East Sussex

Battle

The Pilgrims Rest

(62)

Price: £2,450 – £5,750

Guests: 50

Description

The Pilgrims Rest is a 600 hundred year old Wealden Hall House situated in the medieval town of Battle in East Sussex - right in the heart of 1066 country. With endless features from huge inglenook fireplaces to ancient beams; linenfold doors to oak floors, The Pilgrims Rest is an historic gem. It even has ancient witch’s marks to ward off evil spirits and a secret tunnel that runs beneath the Abbey walls. Perfect for small weddings, intimate weddings and those a little larger, The Pilgrims Rest is a wedding venue with a difference. There are no hidden extras, no corkage charges and no fixed suppliers, giving you the choice to have a DIY wedding, a fully catered wedding or anything in between. The Pilgrims Rest is an exclusive use wedding venue run by our friendly and professional team who will guide you on the run up to, and on the day of, your wedding, ensuring your day runs seamlessly. A stunning backdrop for your wedding without the added expense of venue styling and prop hire. Professionally designed and styled to need little decoration, but one you can add to and make your own, every detail has been carefully considered creating a wedding venue that is beautiful yet relaxed; affordable yet aspirational. Quite simply a truly magical place to tie the knot. Far more than just a beautiful building; this grand old lady has historic soul. She has hosted celebrations from Medieval banquets to Georgian balls, Victorian luncheons to Edwardian tea dances. Over the centuries flagons of ale, goblets of wine and flutes of champagne have been consumed beneath her eaves, to the sounds of merriment and laughter flooding through her walls. Perfect for weddings all year round; during the warmer months and when the sun is shining - your guests can flood out into the pretty cottage gardens. And as the evenings start to draw in, stoke up the fires, light the candles, then watch as this grand old lady sparkles into life.

Message from the team

Name of Wedding Contact: Amy

Hello, I am Amy. I love working at The Pilgrims Rest as we are a small, happy team. The venue is stunning and full of incredible architectural features and love how flexible it is. It is such a joy to meet so many creative and interesting couples They all put their own spin on the venue whether great or small. Every wedding is so different which makes my job great fun. I look forward to meeting you!

Experience

Year Business Was Established

2016

No. of Weddings Hosted

More than 50

Public Liability Insurance

Yes

No. of People In Team

Overview of The Pilgrims Rest

Wedding Venue Type

Wealden Hall house

Wedding Venue Capacity

Dining Capacity

Reception Capacity

Wedding Ceremony & Reception

Church within walking distance

Wedding license

Confetti permitted

Wedding Venue Details

Open Flame Permitted

Grade I/II Listed Building

Exclusive use

Wedding Catering

External catering permitted

Alcohol license

No corkage charge for own alcohol

Pricing for The Pilgrims Rest

Wedding Venue Hire Only

£2,450.00 – £5,750.00

Reviews (62)

