Why Blackburn House (Boughton Pumping Station) Is a Standout Wedding Venue
- Ian Bennett
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Nestled in the heart of Sherwood Forest near Newark, Blackburn House – commonly known as Boughton Pumping Station – offers couples a truly unique, industrial-chic backdrop for weddings. With its striking red-brick façade, towering original chimney, and combination of historic grandeur and modern comforts, it’s no wonder that this former Victorian pumping station has become one of Nottinghamshire’s most sought-after event spaces.
A Venue That Marries “Old Meets New”
Built in the 19th century to pump water across Nottinghamshire, Boughton Pumping Station has been lovingly transformed into The Pumping House – a venue that preserves original features (parquet-floored ceremony rooms, tiled Engine Hall, arched factory-style windows) while offering luxury touches:
Two Licensed Ceremony Spaces
Ollerton Room (up to 110 guests): Warm parquet flooring, paned windows, natural light.
Engine Hall (80–170 guests): Soaring glass ceiling, dramatic arches, flexible layouts.
Outdoor & Reception Areas
Landscaped lawn for drinks & canapés (complete with street-food truck options)
Conservatory Bar for intimate mingling
Exclusive-use lawns for fireworks, outdoor games, or confetti (permitted)
Late-Licensed Celebrations
Dance beneath the glass ceiling until 12:30 am
In-house sound system, planked dancefloor, and open-flame candles welcome a memorable evening
Bespoke Catering & Accommodation
At the Pumping House, the in-house catering team partners with you on bespoke menus (from £20 to £59 per head), covering:
Seasonal British & European dishes, plus vegan, Asian, or hog-roast options
Allergen-friendly service, lauded by couples for gluten-free and bespoke alternatives
Signature cocktails (e.g., Limoncello Spritz) that double as guest favors
When it’s time to rest, ten self-catering luxury apartments sleep up to 32 guests, including a free bridal suite for couples booking via Bridebook. These private retreats let your nearest and dearest linger in comfort until morning.
Real Couples, Real Praise
From surprise dog appearances to motorbike send-offs, Pumping House weddings leave guests talking years later:
Mr & Mrs Pattison (March 2025):“Lian, our coordinator, made everything stress-free. The food was out of this world, and they even surprised me by accommodating our dog ‘Poppy’!”
Matt & Kerin (October 2024):“Our guests were blown away by the stunning venue and delicious food. The team handled our wild requests—from flower set-ups to a motorbike entrance—without batting an eye.”
Louise & Mike (May 2024):“I had the ‘wedding-dress moment’ when we first saw the venue. The professionalism kept us calm, and the accommodation was simply insane.”
Consistently, couples praise the warmth, flexibility, and attention to detail provided by Lian, Tammy, Grace, and the rest of the Pumping House team.
DJ Reviews: What Disco Pros Say
To help you assemble your dream entertainment lineup, here’s feedback from professional DJs on needadisco.com who have spun at Boughton Pumping Station:
Date | Room | The Good | The Bad | Parking / Access / Facilities / Staff |
29/02/2016 | Function Room | • Permanent wooden dancefloor • Low permanent stage • Haze/smoke allowed • No sound limiter • Air conditioned | • No usable in-house lighting effects | Parking: Plentiful Access: Short walk, easy Facilities: 4–5 m setup space Staff: Positive interactions Power: Plentiful |
Key Takeaways for DJs & Couples: Great acoustics and no sound-limiter ensure your playlist sounds clear and powerful. Haze and smoke permitted for atmospheric lighting effects—just bring your own fixtures. Solid staging and power make setup a breeze; the wooden dancefloor feels authentic underfoot.
Why Choose Blackburn House – Boughton Pumping Station?
Iconic Industrial Charm: Few venues offer such striking architecture—the original pumping-station chimney is a wedding-photo signature.
Versatile Spaces: From intimate ceremonies in the Ollerton Room to gala receptions in the Engine Hall (up to 250 party-goers), the venue scales to your guest list.
Tailored Service: In-house wedding managers guide you through every detail, ensuring your vision comes to life.
Flexible Catering: Whether you crave plated fine dining or street-food trucks under market-lighting, the kitchen team delivers.
Late-Night Celebrations: Keep the party going until 12:30 am, and even fire up fireworks on the lawns.
Packages & Special Offers
Venue Hire: £2,500–£6,950 (furniture, coordination, non-consumables included)
Bridebook Exclusive: Free Bridal Suite + Couple Discount
Last-Minute Dates: 25 % off
Seasonal Offer: Free Bridal Suite
Final Thoughts
For couples who dream of a wedding venue that’s quirky, picturesque, and utterly unforgettable, Blackburn House – Boughton Pumping Station delivers on every front. Its blend of heritage architecture, modern amenities, and rave-worthy entertainment conditions (no sound-limiter, quality staging) makes it ideal for ceremonies that feel bespoke and dance-floor sessions that last late into the night.
If you’re planning a Nottinghamshire wedding and want a venue that marries character with convenience—and that earns glowing DJ reviews—request your instant brochure or book a tour today. Your guests will talk about it for a lifetime, and your playlist will never have sounded better.
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