Pendley Manor

Pendley Manor has roots dating back over a thousand years, with the name Pendley likely from the Anglo-Saxon Warrior, Penda, who was crowned the king within the woods, or lea. The manor predates the Norman Conquest of 1066, and William the Conqueror seized the land after the Conquest. He eventually granted it to his brother-in-law Robert, Count of Mortain, establishing the estate's feudal lineage.

By the 15th century, Pendley had evolved into a small community and estate under notable families, including the Whittingham family, led by Sir Robert Whittingham. Under Sir Robert's supervision, hundreds of acres were enclosed to serve as hunting grounds, and a manor house with cloistered courtyards was built. The manor was passed onto John Verney, who married Sir Robert's Daughter, and their family resided in the manor for 150 years.

During the Industrial Revolution, the nearby construction of the London and Birmingham Railway made the current owners, the Harcourt family, abandon the manor. In 1835, the manor burned down, and it wasn't until 1872 when landowner and mill owner Joseph Grout Williams acquired the site and commissioned a new manor house. The Williams family owned and occupied the manor from 1875 until 1983.

Its last private owner, Dorian Williams, broadened its purpose beyond a family home. Dorian turned Pendley Manor into a center for adult education and the arts, and founded the Pendley Open Air Shakespeare Festival, an annual event that continues to be staged in the manor’s grounds today.

After remaining in private hands until the early 1980s, the property was sold to a property company in 1983. Later on, Pendley Manor was restored and reopened as a country house hotel, combining historical charm with modern facilities such as conference suites, and later spa and leisure amenities.

Pendley Manor proudly hails as a Grade II-listed building, making it a notable example of Victorian Neo-Jacobean architecture. Find history preserved in the stained glass windows, hand-painted hearth tiles, and its stunning red-brick exterior. Although a fire burned down most of the manor, it was meticulously rebuilt and was given a new look by architect Walter F.K. Ryan. Other architectural highlights of the manor include its ogee lead roof, half-timbered top floor, and Jacobean-style Ionic pilasters.

Inside, feel as if you've been transported to a different era while being in the present. Wood-panelled rooms, decorative ceilings, and patterned wallpaper blend seamlessly within the function and conference rooms. Meanwhile, large windows bringing in natural light balance the dark wooden furniture of the dining areas, creating a bright yet elegant space.

This balance of sophistication and warmth extends into the rooms and suites, with colorful patterned wallpaper, plush beds, and modern comforts like air conditioning, WiFi, and luxury toiletries.

The Oak Restaurant

Pendley Manor prides itself on The Oak Restaurant, recognized as one of the best restaurants in Hertfordshire, with two AA Rosettes, a high distinction in England's culinary space. The Head Chef and culinary team focus on British cuisine using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Its setting is as pleasing as its menu, with high ceilings and large windows that make every meal memorable.

Opening Hours:
Breakfast: 7:00 am to 9:30 am (Monday to Friday); 7:00 am to 10:30 am (Saturday); 8:00 am to 10:30 am (Sunday)
Lunch: 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm (Monday to Sunday); last orders: 2:00 pm
Dinner: 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm (Monday to Sunday); last orders: 9:30 pm

Peacock Lounge

Enjoy afternoon tea with a side of freshly baked scones, finger sandwiches, cakes and pastries, and more at Peacock Lounge. Housed in a bright and dainty space overlooking the lawn, the lounge is perfect for relaxing and admiring the view. During the summer, you can dine alfresco on the terrace.

Opening Hours: 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm (daily)

Shakespeare Bar

Fresh from a full refurbishment, the Shakespeare Bar is the perfect place to sit back and relax after spending the day outdoors. Discover a curated list of wines, cocktails, and premium spirits, or have the bar staff recommend a drink for you. Leather seats, dark wooden furniture, and Shakespeare-themed decor add to the bar's appeal.

Opening Hours: 9:00 am to 10:00 pm (All-Day Dining)

Room Service

Enjoy all-day dining within the comforts of your room. Pendley Manor's room service dining is available 24 hours a day and is ideal for guests recovering from long journeys or those who want a quiet meal.

Summer Picnic

In summer, bask in the sun and feast on a curated basket of sandwiches, scones, charcuterie, champagne, and salads. This is perfect for couples or families looking for a fun activity without having to leave the manor. If you'd like to avail the summer picnic basket, kindly inform the staff 48 hours in advance.

Pick-up hours: 10:30 am to 4:00 pm

Pendley Manor’s Victorian estate provides an impressive backdrop for weddings of all sizes. Couples can choose from historic indoor rooms to landscaped gardens and expansive suites — ideal for different scales and styles of celebrations. Aside from Western weddings, the manor also hosts Asian weddings, with an option to book the manor exclusively for privacy. Wedding venues at Pendley Manor range from intimate spaces that can host up to 50 guests to grand ballrooms for 250 guests.

To make your dream wedding a reality, a team of wedding specialists will work with you from planning to execution, and will help you with seating plans, decor, coordination, and more.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Within the manor's expansive grounds, guests can enjoy a plethora of activities. Take a dip in the pool or pamper yourself with a massage or manicure. The manor also has a state-of-the-art cardiovascular and resistance equipment at the gym, perfect for quick workouts. You can also check with the manor staff if they can arrange activities like archery, go-karting, golfing, and even hot air balloon trips. Other outdoor activities include walking and cycling routes to neighboring areas like Ashridge Estate, Wendover, and Tring reservoirs.

For guests with toddlers and kids, the manor offers family-friendly things to do like peacock feeding, outdoor games, and arts and crafts activities.

The holidays are a great time to stay at Pendley Manor. From workshops to themed meals, guests won't run out of fun activities to ring in Christmas and the New Year. Enjoy festive afternoon teas complete with mulled wine or champagne, then follow it up with a holiday lunch or dinner leading up to Christmas Eve. You can also join Pendley Manor's signature wreath-making workshop and bring a festive souvenir home.

On Christmas Day, indulge in a five-course lunch menu or a banquet with a live carving station, pizza and pasta station, and ice cream station. Feeling social? Join the traditional Christmas party night hosted at the manor and get your dancing shoes on and drink the night away.

After the excitement of Christmas Day, join the New Year's celebration with a feast and welcome the new year with breathtaking fireworks at midnight.

Aside from weddings, Pendley Manor also offers the perfect setting for meetings, conferences, and personal celebrations. For small meetings, go for the Elizabeth Room, which seats up to 8 guests, while the Charles Suite is ideal for 15 to 40 guests. If you're planning a large-scale event, the Harcourt Ballroom can accommodate 44 to 250 guests, making it a versatile event space.

Conference room rental packages include the use of the room, tea, coffee, biscuits, buffet lunch, complimentary WiFi, and use of office equipment like projectors and flip charts.