C
Chloë and Jordan
22/12/2024
Perfect day, perfect venue🥂Perfect day, perfect venue🥂
The Pilgrims Rest is a dry hire wedding venue for couples looking to have more control and freedom over their wedding. We had our wedding on 30.11.24 here and could not recommend the venue enough. Both Waverley and Amy (the Pilgrims Rest team) are incredible. Although the venue is a dry hire (meaning you bring in the vendors you want and decorate it how you’d like), the team were on standby throughout the whole day to ensure it ran smoothly and were no issues with the vendors. The venue is also decorated beautifully, so we hardly added anything extra! The team were super friendly and were happy to help wherever they could. Our photographer even said they were better than most venues which have a dedicated wedding coordinator! Our day was made absolutely perfect and unforgettable by the team and the undeniably gorgeous venue. Couldn’t and would not have changed a thing about our day. Thanks so much to the entire team!The Pilgrims Rest is a dry hire wedding venue for couples looking to have more control and freedom over their wedding. We had our wedding on 30.11.24 here and could not recommend the venue enough. Both Waverley and Amy (the Pilgrims Rest team) are incredible. Although the venue is a dry hire (meaning you bring in the vendors you want and decorate it how you’d like), the team were on standby throughout the whole day to ensure it ran smoothly and were no issues with the vendors. The venue is also decorated beautifully, so we hardly added anything extra! The team were super friendly and were happy to help wherever they could. Our photographer even said they were better than most venues which have a dedicated wedding coordinator! Our day was made absolutely perfect and unforgettable by the team and the undeniably gorgeous venue. Couldn’t and would not have changed a thing about our day. Thanks so much to the entire team!
y
you are amazing!- Lucy
14/04/2023
We got married here on 24th Sept '22We got married here on 24th Sept '22
We got married here on 24th Sept '22. It was everything we dreamed of and more! This venue is unbelievably special. So many people commented on what a gem it is and how much they loved our wedding.. The Pilgrims Rest team made the planning process run super smoothly and were always willing to help and do whatever they can, which we were very appreciative of. I had the full capacity of guests and I was worried that during the evening party, the venue would feel cramped. It didn't - AT ALL!! Believe me, you can still have all your guests dance the night away. The most brilliant thing about Pilgrims Rest is the flexibility when it comes to suppliers. You can have whoever you want as your caterer, florist etc (with the help of their 'tried and tested' list if you need) - which is hard to find elsewhere. The team really do want you to have your perfect day - however that may look to you. The day after the wedding, the team had basically packed up everything for us - so it meant we didn't even have to do a lot with our rough heads! Cannot thank you enough Waverley and the rest of the teamWe got married here on 24th Sept '22. It was everything we dreamed of and more! This venue is unbelievably special. So many people commented on what a gem it is and how much they loved our wedding.. The Pilgrims Rest team made the planning process run super smoothly and were always willing to help and do whatever they can, which we were very appreciative of. I had the full capacity of guests and I was worried that during the evening party, the venue would feel cramped. It didn't - AT ALL!! Believe me, you can still have all your guests dance the night away. The most brilliant thing about Pilgrims Rest is the flexibility when it comes to suppliers. You can have whoever you want as your caterer, florist etc (with the help of their 'tried and tested' list if you need) - which is hard to find elsewhere. The team really do want you to have your perfect day - however that may look to you. The day after the wedding, the team had basically packed up everything for us - so it meant we didn't even have to do a lot with our rough heads! Cannot thank you enough Waverley and the rest of the team
H
Holly T
14/04/2023
My husband and I cannot recommend this venue enoughMy husband and I cannot recommend this venue enough
My husband and I cannot recommend this venue enough. Waverley, Amy-Lou and Rachel - we thank you so much. The venue is absolutely stunning and our guests still talk about it. It was perfect for the intimate and rustic wedding that we truly wanted and we had a fantastic party in the evening!! The staff were so attentive, accommodating and professional from our very first viewing to the wedding day. We felt as though we were in safe hands the entire time. I hope I have the pleasure of being a guest next time I'm at this precious gem of a venue.My husband and I cannot recommend this venue enough. Waverley, Amy-Lou and Rachel - we thank you so much. The venue is absolutely stunning and our guests still talk about it. It was perfect for the intimate and rustic wedding that we truly wanted and we had a fantastic party in the evening!! The staff were so attentive, accommodating and professional from our very first viewing to the wedding day. We felt as though we were in safe hands the entire time. I hope I have the pleasure of being a guest next time I'm at this precious gem of a venue.
C
Cat and Ricky
21/01/2021
The ladies are first class at what they do.The ladies are first class at what they do.
