Oct. 26, 2024

1940’s Open House – Saturday 26th October

Harlaxton Manor

Join us this October as we open our beautiful staterooms and gardens which are rarely open to the public. This is a fantastic opportunity to discover Harlaxton, but also to be entertained with some amazing 1940’s entertainment and re-enactment groups. Immerse yourself with 1940’s live singers, classic dancers and re-enactments who bring the 1940’s to life in our magical staterooms and beautiful gardens. We’d love for you and all the family to join us for a wonderful weekend spent exploring the manor with a 1940’s twist. We have the honour of displaying a fantastic private collection “Meeting Winston Churchill’. An introduction to his life and leadership, 1874-1965. Come and see some highlights from one of this country’s biggest private collections of Churchilliana, on loan to Harlaxton. Meet Winston Churchill’s waxwork, see one of his paintings and find out about different aspects of this remarkable man and his wartime leadership through a unique display of cartoons and artefacts. Useful information: Our staterooms and gardens are rarely open to the public so this is fantastic opportunity to discover Harlaxton. Visitors should be aware that the building has limited accessibility due to its age and nature. Complimentary onsite carparking There is disabled parking available Due to the nature of the building, we only allow support or guide dogs Tickets information: Family tickets are available to be purchased for up to 2 adults and 3 children A child ticket is valid for those between the age of 2 – 16 years of age Children under the age of 2, we welcome in for free Concession prices are valid for Students (with a valid ID card) and visitors over the age of 65. Ticket times:  Morning tickets are valid from 10am- 1:30pm (arrive anytime between these times, but we kindly ask you have left the Manor by 1:30pm)  Afternoon tickets 1:30pm- 5pm (arriving anytime between these times, last entry is 4pm) Tickets for this event are strongly encouraged to be purchased in advance. There will be a small amount of walk up tickets on arrival You will be sent an email confirming your booking. Please be aware your ticket may end up in your junk folder. Alternatively if you do not receive confirmation please email events@harlaxton.co.uk On arrival, please state your name of booking, the Events desk will confirm your booking for entry Ticket costs: Adult £15 Child (2-16) £8.50 Concession ( visitors over the age of 65) £12 Family – 2 adults and 3 children under 16 – £40 Under 2’s free of charge Any questions can be emailed to events@harlaxton.co.uk  

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  • Ticketed event FROM £8.50
  • Ticketed event FROM £8.50

  • 1940’s Open House – Saturday 26th October

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    MORE ABOUT THIS LOCATION

    Harlaxton Manor

    HARLAXTON MANOR

    Admire the magnificent Italian Baroque Cedar Staircase, seek out the imposing bronze lions, and uncover the extraordinary legacy of Violet Van der Elst.

    Harlaxton Manor

    Harlaxton Manor, an extraordinary example of 19th-century Jacobethan architecture, stands as a testament to visionary ambition and historical evolution. Built in the 1830s for Gregory Gregory, a wealthy Nottinghamshire businessman, the manor was designed by renowned architect Anthony Salvin. Its striking façade, opulent interiors, and meticulously landscaped gardens showcase a dramatic fusion of Elizabethan, Renaissance, and Baroque influences, making it one of England’s most distinctive stately homes.

    The site itself has been occupied since the 14th century, once home to medieval residences of local nobility. Gregory’s vision was not merely to construct a house but to create a modern interpretation of the great Elizabethan country estates, imbued with a theatrical sense of history and artistry. The result is a manor that bridges centuries of architectural tradition with the bold stylistic flourishes of the 19th century.

    In 1937, Harlaxton entered a fascinating new era under the ownership of Violet Van der Elst, a formidable entrepreneur, activist, and campaigner against the death penalty. A self-made woman known for her eccentricity and determination, Van der Elst sought to restore and preserve Harlaxton, hosting lavish gatherings and investing significantly in its upkeep. However, financial struggles eventually forced her to sell the estate in 1948, leaving behind a legacy of activism and grand ambition that only added to Harlaxton’s rich tapestry of history.

    During World War II, Harlaxton Manor was repurposed as a military hospital, providing recovery and convalescence for soldiers. Its vast halls, once designed for aristocratic entertaining, became a place of healing, marking yet another transformation in the manor’s long history of adaptation and resilience.

    Today, Harlaxton Manor is owned by the University of Evansville and serves as a prestigious study-abroad centre, offering students an immersive experience in British history, culture, and architecture. Under the university’s stewardship, the manor continues to be a beacon of learning and preservation, ensuring its remarkable history remains accessible to future generations.

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