What a lovely venue and an even more brilliant day. A bit of Autumnal northern beauty for the blog this time.
I knew Carly from a previous wedding where she was bridesmaids for her bestie. It was great to hear, therefore, that she wanted to book me for her wedding too.
I arrived to find Carly and her ladies already having a great time in the prep room together. Hair and makeup was well underway and the tunes and giggles were setting the vibe of the day.
The outdoor ceremony area at Hackness is one to die for. What a setting! In the middle of a small lake, surrounded by trees and i the heart of a Yorkshire valley. Happily we had the weather on our side today too!
Once the dress was on, we were ready for action. Carly and her ladies met with the groomsmen and we made our way towards the ceremony island. Tears of happiness and smiles galore soon followed.
Ceremony over, it was time for the confetti run and the Prosecco to be handed out to very welcoming hands. An hours relaxing with friends and dinner was called with several emotional and fun speeches had before guests tucked into their food.
Once the first dance was done, the night turned into exactly what I expected it to. A dance floor that was never empty with Carly on her feet all night long partying the night away with her new hubby.
Suppliers:
Venue: Hackness Grange
Dress: Sammie Lou Bridal
Suits: Thorburns 1889
Hair: Anna Green Bridal Hair
MUA: Ellie Fenwick Makeup
Flowers/Decor: Gee Events Styling
Cake: Cake Box UK
DJ: Jonny Ross Music
Harpist: Ruby Paul Harpist
Hackness Grange: A Historic Estate and Idyllic Wedding Venue in Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Hackness Grange stands as one of Scarborough’s most enchanting wedding venues. Set within the picturesque Hackness valley and surrounded by rolling hills and ancient broadleaved woodland. Its story stretches back centuries, beginning when Queen Elizabeth I granted the manor of Hackness to Lord Essex. The estate later passed to Arthur Dakins Esq.. Then, upon his death, to his daughter Margaret, who married Sir Thomas Posthumous Hoby. Through this union, the property eventually came into the hands of Sir John Sydenham.
In 1796, Sir John sold the manor to Sir Richard Vanden Bempde Johnstone, Baronet. His son, Sir J. Johnstone, inherited the estate, and in time it descended to his grandson, Lord Derwent, who made Hackness Grange his residence.
Hackness Grange was originally built as the dower house for Hackness Hall in the early 19th century. Following a brief period as a country club, it became a hotel shortly after World War II, welcoming guests drawn to the tranquillity and beauty of its surroundings.
Today, Hackness Grange blends its rich heritage with modern elegance as part of The Gilchrist Collection. The estate offers a stunning setting for weddings, with both indoor and outdoor ceremony options, breathtaking grounds, and the timeless charm of a historic country house. Couples seeking a romantic Yorkshire venue will find Hackness Grange a truly unforgettable place to begin their new chapter together.
Scarborough & Yorkshire History
Today, Scarborough reflects many of the traits traditionally associated with Yorkshire itself, standing as both a product of the county’s long history and a symbol of its enduring character. Its story is one of resilience, shaped by centuries of conflict, reinvention, and cultural change. Scarborough has weathered Viking raids, medieval sieges and Civil War bombardments and modern tourism. This resilience mirrors that of broader Yorkshire communities. From the wool-weaving towns of West Yorkshire – such as Leeds, Halifax and Huddersfield – to the rugged agricultural villages of the Yorkshire Dales around Hawes, Reeth and Grassington, and the industrial heartlands of Sheffield and Rotherham in the south. Everywhere in the county, survival has demanded resourcefulness, pride, and a refusal to yield to hardship.
Scarborough’s traditions remain deeply embedded in its identity. The ancient Scarborough Castle, expanded by Henry II and later held by the notorious King John, still dominates the headland. Its fishing port is one of the oldest on the Yorkshire coast. Connecting Scarborough to other historic maritime centres such as Whitby, whose harbour once launched whaling ships and gave Captain James Cook his seafaring beginnings, and Bridlington, long known for its own coastal trade and monastic harbour. The town’s spa heritage, rooted in the 17th-century discovery of mineral waters by Elizabeth Farrow, placed Scarborough alongside other celebrated Yorkshire spa towns like Harrogate, whose sulphur springs drew aristocratic visitors throughout the Georgian and Victorian eras.
Like Yorkshire as a whole, Scarborough carries a proud sense of place shaped by its landscape and long memory. Standing at the edge of the North York Moors, Scarborough shares its horizon with the heather-clad uplands around Goathland, Grosmont and Helmsley. Lands that were once roamed by the medieval de Warenne and Neville families. Latterly crossed by the pioneering early railways of George Stephenson. To the west lie the historic centres of York – Eboracum of the Romans, capital of Viking Northumbria, and later the medieval powerhouse of the archbishops. Finally, Beverley, famed for its Minster and its role as a centre of trade and pilgrimage. All these places form part of the cultural orbit that has shaped Scarborough’s development over the centuries.
