Your Guide to Holding the Party of a Lifetime at Rose Castle

Written by Rose Castle

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July 6, 2023

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Your Party Planning Checklist

If a big birthday or anniversary is coming up and you want to make a splash in beautiful surroundings, there’s nowhere better to do it than in Rose Castle. Perfect for weekend escapes, long lunches, daytime dos, or the grandest of gatherings, our exclusive use venue is a place where you can bring your favourite people together, a home away from home that offers a relaxed and elegant setting for unforgettable celebrations. Whether you're planning a family get together, a birthday party, or a wedding anniversary, Rose Castle has everything you need to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. In this article we will outline the ultimate party planning checklist, guaranteed to help you hold an incredible celebration in your very own castle in Cumbria.

Define Your Party Vision

Before diving into the logistics, take a moment to envision your ideal party. What atmosphere do you want to create? What is the theme or mood? Having a clear vision will help you make decisions about decorations, catering, and entertainment. Our friendly team knows a thing or two about party planning and can help bring your ideas to life. Throwing a birthday party for your spouse and want an outdoor cinema showing their favourite film? We can arrange that for you and your guests. With fast Wi-Fi and outdoor power connections, we can set up a cosy movie night complete with a fire pit, marshmallows and warm blankets.

Determine Your Guest List

Compile a guest list early on to get an estimate of the number of people you'll be accommodating. With acres of indoor and outdoor space to roam and the capacity to comfortably accommodate up to 120 people and 28 overnight guests, we will ensure that everyone feels at home.

The Perfect Venue for the Perfect Party

Finding the right venue is crucial to setting the stage for a memorable party. You will have to factor in location, capacity, ambiance, amenities and cost. Rose Castle ticks every box. Nestled on raised ground and overlooking the Lake District fells, native woodland, and the serene River Caldew, it's a hidden gem, a secret haven that is surprisingly easy to reach. Just a short 20-minute drive from the M6 and with major transport links nearby, the Castle offers convenience without compromising its tranquil atmosphere.

Step inside and be captivated by the six reception rooms, lovingly restored to combine classic style with modern luxury. From spacious dining rooms perfect for gathering around a table to cosy libraries that invite you to curl up with a good book, Rose Castle offers an abundance of space to create unforgettable moments. Each room exudes understated elegance, seamlessly blending period features with thoughtful contemporary touches.

Set Your Budget

Determine your budget early on and allocate funds for different aspects of the party, including venue hire, decorations, catering, entertainment, and any additional services. Keeping a budget in mind will help you make informed decisions and avoid overspending.

Overnight Stay

If you and your guests are spending the night at Rose Castle, you’re in for a treat! We can offer guests a total of 13 en suite bedrooms that can be arranged either as super king size beds or twin beds. In addition, there are two single rooms located across the hall from a shared bathroom. The single rooms have adjoining doors to two of the larger bedrooms, providing exclusive space for families and guests with carers.

The bedrooms have been tastefully decorated in a classical style, each boasting its own unique charm. Ranging from majestic to quirky, there is a room to cater to the preferences of your guests. Enjoy stunning views, gentle lighting, high-quality linens, and luxurious toiletries. Wrap yourself in a cosy dressing gown and you’ll soon start to feel right at home.

Plan the Decorations

Once you've secured your date, it's time to plan the decorations. Think about the theme or colour scheme you want to incorporate. Consider elements such as table centrepieces, lighting, floral arrangements, and signage. With our expertise and intricate knowledge of Rose Castle’s spaces and grounds, your chosen party decor is guaranteed to wow.

Food and Drink

Food is the highlight of every party, and at Rose Castle you can have fun deciding between a sit-down dinner, a buffet, a cocktail-style reception, or something in-between! Our Head Chef will design a tantalising menu that reflects the tastes of your and your guests using locally sourced produce and fresh ingredients straight from our gardens.

Complementing our culinary offerings, we can also provide a wide selection of beverages, including premium wines, cocktails, craft beers, and refreshing non-alcoholic options, all available to purchase from our bar. Note that our chef can cater for all dietary requirements.

Organise Entertainment

Excellent entertainment adds sparkle to every occasion. Depending on your vision and budget, you can hire a DJ or live band, set up a dance floor in one of our grand State rooms, or organise interactive group activities, like kids entertainment, a casino, or karaoke. Make good use of our ‘hidden’ cocktail cabinet in the Nicholson Room, or curl up on the plush teal couches in our exquisite State Drawing Room with a glass of wine and indulge in a board game or two.

There’s plenty to keep you and your guests occupied at Rose Castle. As you explore our grounds, you'll quickly discover infinite potential for tranquillity, adventure, and, of course, photo opportunities. Wander through the enchanting orchard, marvel at the buzzing beehives, or gather around the inviting fire pit and gaze at the twinkling stars. Perhaps you and your guests would enjoy a fun castle treasure hunt, followed by a leisurely stroll along the grassy parapet, sipping a drink as you watch the sun bid farewell to the day? Pure bliss.

Create a Timeline

Develop a detailed timeline for the day of your event, including the setup, arrival of guests, and when each element of the party will take place. This will help you stay organised and ensure that everything runs according to plan. Then, once you and your party are snugly settled into Rose Castle, the adventure begins. Picture a cosy evening by the fire or playing croquet on the lush green lawn. Feast on a banquet fit for a Bishop or savour a delightful BBQ under the sparkling stars. You can snuggle up in an armchair or dance into the night. At Rose Castle, the possibilities are endless and our team will be on hand to help whenever you need it.

Send Out Invitations

Once all the details are in place, it's time to invite your guests. Send out invitations well in advance, providing all the essential details such as the date, time, location, and any special instructions or dress code. We can furnish you with information on parking, accessibility, amenities, and general guidance.

Your Party, Your Castle

Your big day has arrived! At Rose Castle, we understand that this is your space and your time to host your guests exactly as you envision. With a history of hosting events for over 800 years, our hospitality is rooted in the ancient principles of serving the honoured guest.

We are here to help you become the ultimate host, creating magical memories that will be cherished for years to come. Rose Castle is truly your castle, and our people are here to ensure that your experience is nothing short of extraordinary.

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Planning a party in a private venue can be an exciting endeavour, and with this checklist in hand, you're well on your way to hosting a memorable event. From shaping your party vision, organising decorations, catering, and entertainment, following these steps will help you stay organised and create an unforgettable experience for your guests. So, roll up your sleeves, get ready to party, and let the planning begin!