Canterbury Stables Venue

nicured grounds, mature trees and paddocks with grazing horses. We even got to pet one of the horses, he was so sweet! The venue included great infrastructure including an outdoor patio with a real wood burning fireplace, clean bathrooms, a loft for getting dressed and a professional catering kitchen. The wedding party was able to get ready in the two onsite farmhouse cottages, they were so cute and are even available for overnight stays for family and guests in the wedding. The stables were located a short drive (approximately 5 minutes) from the hotel we stay in near the beach. Canterbury will be at the top of my list when we start looking to for our venue. I can't recommend it enough!

emarkable to see how the new owners and barn staff have renovated and improved the property over the last several years. I believe Canterbury is the only remaining operating farm located within the City of Wilmington that is still open to the public and we have personally been welcomed onto the property several times over the last few years for farm festivals, events and fundraisers. In fact, we visited just a few weeks ago when Canterbury hosted a beautiful event for Paws for People Foundation to help raise money to provide service dogs to our police, fire fighters and combat veterans. There were at least 300 people at the event, and despite a little rain, the property, event venue hall and grounds were all stunning! In my experience, the management staff is kind, professional and welcoming, and it is by far the cleanest farm I have ever visited. Anyone who visits the property will clearly see how well the animals are cared for and how much effort is put into preserving the historical legacy of the property. I have personally seen senior citizens arriving by bus to visit with the horses during the week and also know that the property has been included in UNCW's OLLI enrichment program. Given the property's size and prime location so close to Wrightsville Beach and Mayfaire, it could have easily been developed like most of the other farms that once graced our city. Canterbury is a special property that preserves much needed open space at the head of Bradley Creek, especially at a time when it seems like every other available property is being covered with housing developments or apartments. Canterbury Stables is a historically significant property locally and we should all be thankful it has been preserved. I would strongly recommend visiting it if you are looking to host a wedding or other event. I cannot think of many places in the area that have as much character, history and natural beauty, that also offer all of the infrastructure needed to create a magical event.

y. It’s disheartening to see the misinformation spread about them, but all those that truly know them, know their heart. The training horses, boarding horses, and their personal horses live better than most humans. I would recommend Canterbury Stables & events to anyone without a second thought. I encourage everyone to take a moment to consider the sources you receive your information & take the time to make informed decisions. Because anyone who takes the time to know the meaning, bones, and intentions behind Canterbury, will certainly support. 

upper management overseeing the now dissolved Canterbury Stables riding program should lead people to avoid doing business with this facility at all costs. Being an equestrian rider is about building trust between yourself and your equine partner. This takes time as you learn and grow under the watchful eye of people who have years of expertise in this area. For nearly a year, that was my experience at the barn. The trainers were knowledgeable and passionate about their work, ready to help you become the best rider you can be. The staff on site was friendly and cared about the animals. And even as the space was somewhat chaotic with ongoing construct around the property, everyone did their best to make it work. In an instant, all of that was snatched away. Without notice, a cold, templated email was sent out saying the riding program was over. No explanation from the owner or upper management. And when they have tried to give reasons, they've pushed blame back on staff. Staff they apparently mistreated while creating a hostile work environment, all in an effort to pad their bottom line. In the blink of any eye, they fired or pushed out all their trainers, liquidating the horses to other farms like they’re a piece of unwanted machinery. This isn't a farm or a stable - it's a lie wrapped in pretty buildings and manicured greenspace, exactly what you would expect from a company I've come to learn is more about developing land than developing relationships. To the amazing trainers and barn staff I got the opportunity to work or engage with, thank you for an unwavering commitment to supporting my riding journey. I know you did the best you could as you navigated growing a program while balancing what I now know are unrealistic expectations from people who have no clue to how the equestrian world actually works. To the owners and upper management at Canterbury Stables, congrats. You now have a stable with no horses. A place that was established in 1969 and stood as a reminder of "old Wilmington" might as well be a vacant lot. Another property transformed into something unrecognizable from it's origins. You didn't preserve history, you dismantled it. And to any potential brides or companies thinking about hosting your event at this site, look elsewhere. There are plenty of other spaces in this region that can provide a beautiful backdrop for your special day. If they're willing to treat their staff, animals and paying customers like this, imagine what they'll do when something goes wrong at the venue during your event? Throwing people under the bus is their past time, and you will definitely be the next victim. Beautiful outside. Rotten inside. That's what you'll get at Canterbury Stables.