The Pilgrims Rest is such a beautiful venue. Every time I visited it felt so cosy and just like I was walking in to a friend’s house! The ladies at the Pilgrims Rest are first class at what they do! The service we received from Amy-Lou throughout, and including on our wedding day, was outstanding. We had a couple of date changes and Amy-Lou could not have been more accommodating, reassuring, and flexible, just what we needed! Hiring the Pilgrims Rest was a great option for us, as it is dry hire, we were able to hire all the suppliers we wanted and have just the day we had imagined! Due to the pandemic our wedding day was a lot smaller than initially planned, however this suited the venue so well! It did not feel like we were missing out and if anything, I think it helped massively in making the decision to go ahead with a 15 person wedding. For anyone looking for an intimate and cosy wedding venue, I would not hesitate to recommend the Pilgrims Rest!The Pilgrims Rest is such a beautiful venue. Every time I visited it felt so cosy and just like I was walking in to a friend’s house! The ladies at the Pilgrims Rest are first class at what they do! The service we received from Amy-Lou throughout, and including on our wedding day, was outstanding. We had a couple of date changes and Amy-Lou could not have been more accommodating, reassuring, and flexible, just what we needed! Hiring the Pilgrims Rest was a great option for us, as it is dry hire, we were able to hire all the suppliers we wanted and have just the day we had imagined! Due to the pandemic our wedding day was a lot smaller than initially planned, however this suited the venue so well! It did not feel like we were missing out and if anything, I think it helped massively in making the decision to go ahead with a 15 person wedding. For anyone looking for an intimate and cosy wedding venue, I would not hesitate to recommend the Pilgrims Rest!
R
Rachel and Will
21/01/2021
Everyone commented on how stunning the venue was.Everyone commented on how stunning the venue was.
Just wanted to say a huge thank you for last Thursday. Everyone commented on how stunning the venue was. I can’t believe our luck to get in just before Tier 4! Thanks again for all you did to make the day go smoothly.Just wanted to say a huge thank you for last Thursday. Everyone commented on how stunning the venue was. I can’t believe our luck to get in just before Tier 4! Thanks again for all you did to make the day go smoothly.
T
Terry
21/01/2021
One to remember.One to remember.
I wanted to write to express our thanks to all concerned at the Pilgrims Rest for making Adam and Jenna`s wedding day so special. We all had a lovely day. One to remember. The venue is special and we would have no hesitation in recommending it to others. The times are difficult and we feared that the restrictions might spoil the day but this was not the case. So thank you again for all that you did to help.I wanted to write to express our thanks to all concerned at the Pilgrims Rest for making Adam and Jenna`s wedding day so special. We all had a lovely day. One to remember. The venue is special and we would have no hesitation in recommending it to others. The times are difficult and we feared that the restrictions might spoil the day but this was not the case. So thank you again for all that you did to help.
E
Emma and Ivan
24/02/2020
Thank you so so much!Thank you so so much!
Thank you so so much for making our wedding day so amazing and special. It was absolutely perfect, you and your whole team worked so hard all day/evening. We are sad its all over!Thank you so so much for making our wedding day so amazing and special. It was absolutely perfect, you and your whole team worked so hard all day/evening. We are sad its all over!
A
Alistair & Mark
23/12/2019
it was everything we wanted and more!it was everything we wanted and more!
We held our Wedding at The Pilgrims Rest on 23rd December. We were looking for a smaller, intimate venue for our wedding and this was the first place we looked at and instantly fell in love with it! It’s just perfect! Beautifully decorated throughout - other than us adding additional flowers to the dinning table - it was ready to go, including fur throws, candles, seasonal flowers and decorations... it was everything we wanted and more! The two dressing rooms are beautifully decorated and were ideal for us both getting ready together - yet separately - at either end of the building - ideal for photos too! The two Amy’s went out of their way to make us feel relaxed and couldn’t do more for us on the day. Being able to stock our own bar and get our own caterer meant we were able to keep the costs down and have our day exactly as we wanted. An ideal venue for photo opportunities as it’s packed full of character and adjacent to Battle Abbey. We couldn’t recommend it more!!!!! Thanks for your good wishes. We had a wonderful time on Saturday and so many people commented on how lovely the venue was. Thanks also to you and to Amy Lou for all your help, both in the run up to the wedding and on the day.We held our Wedding at The Pilgrims Rest on 23rd December. We were looking for a smaller, intimate venue for our wedding and this was the first place we looked at and instantly fell in love with it! It’s just perfect! Beautifully decorated throughout - other than us adding additional flowers to the dinning table - it was ready to go, including fur throws, candles, seasonal flowers and decorations... it was everything we wanted and more! The two dressing rooms are beautifully decorated and were ideal for us both getting ready together - yet separately - at either end of the building - ideal for photos too! The two Amy’s went out of their way to make us feel relaxed and couldn’t do more for us on the day. Being able to stock our own bar and get our own caterer meant we were able to keep the costs down and have our day exactly as we wanted. An ideal venue for photo opportunities as it’s packed full of character and adjacent to Battle Abbey. We couldn’t recommend it more!!!!! Thanks for your good wishes. We had a wonderful time on Saturday and so many people commented on how lovely the venue was. Thanks also to you and to Amy Lou for all your help, both in the run up to the wedding and on the day.
L
Lyn and Steve
07/12/2019
Thank you so much for everything!Thank you so much for everything!
We couldn't recommend the Pilgrims Rest highly enough and will treasure the memories we have made there for the rest of our lives. Thank you so much for everything! The Baileys xxWe couldn't recommend the Pilgrims Rest highly enough and will treasure the memories we have made there for the rest of our lives. Thank you so much for everything! The Baileys xx
G
Gemma & Andy
05/12/2019
Thank you so much for everything you did for usThank you so much for everything you did for us
Thank you so much for everything you did for us - on the day, and for the 20 months before with all the prep! I will leave a proper review once I'm back on my feet, and it will be glowing!Thank you so much for everything you did for us - on the day, and for the 20 months before with all the prep! I will leave a proper review once I'm back on my feet, and it will be glowing!

