An Alice in Wonderland Destination Party at Preston Court | Exclusive Event Hire Kent
An Alice in Wonderland Destination Party at Preston Court | Exclusive Event Hire Kent
Discover how Catherine and Leo transformed Preston Court into a whimsical Alice in Wonderland wonderland for their joint 50th birthday and wedding anniversary. Read about our exclusive-use venue, overnight estate accommodation, and unique party hire in Kent.
From Paris to Kent: A Whimsical Joint 50th Birthday & Anniversary
When planning a milestone celebration, choosing the right venue sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. Recently, Preston Court had the pleasure of welcoming Catherine and Leo—a British-French couple living in Paris—for a spectacular joint 50th birthday party and wedding anniversary.
The couple chose exclusive venue hire at Preston Court for a July weekend, bringing guests from all across France to our idyllic Kent estate for a destination event like no other.
An Alice in Wonderland Theme Brought to Life
Catherine and Leo took full advantage of Preston Court’s versatile indoor and outdoor spaces, creating an immersive Alice in Wonderland experience that had guests enchanted from start to finish:
Fairground Magic: Guests took unlimited rides on our iconic vintage carousel.
Lawn Games & Flamingo Croquet: Afternoon entertainment on the sprawling lawns surrounded by giant floral displays.
A Feast Fit for the Mad Hatter: A breathtaking tea party provided by the renowned Curious Eatery, complete with a giant pavlova, ice cream stations, and custom treats.
Live Entertainment: An incredible 8-piece brass band got the party started ahead of a night filled with heartfelt speeches and dancing.
Why Preston Court is Kent’s Premier Venue for Private Parties & Corporate Events
Whether you are planning a milestone 50th birthday party, an anniversary celebration, or an exclusive corporate retreat, Preston Court offers a flexible canvas to bring your vision to life.
1. Complete Privacy & Exclusive Hire
When you hire Preston Court, the estate is entirely yours. Enjoy uninterrupted access to our barn, formal gardens, open lawns, and woodland settings.
2. Luxury On-Site Accommodation
Keep your guests close without the hassle of late-night travel. Our estate offers charming overnight accommodation, making us a top choice for destination parties in South East England.
3. Bespoke Corporate & Private Event Spaces
From team-building away days to grand evening galas, our team works alongside top UK caterers and suppliers to deliver seamless, high-impact events.
Plan Your Event at Preston Court
Ready to host an unforgettable party or corporate event in Kent?
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Unforgettable Pre-Dinner Dancing: Lydia & Martynas’s Preston Court Barn Wedding
Unforgettable Pre-Dinner Dancing: Lydia & Martynas’s Preston Court Barn Wedding
When planning a wedding, most couples stick to the traditional timeline: ceremony, drinks, wedding breakfast, speeches, and then opening the dancefloor.
Lydia and Martynas threw that rulebook completely out the window for their incredible wedding day at Preston Court Estate, and the energy was absolute magic.
Setting the Scene in the Preston Court Barnyard
Set in the heart of the Kent countryside near Canterbury, Preston Court is famous for its charming rustic barns, lush outdoor spaces, and vintage carousel. It provides a naturally picturesque backdrop, but Lydia and Martynas brought a completely fresh twist to the venue’s rustic charm.
As guests trickled into the picturesque barnyard area anticipating a quiet drink before dinner, a live Mariachi band secretly gathered. The second the first brass note hit, the atmosphere transformed instantly.
Breaking Tradition: Dancing Before the Wedding Breakfast
Instead of waiting for the evening reception to let loose, the entire wedding party erupted into an impromptu outdoor dance party right in the open-air courtyard.
Seeing a bride and groom dancing with a live Mariachi band in a historic Kent barnyard before even sitting down for their meal is wonderfully rare. The surprise factor caught everyone off guard in the best way possible:
Zero waiting around: The mid-afternoon energy slump was completely eliminated.
Instant icebreaker: Guests who hadn’t met before were suddenly holding hands and dancing together.
Unfiltered joy: The bride and groom set the tone early, creating a high-energy vibe that lasted straight through to the late-night party.
Inspiration for Planning Your Kent Barn Wedding
If you’re planning your own celebration at Preston Court or exploring barn venues across Kent, don’t be afraid to mix up the standard timeline. Live, unexpected entertainment—whether it’s a Mariachi band, a brass ensemble, or acoustic performers—can turn key transition moments into unforgettable memories.
