Fig House & Walled Gardens - Middleton Lodge Estate

A Detailed Venue Guide for 2024

Table of Contents

Venue Overview

The Middleton Lodge Estate is home to two enchanting wedding venues nestled on the border of the picturesque Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Parks. Middleton Lodge Estate is renowned for its captivating walled gardens and exceptional culinary offerings. The centrepiece of this historic estate is undoubtedly its stunning Fig House and Walled Gardens, a botanical paradise that provides an idyllic backdrop for weddings in all seasons. Lush greenery, vibrant blooms, and manicured lawns create a fairy-tale setting for couples seeking a romantic and intimate atmosphere. Whether you envision exchanging vows beneath the canopy of an Indian Bean tree or celebrating your union in a charming garden pavilion, Middleton Lodge’s walled gardens offer a wealth of breathtaking options for your special day.

When it comes to culinary excellence, The Fig House takes wedding dining to the next level. Their dedicated team of chefs crafts bespoke menus that celebrate the finest seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. From elegant canapés to exquisite multi-course feasts, the culinary experience at the Fig House is a true gastronomic delight. Guests can savour the flavours of the region and indulge in dishes tailored to their preferences, making every meal a memorable part of the wedding celebration.

With its enchanting gardens and exceptional cuisine, Middleton Lodge Fig House & Walled Gardens sets the stage for a truly unforgettable wedding experience that combines natural beauty with culinary artistry.

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Key Information:

Staff & Facilities
Excellent 100%
Food & Drinks
Excellent 100%
Atmosphere
Excellent 100%
Photo Opportunities
Excellent 100%

The Bedrooms

For your guests, There are 36 bedrooms scattered throughout the Middleton Lodge Estate; each having been gently brought back to life with characterful yet contemporary interiors.

All Walled Gardens weddings must occupy a minimum of ten bedrooms which include two Potting Shed comfy rooms, a Head Gardener’s Cottage (honeymoon suite), three Hot Tub Comfy rooms and four Shepherd’s Huts. Bedroom Rates are not included in hire charges and must be paid for individually by your overnight wedding guests. All bedrooms include breakfast.

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The Outdoor Ceremony Area

The Fig House Walled Gardens provide an idyllic setting for an outdoor wedding ceremony that feels nothing short of magical. The meticulously maintained gardens serve as a breathtaking backdrop, bursting with vibrant blooms and lush greenery, which combine to create a picturesque canvas for your special day. In May and early summer, the air is filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze provides a soothing serenade, setting the stage for a wedding ceremony that feels like a fairytale come to life. It is by far my most favourite outdoor ceremony area in the entire North East of England.

To add to the ambiance, you could perhaps add a live acoustic musician or even a string quartet for your wedding ceremony. Some of the best musicians in the industry are available to hire for weddings. I’d recommend checking out popular acoustic guitarists like John Paul Gatenby, Andy UsherJessica Avison and Glen Roughhead.

Ceremony times at The Fig House are usually around 1:30 pm

The Fig House Walled Garden has a maximum capacity of 120 seated guests.

Confetti is allowed in the walled gardens after your wedding ceremony. It often takes place as you walk up the aisle as husband and wife. This makes for excellent photo opportunities.

PRO TIP:

Before confirming your wedding date with Middleton Lodge. It’s work making sure the Registrar also have your preferred date and ceremony time available.

Please contact North Yorkshire Registration Service, Monday to Friday 9.30 am to 4 pm
Email: ceremonies@northyorks.gov.uk
Tel: 01609 780780 (ask for the Ceremonies team)

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Featured Wedding Galleries

Rachel & Sam

Rachel & Sam

Rachel & Sam had a perfect wedding day at the enchanting Fig House & Walled Gardens.
Rachael & Phillip

Rachael & Phillip

Rachael & Phillip had a perfect wedding day at the enchanting Fig House & Walled Gardens.
Alice & Ross

Alice & Ross

Alice & Ross had a perfect wedding day at the enchanting Fig House & Walled Gardens.
Laura & Matthew

Laura & Matthew

A small preview of Laura & Matthew’s wonderful summer wedding at Middleton Lodge Fig House

Inside the Fig House

Inside the Fig House are large floor-to-ceiling doors that open up onto on to the patio with views over the surrounding gardens. The Fig House is where your Wedding Breakfast will take place along with your Speeches, First Dance and Party.

All chairs, crockery, cutlery, glassware, napkins and table number stands, are included at no extra charge on the day. Any additional decorations such as centrepieces, runners, placemats and favours would need to be sourced by yourself.

If you are planning on bringing your own decorations or hiring styling companies such as The Enchanted Florist, Sprig & Thistle and Coco Luminaire create your dream look.

Suppliers can all get access to the Fig House to begin setting up from 10 am on the morning of your wedding

Once you’ve finished your meal it takes around an hour or so to clear the tables and set up for the evening entertainment but you won’t see any of this as your guests will be enjoying more refreshments in the gardens or over in the main bar area.

Pro Tip: After your meal is a great time to sneak off for some quiet time together and get a few extra photographs with your wedding photographer.

