Monkey Island Estate

About the venue

Two Grade I listed fishing pavilions, built for the 3rd Duke of Marlborough in 1723, on a private Thames island at Bray. Now a 40-bedroom hotel with a Floating Spa. Civil ceremonies take place in the River Room or on the lawn. Pavilion weddings take 130, Temple Lawn marquees 300, and meetings up to 200 theatre-style.

Rubble from the rebuilding of London after the Great Fire of 1666 was dumped on this small Thames island at Bray, lifting it above flood level. The 3rd Duke of Marlborough bought it in 1723 for an angling retreat. His architect, Robert Morris, built a two-storey Fishing Temple and an octagonal Fishing Pavilion. By 1738 the Pavilion's Monkey Room had a ceiling of painted monkeys punting, fishing and hunting.

Both buildings are Grade I listed and now form a 40-bedroom hotel run by YTL Hotels across seven acres. A footbridge has linked the island to the bank since 1956, and there are two boat ramps for arrivals by water. Afternoon tea is served under the monkey ceiling, and a secret staircase climbs to a Whisky Snug above it. The Brasserie has a wine wall, an open kitchen and a river terrace, and the Floating Spa is moored alongside.

The Marlborough Ballroom is the largest room, with a botanical chandelier and art deco mirrored panelling. It takes 200 theatre-style and 130 on round tables. The River Room seats 100 theatre-style and can be split in two for breakouts. Two boardrooms on the Pavilion's second level, the Spencer Suite and the Boardroom, seat 14 and 20.

Civil ceremonies are held in the River Room or on the lawn, weather permitting. The Pavilion Collection starts at £250 a head for 100 guests and includes the Wedgwood Suite for the couple. The Island Collection hands over the whole island, all 40 bedrooms included, between 3pm and 11am the next morning. Marquees for up to 300 go on the Temple Lawn. When the sun sets, staff light the fire pits and bring out homemade marshmallows.

Private island in the Thames at Bray

Grade I listed pavilions built in 1723

Monkey Room ceiling painted by 1738

Civil ceremonies in the River Room or on the lawn

Pavilion weddings for 130; lawn marquees for 300

Marlborough Ballroom: 200 theatre-style

Day delegate rates from £100

40 bedrooms, Wedgwood Suite and Floating Spa