Activities
This month, in celebration of the 80th anniversary of VE Day, our arts and crafts activity will be making your own paper Spitfire to take away and fly!
The Essex Historic Military Vehicle Association will also be returning with two WWII Jeeps. You may already be familiar with the significance of Jeeps in Hylands House history…
Our exhibition in the Library will be all about Hylands Estate during World War II, when Hylands House was famously used as the headquarters for the newly formed SAS. Recently featured in BBC’s SAS Rogue Heroes, Captain Paddy Blair Mayne (who went on to become this country’s most decorated soldier) attempted to drive a Jeep up the Grand Staircase for a bet, whilst the house was in the ownership of Christine Hanbury!
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.
Discover the rich history of Hylands House on a guided tour with our knowledgeable volunteers. Tours begin promptly at 10.30am and 1pm.
Food & Craft Market
Following a successful start in February, Essex Foodies Market will continue to offer a fantastic range of local food and drinks vendors, alongside crafty items.
The market provides a regular platform for small, independent and local traders to sell their products and promote their brand. It first started as Writtle Foodies in October 2023 following the discontinuation of Writtle Farmer’s Market earlier that summer. Initially based at Writtle Village Green, the market quickly thrived and became well-known locally for its delicious fare and high-quality handmade products from diverse traders.
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. Pop by to enjoy the sounds of Claire Harper from 11am and Katy for Kings from 1pm.
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!
During our Open Estate Days, parking charges are in effect. If you are a Chelmsford resident, you qualify for a discount on these charges. Find out how to register here:
https://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/parking-and-travel/car-parks/hylands-car-parks/
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:
https://hylandsestate.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Hylands-Cycling-Routes-January-2022-web.pdf
Also check out other Arts events in Chelmsford, Music events in Chelmsford, Sports events in Chelmsford.