Featured Vendors:
Venue: Preston Court Estate
Photographer: Jackson&Co.
Unforgettable Pre-Dinner Dancing: Lydia & Martynas’s Preston Court Barn Wedding Read More »
Introducing The Intimate Collection: Whimsical Micro-Luxury Weddings at Preston Court.
Introducing The Intimate Collection: Whimsical Micro-Luxury Weddings at Preston Court
There is an undeniable, quiet magic that happens when you gather only your absolute closest, favorite people into one room. In recent months, we have watched a beautiful shift in how couples want to celebrate. It is a movement away from the complex logistical strain of massive guest lists, turning instead toward something deeply personal, relaxed, and incredibly memorable.
Today, we are thrilled to officially unveil The Intimate Collection—a brand-new, thoughtfully curated wedding experience designed specifically for celebrations of up to 40 guests. Available immediately for selected remaining dates in late 2026, this collection reimagines what a luxury barn wedding can be, blending transparent, stress-free planning with the full, enchanting character of our historic Kent estate.
Big Atmosphere for Intimate Guest Lists
A smaller guest list should never mean compromising on experience. In fact, it unlocks a level of connection that larger weddings rarely afford. You actually get to converse with every guest, linger over your wedding breakfast, and soak in every single fleeting second of your day without feeling rushed.
For couples who worry that a smaller group might lose momentum, we have custom-built this package to guarantee an unforgettable atmosphere. The grand architecture of our 17th-century Kentish barns will be masterfully styled to create a warm, candle-lit, cozy ambiance that hugs your guests, ensuring your celebration feels incredibly vibrant, exclusive, and full of life.
Whimsy Included: The Preston Court Carousel
We firmly believe that your wedding day should be filled with moments of pure, unadulterated joy. That is why we are proud to confirm that unlimited evening rides on our world-famous, historic 1880s Victorian Carousel are fully included as a baseline feature of The Intimate Collection.
The carousel is the beating heart of the Preston Court experience, and it takes on an even more magical quality with a micro-wedding. Imagine your 40 guests, cocktail in hand, laughing and riding the vintage gallopers beneath the twilight canopy. It provides instant, built-in entertainment, interactive breaks for conversation, and a whimsical backdrop for photographs that your family will talk about for decades.
What is Wrapped into The Intimate Collection?
We designed this package with radical transparency in mind, stripping away the traditional “hidden wedding taxes” to give you absolute clarity over your budget from day one. The collection includes:
Exclusive Use: Private hire of our magnificent 17th-century barns, picturesque barnyard and Twinkly Lights maypole.
The Signature Experience: Fully operational, unlimited evening use of our iconic Victorian Carousel.
Transparent Catering Foundations: Fully integrated indicative food costs from our elite, award-winning Kent catering partners—covering your welcome drinks, a sumptuous seasonal two-course wedding breakfast.
Dedicated Coordination: Complete professional on-site coordination to ensure your day runs flawlessly from morning prep to midnight carriages.
Fully Inclusive Packages from £5,950 > (Price based on select remaining mid-week and low-season dates for late 2026. Exact pricing varies by custom catering menus.)
Seamless, Stress-Free Planning for 2026
With only a few months remaining in the 2026 calendar, we know that couples looking to book a wedding for this year want two things: speed and simplicity. By including indicative food and venue infrastructure into one clear headline figure, we have eliminated weeks of back-and-forth pricing friction. You can step foot on the estate for a viewing and have your entire wedding effortlessly mapped out and secured by the time you leave.
Begin Your Intimate Journey
Dates for The Intimate Collection in late 2026 are strictly limited to preserve the exclusivity of the estate. To view our digital brochure, check live date availability, or book a private weekend stroll through the barns, please visit our dedicated page or contact our coordination team directly today.
Introducing The Intimate Collection: Whimsical Micro-Luxury Weddings at Preston Court. Read More »
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:
Click the link below.
Navigate to the ‘Best Wedding & Party Venue’ category.
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!
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.
Children’s Parties at Preston Court
Preston Court offer’s children’s birthday parties in the barn and barnyard with twinkly Lights maypole.
The Vintage carousel as the centre point to the celebrations. Children can then sit down in the cosy Lodge barn for birthday food.
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.
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.
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.
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