Your Countryside Escape for Dining, Staying, and Celebrating.
Award-winning dining, exclusive weddings, and boutique stays in the heart of the Essex countryside.
Your Countryside Escape for Dining, Staying, and Celebrating.
Award-winning dining, exclusive weddings, and boutique stays in the heart of the Essex countryside.
Welcome to Downham Hall
Downham Hall is a family-run Georgian manor house nestled in the Essex countryside between Billericay and Wickford. Home to 2 AA Rosette awarded North Wing Restaurant, we offer breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as afternoon tea and private dining alongside weddings, events and luxury boutique hotel stays.
We’re delighted to have been recognised as Manor House and Boutique Hotel Wedding Venue of the Year at the Essex Wedding Awards 2026, and to have received TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award 2025, ranking our cosy North Wing restaurant amongst the top 10% worldwide based on customer experience. Our small team take pride in offering a bespoke service to make your time here special.
Award-Winning Weddings in the Heart of Essex
Downham Hall is an exclusive-use wedding venue dedicated to crafting a day that is uniquely yours. From your first preparations in your private bridal dressing room to your final dance, our dedicated wedding coordinator ensures every moment flows seamlessly.
- Ceremony Spaces: Exchange vows in our light-filled Orangery, the historic De Beauvoir Suite, or outdoors beside our historic moat overlooking rolling hills. For those looking for a church ceremony, neighbouring St Margaret’s church is just steps away.
- Grand Receptions: Celebrate your wedding breakfast in our luxury heated marquee, featuring draped ceilings, fully stocked bar and twinkling chandeliers.
- Bespoke Service: Whether you envision a traditional full-day celebration, a relaxed twilight wedding, or an intimate “micro” gathering, we tailor every detail to your vision.
Award-winning Dining at North Wing
Our 2 AA Rosette and TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awarded kitchen is the heart of the Hall. We focus on seasonal menus, using fresh ingredients sourced from local Essex farms and suppliers.
Afternoon Tea at Downham Hall
Afternoon tea here is a true tradition. Everything is prepared in-house by our talented pastry chef from the beautifully crafted cakes and delicate finger sandwiches to the warm, freshly baked scones served with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam.
- Full Afternoon Tea: From £36.50pp, available Monday to Saturday in our light and airy Orangery overlooking countryside views or our elegant De Beauvoir Suite. Children’s afternoon tea also available.
- Lighter Options: Perfect for a mid-week treat, we offer Tea & Cake for £8 or a traditional Cream Tea for £15.
Boutique Luxury Accommodation
Choose from five individually styled luxury boutique bedrooms, each with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Perfect if you’re attending a wedding or treating yourself a relaxing break away with a delicious meal.
Each of our five-star bedrooms feature a king or super-king bed, Nespresso machine, fast Wi-Fi, and optional breakfast the next morning.
Venue Hire for Parties & Celebrations
From baby showers, hen parties and proms to milestone birthdays and anniversaries, we love helping you celebrate your most important occasions. Our dedicated events planner can recommend trusted suppliers to add an activity or entertainment to your event.
- Versatile Spaces: Choose our intimate Orangery for up to 30 guests, the elegant De Beauvoir Suite for up to 45 guests, or our luxury heated marquee for grander celebrations of up to 110 seated guests.
- Private Dining: Perfect for when you want award-winning dining in the privacy of your own exclusive room.
A Tranquil Setting for Wakes & Memorials
We understand that planning a wake or celebration of life is a difficult time. We provide a calm, private and homely setting where you can gather with loved ones to share memories, and we’ll take care of all the details so you don’t have to worry about a thing. We can accommodate small groups or up to 200 guests.
- Dedicated Support: Our team is here to handle the arrangements with care, discretion, and understanding.
- Flexible Options: We offer a range of serene spaces and catering options, from simple buffets to traditional afternoon tea.
Corporate Events and Meetings
Swap the office for a professional setting that inspires focus and creative thinking. We can cater for groups from small meetings to corporate events and away-days for up to 200 people. We offer half-day and full-day packages with breakfast and working lunches.
- Connectivity: Located near Billericay and Wickford, we offer excellent links to London and the A12, with ample free parking on-site.
- Professional Facilities: High-speed Wi-Fi, in-room technology, and award-winning catering to keep your delegates fuelled.
What's On at Downham Hall
There is always a reason to visit our historic manor. We host a variety of special events throughout the year, including Murder Mystery nights, Ladies’ Nights, and seasonal workshops like wreath making.
- Murder Mystery Evenings
- Seasonal events such as Mother’s Day afternoon tea, pancake day, festive afternoon tea, Supper with Santa
- Ladies’ nights, pamper evenings, make-up master classes, wreath making
- Themed dining events
If you are looking to host a workshop at Downham Hall, please get in touch.
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GIFT VOUCHERS
Why not treat a loved one, friend or colleague to some time at Downham Hall. We have a range of vouchers available from Afternoon Teas to meals for two, and a dedicated site to browse and purchase them.