MEDIEVAL WANDERLUST
Detenice Château Resort
Detenice, Czech Republic
Why marry there?
Make an entrance to the fanfare of trumpets, gunfire and
halberdiers at the gates of this mid-11th century castle, one
hour north-east of Prague. This former Gothic fortress,
Detenice Château Resort (detenice.cz/en), is comprised
of a Baroque Castle, Château Park and Medieval Tavern,
as well as a number of hotels.
Say your vows at Château Hall, the Chapel or in Château Park,
which features ancient and unique tree species and a beautiful
fountain, then enjoy a gothic-style reception in the Medieval
Tavern or Banquet Hall, or a garden reception with fireworks
and knight tournaments in the four-hectare Château Park
A reception in the Medieval Tavern involves dining on rustic
stone and oak tables. Watch the food being made before your
eyes on an open fire and enjoy the backdrop of live music,
table dancers, fakirs and swordsmen. After your wedding,
retreat to the 41-room Medieval Hotel, which is reportedly the
only hotel in the Czech Republic to be listed amongst the most
“Unusual and Unique Hotels of the World“.
Do: Check out the unique weapons collection from the Knights
of Malta and the preserved Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque
frescoes and wall paintings. Also be sure to visit the on-site horse
stables and the brewery that even houses a beer museum.
OPULENT
SPLENDOUR
Swinton Park
North Yorkshire, England
Why marry there?
Pledge your love in the mystical Druid’s
Temple in Swinton Park (swintonpark.co.uk)
with its large stone altar and period styling
of hay bale seats and wild flowers adorning
shepherd hooks. Follow your ceremony
with a reception at Swinton Bivouac on the
edge of the moors in surrounding Swinton
Estate, either glamping in meadow yurts or
woodland shacks, or lodging in the bunk
barn. The unique, rustic-restored Deerhouse
is also a fabulous setting for a celebration,
offering spectacular views of the castle,
nearby lake and ancient trees. Candle lighting,
torch flames, glowing braziers and beautiful
marquees all add a romantic ambience.
But if a castle is what you’re after, stunning
Swinton Castle is set amid 200 acres of
parkland in the Yorkshire Dales, and
surrounded by the 20,000-acre Swinton Estate.
The luxurious and secluded 17th Century
castle is a stately residence that exudes all
the grandeur you’d expect from a traditional
English homestead. Each of its 32 bedrooms
are individually designed and beautifully
furnished with antiques and family portraits.
There’s also a private island with a Georgian
summerhouse set on a lake in the parkland,
plus a cookery school, spa and pristine walled
gardens for guests to enjoy. Be treated to
award-winning British fare made with fresh
ingredients plucked straight from the gardens.
Do: Try your hand at one of the many leisure
activities offered at Swinton Estate including
shooting, falconry, fishing, riding and golf.
Photo by
Rebius/Dreamstime
Photo courtesy
of Swinton Park
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