Why have your Wedding in East Sussex?

Blackstock Country Estate enjoys a classic South Downs vista thanks to its location in East Sussex. It is set within 70 acres of beautiful gardens, meadows, bluebell woodland and lakes. Wild deer can be spotted on the grounds, roaming freely with other wildlife.

It is these surroundings that make the location so special and romantic. The South Downs National Park, which stretches from Eastbourne on the south coast to Winchester, is England’s newest national park, having opened in April 2011. It extends through the counties of Hampshire, West Sussex and of course East Sussex, where we are based.

The South Downs National Park is a stunning setting for a country wedding for several reasons. It is relatively unpopulated compared to the rest of South East England, which means it is reminiscent of the unspoiled, bucolic countryside of England’s past. It also boasts a wide variety of rural delights and hidden gems, from bustling, pretty market towns, to the white cliffs of Seven Sisters, to ancient woodland, rolling farmland and lowland heaths.

In a survey conducted for the South Downs National Park Authority seven qualities were agreed upon:

• Diverse, inspirational landscapes and breathtaking views;
• A rich variety of wildlife and habitats including rare and internationally important species;
• Tranquil and unspoilt places;
• An environment shaped by centuries of farming and embracing new enterprise;
• Great opportunities for recreational activities and learning experiences;
• Well-conserved historical features and a rich cultural heritage;
• Distinctive towns and villages, and communities with real pride in their area.

So if a rural wedding is what you’re looking for, it’s hard to go wrong with the South Downs National Park.

Blackstock itself is located in the Wealden area of East Sussex, and the region contains several famous landmarks that are within easy reach of Blackstock for photo opportunities or just a spot of exploring. These include the Seven Sisters, Cuckmere Haven, the Long Man of Wilmington and several historic forts and castles.

And if that wasn’t enough: East Sussex even has a better climate than most places in the UK. It has an average of 1,750 hours of sunshine per year, far higher than the UK’s average of 1,340 hours of sunshine per year. So if you get married at Blackstock, you’re that much more likely to have a sunny wedding.

What’s more, Blackstock Country Estate is just a five minute drive from the Grade I Listed St Pauls and St Peters church in Hellingly. So if a classic, English countryside wedding is what you’re after, you’ve come to the right place.