Horsebridge Station Weddings Your Wedding Reception at Horsebridge Station Horsebridge Station is an unusual and romantic setting deep in the Hampshire countryside that will make your special day so much more memorable. The venue has a charming atmosphere evoked by a bygone age lovingly preserved in this secluded corner of the Test Valley. You and your guests will remember your happy day here for a long time to come. Venue This faithfully restored Victorian Railway Station offers a personal approach to entertaining, in one of the most exclusive and unusual venues to be found in the South of England. Set in two acres of secluded grounds, incorporating beautifully laid out gardens, the station offers stunning views of the river Test and surrounding water meadows. Facing west, the station is in full sunlight, and for those who may like a stroll after dinner, it is a delight to wander around the gardens and see the 1922 London & South Western Railway carriage, signal box, signals, and all the railway memorabilia that have been collected over the years. With not a house in sight, and completely off the road, you can enjoy the privacy that the station offers, with wonderful panoramic views of the water meadows and River Test. There is ample car parking and we can provide a list of recommended hotels and guests houses in the area. Click here to take the quick tour. Venue Tour Horsebridge Station is a truly unique setting, the ideal choice for those who seek something out of the ordinary. Enquirers who visit (by appointment only) will take away their own DVD to share with relatives and partners so that everyone can get a taste of how wonderful your wedding could be. Click on the images to see an enlarged view and take a short tour around Horsebridge Station. Click the History link for the story of Horsebriedge Station through the ages. You can call Val Charrington to make an appointment on 01794 388071 or email val@horsebridgestation.co.uk History The History of Horsebridge Station London and South Western Railway - THE SPRAT AND WINKLE LINE The curious nickname of Sprat and Winkle Line (or sometimes The Parsons and Prawns!) has always been applied to that portion of the London and South Western railway running between Andover and Redbridge, in Hampshire. The Andover and Redbridge canal, that formed the nucleus of the present railway line, was constructed as far back as 1792 or, at any rate several miles were then in operation. For many years this old waterway was used to considerable advantage by the towns and villages which it served, until the railway mania began to disturb the minds of local financiers and landowners. It was decided to convert the canal into a railway with the idea of shortening the distance between Andover and Southampton. In 1857 the canal company changed its name to the Andover Canal & Railway Company. On 28th September 1859, the first sod was cut by the Rt. Hon. Lord Palmerston K.G. and the Andover and Redbridge Railway was opened for traffic on March 6th 1865. It was a single line with crossing loops at the stations for trains to pass one another, when necessary. Passenger trains took about 90 minutes for a 28 mile journey. It performed sterling service during the 1st and 2nd World Wars, carrying troops from Salisbury Plain for embarkation to France via Southampton. The district between Andover and Redbridge was purely agricultural, but being in the valley of the river Test, noted for its famous trout fishing. There was a large amount of passenger traffic during the season, and Stockbridge, with its numerous racing stables, added its quota in the way of conveyance of race horses to and from the various meetings. First opened in 1865, Horsebridge was an unusually large station with sidings taking up what is now the paddock and Test Way Car Park, with The Railway Inn (now the John of Gaunt) the local hostelry. Horsebridge operated as a very busy country station until closed in 1965 as a consequence of swingeing economy measures invoked by the Chairman of the British Railways Board, Dr. Beeching. Left to become derelict for 20 years, it was bought by its present owners, Tony and Val Charrington in 1985, and restored to create its present charming and nostalgic atmosphere. Marquee The luxurious Marquee can be arranged in a number of options to create the ideal atmosphere for any size of event. Up to 100 guests can be accommodated in comfort. Click on the pictures in the gallery to see some of the exciting possibilities. Dressing the Marquee is entirely under your control. We can advise on excellent local florists and caterers, experienced in getting the best out of this delightful setting. For information on caterers, photographers, magicians, transport services and much more - please click the services menu item above. Click on the blue button to share the experience of one of our clients receptions at Horsebridge Station. Call Val on 01794 388071 to discuss the decor for your wedding. A fairy tale wedding. Pictures by courtesy of one of our happy clients Services There are many high quality service providers available locally. Many are small family businesses and give excellent personal service. We are happy to make recommendations for most services. If you do not see what you are looking for here then do please call to discuss with Val. Tel: 01794 388071 or email: val@horsebridgestation.co.uk Horsebridge Station is happy to provide details of services as follows: Photography and videography Churches and registry offices Places to stay locally Carriages Catering Flowers Licensed bars Wedding cakes Tables and chairs Music and dancing Please speak to Val to discuss your needs. Location Horsebridge Station is located in the Test Valley between the towns of Stockbridge and Romsey. London 74 miles (1 hour by train from Winchester) Winchester 14 miles Salisbury 16 miles Romsey 6 miles The entrance to Horsebridge Station is directly opposite the John of Gaunt Pub, down a gravel drive. Drive to the bottom where you come into the station car park. Booking The best way to make your choice is to come and see Horsebridge Station for yourself. There is simply no other location quite like it. There are still some dates available for 2009 so do please call Val Charrington to make an appointment on 01794 388071 or email Val at val@horsebridgestation.co.uk www.horsebridgestation.co.uk Prices start from as little as £3,500 with no added VAT making Horsebridge Station excellent value too. |
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