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Northside Farm Sees Bookings Increase by 50% from Pre-Pandemic levels

Northside Farm, in Horsley, Northumberland, has announced a major milestone as its 2026 bookings have surpassed pre-pandemic levels. After nearly six years of recovery and reinvention, the independent wedding venue has seen available dates snapped up for 2026 and 2027 by 50% as confidence among couples continues to bounce back. 

Renowned for its ‘no restrictions’ policy, the family-run business is set within a 200-acre working farm, and owner Olivia Lockey believes the journey back to pre-Covid levels has been marked by resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to continue to diversify in offering couples something to suit all seasons and budgets.

“It’s taken time, patience, and a lot of love to get back to this point,” she said. 

“It has been hugely encouraging to see bookings surpassing pre-2020 levels and for couples to choose Northside Farm as their ideal setting for the most important day of their lives.

“We have steadily undergone thoughtful refurbishments and expanded offerings, including more luxury cottage accommodation and the ability to host sheltered and warm outdoor gatherings; an option that has proven especially popular in recent years.”

The venue has notably seen a 10% increase in autumn and winter bookings alone compared to any previous year - a trend Olivia attributes to the venue’s versatility and the growing appeal of off-season weddings becoming nearly as popular as the summer months.

“The UK weather is fickle,” Olivia explained, “so not only is it more cost-effective to plan a winter wedding, it’s also cosy, dramatic, and something everyone can look forward to in those darker months. We’re proud to offer a space that feels warm, welcoming, and full of possibility, whatever the season.”

Northside Farm’s ‘no restrictions’ policy has also continued to play a key role in its renewed success, allowing couples to tailor their celebrations to reflect their personalities. From rustic barn receptions to candlelit Gin Gang ceremonies and outside firepits, the venue offers a canvas for creativity and individuality.

Situated just ten miles west of Newcastle city centre Northside Farm was established in 2011 originally as a luxury glamping site with timber wigwams and onsite facilities. 

Since converting their rustic barn, and original Gin Gang, courtyard and gardens by hand, along with building four fairy tale-style cottages and a larger restoration of the farm house into luxury accommodation specifically for weddings and large events, owners Ralph and Olivia Lockey continue to diversify with more development plans to be announced next year. 

Northside Farm launched as a dedicated luxury rustic wedding venue in 2016 to accommodate up to 150 seated guests and over 200 evening guests in the barn and provides up to three days of exclusive use across the site. 

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Emily Bloor .