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.
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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, Operations Director, 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
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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 magnificent Grade II listed Hirst Priory estate and now runs several hospitality businesses within the Hunt Leisure portfolio.
With experience in the hospitality industry, Declan combines strong commercial understanding with an unrivalled, hands-on knowledge of the property, gained through years of direct involvement in sympathetic restoration, renovation and redecoration works.
Having chosen Hirst Priory as his own wedding venue in 2019, Declan holds a deeply personal connection to the estate. He is passionate about ensuring the venue remains true to itself, preserving its natural heritage, historic fabric and timeless beauty for future generations to enjoy.
Declan’s commitment ensures Hirst Priory continues to offer an authentic, character-rich setting for couples, guests and visitors alike.
Alicia oversees the operations of all Hunt Leisure businesses, including Hirst Priory, where she now manages the venue and leads the planning of every wedding from start to finish. With more than thirteen years of experience in public-facing roles, Alicia excels in the preparation, planning and delivery of exceptional events, bringing an outstanding attention to detail and a natural flair for aesthetics.
Having married at Hirst Priory herself, Alicia offers a truly unique perspective; combining first-hand experience as a Hirst Priory bride with expert knowledge of arranging weddings at the venue. This invaluable insight allows her to anticipate every detail, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
Passionate, personable and genuinely invested in every couple’s journey, Alicia ensures the planning of your wedding is thorough, seamless and, just as importantly, enjoyable, making the entire experience feel easy, exciting and completely stress-free.
Jess brings over fifteen years of experience in the hospitality sector to her role as Operations Assistant at Hirst Priory and has been an integral part of delivering successful weddings and events at the venue for more than seven years.
Present on the day of your wedding or event, Jess oversees the on-the-day operations, managing the venue team and ensuring all daily operational tasks are carried out to the highest standard.
Calm, organised and highly experienced, Jess plays a key role in ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes — allowing couples and their guests to relax and fully enjoy the celebration.
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