What’s On
Park & Gardens
Thursday 30 April – Wednesday 30 September 2026
Public Open Days
Explore the 3000-acre parkland, where you can discover a host of wildlife, a lake and medieval woodland. The Grade-I listed gardens are a delight in all seasons and lead to the Walled Garden where we showcase a contemporary exhibition from the Lettering Arts Trust.
Castle
Thursday 30 April – Wednesday 30 September 2026
Public Open Days
Discover a remarkable collection of art, furniture, sculpture and porcelain within the Grade-I listed Castle. Including one of the largest collections of royal thrones outside the Royal Palaces, acquired by the Willoughby family through the hereditary role of Lord Great Chamberlain.
Adventure Playground
Thursday 30 April – Wednesday 30 September 2026
Public Open Days
Children will have hours of fun exploring and playing in the Woodland Adventure Playground.
Conquer new heights on multiple climbing frames, test your balance on rope walks and feel the wind in your hair on the zip wire! Parents can join in the fun on the adult ‘trim trail’.
Exhibition : Vanbrugh The Rockstar of English Baroque
30 April – 30 September 2026 | Public Open Days
This year, we have a brand new exhibition celebrating the life and works of Sir John Vanbrugh, with a particular focus on his influence on and relationship with Grimsthorpe Castle.
Visit to learn about this legend of English architecture in what is referred to as ‘his finest room’.
Entry to the exhibition is included with a Castle, Park and Gardens Ticket / Seasonal entry tickets (HH, Season Tickets)
Summer Nature Trail
21st July – 30th September
Calling all explorers to Grimsthorpe this summer!
Pick up a brand new nature trail from the Ticket Office, and embark on a quest to solve clues and riddles, finding animals, plants and insects in the Adventure Playground and Gardens.
Included in your admission ticket.
Don’t forget to pick up your prize from the Ticket Office when you have finished the trail!
Festival of the Unexceptional
Saturday 25 July 2026
Celebrate the ordinary, the overlooked and the wonderfully nostalgic at the Festival of the Unexceptional, returning to Grimsthorpe Castle for another unforgettable day this July.
This unique event shines a spotlight on the everyday cars that once filled our roads, driveways and family photo albums. From humble hatchbacks and practical saloons to forgotten family favourites, these are the cars that defined generations of British motoring.
Storyteller
Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 July 2026
Join our resident Storyteller Mark in the Vaulted Hall. A familiar favourite at Grimsthorpe, Mark writes and creates his own stories, as well as adapting classic folk tales and songs.
Storytelling is held in sessions throughout the day.
Suitable for all ages. Perfect for families.
Storytelling is included in your entry ticket for these dates
The Travelling Bookshop
Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 July
Accompany your visit to the Storyteller with a bookish browse in The Travelling Bookshop! There are a variety of books available, along with lots of other bits and bobs!
The book bus will be parked on the North Avenue during our opening hours.
Access to The Travelling Bookshop is included in your entry ticket on these dates.
Outdoor Theatre: Othello | The Lord Chamberlains Men
Thursday 30 July
Outdoor theatre returns again the Grimsthorpe this summer! Join The Lord Chamberlain’s Men for an exciting production of Othello, one of the most captivating and powerful plays ever written.
See it performed how William Shakespeare first encountered it, as The Lord Chamberlain’s Men present this play in the open air.
Bring a picnic, settle in, enjoy the Castle in the summer evening light and enjoy this spectacular performance!
Wildlife Trust Pop Up
Sunday 9 August 2026
Visit on this day to enjoy a pop up stand by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. Discover the amazing wildlife on your doorstep and find out how you can help protect Lincolnshire’s natural habitats. Meet the friendly team, pick up information and activities for all ages, and chat about ways to get involved.
Pop up stand included in admission tickets for this date
Living History : Tudor Day
Sunday 16 August 2026
Visit Grimsthorpe to travel back in time and meet the Tudors!
Includes a Meet & Greet with King Henry VIII, Catherine Parr and Elizabeth I.
The Tudor experience is included in your Castle, Park and Gardens / Seasonal entry (HH, Season Ticket) ticket on this date
Historic Horse-Drawn Carriages Visit Grimsthorpe
Sunday 16 August
The Tandem Club will bring its Annual Meet to Grimsthorpe this summer, to celebrate the tradition and skill of tandem driving. The Club is dedicated to preserving the art of driving two horses harnessed one behind the other in a traditional coachman-like style.
Visitors on this date will be able to see various carriages driving throughout the day.
Mclaren Cars Day
Sunday 23rd August
Visit on this day to see a variety of over 100 Mclaren vehicles displayed against the majestic backdrop of the Castle as we host the Mclaren owners club for their national summer gathering.
Access to see the Mclaren cars is included in your Park and Gardens entry ticket for this date.
If you are a car owner, please get in touch directly with the car club.
Storyteller
Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 August 2026
Join our resident Storyteller Mark in the Vaulted Hall. Mark writes and creates his own stories as well as adapting classic folk tales and songs.
Please note: Storytelling will take place in the Vaulted Hall instead of the usual Adventure Playground on these dates!
Storytelling is included in your entry ticket for these dates
Outdoor Theatre : Treasure Island
Saturday 29 August 2026
It’s pirate ships, pieces of eight and salty sea dogs for Summer 2026 in Quantum Theatre’s new adaption of the classic pirate adventure, Treasure Island.
An action – packed adventure for all the family.
Start time : 4pm | Gates open: 3pm
Wildlife Trust Pop Up
Sunday 30 August 2026
Visit on this day to enjoy a pop up stand by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. Discover the amazing wildlife on your doorstep and find out how you can help protect Lincolnshire’s natural habitats. Meet the friendly team, pick up information and activities for all ages, and chat about ways to get involved.
Pop up stand included in admission tickets for this date
Shetland Pony Day
Sunday 30 August 2026
Visit on this day to see a wonderful display of Shetland Ponies taking centre stage at Grimsthorpe, with a fun and friendly showcase.
Enjoy a wonderful display of charm, character and quality in the ring. Taking place on the North Avenue
Included in your admission ticket for this date
Nene Valley Rock Festival
Thursday 03 September – Sunday 06 September
Get ready for a rocking weekend as we play host to the Nene Valley Rock Fest, featuring 3 stages and 60 bands playing the best classic, progressive and blues rock!
Great tunes and good vibes with a festival atmosphere that’s bound to make your weekend unforgettable.
Midlands Italian Car Day
Sunday 20th September
Calling all car lovers! Visit on this day to experience a wide range of old and new Italian cars against the majestic backdrop of the Castle and grounds.
Entry included in your admission ticket for this date.
Jazz in the Gardens
Sunday 27th September
Join us to celebrate the end of a wonderful season at Grimsthorpe with Jazz sessions in the Gardens from Lissie Allsopp. Bring a picnic and chair, and relax in the beautiful surroundings of the Grimsthorpe formal gardens for the last time before they close for the season.
Jazz sessions are included in your admission ticket on this date
