Reopened as an independent luxury hotel in 2020, the Haycock is more than just a fantastic wedding venue
Situated less than 10 miles from the centre of Peterborough, right next to the A1 trunk road from London to Edinburgh, the Haycock Manor Hotel is a 16th century coaching inn located on the banks of the River Nene, in the village of Wansford (or Wansford-in-England to give it its full title). Wansford itself sits in the Huntingdonshire region, close to the border with Northamptonshire, making it a very accessible for a wide range of family and corporate events. It’s also less than a 15 minute drive from Stamford in Lincolnshire, and the famous Burghley House.
The historic hotel nestles in 12 acres of stunningly curated gardens, giving it an idyllic backdrop for weddings and playing its part in creating some unforgettable photography from the big day.
Prior to the pandemic, the Haycock was privately owned by the Carter family and managed by one of the big national hotel chains. It was a popular wedding venue and a regular haunt for us at Red, providing photobooths and fun casino tables at many events, however it was starting to look tired and in need of investment.
The hotel was put on the market for £1.4million in 2019 and the present owners have completely renovated the Grade Two listed building throughout the lockdown period, reopening in the summer of 2021 after investing millions in the project.
Renowned local chef Lee Clarke moved his Michelin starred Prévost restaurant from Peterborough to the Haycock, which also has its own brasserie for more casual dining. There are 45 bedrooms, including bridal suites, and a selection of meeting rooms of various sizes.
Among those meeting spaces are the Manor Suite and the Haycock Suite. The latter, previously known as the ballroom, are popular for weddings and can host up to 250 guests. The huge car park and grounds, not to mention the location next to the A1, also makes it ideal for automotive and classic car events.
Celebrity hangout
The Haycock has a history of celebrity and royal guests.
Local folklore suggests that Mary Queen of Scots spent some of her last days at the Haycock, staying there en route to her imprisonment and subsequent execution at nearby Fotheringhay Castle.
The hotel was commonly frequented by European royalty, in the area to hunt, while Princess Alexandrina Victoria, later Queen Victoria, stayed at the Haycock for one night in September 1834.
Another Queen, or rather Queen the legendary rock band, are also past guests. They stayed at the Haycock in 1989 while filming the music video for the single Breakthru at the local Nene Valley Railway. Other famous guests include Princess Diana and James Bond actors Pierce Brosnan and Roger Moore. More recently, Margot Robbie and Richard E. Grant have been spotted at the revived Haycock Manor Hotel.
Bright future
The future looks bright for the Haycock Manor Hotel, which has plans to open a farm shop and cookery school on the site. It’s a mark of the standard of the renovated property that it is part of both the Preferred Hotels & Resorts LVX Collection and Pride of Britain Hotels, and we look forward to many more years of great events at this iconic Cambridgeshire venue.
Visit the Haycock Manor Hotel’s website at www.haycock.co.uk
Arranging an event at the Haycock Manor Hotel in Cambridgeshire and want to know how hiring some fun casino style entertainment can make your party even more memorable? Why not contact us using the form below or complete a booking enquiry for a no obligation consultation.
