Two weeks ago, myself and MC were invited to spend the night at the very popular and so beautiful Midlands venue, Crystal Barn. Set in the beautiful Fort Nottingham hills and forest, this venue houses unique accommodation for any getaway: couples, families and even a girls weekend, a beautiful old barn as a wedding venue, overlooking the picturesque Rowe dam and a unique restaurant with the most delicious menu.

I haven’t had the chance to attend a wedding at this unforgettable venue but I am often left drooling over the wedding photos set in the dark and mysterious forest and then guests enjoying a gin bar and hitting golf balls into the dam, and a ladies bathroom that is beyond Insta-worthy.

But what I didn’t know until recently is that Crystal Barn also caters for couples, families and friends spending a weekend getaway or night in the Midlands and has the most beautiful accommodation and restaurant as well as a kids playground, bunnies hopping through the property, and clay pigeon shooting for everyone to enjoy. And they will go to the moon and back to set up the most beautiful setting for your special event: birthday, smart dinner or proposal.

As a select group, we were treated to all that Crystal Barn has to offer and I was blown away. I cannot wait to go back…

Indulgent Getaway

I arrived at Crystal Barn just after lunchtime – unfortunately I was alone as MC had to be in the office. Although a quiet and peaceful night away is any mama’s dream and I enjoyed the time to myself. I was checked in by the friendliest faces: Sbu and Gabs with a glass of champers and shown to my room which had the most beautiful view of the dam. I unpacked and settled in, then met the rest of the group to head down to the wedding venue. Here, we were treated to a gin bar and harvest table under the trees and attempted to sink golf balls into a very small green on the dam.

After a glorious afternoon in the sun, we had a few hours to chill, nap and catch up with friends, before meeting back in the bar called The Legless (which we found hysterical!) for evening drinks and canapés. We got to mingle together, sip on G&T’s and snack on the most delicious canapés, before heading to dinner.

We could never imagine the dinner set up that awaited us… It was like walking into a fairytale, glittering lights and under the stars, and the most beautiful table setting and blooms. Not only was the setting magical but we were treated to a five course, wine pairing dinner menu from their new and incredibly talented chef. Our menu included: a saffron, trout and cream cheese macaron, white fish with vodka, chilli and lime marinated oranges, crispy pork belly with sweet potato puree and crackling, beef fillet with beetroot mash and black cherry jus and a chocolate ganache tartlet with oreo crumble and white chocolate mousse for dessert. Absolute heaven…

After all that deliciousness, I rolled to my room to find it warm and cosy, and hot water bottles under my duvet. I climbed into bed for a peaceful and full nights sleep. The morning brought a beautiful view of the glistening dam and a complimentary hot cup of tea and rusks in bed, and then the most delicious breakfast under the trees, before heading home – relaxed and rejuvenated and checking the calendar when to book our next visit to Crystal Barn.

Thank you to the Crystal Barn team, Nicola Ashe and our hosts for the most incredible night away full of indulgence and spoils. It really was a treat, and we cannot wait to be back.

For bookings and more of their magical venue , you can follow:

Crystal Barn Website

Crystal Barn Instagram

Have you been to Crystal Barn before or attended a wedding there?

And whose booking their next getaway?

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*All images by the talented Lar Photography