Wakes & celebrations of life

A peaceful place to remember them

Funeral receptions, wakes and memorial gatherings in a private Edwardian house near Newmarket, with gardens to walk in and a team who will quietly take care of everything with empathy.

Celebrations of life

Time together, without the worry

After a funeral, what matters most is somewhere calm for family and friends to gather, share stories and celebrate a life well lived. Lanwades Hall is yours alone for the day, so there are no other guests, no public bar and no rush.

We host funeral receptions and wakes, memorials and remembrance dinners, whether for a small family gathering or a large one. Catering is by one of our partners, with a selection of set menus to make organising as simple as possible.

The peaceful sunken garden and terrace at Lanwades Hall in summerThe Old Library at Lanwades Hall, a quiet room with sofas and antique furnitureComfortable leather sofas in the Drawing Room at Lanwades Hall

Arranged simply, handled gently

These occasions often come together quickly. Tell us the date, the numbers and anything that matters to your family, and we'll look after the rest, from the room layout to the food, drinks and tea and coffee.

The Drawing Room at Lanwades Hall, with oak panelling and an open fireThe quiet sunken garden and stone balustrade at Lanwades HallThe Great Hall at Lanwades Hall laid for a meal
How we help

Everything taken care of on the day

Rooms to gather, and quiet corners

Wood-panelled rooms with open fires for guests to come together, and quieter spaces like the Old Library for anyone who needs a moment to themselves.

Gardens to walk in

12 acres of grounds, including the sunken garden, for a quiet walk, some fresh air or a family photograph together.

Set menus, made simple

A choice of set menus from a light buffet or afternoon tea to a sit-down meal, with tea, coffee and a fully licensed bar.

Just your family and friends

The house and grounds are yours alone for the duration of your booking, with no other event on the day.

Flowers arranged for a celebration of life at Lanwades Hall
In pictures

The house and gardens

The historic chimneys of Lanwades HallA table laid for a remembrance meal at Lanwades HallThe gate lodges at the entrance to Lanwades Hall
A quiet corner of the Drawing Room at Lanwades Hall, with leather sofas and a fireplaceLanwades Hall and its groundsThe quiet tree-lined drive leading to Lanwades Hall
In their words

From a family we looked after

“Thank you so much for your excellent hospitality and care in looking after everyone at the funeral reception. You made it a day I will remember for all the right reasons.”

A family we looked after · Funeral reception

Talk to us whenever you're ready

Call or send us a message and we'll talk through dates, numbers and what would suit your family. You're very welcome to visit the house first.