Events at Sopley Mill
A beautiful and secluded space for any event
Sopley Mill is ideal for all events – not just weddings. If you want a private party, or an event at a venue that is exclusively yours, Sopley Mill is the place for you.
The Mill is a blank canvas that provides privacy and flexibility for you to create your own unique event.
We provide the stunning views, beautiful historic building and the privacy that is hard to find in other Dorset venues.
Sopley Mill is open all year (although even we take Christmas Day off!).
Most of our weekends are booked well in advance for weddings but we can be more flexible with weekday rentals for drinks parties, corporate events, location filming etc. Our rates vary depending on the date, duration and how much of the Mill you need. Please call the office for the rental costs for your event.
Venue Details
The Garden
Sopley Mill is set on a 1000 sqm island surrounded by the Avon River. The lawn has gorgeous views across the wild flower water-meadows and is securely fenced from the river. You have plenty of space to bring in any extras you may want. From garden games to bouncy castles, summer fete and coconut shy, to BBQs and Crazy Golf – the options are endless. The gardens at the Mill are also the perfect place for a summer’s evening drinks party.
We have up lit the trees and added incredible lighting to the Mill and the river so that in the evening your guests get a whole new look to the venue. As the sun sets over the garden, hundreds of twinkly lights come on to make the garden come alive.
For winter events, these outside lights come on earlier and give the Mill a truly magical glow.
The River Deck
It has always been important to us that on a beautiful sunny day your guests can make the most of the outside space at the Mill. We created our River Deck to extend out over the water so your guests can enjoy the fabulous river views. The deck is the perfect place for relaxing and enjoying a few cocktails. And to make sure you don’t have to go too far to get a drink we have opened our River Bar. This really rather gorgeous bar is where Thirsty Willow (who run the pay-bar at the Mill) mix up their magic, serving delicious drinks to thirsty guests. With three terraces at the Mill there is plenty of space for your event without the need for those wearing heels to navigate a lawn!
The Ground Floor
The ground floor is made up of three individual, quirky rooms characterised by wooden beams and exposed brick work. The Holt has its own bar which can be used for your drinks or Thirsty Willow Bar Company can run a pay-bar there at any stage during your event. The next room, the Snug, contains the ground floor fireplace which is a wonderful place for drinks receptions. This space is also particularly good in the evening for older guests who want a cosy spot to sit and chat. The bright and airy Boat Room at the end has large double doors heading into the garden. This is the ideal spot for an evening buffet on lovely summers evenings when your guests are sitting outside watching the sun set.
The Granary
The Granary is a great option for drinks receptions, as a meeting or conference room or for parties of up to 120 people. We have created this room to be purposefully light and bright and it has wonderful views from all sides.
For evening parties there is a full-size bar (the Potting Shed) and a dance floor. Thirsty Willow can run a pay-bar from here, should you want it and We Perform (the DJ company we work with at the Mill) can provide DJ’s for your event. We welcome bands at the Mill, subject to certain sound restrictions, and they would also play in the Granary (please ask us for full details). The Granary is also equipped with air conditioning – very important on hot summer’s evenings.
The Riverview Room
The Riverview Room, on the top floor of the Mill, is the ideal place for dining. The vaulted ceiling, beams, exposed brickwork and grain hatches in the floor give the history and character which makes it such a unique venue for your event.
The River View Room can fit 10 round tables of ten people per table. Alternatively you might prefer to have long tables or a buffet.
For caterers there is a kitchen on the top floor of the Mill.
Ideal for any event wanting an exclusive use venue
The Mill’s privacy and seclusion combined with its stunning location makes this the perfect option for anyone after a blank canvas Dorset venue. Customise its unique spaces to fit your style, budget & event. Dress the Mill up for grand celebrations, leave it simple for intimate affairs. Use the gardens for summer drinks parties or have the fire roaring in the winter for Christmas Parties.
Weddings
Your day your way – create your dream wedding at Sopley Mill.
Corporate Events
With easy access and flexible spaces this is the perfect Dorset venue to wow clients or bring your team together.
Private Parties
A fabulous setting for your glamorous gathering.
Wakes
Private & secluded with beautiful spaces that tailor to your needs.
