About us
Hirst Priory is a Grade II listed 18th-century country house near Crowle on the Isle of Axholme, North Lincolnshire, built on the site of a 12th-century Augustinian priory. Now a stunning wedding and events venue, it offers a uniquely beautiful location and a choice of unique indoor and outdoor spaces.
.avif)
.avif)
.avif)
Our Story
Hirst Priory has been owned by the Hunt family for over 20 years. Declan Hunt, Managing Director of Hunt Leisure, and his wife Alicia tied the knot at Hirst Priory themselves in 2019. Taking on this magnificent mansion house is an absolute joy and privilege.
At the heart of our approach is a deep appreciation of the beauty and wonderful character of Hirst Priory. We believe that this fantastic historic building deserves to be shared and celebrated, and we take pride in introducing it to future generations of guests.
With meticulous attention to detail and a keen understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities presented by a Grade II listed property, we work tirelessly to adapt our spaces and services to the needs of modern celebrations. From bespoke catering and personalised decor to seamless logistics and impeccable service, we go above and beyond to ensure that every moment is memorable.
Venue Space
.avif)
Hirst Priory is a stunning Georgian country house that has undergone painstaking restorations to preserve its historic charm while adapting the spaces to provide maximum flexibility for all types of events. The renovation process focused on staying true to the spirit of the Grade II listed building, carefully preserving original features including ornate plasterwork, grand fireplaces, beautiful Georgian sash windows, vaulted brick cellars and a stone balcony.
At the same time, the property has been sympathetically updated with modern amenities and state-of-the-art technology to ensure convenience and comfort for today's more discerning guests. From the elegant Main Rooms to the intimate Vaults and atmospheric Woodland, each space has been carefully and thoughtfully designed to accommodate a range of events, from unforgettable weddings to productive conferences.
The result is a venue that combines timeless beauty with contemporary accents, offering a truly unique indoor or outdoor setting for any occasion.
Our team
Declan is the Hunt family's third-generation custodian of the splendid Grade II listed Hirst Priory estate. Despite being relatively new to the hospitality industry, his knowledge of the property is unrivalled — gained during periods of direct involvement in sympathetic building restoration, renovation and redecoration works. Declan is deeply committed to preserving Hirst Priory’s historic building fabric and enchanting character for future generations to enjoy — including clients, guests and other visitors.
Alicia oversees the administration and operational aspects of all Hunt Leisure businesses, including Hirst Priory. With more than ten years of experience in public-facing roles, Alicia excels in the preparation, planning and oversight of successful events; showcasing her exceptional attention to detail and natural flair for aesthetics. Alicia brings passion and genuine care — ensuring that every event and aspect of Hirst Priory is outstanding.
Jess brings over fifteen years of experience in the hospitality sector to her role as Wedding Co-ordinator and Events Manager at Hirst Priory, where she has meticulously planned and delivered many successful weddings and events for over seven years. Personally overseeing the whole process across all events at Hirst Priory, Jess is fully committed to creating an enjoyable and seamless experience for everyone.
Any Questions?
Our Events Manager and the Hirst Priory team are on hand to answer any queries you may have about holding your celebration or event at Hirst Priory. Please don't hesitate to get in touch to discuss how our Hirst Priory team can help create your perfect occasion.
Company Number: 14282684
VAT Number: 745 5885 86