The barn and grounds
Weddings in a restored flint barn under the South Downs
Exclusive use of the barn, the patio and the lawn from Friday morning to Sunday morning, with our on-site manager alongside you throughout.
The barn
Haylands Barn is a traditional West Sussex flint barn that we restored in 2021. Inside are the original oak beams and flint walls, with dimmable downlights, overhead fairy lights and a mirror ball already in place, and power points around the walls so bands, bars and caterers can plug in where they need to.
The barn is handed over empty apart from the lighting, which is the point. Long trestles down the centre, round tables with chiavari chairs, a dance floor at one end, a stage for the band: the layout is yours. We have seen it dressed with hanging floral installations, wreaths on the flint, ribbons, candles and almost nothing at all.
The patio and the lawn
The large south-facing patio runs along the front of the barn and looks straight at the Downs. It has its own bar, soft furniture, benches and cushions, and a 5m x 5m high-top marquee, all included in your hire. Beyond it are two acres of lawn for drinks, games, photographs and, if you want it, a tipi, sailcloth tent or stretch tent.
To the north of the barn, out of sight of your guests, is the courtyard where caterers work from their covered prep tent with a 30kVA generator, and where supplier vehicles come and go.
Capacity
Up to about 200 guests
The barn seats up to 200 at rustic trestle tables, or around 150 with a large dance floor and band area. The exact number depends on your layout, so we will agree it with you as part of your planning. Guests park in the field beside the barn, and there is ramp access to the barn and patio.
Haylands works best for weddings of 80 to 200. Smaller weddings are welcome too, but the venue fee is the same whatever your numbers.
Your weekend
- Friday
- Build day. From 8am for your suppliers and build team, who leave by 5pm. Tents n' Events deliver the furniture, your florist dresses the room, your marquee goes up on the lawn.
- Saturday
- Your wedding. From 8am. Music and the bar finish at 11:30pm and guests leave by midnight.
- Sunday
- Collection. Cars, decorations and belongings collected by 11am.
Good to know
The honest version
Music inside the barn
We sit in a quiet village. Amplified music, live or recorded, plays inside the barn and finishes at 11:30pm. Low-level background music is fine on the patio.
No fireworks, sparklers or confetti
None of these, including biodegradable confetti, sky lanterns or fire pits. Candles are welcome in enclosed holders. Dried petals and bubbles make a good exit.
No overnight stays
There is no accommodation or camping on site. The White Horse in Graffham is a mile away, and Petworth and Midhurst have plenty of rooms. See where to stay.
Dogs
We are a working farm, so dogs are not allowed at the barn. Assistance dogs are always welcome.
Getting here
A half-mile private drive takes cars, event vehicles and minibuses. Coaches cannot get in, so book minibuses for guest transport and ask guests to pre-book taxis.
Who looks after you
Our on-site manager is around from Friday morning to Sunday morning to direct suppliers, answer questions and keep the day running.
The full house rules are in our terms and conditions of hire, and the most common questions are answered in the FAQs.
Three ways to use the space
Dry hire: any caterer, your own bar
What dry hire means at Haylands, what the fee covers and how the open-book costs work.
Dry hire explained
Ceremonies in the barn or outdoors
Approved for civil ceremonies, with a £300 ceremony fee and an outdoor option under the Downs.
Ceremonies
A blank canvas to style
What the barn looks like empty, what is already there, and what couples have done with it.
Styling the barnEnquiries open for 2027 and 2028
See it for yourself
Viewings run most weeks. Tell us your preferred month and guest numbers and we will come back with availability, the brochure and a date to visit.