Gallery

There are some venues that you like, and then there are venues you feel — and Town Head Estate is absolutely the latter for me.

As a professional photographer, I’m always chasing places that give me variety, atmosphere, and that quiet wow factor — and Town Head Estate delivers every single time. Nestled on the shores of Windermere, it has this rare balance of luxury and rustic charm that feels effortless rather than staged. The barn is exceptional: elegant, warm, and beautifully refined right down to the finer details, yet with the scale and flow to comfortably host larger weddings without ever feeling impersonal. From a storytelling point of view, it’s a dream. For weddings of scale without losing quality it is second to none.

One of my favourite things — both personally and creatively — is how the estate sits within the landscape. A gentle stroll up Gummer How (one of my absolute favourite easy walks) rewards you with sweeping views straight back over the estate and lake. It’s grounding, inspiring, and a reminder of just how special this corner of the Lake District really is.

The gardens and grounds are immaculate but relaxed — perfect for natural, unforced portraits and those in-between moments couples often cherish the most. There’s the jetty onto Windermere, and boat house with a balcony!… Honestly breathtaking. Whether it’s soft morning light, golden hour glow, or mist rolling across the water, it offers scenes that feel cinematic and atmospheric.

From a practical point of view (which matters so much on a wedding day), the preparation suite is a standout. Spacious, calm, and designed with larger bridal parties in mind — it makes mornings flow easily and keeps everyone relaxed (ask Bowness Bridal Hair), which always shows in the photographs. As the day moves into evening, the dusk and night-time lighting across the estate is just beautiful — warm, charactoristic, and perfect for those final, magical frames.

And none of this works without people — the staff here are outstanding. Attentive, professional, and genuinely invested in making each wedding run smoothly, which makes a huge difference behind the scenes.

A special mention has to go to Karen Rhodes Catering. Quite simply some of the best caterers in the Lake District. High-end, beautifully presented, and consistently exceptional food that guests genuinely remember — and enjoy — from the first course to the last bite.

Finally, Town Head Estate is so close to home, my farm overlooks the Estate from Cartmel Fell, and only a 12 minute drive from Ulverston where I live. Ensuring I am on hand and travel distances are certainly not a trouble.

I forgot to mention, it is a dog friendly wedding venue in the Lake District, too!

Town Head Estate isn’t just a venue I work at — it’s one I love. Every time I return, it gives something new, and every time, it reminds me why I do what I do.