The great history of Woodhill Hall

Woodhill's history

Woodhill dates to 1680 with a further Victorian extension added in 1880. It has only ever been owned by five families. Corrinne and Chris, the current owners bought Woodhill in 1998 as their own home. This started their love affair with Woodhill and the surrounding area.

Woodhill has operated as a wedding venue since 2009 and over the years has constantly evolved to the wedding venue that you see today. Recent works to Woodhill has been the extension of the Orangery, newly designed tepees creating an amazing evening celebration space, an extra two bedrooms and a new Love Shack. All the spaces are designed by Corrinne with her unique style and attention to detail.

Woodhill’s Legacy of Conservation and Abel Chapman’s Influence

Woodhill has long been a place of natural beauty and environmental stewardship, deeply influenced by the pioneering conservationist Abel Chapman. A passionate naturalist, Chapman played a key role in the early wildlife preservation movement, helping to establish some of the first protected areas in Africa and Spain. His advocacy for habitat conservation laid the foundation for modern conservation efforts, and his work directly contributed to saving species such as the Spanish ibex and the African elephant from extinction.

Chapman’s love for the countryside and its wildlife extended to Woodhill, where his conservation principles took root. His deep appreciation for nature and commitment to protecting it continue to inspire Woodhill’s approach to land management today.

The Future of Woodhill

Building on this legacy, Woodhill remains dedicated to conservation, actively working to enhance its natural surroundings. Initiatives such as planting hedgerows, restoring woodlands, and creating wildlife ponds ensure that local species—including hedgehogs, birds, and pollinators—have a thriving habitat. Beyond preservation, in between weddings, Woodhill is also committed to education, offering children and community groups the opportunity to experience the countryside and learn about the importance of protecting nature.

As Woodhill moves forward, it honours Abel Chapman’s vision, maintaining a balance between human enjoyment and environmental responsibility. His legacy serves as a guiding force, ensuring that future generations can continue to appreciate and protect the natural world.

At Woodhill, our future development will focus even more on enhancing the natural beauty of our surroundings and supporting local wildlife. We plan to plant hedgerows to encourage biodiversity, create wildlife ponds, and plant additional trees to enrich the landscape.

Corinne is especially passionate about welcoming hedgehogs to Woodhill, while Chris shares a deep love for ornithology. Together, they are committed to building a lasting legacy, that future generations will cherish.