The Shire Retreat, Wedding Hire

About Venue

The Shire is a wellness-led events and offsite venue set within 150 acres of parkland, lakes, and woodland in the Northamptonshire countryside. Just an hour from London Euston, and equidistant from Milton Keynes and Northampton, it offers a true sense of escape without the travel.

We host company offsites, leadership retreats, workshops, strategy sessions, private dinners, and product events. Our spaces are recently restored and thoughtfully designed, ranging from a large open event room with a walled garden and terrace, to a boardroom set within a Georgian farmhouse, alongside multiple outdoor gathering spots.

What sets The Shire apart is our blend of workspace and wellness. Guests have access to our wild sauna and cold plunge, swimming lake, yoga studio, tennis court, miles of walking trails, and a nature-rich landscape designed for slowing down and reconnecting.

We work with a trusted network of wellness practitioners offering yoga, breathwork, meditation, and sound bath sessions, which can be integrated into your schedule. Catering is available through our on-site café, with menus focused on nourishing, seasonal food.

We host one group per day, ensuring privacy, space, and a relaxed pace. If you’re looking for somewhere that feels personal, grounded, and beautifully unique, we’d love to welcome you to The Shire.

About The Shire

The Shire is a wedding venue set within 150 acres of lakes, parkland and carefully restored farm buildings on the Buckinghamshire–Northamptonshire border, close to Milton Keynes, Northampton and only an hour from London.

Family-owned and gradually rewilded over the past 30 years, this secluded estate offers a serene backdrop where nature and understated elegance combine to create a truly memorable setting for your wedding day. The estate can be a blank canvas for your perfect day, whether you want to add fireworks, weave in wellness activities, or even have a weekend long wedding.

Facilities and Capacity

The Shire's restored farmhouse and beautiful walled garden offer a versatile space for wedding receptions. The indoor event space accommodates up to 120 seated guests or 200 standing, while the gardens and terraces provide outdoor options with fire pit, outdoor seating and lake views. Couples enjoy exclusive use of the venue across the weekend, ensuring time for set-up and pack down.

The estate also features a wild swimming lake, sauna and cold plunge, tennis court and 150 acres of meadows and woodlands, which you can weave into your weekend.

Wedding Bookings

The Shire hosts a limited number of weddings each year, with each one personally tailored to each couple's vision. Through their trusted partners, you can organise catering, florals and décor, to live music, photography, and marquee hire. The family team behind The Shire is your dedicated point of contact from first enquiry through to the special day, ensuring that every detail is thoughtfully looked after.

The Shire Retreats and Events is a stunning wedding venue nestled in Towcester, Northamptonshire.