The sea remains the town’s most defining feature, carving both its cliffs and its history. The twin bays – North and South – have witnessed centuries of change. From medieval merchant ships unloading wool and grain to Victorian bathing machines lining the sands. Later the 20th-century chalets and theatres attracted families from across Yorkshire’s growing industrial cities. Visitors from Leeds, Bradford, York and Hull travelled by rail to holiday at the Grand Hotel or the Spa Complex. Helping to establish Scarborough as the first true English seaside resort. Even the 1914 naval bombardment, which shocked Britain as shells struck the town’s Grand Hotel and South Cliff, reflects Yorkshire’s long-standing exposure to the tides of national conflict.
Today, Scarborough stands as one of Yorkshire’s most iconic towns – a living meeting point of coastal heritage, Viking and medieval legacy, Victorian splendour, and modern reinvention. Its cliffs hold centuries of stories that connect it not only to the sea but to the broader, richly woven history of Yorkshire. Its kingdoms and abbeys, its wars and industries, its ports and moorlands, its cities and remote dales. In Scarborough, the wider story of Yorkshire can be felt in every cobbled lane, every crumbling battlement, and every stretch of sweeping shoreline where the county meets the open sea.
Days Out in Scarborough
Scarborough offers a brilliant mix of seaside charm, history, and family-friendly attractions. A great place to start is Scarborough Castle, which sits dramatically on the headland dividing the North and South Bays. Its 3,000 years of history combined with sweeping coastal views make it perfect for anyone who enjoys exploring heritage sites. Not far away, Peasholm Park provides a calmer experience with its oriental-inspired design, tranquil lake, and wooded pathways. In summer, the famous naval battle re-enactments on the lake add a quirky touch to a leisurely visit.
For wildlife lovers, the Sea Life Sanctuary on the North Bay is an enjoyable stop, offering the chance to see seals, otters, and penguins. The North Bay itself is quieter and ideal for scenic walks or relaxed beach time. The busier South Bay, however, is classic British seaside at its best – with arcades, fish-and-chips shops, donkey rides, and the colourful harbour area. Culture-seekers can head to the Scarborough Spa for live performances or drop into the Rotunda Museum, one of the world’s oldest purpose-built museums, which showcases fascinating geological collections. If you want something livelier, Alpamare Waterpark offers large indoor and outdoor slides, wave pools, and thermal spas. Making it a fun option whatever the weather. Cayton Bay provides a beautiful stretch of sand popular with surfers, dog walkers, and those seeking some quieter beaches.
Days Out in Yorkshire (Wider Region)
Yorkshire is full of diverse places to explore, starting with the historic city of York. Here you can admire the breathtaking York Minster, wander through the medieval lanes of The Shambles, or visit the National Railway Museum. The Jorvik Viking Centre provides an immersive experience into Viking-age York, complete with reconstructed streets and lifelike scenes. Not far from York, Castle Howard is one of England’s most magnificent stately homes. Its ornate interiors, sweeping grounds, lakes, and woodland paths make it ideal for a full day of leisurely exploration. On the coast, Whitby is another favourite. Famous for its abbey perched high above the town, its atmospheric history linked to Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and its picturesque harbour filled with great spots for fish and chips.
If you prefer nature and outdoor adventure, Yorkshire has two breathtaking national parks. The North York Moors offers miles of heather moorland, heritage steam railways, and charming villages such as Goathland, famous from Heartbeat and Harry Potter. The Yorkshire Dales is equally stunning, with dramatic limestone formations like Malham Cove, beautiful waterfalls at Aysgarth and Ingleton, and idyllic rolling countryside. For forest adventures, Dalby Forest is ideal, featuring bike trails, quiet woodland walks, family play areas and a Go Ape. Wildlife enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Flamborough Head and Bempton Cliffs. Towering chalk cliffs host thousands of seabirds including puffins during the nesting season.
Families will find plenty to enjoy around the region. Flamingo Land near Malton combines theme park thrills with a large zoo, making it an exciting, full-day trip. Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster is another standout, with spacious habitats for lions, polar bears, giraffes, and more. For younger children, Eureka! in Halifax offers an entirely hands-on museum experience designed to make learning playful and fun. Food lovers are spoiled for choice as well. Seaside towns like Scarborough and Whitby serve some of the best fish and chips in the country. Malton, known as Yorkshire’s food capital, hosts excellent markets and artisan producers. Cheese fans can enjoy a trip to Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes, where cheese tastings make for a deliciously relaxed outing.
