Frequently Asked Questions

When are you open to visitors?

We host a number of events throughout the year, including Spring Garden Open Days, Afternoon Teas in the Castle, Wedding Open Days, Summer Outdoor Theatres and our popular Carols in the Courtyard when non-resident visitors are welcome. Our Friends of Pentillie garden membership scheme also allows local visitors throughout the year. Outside of these dates, the estate remains closed to the public, to respect the privacy of our castle guests. For a full list of our upcoming events, please click here.

Are you dog-friendly?

Yes, we are very happy to welcome your four-legged friends onto the estate and there are some excellent walks throughout the woodlands to enjoy. Dogs are also welcomed into the castle, with three dog-friendly bedrooms (a small fee does apply). Please click here to read our full dog policy.

Is there disabled access?

There is plenty of parking in the castle courtyard providing easy access for those with limited mobility. The ground floor is completely disabled friendly (all doors are 3 feet wide), with a ground floor bedroom designed to accommodate a wheelchair user. There is, however, more limited accessibility in the gardens and on the terraces. Pentillie staff are available to guide or assist anyone in need of support. Our full accessibility statement, can be found here.

Do you have any electric car chargers?

We have 2 Tesla superchargers and 2 universal chargers available for guest use. A fee applies.

Can we hold an event at Pentillie?

Yes, we host events of all types. From residential retreats, wedding celebrations, stag and hen parties, and self-catered holidays, to group lunches, business meetings, baby showers and even wakes. We would love to discuss your plans, please do get in touch.

Has Pentillie been on TV before?

Well spotted, yes! We have had the privilege of being used as a filming location for various television programmes. Most commonly known; BBC One’s Beyond Paradise, Sky One’s Delicious, FFP Media’s Rosamunde Pilcher and Channel 4’s Country House Rescue. For a full list of our features, please click here.

Will you be offering Bed and Breakfast again?

Unfortunately, we do not have any plans to open our accommodation on a B&B basis again. However, there may be occasions where we do open up our bedrooms for a special night or two. (i.e. for Valentine’s or during our Outdoor Theatres). Please click here to register your interest or keep an eye on our ‘What’s On’ page.

Our private hire questions relate to all residential bookings, including stays, retreats, conferences and weddings. For additional wedding information, please refer to the extended queries below or view our wedding essentials page here.

What time is check in and check out?

The Castle is exclusively yours from 4pm on your arrival date and up to 10am on your departure date.

How many guests can you sleep?

The Castle can accommodate up to 22 guests across 11 luxury bedrooms, based on double occupancy. A number of the rooms can also accommodate pull-out beds or cots, allowing space for up to 4 additional children.

Do you have any family rooms?

Whilst we do not have adjoining family rooms, several of our bedrooms can accommodate additional children. The Dewhurst Suite and Victor Bedroom can each accommodate up to 2 cots or pull-out beds for children under 12, while the Spencer and Kitson bedrooms can each accommodate 1 additional cot or pull-out bed.

We are happy to advise on bedroom layouts and nearby room combinations that may work best for families with younger children.

Are there a minimum number of nights?

A minimum of 2 nights hire are required, or 4 nights if your stay is over the Christmas/New Year period and 7 nights throughout the summer holidays. Shorter stays may be available upon request, please contact us to discuss.

Is housekeeping included?

As all stays are on a self-catered basis, housekeeping is not included. However, this can be arranged for an additional cost.

Are there any catering options?

We are very happy to recommend a selection of local chefs, who regularly cater for our guests and pride themselves in excellent seasonal and locally sourced dishes. They can provide select meals of choice (i.e. a celebratory dinner) or fully-catered packages. We are happy to discuss additional caterers although a fee will apply to cover induction and checks. Our team can also arrange catering on your behalf, please get in touch to request.

Can we arrange a food delivery?

Yes. Food deliveries are welcome within your hire period, or shortly beforehand. There is plenty of storage space in the pantry and fridges/freezers. Waitrose, Morrisons, Sainsburys, Tesco and Asda all deliver to the estate. Waitrose, Lidl and Tesco are all within 5 miles of the estate for top-up shops during your stay. We are also happy to recommend several local suppliers, including butchers, veg growers and vineyards.

Do you have a BBQ?

We have a large gas BBQ with plenty of seating on the terrace. You can also find an outdoor fire pit for toasting marshmallows and gazing at the stars on the lower terrace by the summer house.