Location & Contact Details for The Pilgrims Rest

Wedding Venue Address

1 High Street, Battle, East Sussex, TN33 0AE, England, United Kingdom

Website

Phone

Travel Notes

We are right next to Battle Abbey behind the pretty rose garden - you can't miss us! There are plenty of hotels and B&Bs within walking distance of the venue - some with parking. The train station is about a 10 minute walk away which goes from Charing Cross and Tunbridge Wells in one direction and Hastings in the other. East Sussex has no motorways which is what makes it particularly beautiful. Take the A21 from the M25, go straight on and you will arrive in Battle. Turn left at the roundabout with King Harold's sculpture and when you see the gate house of Battle Abbey turn right. We are right next to it.

Nearest Town

Battle

Nearest Motorway & Junction

A21

Nearest Train Station

Battle Train Station

Nearest Airport

Gatwick

Show all travel details

Follow This Supplier On

Gallery

Explore more photos and videos for this venue

FAQs

Find out a bit more from our FAQs

What makes The Pilgrims Rest a unique wedding venue in East Sussex?

The Pilgrims Rest is a 600-year-old Wealden Hall House located in the medieval town of Battle, East Sussex. It offers an authentic historic setting with features like huge inglenook fireplaces, ancient beams, linenfold doors, oak floors, and even ancient witch’s marks. This unique heritage creates a magical atmosphere perfect for memorable weddings.

Can The Pilgrims Rest accommodate both small and larger wedding parties?

Yes, The Pilgrims Rest is suitable for a range of wedding sizes, from intimate small weddings to larger gatherings. The exclusive use of the venue ensures a tailored experience to fit your party size while maintaining the historic charm.

Are there any hidden fees or restrictions on suppliers at The Pilgrims Rest?

No, The Pilgrims Rest prides itself on transparency with no hidden extras or corkage charges. Moreover, there are no fixed suppliers, giving couples the freedom to choose their preferred vendors or opt for a DIY wedding approach.

Is The Pilgrims Rest wedding venue available year-round?

Absolutely. The venue is perfect for weddings throughout the year. During warmer months, guests can enjoy the pretty cottage gardens, while in cooler months, the venue’s inglenook fireplaces and candlelit ambiance create a cozy and magical atmosphere.

Does The Pilgrims Rest require extensive decoration and styling for weddings?

No extensive styling is necessary. The venue is professionally designed and styled to look beautiful with minimal decoration. Couples are welcome to add their personal touches, but the historic and elegant backdrop requires little additional décor.

What historical features can guests expect to see at The Pilgrims Rest?

Guests can admire numerous historic features including:

Huge inglenook fireplaces
Ancient timber beams
Linenfold carved doors
Oak flooring
Ancient witch's marks intended to ward off evil spirits
A secret tunnel beneath the Abbey walls

Is catering provided by The Pilgrims Rest or can couples arrange their own?

The venue offers flexible options: couples can choose a fully catered wedding, a DIY approach, or anything in between. This flexibility allows you to tailor your wedding experience and budget accordingly.

How does The Pilgrims Rest support couples in planning their wedding day?

The venue is managed by a friendly and professional team dedicated to guiding you through the planning process and providing full support on the wedding day to ensure everything runs seamlessly.

What kind of atmosphere can couples and guests expect at The Pilgrims Rest?

The Pilgrims Rest perfectly combines beauty with a relaxed, affordable yet aspirational environment. Its historic soul and grand old-world charm create a truly magical setting filled with warmth, joy, and celebration.

Where is The Pilgrims Rest located and what makes the location special?

The Pilgrims Rest is situated in Battle, East Sussex (postcode TN33 0AE), right in the heart of 1066 country. This medieval town setting adds historical significance, enriching your wedding experience with cultural heritage and unique charm.

Press & Awards

All our awards & press mentions

Wedding Venues East Sussex

Wedding Venues Battle

We think you’ll love