Events for 10 August
Our next Open Estate Day is shaping up to be our biggest one yet! Essex Foodies Market returns to Hylands and this time it’s taking over the back lawn with over 70 food, drink and craft traders, live music, DJs and more.
You’ll also find outdoor games and sports with Dovedale Sports Centre, along with family-friendly activities inside the house throughout the day. We’re giving you an extra hour to explore this time and, as always, entry is free – just pay for parking.
Activities
Inside the House, our resident artists will be displaying their work in the Banqueting Room. After your visit, head over to The Stables to see inside the artists’ working studios.
In the Library, explore our exhibition Owners of Hylands and the Community, which looks at the families and individuals who helped shape the estate across the centuries.
Storyteller Mike Dodsworth returns with his popular story sessions. You’ll find him in the Drawing Room at 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm and 2pm.
Dovedale Sports Centre will also be joining us just outside the house with a range of fun games and sports for all ages to enjoy throughout the day including archery, football and croquet.
Kids can get creative in the Terrace Room too, where we’ll be making summer-themed headbands to wear and take home.
If you are coming down for a tour of Hylands House with one of our volunteers, these start promptly at 10.30am and 1pm.
Food & Craft Market
Essex Foodies are back, and this month is bigger than ever as they bring their annual Foodies Festival to the back lawn! With over 70 food, drink and craft traders, the festival gives visitors even more to explore.
This bustling outdoor market brings together a wide range of independent local businesses, from street food favourites and artisanal bakes to handmade gifts and unique crafts. It’s a fantastic way to support small traders and discover something new. This month’s event will also feature live music and DJ sets to bring the festival vibes.
Keep an eye on their Instagram for updates on this month’s traders and entertainment line-up.
The Stables
Our resident artists throw open their studio doors and welcome you to see into their working spaces – explore upstairs as well as downstairs!
Hot Box Live provide the tunes with live music inside The Stables courtyard from 11am. Stay tuned for the full line-up.
Browse items #MadeAtHylands in the Artist Shop and uncover treasures in the Friends of Hylands House second-hand bookshop.
Visit the Stables Information Point and pick up your handset to explore the Pleasure Gardens in a brand-new way! Our Hylands History & Gardens multimedia tour will be available for you to hire or scan the QR code and listen along with our new tour about the Estate and how it came to be.
Our popular café The Deli will be open at The Stables all day!
Parking & Getting Here
During our Open Estate Days, parking charges are in effect. If you are a Chelmsford resident, you qualify for a discount on these charges. We recommend downloading the MiPermit app for faster and more convenient payment. Find out more and how to register as a resident here.
We expect the day to be very busy, so if you are able, please consider alternative ways of travelling here. View our sustainable routes leaflet for more information.
