue, Kent.

Preston Court Named a Finalist in the 2026 Muddy Stilettos Kent Awards! Read More »

Fortnum & Mason’s Peacock made for the Coronation of King Charles, comes to roost at Preston Court

The “Something Blue” you’ve been dreaming of has officially landed at Preston Court.

We are beyond thrilled to announce a new, permanent resident in our 17th-century barns: the magnificent Fortnum & Mason Coronation Peacock.

Originally commissioned to commemorate the Coronation of King Charles III, this 7-meter-tall masterpiece stood proudly in the windows of the world-famous Piccadilly store. Now, it has made the journey from the heart of London to the rolling Kent countryside to become the most iconic wedding backdrop in the UK.

A Royal Legacy with a Sustainable Heart

At first glance, the peacock is a riot of “Eau de Nil” and jewel-toned grandeur. But look a little closer, and you’ll discover its true magic. Designed by artist Jethro Buck, the sculpture is a feat of sustainable engineering, meticulously crafted from:

  • 1,298 recycled Fortnum & Mason tea caddies

  • Hundreds of upcycled biscuit tins

  • Intricate gold-leaf detailing

In a world where luxury and sustainability are often at odds, this sculpture proves they can live in perfect harmony—a philosophy we hold dear here at Preston Court.

Your “Something Blue” Reimagined

Imagine your wedding photos framed by 1,300 shimmering tins of British history. Whether you are planning a whimsical festival-style wedding with our vintage carousel or a grand, candlelit banquet in the barn, the Peacock adds a layer of “Royal-Eco-Luxury” that your guests will never forget.

Why our couples are already falling in love with it:

  • The Ultimate Photo Op: A towering symbol of beauty and integrity that changes color as the Kentish sun hits the metallic tins.

  • A Conversation Starter: Your guests aren’t just looking at art; they are looking at a piece of the 2023 Coronation history.

  • The “Fortnum” Connection: Lean into the theme with a Fortnum & Mason inspired afternoon tea or a “Royal Picnic” rehearsal dinner.

See the Magic for Yourself

The installation of this giant was no small feat (keep an eye on our Instagram for the behind-the-scenes build video!), but he is now officially settled in and ready for his close-up.

Planning a 2026 or 2027 wedding? We invite you to book a private viewing and stand at the feet of this recycled masterpiece. Experience the scale, the history, and the whimsicallity of Preston Court in person.

 

Fortnum & Mason’s Peacock made for the Coronation of King Charles, comes to roost at Preston Court Read More »

New Licensed Twinkly Maypole Ceremony Space at Preston Court

A Magical New Outdoor Ceremony Space in Kent.

We’re delighted to announce that Preston Court’s iconic Twinkly Maypole is now a fully licensed wedding ceremony location.

Couples can now legally marry beneath the glowing canopy of lights that surrounds our famous Maypole, creating one of the most unique outdoor wedding ceremony settings in Kent.

Set within the beautiful gardens at Preston Court, the Maypole ceremony space combines the romance of an outdoor wedding with the charm and character our venue is known for.


What is the Twinkly Maypole Ceremony?

Our Maypole is a striking centrepiece of the Preston Court grounds. Now enhanced with thousands of warm twinkling lights, it creates a magical circular canopy under which couples can exchange their vows.

Perfect for:

  • Outdoor wedding ceremonies

  • Summer weddings in Kent

  • Romantic twilight ceremonies

  • Festival-style weddings

  • Couples looking for something truly unique

Guests gather around the circular ceremony space while the couple stands beneath the illuminated Maypole, creating an unforgettable atmosphere and stunning photographs.


 

Couple dancing under the maypole at Preston Court.

New Licensed Twinkly Maypole Ceremony Space at Preston Court Read More »

Why Preston Court is the perfect location for fashion shoots.

Over the years Preston Court has hosted Burberry, Barbour, Net a Porter, Emma Bridgewater, Mint Velvet, Monsoon. The list is extensive.

Photo shoot at Preston Court Wedding Venue, Kent.

Preston Court is easily accessible from London, and having access to 600 acres of privately owned estate, there is a lot to explore.

We offer ‘shoot and stay’ so that photographers can make the most of the potential.  Meadows, woodlands, lakes, streams and rivers.  There are lots of barns and different covered spaces.  Heritage buildings, barnyards, traction engines, fairground rides and endless established gardens.  

Read more here.

Why Preston Court is the perfect location for fashion shoots. Read More »

Why Corporate Wellness Retreats Increase Team Productivity

Corporate Wellness is big at Preston Court.

Getting your team together is totally new surroundings, outside of the normal constraints of the office environment is so important.  Not only does it encourage lateral thinking and remove potential perceived boundaries between team mates, it helps to build new relationships.   

Preston Court’s team building activities, paddle boarding, axe throwing, archery, yoga are tailored to meet all abilities and needs.  Inclusivity is vital and the relaxed nature of the surroundings helps colleagues to immerse themselves and disconnect fully.

Preston Court is located 60 miles from London and is easily accessible on the High Speed Train link from St Pancras.  The train is 56 minutes to Canterbury and we are 15 minutes taxi ride into the countryside.

We have luxury glamping at Preston Court, which means we can extend to accommodating larger groups of up to 150 overnight.

Why Corporate Wellness Retreats Increase Team Productivity Read More »

Case study: company retreat at Preston Court

Case Study:  Preston Court hosted a group of consultants from Accenture.  We curated a immersive countryside overnight retreat involving a work and play. 

We worked with Accenture to create a bespoke two day team building event involving Kayaking and paddle boarding down a scenic local river.  They then had cooking lessons at a nearby Cookery school.  The evening was filled with delicious food and entertainment.

Guests slept overnight at Preston Court in our luxury glamping accommodation.

Case study: company retreat at Preston Court Read More »

Weekend Long Weddings Across Preston Court & The Wilderness

Preston Court has hosted some of the most fun weddings which last several days over an entire weekend.  The beautiful thing about the estate is that the Glamping village is located in the centre of the farm, nestled with Preston Court on one side and The Wilderness on the other side.    Its no more than a 5 minute walk between them, although they feel completely separate.

You can start the celebrations at Preston Court and finish up the next day dancing under the canopy of the trees at The Wilderness.

Read all about our weekend weddings here.

Weekend Long Weddings Across Preston Court & The Wilderness Read More »