What a Summer at the Meadows!

As the late summer sunshine bathes our fields, we thought we’d share what’s been happening at the Meadows at Polehanger during these last few incredible months!

Summer transformed our venue into a haven of vibrant wildflowers, joyful gatherings, special events, wildlife encounters and new developments. Whether you joined us for a recent stay, event or are planning a visit, this update will give you a taste of what we do at our unique venue, open throughout the year.

This June, we hosted another delightful Paint n Sip evening at the Barns at Polehanger. Attendees gathered on a warm, sunny evening to enjoy a creative painting session, guided by our local artist, Jess, while sipping their favourite drinks and soaking up the relaxed atmosphere. It was a wonderful opportunity to unwind, express yourself artistically, and take home your own masterpiece as a memory.

Our weekly “Yoga in the Gardens” sessions have quickly become a highlight for attendees. Every Sunday morning, participants gather on the soft grass, guided by our instructor Kelly, for peaceful movement in the open air, surrounded by the gentle sounds of nature.

We held a fantastic Wedding Networking Event mid June, bringing together local wedding suppliers to connect, and share their ideas. We talked about eco-friendly wedding themes, styled photo shoots and planned future collaborations—a productive day for all involved and so nice to meet so many like-minded people, all from the local area. We can’t wait to hold the next one!

In early July, we were thrilled to host our first Supper Club event at The Barns at Polehanger. Decorated with fairy lights, the Barns created a magical setting for an evening of relaxed social dining.

Guests enjoyed a delicious three-course meal crafted by private chef Gourmand Pierre, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients, such as a starter of whipped goats cheese with grilled watermelon, a main course of BBQ organic beef bavette with potato gratin and a dessert of dark chocolate delice.

July at Polehanger Farm celebrated life’s special moments with various gatherings and festivities. The Gardens saw the laughter and smiles of friends and family during a sun-dappled baby shower, a bright and colourful wedding in a petal pole marquee from funky monkey tents, and the Barns hosted a beautifully styled bridal shower. We were host to three truly memorable weddings this summer.

Our cosy cabins played host to not just one, but three unforgettable hen weekends, each filled with friendship, celebration, and a spirit of adventure. Meanwhile, the Farmhouse, with its rustic beams and cosy nooks, was the perfect backdrop for a heartwarming 65th birthday celebration, bringing together three generations to enjoy a week-long stay, that included a private dining experience and a flower arranging class.

Adding to the creative buzz of the month, we also welcomed Helene Phillips, a talented photographer for an interiors photo shoot to capture the unique charm and inviting atmosphere of our spaces.

The wildflower meadows burst into colour this June—cornflowers, poppies, and oxeye daisies attracting butterflies, bees and dragonflies. Throughout June and July, Andrew, our dedicated birdwatcher, observed an impressive 16 different types of birds in the meadows, highlighting the rich variety of wildlife our site supports. Keep an eye out for our resident pheasant, who struts confidently around the fields near the tree-lined driveway to greet visitors as they arrive.

We’ve had the pleasure of spotting a fox and a lone cub, and a barn owl is making itself known in one of our old barns.

This summer, we laid new paths through the wildflower meadows, ensuring easy access for guests to explore and access the cabins. A new outdoor seating area has also been created, perfect for a quiet lunch or a moment to take in the views between activities. The fire-pits also had an update with a wider area of gravel to help keep the grass from getting scorched!

We remain committed to sustainability. We always re-use the chlorine free water from our daily hot-tub clean out for garden irrigation, ensuring nothing is wasted and helping to keep the meadows green during this summer’s balmy weather.

There’s much more planned for the rest of summer and into early autumn — all accessible to the public via ticketed entry:

• September Paint n Sip: Join us on 14th September for our next artistic session in the barns—bring a bottle, some snacks and your favourite people!
• Autumn Photography Competition: Simply snap your best autumn landscape or wildlife photo during a stay, walk or event at Polehanger Farm and submit your favourite for a chance to win!

If you’d like to participate in any of our events or book a stay—please get in touch. We’d love to see you.