Summer Fun at Waddesdon Manor
There’s plenty on offer to keep the whole family entertained this summer at Waddesdon.
There’s a wonderful new exhibition by ceramic artist Kate Malone. Kate Malone: Inspired by Waddesdon, features pieces influenced by the landscape, gardens, architecture and the people that have lived and worked at Waddesdon. Kate has been particularly inspired by the wealth of decorative detail in the collections, including the intricate passementerie (elaborate tassels, braids and fringing) that decorates many of the curtains and upholstery. A feast of colour and texture, Kate’s work explores ceramic techniques and offers visitors the chance to experience Waddesdon from a different perspective.
Visitors to Waddesdon will have the opportunity to while away a summer’s evening in the gardens whilst enjoying a wonderful programme of open air theatre and outdoor cinema. Celebrate Shakespeare 400 with a performance by The Lord Chamberlain’s Men of Shakespeare’s battle-of-the-sexes comedy, Much Ado About Nothing. Begin the August bank holiday weekend in style with a picnic and screening of Baz Luhrmann’s unconventional Romeo and Juliet staring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes (Friday 26 August) or be dazzled by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (Saturday 27 August).
Visitors are invited to see Waddesdon by night with our Stargazing Evening (Thursday 11 August) perfect for any budding astronomers.
Waddesdon has a wealth of fun family activities to keep younger visitors entertained this summer. Mimi the Mynah bird, Waddesdon’s feathered mascot, will be offering the chance to tour Europe, exploring the five countries the Rothschild brothers settled as part of Mimi’s European Adventures (Wednesday 27 July to Sunday 28 August). Each week will focus on a different country, with themed activities including ice-cream making during Mimi’s Italy week and the chance to scale a climbing wall during Austria week. Waddesdon will also be offering some exciting children-only behind the scenes tours of both the Manor and Aviary this summer, giving children the opportunity to see Waddesdon’s famous elephant automaton in action.
Waddesdon’s Woodland Playground provides the perfect venue for younger visitors to burn off excess energy before refuelling with a bite to eat at the Stables Café or paying a visit to the new-look, pocket-money friendly Stables shop.
As summer starts to fade, visit Waddesdon and turn up the heat with Chilli Festival on 3 and 4 September. Bigger and better than ever, with over 50 handpicked artisan producers, find everything for the chilli fanatic or intrepid chilli novice; delicious jams, pickles, chutneys and oils alongside spicy cheese, chilli beers, chocolate and cooking demonstrations. With live music and children’s craft activities there’s plenty to enjoy throughout the weekend.