The Venue
Swallows Oast is Unique at Every Turn
With many great features and surroundings, Swallows Oast's stunning venue sits in the East Sussex countryside. It's the perfect place to hold your special day. See below some of the various options for your wedding day.
Inside the Oast
The main hall showing the beautifully oak beamed ceiling, the minstrels gallery and pine floor, is approximately 17' wide and 38' long. The roundels at the far end of the building act as the main entrance into Swallows Oast. They also house a bar on the right hand side, with toilets and a semi-spiral stairway on the left.
Swallows Oast can cater for up to 130 people, seated comfortably. Its intimacy is an important part of its charm....
Once up the spiral stairway there is a spacious gallery. This can cater for extra tables, buffet layouts or just an area to overlook the proceedings. String quartets or other forms of musical accompaniment, before or during the meal, are popular options to create the atmosphere of your choice.
There are numerous permutations for seating, eating and entertainment for all occasions from banquets to buffets. Tables and chairs can be removed from the main hall, leaving plenty of space for entertainment, whether it be dancing to live or recorded music or anything you may have in mind. The premises is licensed until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
A Licensed Bar is located in one of the Roundels.
Outside the Oast
Originally built in the 1830's, Swallows Oast is situated at Gibbs Reed Farm in the heart of rural Sussex.
It was converted to a banqueting hall in 1995, and as you will see its twin-kiln design has made this a delightful, unique building in which to hold your function. The character created by the sandstone & wooden structure evokes a medieval atmosphere - ideal for banquets, weddings and special occasions.
As part of our rural heritage, Swallows Oast is the ideal venue for your event at any time of the year.
The courtyard - bathed in sunshine during the summer - is a perfect entrance to receive your guests. There is ample off-road parking for all types of vehicle.
An adjoining marquee can be extended from the Oast to the Courtyard. This is an optional extra to create more space, especially during the winter months.
Barbecues and hog roasts are a popular feature, either served as your wedding breakfast or as an extra evening meal.
Unique Features
Swallows Oast is set amongst glorious scenery in the heart of East Sussex. If you meander down Swallows Trail you will reach a gateway to countryside views that span as far as Brightling on a clear day. Photographic opportunities are endless and you and your guests can lose yourselves in the tranquility of this wonderful setting.
All manner of things can be held here, including serving of your drinks and canapés, camping, and firework displays during the firework season. Helicopters are also able to land here for that unique arrival.
At Swallows Oast, we are proud to offer breathtaking outdoor weddings. We are licensed to host civil ceremonies in several stunning locations throughout our grounds, including the pavilion, the woodland enclave, the oak trees, and by our lake. Whether you exchange your vows beneath the dreamy oak trees, say you’re “I do’s” surrounded by lush greenery or down by our tranquil lake. We will help make your dream wedding come true.
There is also a playground and willow maze at the top of the trail for children. Other activities and entertainment can be brought in, such as garden games, jugglers, magicians etc. to ensure that everyone enjoys your special day.
Marquees
As an optional extra, The marquee adds additional space for day time or evening guests. This can either hold a full reception or be used as an extra area for arrival drinks, cake tables, photo booths etc...
In the evening chairs and tables are moved into the marquee so that guests can sit and enjoy a glass of wine away from the evening entertainment.
All of our marquees come fully equipped with flooring, champagne lining, chandelier lighting and orangery windows. Other accessory options are available on request.
On a sunny day the sides can be opened allowing a cool breeze on a perfect day.
The marquee is attached to the Oast from the south facing door, this can be hired in various different sizes depending on the number guests.
We can offer a 9x6, 9x9, 9x12 or 9x18 meter Marquee.
Please ask for more details.
The pictures are for reference only, actual style of marquee may vary.