COTE HOW
Guest Information Pack
Important Information for Wedding Guests at Cote How
Dear Wedding Guest,
We’re delighted that your wedding couple has chosen to celebrate their special day at Cote How. We look forward to welcoming you soon! To help you enjoy the day comfortably and smoothly, we’ve prepared this essential guide. Please read it carefully, as some details require pre-planning.
Car Parking and Transport
Please note: There is NO onsite parking at Cote How. This is a condition of our license, and also ensures vehicle-free wedding photographs.
The wedding couple arrange guest transport. Please check that travel plans are in place. If not, pre-booking private transfers for both arrival and departure is essential.
Recommended Group Transport (Pre-booked by the couple):
Mountain Goat Minibuses: 015394 45161
Travellers Choice Coaches: 015394 48500
Dan Willan Coaches Ltd: 07834 275102
For private hire taxis, please see the Private Hire Taxis section below. Accessible Parking is available by prior agreement.
The Rustic Charm of Cote How
Cote How is a traditional Lakeland house and barn, surrounded by natural grounds with slate chippings and lawn areas. Please consider suitable footwear, especially for outdoor or uneven surfaces. We recommend bringing a spare pair of sturdy shoes or boots for comfort.
We cannot accept responsibility for accidents or damage to footwear.
Outdoor Weddings and Weather Considerations
The Lake District is known for its beauty—but also its variable weather! Outdoor ceremonies are weather-dependent, and temperatures here can be 4–7°C cooler than in cities like London. Please bring appropriate outdoor layers and coats to stay warm.
Our 16th-century barn lacks modern insulation. While we provide some heating, extra layers will keep you comfortable, especially during cooler evenings.
Important: The barn is 25m downhill from the house, down a slate gravel slope. Once a wedding moves to the wedding barn, the house closes for security reasons, so please keep all valuables with you. Toilets are at the rear of the barn. A wheelchair is available for guests. Please tell us in advance if it is required.
Babies and Baby Changing Facilities
We have one highchair available. Please coordinate with your hosts if you’ll need it. The barn toilets are not suitable for baby changing. Please speak to the staff who can assist with access to the house for baby changing. We’re happy to warm baby food as needed.
Please do not flush baby wipes or nappies. Our Saniflow toilets and septic tank are easily damaged. Disposal bins are provided.
Footwear: Stiletto Heels
Stiletto heels can damage our historic wooden floors. Heel protectors (push-on clear plastic covers) are essential and must be purchased by guests before the wedding. We stock a limited supply behind the bar (charges apply).
Important: Guests without heel protectors may be asked to remove their shoes before entering the house.
Children at Cote How
Children are welcome but must be fully supervised by a responsible adult at all times. The grounds are uneven in places, with rustic walls and planting areas. Any damage to the grounds will incur charges.
Privacy and House Access
Cote How is our family home. Some areas of the house and grounds are private. For afternoon or evening receptions held in the barn, the house bar and toilets will close once the event moves to the barn. Bedrooms are strictly for residents only.
Bridesmaids and helpers can meet the bride in the downstairs reception areas before the ceremony. Our team will ensure privacy and guide guests appropriately.
Confetti
To protect our environment, only natural, untreated petals (fresh or dried) are allowed. No paper confetti, even biodegradable varieties, is permitted. They are difficult to clear and linger in the landscape. Your wedding couple may have arranged confetti, so please check with them before purchasing your own.
Health and Safety / House Rules
Not permitted: Drones, sparklers, fire pits, or fireworks.
Cote How is a non-smoking and non-vaping venue, both indoors and outdoors. A designated smoking area is available. Please ask our team for directions.
Refreshments and Arrival Times
As an exclusive wedding-only venue (not a hotel), we cannot accommodate early arrivals or additional refreshment requests. Please plan your journey to arrive at the time stated in your wedding invitation. Ambleside and Grasmere offer cafes and amenities nearby, should you arrive in the area early.
Arrival before the stated time may result in waiting off-site.
Your Wedding Day Schedule
Your wedding couple will provide specific details, including a timeline for arrival, ceremony times, and food/drink service. This information will help you plan your day, before and after the wedding.
Please arrive no earlier than the time stated.
Private Hire Taxis
Cote How is in a rural location. Services like Uber are unavailable. We recommend booking taxis well in advance. Some single-operator taxis will not accept on-the-day bookings. Please check in advance.
Ambleside Taxi Company: 015394 68222
Amber Taxis: 015394 68681
Grasmere Taxis: 015394 35506
Please be ready for collection at the stated time at the entrance to Cote How. Taxi drivers will not collect guests from the barn.
Local Accommodation
Accommodation at Cote How is exclusively for the wedding couple. However, there are several nearby options:
THE GRAND, Grasmere
RYDAL LODGE 015394 33208
HAVEN COTTAGE 015394 33270
CROW HOW B&B 015394 32193
THE GABLES, Ambleside: 015394 33272
THE ROTHAY GARTH, Ambleside: 015394 32217
THE SALUTATION HOTEL, Ambleside: 015394 32244
For more options, visit: Go Lakes and search near LA22 9LW.
Holiday cottages with providers like Heart of the Lakes, Lake Lovers, or Cumbrian Cottages are perfect for a mid-week wedding and a relaxing break.
Final Thoughts
We hope these details help you arrive prepared for a wonderful day celebrating with your wedding couple. For more information, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
We look forward to meeting you!
Warmest wishes,
Caroline and Steve
Cote How Exclusive Lake District Weddings