Can we use the swimming pool?

Yes, our outdoor pool is open to swim in from mid April until the end of September, and is included within all private hire stays. Throughout the winter months, the pool is available to use as a “cold plunge” following sauna sessions. As it is solar heated we cannot guarantee the temperature.

Can we use the sauna?

Yes, our sauna is open year round and is available to hire at £80 for a 1-2 hour session during your stay.

What can we do on the estate?

There is plenty to explore on the estate … 55 acres of woodland gardens can be tackled by foot or bike, you can swim (tide dependant) or take a SUP experience on the River Tamar, forage for wild edibles, team up for a garden trail quiz, book archery, clay pigeon shooting or wine tasting, or even take a cruise along the Tamar. Please click here for our full list of activities.

Can we invite additional guests to visit?

If you are looking to invite a couple of local friends to join you to catch up over tea and cake, we would be very happy for this to happen. Should you wish to host a larger affair with a number of additional guests requiring furniture movement and additional staffing or support, your booking would be classed as a “Party” and additional costs will incur. Please note, weddings are quoted separately.

What are your payment terms?

A non-refundable deposit (25% for private hire, £1,500 for weddings) is required to secure your booking. The remaining balance is then due 3 months prior to your stay. We also request a precautionary deposit of £1,000 payable 2 weeks prior, which will then be refunded less any damages within 14 days of your departure.

While every wedding at Pentillie is unique, our FAQs answer some of the questions we're asked most often. If you can't find what you're looking for, please get in touch with our experienced team or explore our Wedding Essentials page.

Can we book a viewing?

Absolutely. We'd love to show you around Pentillie and hear all about your plans.

To arrange a private viewing, please email weddings@pentillie.co.uk or call 01579 350044. We'll always do our best to find a time that works for you.

You can also visit our What's On page to see upcoming Wedding Showcases and Open Evenings.

What are your capacities?

Your signature wedding includes up to 60 daytime guests, with the option to invite up to 60 additional guests for your evening reception.

If you're planning a larger celebration, marquee weddings can accommodate up to 200 guests while still enjoying exclusive use of the Pentillie estate.

We also offer ceremony-only celebrations and intimate elopements for 2–6 guests.

Is there accommodation for guests?

Yes. If you choose to enhance your celebrations with an overnight stay, you'll enjoy exclusive use of the Castle's 11 luxury bedrooms, sleeping up to 22 adults and 4 children.

You can also add Quay Cottage, our charming riverside retreat sleeping up to four guests. Whether you choose to stay the night before, spend your first night as newlyweds there, or extend your celebrations, it's a wonderful way to enjoy even more time at Pentillie.

Accommodation is subject to availability, and we're always happy to recommend nearby places to stay for additional guests.

Can our guests book and pay for their bedrooms directly?

If you've added Castle accommodation to your wedding booking, you'll have exclusive use of all the bedrooms. This allows you to decide exactly who stays with you.

If your guests are contributing towards the cost of their accommodation, payment should be made directly to you rather than through Pentillie.

Can we choose our own suppliers?

Absolutely. Every wedding at Pentillie is different, and we encourage you to create a day that reflects you.

We're fortunate to work with a wonderful collection of talented suppliers who know Pentillie inside out and have first-hand experience working alongside our team. From florists and photographers to musicians and stylists, they're experts at making the most of our beautiful spaces.

If you already have suppliers in mind, we're always happy to welcome new faces. Alternative professional caterers may also be considered by prior arrangement and are subject to an approval process.

Who will be there from Pentillie on our wedding day?

From the moment you arrive until the celebrations come to a close, our experienced team will be by your side, taking care of every detail behind the scenes.

We'll welcome and coordinate your suppliers, liaise with your guests, keep your day flowing smoothly and be on hand for those last-minute touches, whether that's straightening a buttonhole, fluffing a dress or helping everyone be in the right place at the right time.

If you've chosen to stay overnight, we'll remain on site until all non-resident guests have departed, allowing you to relax and enjoy the rest of your evening in the Castle.

Can we use the grounds for photographs?

Of course.

Set within 55 acres of gardens and woodland overlooking the River Tamar, Pentillie offers countless beautiful backdrops for your wedding photographs. From the Victorian Bathing Hut and historic Mausoleum to Lime Avenue, seasonal gardens and riverside views, every corner of the estate provides stunning, Instagram-worthy settings.

