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Southend Barns, Southend Farm, Donnington, West Sussex PO20 7PS

Southend Barns Map

The Complete Venue

The role of a wedding or special events venue is unique – our emphasis is always on a personal, bespoke, and exclusive experience and to provide a calm, friendly and well-organised event management service from the initial call through to your most treasured of days.

Southend Barns is delighted to draw on accomplished teams across our ownership, event specialists, chefs and kitchen staff, groundskeepers, and housekeepers, who collectively go the extra mile to deliver experiences of excellence.

Our Roots culinary team is led by talented chefs who source many of the ingredients in our spectacular dishes from our very own kitchen garden, developing exceptional menus with a focus on originality, flavour, style and techniques. We offer a fully customised service and can create plant-based menus, grazing tables, street food and sharing feasts alongside classic wedding breakfasts, with each course designed with your tastes and themes in mind.

You may also wish to visit our FAQs section for answers to commonly asked questions about hosting your event with us.

Southend Barn Couple FAQs

Are there hotels / B&Bs locally?

Yes, there are plenty of hotels and B&Bs locally. Here is our recommended local accommodation list.

Are the ceremony and reception locations wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas around the venue are accessible for wheelchair users. If you need any help, please ask a member of our team for assistance. We also have allocated accessible parking spaces in the car park.

Do we have to book the registrar separately?

Yes, you will need to liaise with the registrar separately and ensure they are available to conduct a Civil Wedding Ceremony on the date you have chosen. It is best to do this before you confirm your date with Southend Barns. The phone number for West Sussex Registrar Office is 01243 642122.

Do you allow children at the Barns?

Yes, we welcome children to Southend Barns but ask that they are supervised at all times.

Do you provide a microphone for the speeches?

If required we can provide a microphone and PA system for speeches in the Threshing Barn, this is free of charge.

Do you have noise restrictions at Southend Barns?

There are no noise restrictions at Southend Barns but we do ask that all of the large windows and doors in the Threshing Barn are shut once music begins.

What time do we have to finish the party?

In order to conform with our premises licence, all music must cease by 23:30 and taxis should be booked to arrive by 23:45. Guests must have left by midnight.

Can we have fireworks?

Yes you are allowed to have fireworks at Southend Barns but we must be made aware of their use prior to the event and they must be provided by our approved supplier Selstar.

Please note that sparklers and Chinese lanterns are not permitted.

Can we have confetti?

We are happy for you to have confetti but ask that it is natural confetti, such as rose petals or other flowers

Where does the bride normally get ready?

Most brides choose to get ready in the Milking Parlour as it has plenty of mirrors, lots of space and its own bathroom. Access is from 11am on the morning of the wedding. 

How many people can stay overnight in the Bridal Suite and Shepherds Hut?

There is only one double bedroom in the Milking Parlour and Mama Lou Shepherds Hut so the accommodation is limited to one couple per room.

Can we have candles?

We do allow candles at Southend Barns as long as they are in holders. Unfortunately we do not allow them down the aisle.

What deposit do I have to pay when I confirm a date?

Once you have booked a date, we will send out a contract and a deposit invoice for 25% of the venue hire fee. There will be a further payment of 25% due within 90 days of booking and the remaining 50% of the booking fee will be required six weeks before the event date. The catering payments are made with a deposit of £1500.00 nine months before the wedding date with the final balance due one month before the wedding.

I have further questions, what should I do?

If you have any further questions which are not covered in our FAQs please email: enquiries@southendfarms.co.uk or phone 01243 641247.

Southend Barn Guest FAQs

Are there hotels / B&B’s locally?

Yes, there are plenty of hotels and B&B’s locally. Here is our recommended local accommodation list. 

Where should I park?

Parking is available on-site and is free. We have a capacity of approx. 80 cars with several disabled parking spaces. Please always share where possible. Anyone leaving cars overnight should park against the far hedge and will need to collect them by 10am the next morning.

Are the ceremony and reception locations wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas around the venue are accessible for wheelchair users. If you need any help, please ask a member of our team for assistance. We also have allocated disabled parking spaces in the car park.

Can I bring confetti?

We ask that you do not bring confetti. If couples wish to have a confetti moment they will provide natural petal confetti for their guests.

What time will the reception end?

Our venue is licensed until 11.30pm and we ask that all guests be off site by midnight. Please arrange taxis or transport in advance of the day and leave quietly out of respect for the local community.

Do you accept card payments on the bar?

We only accept card payments on the bar (we are a cashless venue)

I have further questions, what should I do?

If you have any further questions which are not covered in our FAQ’s please email: enquiries@southendfarms.co.uk or phone 01243 641247

Can I get a taxi?

Yes you can, here is a list of local reputable companies

Visiting Southend Barns by Car

Southend Barns is located close to the small village of Donnington, a civil parish just two miles south of Chichester, and an idyllic rural setting, yet within easy reach of the cultural and entertainment attractions in the nearby cathedral city.


To reach us via sat nav, please enter our postcode; PO20 7PS.


The journey is just 12 minutes from Chichester centre, following the A286 south through Stockbridge and turning right onto Wophams Lane. Simply follow the road which meets Green Lane, where you will find Southend Barns on the right, a short drive down our entranceway.

An alternative route is to travel through Hunston, following the B2145, with a left turn onto Green Lane. For guests arriving from further afield, we are ten minutes from the Chichester Bypass on the A27.


Guests are welcome to park on-site, with free facilities available for up to 80 vehicles, with dedicated parking bays for disabled badge holders. You can also leave cars overnight if preferred, although we kindly request collection by 10 am the following morning.

Visiting Southend Barns by Rail

The closest railway station to Southend Barns is Chichester, serviced by Southern Railway and with connections to and from Brighton, Portsmouth, London Victoria (via Horsham), Southampton, Littlehampton, and Southsea.

Chichester Wedding Planning Recommendations

Southend Barns has been hosting stunning weddings and private events for many years and has a strong network within the local community, allowing us to offer recommendations, suggestions and guidance for any logistics or arrangements, including:


• Local hotels and B&B accommodation
• Taxi and transportation services
• Attractions and sites to visit during extended stays


The spacious outdoor grounds allow us to welcome fireworks. We operate with consideration to neighbouring farmers and request advance notice, with an approval process to adhere to our commitment to the safety of local livestock and wildlife.

As always, please let our capable events coordinators know if you require anything specific for your special occasion. We will do our utmost to assist, from designing curated menus and drinks services to organising expert florists, thematic décor and table settings to ensure each aspect of your ceremony and celebrations delivers.

With thanks to

If you would like help finding great suppliers for your day please contact us for guidance. We’d like to thank the following photographers for their contribution on this website and in other promotional material.