Peacock Image

News from Preston Court

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.

 

Book a Viewing

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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.

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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.

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Why Corporate Wellness Retreats Increase Team Productivity

Corporate Wellness is big at Preston Court.

The Hen House Acommodation at Preston Court Estate

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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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.

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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.

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Unguided Venue Tour – Sunday 12th April 2026

📣UNGUIDED GARDEN STROLL📣.

If you are looking for a wedding venue but don’t want a guided tour, perhaps you prefer to do this by yourselves & at your own pace, we will be opening the barn doors on Sunday 11th April 2026 10am – 3pm. Come and wander the gardens, see the tulips burst into flower, and discover the carousel.

No need to check in on arrival- just send us an email let us know you are coming to [email protected]. We will give you a cuppa and a map and then leave you to soak up the vibes and get a feel for the space.

Come and see inside St Mildred’s Church, wander the gardens, Island and barnyards.

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