You're welcome to use the grounds whether you're enjoying a full wedding, ceremony-only celebration or elopement. We also encourage photographers to visit before your wedding to plan the best locations, and pre-wedding shoots are welcome too.

Do you have a bar?

Yes. Pentillie has a fully stocked and staffed licensed bar for you and your guests to enjoy throughout your celebrations.

Choose from our House, Superior or Fine drinks packages, each including unlimited reception drinks and thoughtfully matched Low & No options, before continuing your celebrations at the bar into the evening.

What are your licence times?

Exclusive hire is from 12 noon until midnight.

Entertainment finishes at 11.45pm, with live bands concluding slightly earlier at 11.15pm. Last orders are called at 11.45pm, and the bar closes at midnight.

If you're not staying overnight, all guests depart by 12.30am. If you've added overnight accommodation, you'll be able to continue your celebrations with your resident guests after non-resident guests have departed.

Can we use confetti?

Yes. We simply ask that confetti is biodegradable flower petals or bubbles, helping us protect the beautiful grounds for future couples to enjoy.

Do you allow fireworks?

Yes. Due to our location within the Tamar Valley, we only permit low-noise fireworks supplied by our approved provider, Celebration Pyrotechnics, with a minimum of one month's notice.

Is there parking on site?

Yes. There is ample complimentary parking at both the Castle and the riverside quay.

Many couples choose to keep the front of the Castle clear for photographs, and our dedicated parking areas make this easy. For those planning a grand arrival, the front lawn can also accommodate helicopter landings.

Do guests need to book taxis in advance?

Yes, we strongly recommend booking taxis at least a week before your wedding, as availability can be limited, particularly during the summer months.

Our team will be happy to recommend trusted local taxi companies when you're planning your day.

What do your wedding prices include?

Every wedding at Pentillie includes exclusive hire of the Castle and gardens from 12 noon until midnight.

You'll also benefit from dedicated planning support from your Wedding Manager, recommendations from our trusted local suppliers, on-the-day coordination from our experienced team, your choice of licensed ceremony locations, use of the terraces and gardens for drinks, photographs and lawn games, along with tables, chairs, white table linen, crockery, cutlery and glassware.

A fully stocked and staffed private bar is included, as well as exclusive use of the Castle's facilities, including the games room and outdoor swimming pool (April–September).

A full list of everything included can also be found on our Weddings page.

What are your payment terms?

A non-refundable booking fee secures your wedding date. If you'd like a little time to decide, we're happy to provisionally hold your chosen date for up to seven days.

Fifty percent of your remaining balance is due nine months before your wedding, with the final balance payable three months beforehand.

A refundable security deposit of £1,500 is payable two weeks before your wedding and is returned within 14 days of your departure, less any deductions for damages if applicable.

Do you offer a discount for NHS and Armed Forces personnel?

Yes.

As a historic estate with strong military connections, and having served as a maternity hospital during the Second World War, we're pleased to offer a 5% venue hire discount to NHS cardholders and both serving and retired members of the Armed Forces.

Can we get married in the Victorian Bathing Hut and celebrate elsewhere?

Yes.

Our riverside Victorian Bathing Hut is licensed for ceremonies of up to 60 guests, making it a beautiful choice for ceremony-only celebrations or intimate elopements.

You'll also have access to the surrounding grounds for your photographs before continuing your celebrations wherever you choose.

How do we book a civil ceremony?

Booking your ceremony is simple.

Step 1: Provisionally hold your preferred wedding date with Pentillie (for up to seven days).

Step 2: Contact Cornwall Registration Service to book your ceremony and confirm your preferred time.

Step 3: Confirm your booking with Pentillie, pay your booking fee and begin planning your wedding with our team.

Do you have any churches nearby?

Yes. There are several churches and places of worship close to Pentillie, including Church of England churches throughout the Tamar Valley, Roman Catholic churches, Plymouth Synagogue and the Piety Mosque in Plymouth.

If you're planning a religious ceremony before celebrating at Pentillie, we'll be happy to help you explore the options available.

Can we extend our wedding celebrations?

Absolutely. Our signature wedding includes exclusive hire from 12 noon until midnight, but if you'd like more time together, you can enhance your celebrations with overnight stays in the Castle or Quay Cottage, a welcome supper or rehearsal dinner, a morning-after breakfast, or additional nights. It's the perfect way to slow down, spend more time with the people you love and make the most of your time at Pentillie.