July 28, 2025
Josie Wright

What’s the key to a romantic getaway?

The key to a romantic weekend getaway

The world is a busy place, and the pace of life goes at break-neck speed. The ever-increasing demands of our daily lives take their toll both physically and mentally, leaving most of us exhausted. And then there is the impact of the global chaos which can’t be ignored, however hard we try.


But life is too short and too precious to be wasted and it has never been more important than now to take time out, to stop the world and make time to reconnect with your loved one and make some precious memories.


There is no better place for a romantic weekend getaway than St Osyth Priory. This beautiful estate is the perfect rural retreat on the Essex coast, set in the heart of the countryside and within 350 acres of stunning natural parkland.


The priory itself is an impressive venue, steeped in history and dating back hundreds of years. Careful restoration work has been undertaken to preserve and protect the estate’s imposing 16 Grade I, II* and II listed buildings, all of which are set within a Grade II registered historic park and garden.


Among them is the Toll Barn, which is perfect for an intimate break – an ideal sanctuary where you will be surrounded by serene landscapes in which to relax.


In addition to the location, there are a few things you can do to enhance your romantic break still further.


Firstly, make the effort to ensure your stay is meaningful and personal. Perhaps choose your partner’s favourite snacks for the journey down or make a playlist of music which resonates with you both. These little personal touches can turn a simple getaway into something far more important.


Once you have booked your stay, it is great to find an activity to do together, to create a shared experience which will make a long-lasting memory. Perhaps you could visit a vineyard for some wine tasting, explore some historic sites or book a special meal out. Sharing a moment in time is so important in cementing your relationship.


Having said that, be careful not to overbook your schedule. Romance thrives in space and spontaneity so allow time for the simple pleasures of wandering in the countryside, talking or simply relaxing together.


It is also important to occasionally turn off your devices, to shut out the world and get back to just being together. However, if you are expecting perfection, you are setting yourself up to fail – life just isn’t perfect.


If something goes wrong, don’t get stressed and let it ruin your time together. A wonderful weekend doesn’t necessarily need everything to go smoothly – sometimes the things which go wrong become the most precious memories which will be recounted in years to come. It is more important to laugh and move on… together.


At the end of your romantic getaway and before heading home, spend a few quiet moments together to reflect on the weekend. This helps cement the memories and sets a tone of appreciation as you return to daily life.


In the end, the key to a romantic weekend getaway isn’t luxury or distance – it’s intention, presence and shared joy. When you prioritise connection over perfection, every trip becomes a love story.


For more information on staying at St Osyth Priory, click here or contact us on 01206 430160 or via email at info@stosythpriory.co.uk. Our friendly and helpful team would be happy to help you create an unforgettable romantic getaway.

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By Josie Wright November 25, 2025
We did it! Our fantastic team at St Osyth Priory are celebrating after winning both the Wedding Venue of the Year 2026 at the Essex Wedding Awards and Best Wedding Venue at the International Hotel Awards… and we could not be prouder. The prestigious Essex Wedding Awards recognise all aspects of the county’s impressive wedding industry from categories for the make-up artist of the year to wedding dress retailer, florist, DJ, events, entertainment and many more. In addition to our success for the best venue award, the priory was also a finalist in the category for the Historic Wedding Venue of the Year. The standard of finalists across all the categories was extraordinarily high with other highly acclaimed venues including Downham Hall, Cromwell Manor, East Mersea Hall and Wivenhoe House. So, it was absolutely brilliant when St Osyth Priory was announced as the winner for the Wedding Venue of the Year award, as the team enjoyed the event’s black-tie gala dinner at Chelmsford City Racecourse. But further reason to celebrate was announced within a matter of days, as our International Hotel Awards win was secured in the Best Wedding Venue in the UK category. The International Hotel Awards see venues of all kinds celebrated on the world stage, the only organisation to represent 5-star accolades at an international level, so our team were over the moon with this recognition of years of meticulous work.  Following the award wins, William Grinsted, Managing Director of the St Osyth Priory Estate, said: “To be recognised as Essex's Wedding Venue of the Year and the Best Wedding Venue in the United Kingdom is an extraordinary honour. The awards reflect the dedication of our team, who work tirelessly to ensure every couple experiences something truly exceptional. “We are immensely proud of the history and beauty of St Osyth Priory. To see it celebrated in Essex and on an international stage, amongst the most distinguished venues in the world, is deeply gratifying.” St Osyth Priory has become an iconic destination for weddings, with years of work having been carried out to preserve, restore and protect the estate’s 16 listed buildings which are set within the Grade II registered historic park and garden. Couples getting married at the priory can choose to exchange their vows in the historic Abbots Tower Ruins or in the beautifully restored Gallery and the stunning 350 acre country estate is an idyllic setting for an unforgettable celebration. The priory oozes elegance and now newly-weds and their guests can relax in beautifully renovated luxurious accommodation. If you’d like to discuss your wedding plans, call us on 01206 430160 or email us at info@stosythpriory.co.uk .
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Historic St Osyth Priory took centre stage for the new series of the BBC’s flagship show Strictly Come Dancing. The multi-award winning TV show launched its new series on Saturday with 15 celebrity contestants meeting their professional dance partners for the first time. More than five million viewers tuned in to watch the show with more catching up on BBC iPlayer. Viewers saw five of the contestants waiting nervously at St Osyth Priory to find out who their dance partners would be. Model and actress Ellie Goldstein, who became the first model with Down syndrome to feature on the cover of Vogue and appear in a campaign for fashion giant Gucci, waited in the formal gardens of the priory, smiling broadly as she discovered she would be partnering former Strictly winner Vito Coppola. EastEnders actor – and Strictly superfan – Balvinder Sopal, who plays Suki in the BBC soap, was paired with dancer Julian Caillon who is looking forward to his first year on the show. Shakespearean and TV actor Alex Kingston joyously greeted flamboyant dancer Johannes Radebe outside the priory while TV personality and broadcaster Vicky Pattison was filmed in the stunning panelled Darcy House to meet popular dancer partner Kai Widdrington. England footballer Lioness Karen Carney smiled with delight when she saw dancer and choreographer Carlos Gu. Aerial shots also showed the priory’s scoping grounds and stunning gardens as well as the exterior of the magnificent estate. William Grinsted, managing director of St Osyth Priory Estate, said it was wonderful to welcome the Strictly celebrities and dancers and he said he hoped the venue would be used again in the future. He said: “Everyone was so nice and it was great to have them here. They seemed to be having a good time and they were laughing and chatting with each other. “We have had historians filming here before and, of course, TV presenter George Clarke, who officially opened the restore Gatehouse. But having Strictly to film here was the pinnacle. The estate looked amazing and we are hoping it will lead to more opportunities.” To find out more about the priory and organising an event, click here , call us on 01206 430160 or email info@stosythpriory.co.uk and our staff would be happy to see how we can help you. If it’s good enough for Strictly….!
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