A FOREST of Dean play park has been named among the UK’s quirkiest wedding venues as more couples turn away from traditional ceremonies.

Bridebook, the UK’s largest wedding planning app, has included Dick Whittington Park in its list of 10 iconic and unusual wedding venues across Britain.

The Longhope venue was praised for offering couples a family-first celebration with indoor soft play, slides, trampolines and a Play Barn available for wedding receptions.

According to Bridebook’s latest UK Wedding Report, around a quarter of people planning weddings are now searching for venues that are more unique, historic or unconventional than the traditional barn, stately home or hotel ballroom.

The company said online searches for fun, unusual and historic wedding venues have increased by more than 450 per cent over the past year, based on Google Trends data.

Bridebook described Dick Whittington Park as “possibly the most anti-traditional wedding venue in the UK” and said it offers couples trying to keep within a budget the chance to still enjoy a memorable wedding day.

Zoe Burke, head of brand at Bridebook, said: “Wedding venues are no longer just a backdrop - they’re a statement about who you are and what your relationship represents.”

Other venues included in the national top 10 list included the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, Battersea Power Station’s Control Room A, the National Space Centre in Leicester and the Bombay Sapphire Distillery in Hampshire.

Bridebook currently lists more than 600 unique wedding venues across the country for couples looking for something different.

Experts at Bridebook said modern couples increasingly want venues reflecting their personalities, hobbies and interests rather than following tradition.

The report highlighted growing demand for celebrations that feel relaxed, distinctive and memorable for guests, with venues ranging from theatres and distilleries to amusement parks, and converted cinemas