Winter at the Barns

Winter Comes to the Barns

Here at Newsham, the pace of life changes with the season. As the last of the autumn leaves are swept from the courtyard, the winter menus are taking shape in the Peckish kitchen and we're beginning to think about dressing the barns for Christmas.

And, as it happens, it's a wonderful time of year for a wedding.

There's something particularly lovely about seeing a barn full of people celebrating while the Yorkshire winter carries on outside.

Coming in from the Cold

Winter has a way of making you appreciate a warm welcome.

Guests arrive with rosy cheeks, coats are hung up and there's that familiar bustle as everyone finds their seats for the ceremony. Outside, the fields might be covered in frost. Inside, the Ceremony Barn is warm, the candles are lit and there's a wedding about to begin.

We should probably mention that the barns have underfloor heating throughout. It's not the most romantic detail, admittedly, but on a cold December afternoon it's a very welcome one.

And then there's the light.

On a clear winter's day, the low afternoon sun finds its way through the Ceremony Barn windows, catching the old brickwork and timber. As the afternoon moves on, lanterns and fairy lights begin to take over.

Out in the Courtyard, the firepits are lit. Guests gather around with a drink, enjoying the crisp, fresh air before heading back inside for the next part of the celebrations.

Winter Has a Colour Palette of Its Own

There's no shortage of inspiration in the North Yorkshire countryside at this time of year.

The last copper leaves of November, dark berries along the hedgerows, deep green foliage and the rich browns of the trees and fields.

They're beautiful colours to bring into the barns.

We're particularly fond of burgundy and damson flowers against cream linen, branches of winter berries tucked into arrangements and velvet ribbons tied around napkins or bouquets.

By December, evergreen foliage comes into its own. A generous arrangement of winter branches, candles along the tables and perhaps a Christmas tree or two.

Although there's certainly no rule that says a December wedding has to look like Christmas.

The old brick, timber and natural character of the barns provide a lovely starting point. Sometimes all that's needed is good seasonal foliage and plenty of candlelight.

A Very Good Time for a Feast

Now, we would argue that there's never a bad time for good food. But winter does make a particularly convincing case.

After an afternoon in the Yorkshire countryside, is there anything more deeply satisfying than sitting down to a proper hearty meal.

And James and the Peckish team have plenty of ideas for the colder months.

Perhaps the celebrations begin with winter cocktails and canapés of Yorkshire cheddar bites and Branston pickle ketchup, merguez sausage rolls with herb yoghurt or steak tartare hash browns.

When everyone takes their seats in the Dining Room - there might be baked Bluemin White cheese with caramelised walnuts to start, followed by Chicken supreme, wild mushroom, bacon and white bean fricassee, wilted spinach, truffle jus. Or perhaps chicken coq au vin pie, buttery mashed potatoes and seasonal greens.

And for pudding? Chocolate mousse with boozy cherries or a brown sugar custard tart with crème fraîche would do very nicely.

These are just a few of the dishes that inspire our winter wedding menus, but you get the idea - good, local ingredients, generous plates and food that makes people very happy to be sitting around a table together.

Preferably with another glass of red wine.

When the Lights Come On

One of the pleasures of a winter wedding is that the evening seems to arrive almost before anyone notices.

By the time the wedding breakfast is finished, it's dark beyond the barn windows. The Courtyard is glowing with lanterns and firepits, the bar is serving seasonal cocktails and warming mulled wine, the energy shifts and someone is making their way towards the dance floor.

There's no waiting around for the sun to set. The evening has already begun.

We love that moment when guests drift from the Dining Room towards the music, perhaps stopping for a drink or stepping outside to gather around the firepits.

And is there anything more satisfying about knowing that, when the dancing is over, a warm bed isn't far away.

The Farmhouse is ready for family and friends, with its wood-burning stoves and comfortable bedrooms. A moments walk away, Laundry Cottage is waiting for the newlyweds, complete with a cosy fireplace and a beautiful copper bath in the bedroom.

Not a bad place to spend your first night as a married couple.

A Yorkshire Winter Wedding

Of course, we're fortunate to have beautiful summer days here at Newsham. We love the long evenings, the Courtyard full of sunshine and seeing everyone spill out into the gardens.

But winter has its own pleasures.

Frost on the fields, a ceremony filled with candlelight, a generous feast from Peckish and the sound of a wedding carrying on well into the evening.

And perhaps that's what we love most about winter weddings at Thirsk Lodge Barns. For one whole day, the cold can stay outside and everyone you love is right there with you.

We're looking ahead to November and December 2027, with winter wedding dates available, including our Twilight Weddings starting from £3,250 with food and drink included.

If you've been imagining a winter wedding in North Yorkshire, we'd love to show you around.

Arrange a private viewing of Thirsk Lodge Barns here.