ABOUT

A farm that takes its celebrations seriously.

The Collecting Yard grew out of the working farm it still sits on. The yard started as somewhere to feed people well and keep a fire going; the barn came next, built with a proper stage and PA because a band deserves better than a corner and a plug socket. It’s still run that way — built for the event in front of us, not a brochure spec.

STRAIGHT ABOUT IT

We’re not trying to be a hotel.

If you want white tablecloths and a function suite, there are venues built for that. This is a working farm yard and a barn with a stage in it. The character is rustic and hands-on on purpose — it’s what draws the 30–50s crowd who’d rather their birthday, reception or reunion felt like a proper night out than a corporate booking.

ON THE FARM

Camping available on the same site.

The Collecting Yard shares its farm with Smithills Campsite and The Croft Glamping, our separate camping and open-field site. They’re run as two different things — The Collecting Yard is the yard, the barn, the kitchen and the fire; We also manage you camp, and this is where your guests can pitch up and stay over. Ask us about both if you’re planning a weekend rather than a night.

WHEN WE RUN

Spring and summer, properly.

We also run our own events once a month from April to October, and that’s the season we’d point most bookings toward. The barn has a high ceiling and no heating, so winter comfort just isn’t there yet — we’d rather tell you that now than have you find out on the night.

TALK TO US

Come and look round before you book.

Most people who book here have walked the yard and barn first. Get in touch and we’ll show you round, talk through what fits your date and your headcount, and be straight with you about what will and won’t work.