Your DJ/Entertainment can get access to set up around 6:30 pm.

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main course at fig house middleton lodge

Mitchelin Recognized Menu

The Fig House at Middleton Lodge offers a luxurious and memorable dining experience for your wedding. It combines Michelin-level culinary expertise, estate-sourced ingredients, a wide range of dining options, and a thoughtfully curated beverage selection to create an unforgettable celebration of taste and tradition.

Canapés

Choose from a delightful array of canapés that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. From the indulgent Ox Cheek Croquette paired with zesty Mustard Mayonnaise to the comforting Pork Crackling complemented by an Apple and Sage Purée, there’s a perfect bite for every palate. For those craving fresh and vibrant flavours, the Walled Gardens Pea and Mint Gougère provides a burst of garden-fresh goodness, while the Celeriac Macaroon with Whipped Feta and Tarragon offers a unique blend of textures and tastes. Carnivores can savour the richness of Steak and Chips served with Béarnaise Sauce, while the Salted Baked Beetroot Tart with Raspberry Vinegar and Sorrel cater to those seeking a more earthy and tangy option. The Gardeners Cottage Pie, Feta Bites with Chimichurri, and Mac n Cheese with Chipotle Mayonnaise ensure that both vegetarians and meat lovers alike have plenty to choose from. And don’t forget to indulge your sweet tooth with the delightful Salmon Blini, Strawberry Cheesecake, and the beautifully balanced Lemon Meringue Tart with a hint of basil. Middleton Lodge’s diverse canapé selection promises a culinary journey that will leave guests tantalised and satisfied.

3-Course Wedding Breakfast

Michelin-recognised chefs craft an exquisite array of dishes to delight wedding guests. The starters range from the rich and indulgent Duck Terrine with Morello Ketchup and Toasted Brioche to the refreshing Cured Salmon adorned with Garden Flowers and Vanilla Oil Dressing. The mains offer a diverse palette of flavours, featuring options such as the succulent Lamb Rump with Courgettes and Feta, the aromatic Spiced Cauliflower with Pickled Raisins and Citrus Dressing, and the tender Duck Breast served with Roasted Baby Onions and Carrot Puree. For dessert, guests are treated to a sweet symphony, including the comforting Sticky Toffee Pudding with Honey Ice Cream and the elegant Bakewell Tart with White Chocolate Ice Cream and Raspberries. With a blend of innovative and classic dishes, Middleton Lodge’s culinary offerings ensure an unforgettable dining experience for wedding celebrations, catering to a variety of tastes and preferences.

Wine

The wine list at Middleton Lodge presents a thoughtfully curated selection that spans the globe, offering an impressive array of options to complement any dining experience. For white wine enthusiasts, choices like the aromatic Terre de Lumiere Viognier from France and the crisp Homer Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand stand out. The rosé selection includes classics such as the Chateau la Tour de l’ Eveque from Cotes de Provence, while the red wine offerings feature diverse varietals like the bold Neropasso from Italy and the elegant Ruca Malen Malbec from Argentina. The Champagne and sparkling wines include renowned names like Tattinger and Bollinger, ensuring that celebratory moments are accompanied by the finest bubbles. With options to suit every palate, Middleton Lodge’s wine list enhances the dining experience with quality and variety.

Cocktails

The cocktail list at Middleton Lodge offers a delightful range of libations to suit every palate. For those seeking a classic and refreshing choice, the Original Pimm’s with assorted fruits is a perfect summertime option. The Moscow Mule delivers a zesty kick with its blend of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice, while the Bramble adds a touch of sophistication with gin, Crème De Cassis, and lemon juice. The Seasonal Mojito combines Bacardi with fresh mint and lime, creating a vibrant and revitalizing drink. The Garden cocktail, with Hendricks Gin and cucumber liquor, offers a crisp and botanical-infused taste. The non-alcoholic selection is equally enticing, with options like the Bramble and Lavender Fizz providing a burst of flavours without the alcohol. Middleton Lodge’s cocktail list ensures that guests can toast to any occasion with a diverse range of expertly crafted drinks.

Street Food

These street food options at the Fig House are not only delicious but also offer variety and creativity, making them perfect choices to delight wedding guests and enhance the overall dining experience. The Truffle Mac n Cheese is a vegetarian crowd-pleaser, combining classic comfort with gourmet flair through the addition of rich truffle flavour. The Charred Hot Dog stands out with its unique toppings like aubergine relish and crispy onions, offering a sweet, savoury, and crunchy blend. The Spiced Crispy Chicken Wings elevate this favourite finger food with a crispy coating, smoked chipotle mayo, salted vegetables, and toasted seeds for a dynamic mix of flavours and textures. These dishes cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences, making them perfect choices for wedding guests seeking indulgent and satisfying options.

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A Sample Timeline for a Perfect Wedding Day at the Fig House

8:00 am - Hair & Makeup

My Pro Tip: Make sure you're one of the first to have your hair and makeup finished. Bridesmaids going first may seem like a good idea but if you happen to have a bad hair day you don't want to be last in the queue and feel like time is running out. Get done first and you can start the day off right. You can always have a touch-up if needed.

