Business Details
38 Years
experience
Exclusive Wedding Venue in Cornwall | Polhawn Fort
Polhawn Fort, a historic wedding venue in Cornwall, has been exclusively hosting weddings and events for 29 years. Owned by the Wicksteed family since 1988, our Napoleonic Fort offers a unique blend of breathtaking coastal scenery and flexible event spaces. Our experienced team, including General Manager James and Client Visit Manager Ruth, ensures seamless celebrations tailored to each couple's vision.With 8 bedrooms accommodating up to 24 guests, licensed indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces, and full exclusive hire options, we combine family-owned warmth with professional expertise. The Fort's Grade I listed gardens, sound-healing sessions by Teresa Wicksteed, and 1867 architectural heritage create an unparalleled setting for milestone celebrations.
Services
Weddings
Events
Homestays
Wellness retreats
Accommodation
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- Family-owned venue with 29 years' experience in wedding management
- Exclusive hire of Grade I listed Napoleonic Fort with sea views
- 8 bedrooms accommodating 16-24 guests included in hire
- Licensed for civil ceremonies with flexible indoor/outdoor spaces
- Experienced team available for 24/7 event coordination
What people say
Breathtaking beauty
Helpful team
Stunning venue
Seamless celebrations
Unforgettable memories
Services
Weddings
Polhawn Fort offers exclusive wedding hire of its historic Napoleonic Fort with sea views. Licensed for civil ceremonies, the venue accommodates 100 guests across multiple spaces including the Grand Napoleonic Hall and cliffside Summerhouse. Full weekend packages include accommodation for 16-24 guests, tables/chairs for 100, and 24-hour event access. The team provides white drapes, fairy lights, and sound equipment while allowing complete styling freedom.
Events
The Fort hosts diverse events from corporate functions to milestone birthdays. Available midweek or weekends, the venue offers 8 bedrooms and spaces accommodating 30-100 guests. Includes kitchen facilities, AV equipment, and garden access. Recommended suppliers assist with marquees, catering, and decorations while maintaining the venue's heritage character.
Homestays
Self-catered stays available in select periods, sleeping 16-24 guests across 8 individually styled bedrooms. Features include Vispring mattresses, Egyptian cotton linen, and private bathrooms. Guests access full kitchen facilities, lounges, and gardens with flexible usage policies. Ideal for family reunions or special occasion stays with coastal views and local walking trails.
Accommodation
The Fort provides exclusive accommodation for wedding parties and visitors. Eight bedrooms feature super king/twin beds, en-suite bathrooms with Cornish toiletries, and sea views. Includes tea/coffee facilities, dressing gowns, and linen. Additional beds available for 8 guests. All rooms maintain historical character with vaulted ceilings and stone walls.
Wellness retreats
Wellness experiences combine coastal tranquility with professional sessions. Sound healing by Teresa Wicksteed, seaside meditation spaces, and partnerships with local practitioners offer rejuvenation opportunities. Guests enjoy wild swimming, coastal path walks, and optional sound bath sessions in the Fort's acoustically rich spaces.
People
John Wicksteed
Owner
Purchased Polhawn Fort in 1988, transforming it from a weekend retreat into a wedding venue. Oversees strategic direction while maintaining the Fort's heritage. Background in property renovation and event management.
Teresa Wicksteed
Owner
Fine Art graduate and sound healing practitioner. Manages artistic elements and wellness offerings. Graduated in Sound Healing and regularly hosts sessions at the Fort. Combines creative vision with operational oversight.
James
General Manager
Responsible for daily operations since 2022. Joined in 2002, progressing from maintenance to management. Coordinates weddings, events, and large-scale maintenance projects with technical expertise.
Rose Wicksteed
Marketing Consultant
Award-winning Casting Director advising on brand direction and interior design. Combines UK/Greece perspective to enhance the Fort's market positioning while maintaining family heritage values.
Ruth
Client Visit Manager
Manages viewing days and sales enquiries since 1998. Coordinates client interactions and registrar meetings. Provides continuity in customer service and venue presentation standards.
Questions
How do I book Polhawn Fort for my wedding?
Contact our team via phone or website to check availability. Viewings are available Fridays and Mondays 13:30-15:00. Secure your date with a deposit and insurance.
What accommodation options are available?
The Fort sleeps 16 guests across 8 bedrooms with optional extra beds for 8 more. Includes Vispring mattresses, en-suite facilities, and sea views.
Is the venue accessible for disabled guests?
Ramps provide wheelchair access to main areas. Three ground-floor ensuite rooms available. Garden access requires temporary ramps over two steps.
Can we have evening entertainment?
Full entertainment licence allows DJs, live bands, and paid bars. Sound levels monitored to comply with coastal location regulations.
What catering options exist?
Choose self-catering with our equipped kitchen or use our recommended local caterers. Dietary requirements accommodated with advance notice.
