Steeped in over 400 years of rich history and formerly Henry VIII’s private hunting lodge, Welford Park is just seven miles from Newbury and an easy hour jaunt down the M4 from London. It’s a working family farm, but at certain times of the year, guests are welcome for special events in its award-winning 3,500-acre grounds.

Regarded as one of the best places in the UK to observe snowdrops, between February and March the public are welcome to admire the highly-anticipated sweeping carpet of white blooms that thrive amongst the five-acre beech wood, enchanting riverbanks of the River Lambourn, and the glorious gardens of the park. Plus there’s a warming drink and slice of cake available from the tea tent.

Come summer, there are a number of unmissable open air theatre shows including all the classics like Emma, Sense & Sensibility, and a spot of Shakespeare too. In Autumn you’ll spot a certain Paul Hollywood kicking around Welford Park as the location of the famous Great British Bake Off tent and in October and November Welford’s impressive Spectacle of Light trail opens.

In a breath-taking cacophony of light and sound, the illuminated trail leads throughout the majestic woodlands and grounds with sparkling Light Beams, Moroccan Laterns and much, much more. There is a food tent on hand too for a warming hot chocolate or spiced cider – yes please! It’s the perfect family night out as the dark nights close in. The kids will go bananas for it. Advanced tickets are £19.20 and £9.60 for children (£24 and £12 full price), under 3’s go free.

Welford Park is seriously gorgeous making it the go-to outdoor destination for weddings, private parties, and corporate functions as well. Choose between the intimate grade II listed Aline Orchard, elegant lawns surrounding the house, or 100-acre woodland with a large clearing for festival style parties. With a venue to suit everyone and every occasion, the space is a blank canvas for people to create the bespoke event of the decade. It’s fully customisable and only a limited number of bookings are taken a year making it an exclusive, and deeply personal affair.

Want to stay a bit longer in this extraordinary setting? A one-bedroom riverside cottage is available to rent on-site along the banks of the River Lambourn. Houblon Lodge is a beautifully renovated old pump house, set within the walled orchard and is complete with sitting room, well-equipped kitchen, roll top bath, private parking, and garden. The fridge is stocked with soft drinks and mixers, bread, milk, eggs and bacon. Brunch sorted. It’s the ideal location for those heading to the Newbury Races, or if you simply want to explore the stunning surrounding areas of Berkshire. Cost is £150 per night, with special offer of £400 for 3 nights (min 2-night stay).