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)
A Conversation with Dr Amy Boyington
Thursday 11th June | 2:30pm | Free with entry ticket
Step back into the 1700s and into the most important room in Britain: the country house dining room.
In this engaging talk, Dr. Amy Boyington pulls back the velvet curtains on the ‘theatre of the feast’ to reveal how the Georgian elite used architecture, art, and an almost religious devotion to excess to cement their social standing.
In Conversation: Sir Charles Saumarez Smith CBE and Jeremy Musson
Friday 19 June 2026
We will be welcoming Sir Charles Saumarez Smith CBE and Jeremy Musson to Grimsthorpe this summer as part of Vanbrugh 300.
Don’t miss the chance to be a part of this conversational insight into all things Vanbrugh.
For information and tickets, click the link below.
Vanbrugh 300 Family Weekend
Saturday 20 – Sunday 21 June 2026
Join us for this special open weekend to celebrate the life and works of architect Sir John Vanbrugh, a key figure in Grimsthorpe’s history.
Enjoy lively storyteller performances, along with fun, creative workshops to drop in and try your hand at any number of activities.
For information and tickets, click the link below.
An Evening of Vanbrugh
Saturday 20 June 2026
England’s oldest student theatre company, the Cambridge University Amateur Dramatic Club, is delighted to celebrate the 300 year anniversary of playwright and architect John Vanbrugh with a medley of his greatest scenes.
Student actors, directors and designers from Cambridge will travel to Grimsthorpe to perform highlights from across Vanbrugh’s work, alongside newly-written responses commissioned especially for this performance.
NGS Open Gardens
Tuesday 23 June 2026
Visit us on this day for discounted entry into the Park and Gardens, as we are pleased to be open in support of the National Gardens Scheme. Come and explore the gardens, enjoy the views, and help raise funds for incredible nursing and health charities.
We are looking forward to seeing visitors here supporting this great cause!
Baston Car & Bike Show
Sunday 28 June 2026
Live Promotions present Baston Car & Bike Show.
A fun day out for all the family!
Vehicles including vintage, classic, road, race, sports, customised, commercial and more!
Also featuring traders, live music, entertainment, food & drink.
Vintage Speed Trials
Saturday 04 July 2026
Step back in time and experience the golden era of motorsport at Grimsthorpe Castle with the return of Vintage Speed Trials.
Come to enjoy a day of roaring engines, elegant machines and timeless tradition.
Car enthusiasts and curious newcomers all welcome.
Open Air Yoga at Grimsthorpe
Sunday 5 July 2026
This summer at Grimsthorpe, we are embracing our inner zen.
Join us for a peaceful, inclusive, open air yoga session on the West Lawn, set against the majestic backdrop of the castle and overlooking the lake. All abilities are welcome, just bring your mat! Tickets are first come – first serve. Maximum capacity of 30 participants.
Please note: if the weather is poor, yoga will take place in the Vanbrugh Hall
The Malle Mile
Thursday 16 – Sunday 19 July 2026
The British inappropriate motorcycle race and festival in motion!
A non – stop celebration of the speed, music and art of motorcycle culture.
Please note the Castle, Park & Gardens will be closed to the public during this event
The only access is with an event ticket bought below.
Festival of the Unexceptional
Saturday 25 July 2026
If you own a truly unexceptional car from 1968 to 1998, this is the show for you!
Food and entertainment will be available throughout the day. Please visit the website below for further details and tickets.
Please note this is a ticketed event and tickets sell out fast!
Storyteller
Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 July 2026
Join our resident Storyteller Mark on the North Avenue.
Mark writes and creates his own stories, as well as adapting classic folk tales and songs.
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!
Ikebana Flower Demonstration and Workshop
Monday 3rd August
Join us for an afternoon Ikebana workshop and discover the essence of Ikenobo Ikebana. Immerse yourself in the beautiful and ancient tradition of Japanese floral art. Professor Rie Day will guide you through the history and philosophy of Ikenobo Ikebana, while demonstrating a couple of free-style arrangements.
During the workshop, you will create two of your own floral arrangements under her expert guidance.
Please note: your ticket also grants access to the Castle, Park and Gardens on this date.
In The Mood 40s Concert
Saturday 8 August 2026
Step back in time this August to enjoy a perfect summer afternoon of nostalgia and timeless entertainment, as we get In The Mood with vocalist Lissie Allsopp.
Lissie presents an uplifting afternoon of 1940s songs, from stirring wartime classics, to toe – tapping swing numbers, capturing the spirit of a golden era in music.
More information and tickets to come! Stay tuned.
Living History : Tudor Day
Sunday 09 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
Mclaren Car Festival
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.
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
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.
Grimsthorpe Under the Stars
Saturday 3 October 2026
Enjoy the exclusive opportunity to visit Grimsthorpe under the moonlight. Bring your blankets and binoculars because we are going stargazing right here in the Park!
More information to come
