With the Sisters of the Holy Paraclete being in residence for over 100 years, the astounding Castle, Priory & Chapel stands in one of the most iconic buildings in the area. One of the most spectacular features is the unbelievable Norman-Style Chapel which is fully licensed for all ceremonies. Having admired the craftsmanship and architecture from our previous neighbouring celebration venue, The Stables at Crossbutts, it was the most natural of progressions and simply an opportunity that could not be missed when it came on the market.

The next chapter begins for Sneaton Castle, may you make your own history with us.

Unfortunately, not all the past has been quite so nice. In April 2001, our home Cross Butts farm fell victim to the terrible scourge of the countryside foot and mouth.

Cross Butts was the home of a herd of Holstein Pedigree Cattle. These were milked three times a day, every day with each cow averaging 11,000kg and the heifer 10,000kg of milk each. We had 51 excellent cows to the highest grade the Holstein Association can give when we lost them. We used embryo transplants for a number of years and sold individual animals to almost every County in the UK & Ireland and had twice exceeded £10,000gns for individual animals in public auction. These standards needed extreme dedication and attention to detail over the years.

“When foot and mouth came, it was a massive shock. I lost my entire career, and I had an empty farm - I couldn't handle it. If you think back to 20 years ago and what happened to farmers, it was hard for everyone.”

"Quite a few around here have diversified - although that's not a word I like, as I think the industry should have been looked after better. But we are lucky with our location, and we saw opportunities where we found our way around it”

In August 2003 we were granted planning permission to rebuild in the old stable and the adjoining courtyard. The Farmhouse dated 1691 and the stables were thought to be older still. Many Generations ago Cross Butts had been a Coaching Inn and the road had originally been on the other side of the house. The re-build took 12 months and a team of locally selected tradesmen. Their attention to detail and marvelous craft is displayed for all to see. We tried our very best not to cut corners and have kept the original character throughout wherever possible and are extremely proud with the end result.

Our dream to make Cross Butts a happy place to be, once again, is now complete. Fast forward to 2018, never in our wildest imagination did we believe that one day we would have the opportunity to purchase Sneaton Castle and Priory….

The greatest pleasure of all is that we have continued and strengthened our friendship with the sisters. They understand and appreciate all that we are doing. We are also very aware of the life they lived and in many small ways we are maintaining the character and history of the building so that they will not be forgotten. This is very important to us.

“The castle is now a bustling venue for weddings, and celebrations and it is an amazing weekend getaway for couples and families. We offer dining experiences for our hotel guests as well as accepting bookings in our newly refurbished ‘The Garden Room Bistro’, which includes an ever-changing menu to meet the seasonal delicacies surrounding the area.”

“Our dedicated and professional team, some of which have worked for our family for over 18 years, will extend a warm welcome to our guests and ensure that high standards of hospitality and attention to detail are met.”

“We offer services for Christenings, Birthday Parties, Wedding Anniversaries, Baby Showers, Weddings, Retirements, Fundraising Balls, and the list goes on…”

At the castle you can stay in one of our 15 rooms, you can choose from a Cosy Double, Superior Double, or one of our luxurious Castle Suites designed to make your stay unforgettable”.

Now that our celebration venue, accommodation & Bistro are complete, we really do hope you enjoy your time with us. The next chapter begins for Sneaton Castle, may you make your own history with us….