Events for 8 March
Activities
Our next Open Estate Day is a special one as we celebrate both International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day. Join us for a fascinating exhibition on Christine Hanbury, along with themed children’s crafts and storytelling throughout the day.
Step inside Hylands House for a full day of activities for all ages!
In the Terrace Room, little ones can get creative with this month’s themed activity, making a bouquet of paper flowers to give to to an important woman in their life — perfect for Mother’s Day!
Over in the Library, take a wander through our latest exhibition on Christine Hanbury, the last private owner of Hylands.
Storytime fans won’t want to miss Mike Dodsworth, who’ll be sharing his much-loved tales in the Drawing Room at 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm and 2pm. Each session lasts around 20 minutes and is perfect for younger visitors.
Our volunteer-led guided tours run for around 45 minutes and will take place at 10.30am and 1pm, perfect for anyone keen to learn more about the House and its owners as they explore.
You can also take a moment to watch our short film about the restoration of Hylands House, playing throughout the day in the Banqueting Room.
Food & Craft Market
Essex Foodies Market is back with a delicious mix of street food, drinks, gifts and crafts. Expect fantastic seasonal menus and plenty of thoughtful ideas for Mother’s Day.
Because of the recent wet weather, some areas are being reshuffled. Hot food and drinks will still be available just outside Hylands House, and you’ll find even more food and refreshments over at The Stables. Craft traders and additional food stalls will be inside the Grand Pavilion, with the main outdoor seating set up in the Outdoor Ceremony Garden.
If you’re not quite sure where everything is, don’t worry, we’ll have clear signage on the day to help guide you.
Head over to their Instagram to see which traders will be joining us this month.
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 in The Stables courtyard. Join them for live music from 11am.
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
Please note that due to winter ground conditions, overflow parking will not be available from January to March, so we recommend planning your journey in advance. If the car parks closest to Hylands House are busy, the Writtle-side car park is available as an alternative and is around a 10-minute walk up to the House.
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.