12:30 pm - Guests Arrive

If your wedding guests are not already staying at the venue. You should tell them to arrive at least 45 minutes before the wedding ceremony.

13:30 pm - Ceremony Starts

My Pro Ceremony Tip: When walking down the aisle try to keep a steady pace and keep your head up. Look around the room - breathe it all in enjoy the moment.

2:00 pm - Drinks Reception

For me, the Drinks Reception is one of the best and most exciting parts of the wedding day. You've just been married, everyone is so happy and there are so many people to see and speak to. My Pro Tip for the Drinks Reception is to give yourself at least 2-hours to enjoy it all before you sit down for your meal.

4:00 pm - The Speeches

Whilst the venue staff seat your guests for the Meal & Speeches, I'll whisk the two of you off for some beautiful photographs. You'll enter the room to a huge round of applause. My Pro Tip here is to go straight into the Speeches - You'll have the undivided attention of everybody in the room. If you have your speeches after the meal chances are it won't have the same atmosphere.

4:30 pm - The Wedding Breakfast

Get ready to be spoilt! The Fig House has some of the finest wedding food available in the whole of the North East. My Pro Tip - Make sure you eat something. When you get married your adrenaline will be through the off and will stay like that for days. One huge regret I had from my own wedding was that I didn't really eat any of the amazing food I'd paid so much money for!

6:30 pm - Tea & Coffee

Once the Meal is over this can be a perfect time to have a little breather and spend some time together. Chances are that you've not even had much of a chance to talk to each other for most of the day. 7 pm is usually an amazing time of day for photographs as the sun starts to set in the sky. I'm always up for taking a little walk in the gardens and capturing some gorgeous photos of you two from a distance while you have some alone time.

7:30 pm - Evening Guests Arrive

The max capacity at Charlton Hall is 200 so you have the opportunity to invite more guests in the evening. Just remember that if you do invite more people you'll need to accommodate them with food when the evening buffet starts later on.

7:45 pm - Cut The Cake

Once your evening guests have had a chance to mix in with everyone else its time to cut your cake. Pro Tip - Remember to eat a little bit! We went on our Honeymoon the next day and never had a single bite! Gutted!

8:00 pm - First Dance

Okay, for most couples first dances can often be a little awkward. While I'm no dance instructor - I've certainly got a few tips to help you get through it in style and if you don't feel up to being in the spotlight - plan a first dance song that everyone can get involved with!

8:30 pm - DJ/Band Starts

Immediately after the first dance you DJ or Band will usually get right underway. If you're looking for a top-class DJ I would highly recommend booking Bride & Groove. That's who I had at my wedding and they ALWAYS get the party going! You can tell them what your style of music is and they'll mix a full-on, nightclub-style DJ Set for you

9:00 pm - Evening Buffet

The Fig Housel offers an amazing array of individually portioned, street-food style food for your guests. Perfect for soaking up some of that alcohol and fuelling the rest of the party.

10:00 pm - The Party Continues

Need I say more? The photography has usually stopped at this point of the wedding day which means your guests can go crazy without there being any professional evidence of their wild antics.

12:00 am - Goodbye to Guests

Midnight is the time the wedding day ends and it's time to say goodbye to your guests but don't worry! I will have captured your day so you can relive it all soon enough!
Carn Patrick North East Wedding Photographer Portrait

My Personal Opinon

As a wedding photographer, capturing the essence of Middleton Lodge for my clients is an absolute delight. This exquisite venue boasts two standout features that make it a dream location for any wedding day.

First and foremost, the magnificent walled gardens are a photographer’s paradise. These meticulously landscaped gardens provide an enchanting backdrop for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and, of course, stunning photographs. The lush greenery, vibrant blooms, and meandering pathways create a whimsical and romantic atmosphere that effortlessly enhances the visual storytelling of the day. Whether capturing candid moments or posed portraits, the gardens at Middleton Lodge offer an array of enchanting settings that yield timeless and captivating images.

Furthermore, the dedicated team at Middleton Lodge provides impeccable service, personalized to each couple’s vision, leaving no detail unattended. The venue’s commitment to excellence extends to its Michelin-recognized culinary offerings, ensuring that every wedding is a gastronomic delight. From the charming outdoor ceremony spaces to the elegant reception rooms, Middleton Lodge seamlessly combines natural beauty, culinary mastery, and impeccable service to create unforgettable moments. This is where dreams become reality, making Middleton Lodge the most coveted and cherished wedding venue in the North of England.

My advice to all couples would be to call Middleton Lodge and request a personal viewing of the wedding venue. You’ll only ever get married once so make sure you choose a wedding venue that speaks to your heart.

Venue Contact Details

Address: Middleton Lodge, Kneeton Lane, Middleton Tyas, Richmond, North Yorkshire, DL10 6NJ

Telephone: 01325 377 977

Email: info@middletonlodge.co.uk

Website: www.middletonlodge.co.uk

Looking for a friendly and chilled wedding photographer who will mix well with your guests?

I capture the day exactly how it happens whilst giving my brides gorgeous and natural photos.

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