Wool & Topiary Weekend - Sat 1 and Sun 2 June

Watch the wool journey from sheep to yarn!

The shearer will be hard at work in the stableyard, from approx 12 noon to 2pm shearing our flock of Norfolk Horn sheep, while a small number of our Tudors will be working with wool at the barns.

The House and Gardens will be open and there will be extra fun for families with our Heffalump Hunt, Storybook Trail and childrens' games area.

Please note that this is not one of our major events; in addition to the shearing, we will have about 15 of our 'Tudors' on site, working with wool at the barns.

Sheep and wool in East Anglia

Wool made East Anglia rich for hundreds of years up until about 1800. First simply due to the export of wool and then due to the fantastic clothes villages in this area made. Sheep were also used for their skins (for clothes and to write on), for their horns (for nocks, handles, utensils etc), and for nourishment (for milk and meat).

Topiary

It's not just the sheep who are getting a hair-cut this weekend - it's time to clip our topiary hedges and sculptures. Come and see the Pied Piper Hedge, the Fruit Bowl, the Giant Caterpillar and our huge Snail emerging from their spring growth!

The gardens at this time of year

The gardens are simply beautiful with soft greens abounding, and flowers starting to show their heads. The Potager is starting to grow full of vegetables and fruit with rhubarb and asparagus at their best.

David Smile, from English Saffron (who featured on BBC Saturday Kitchen Live) will be talking about the wonderful Saffron flower on 9th & 10th June. Discover how to get the best out of this wonderful spice.

Ian Hart, from the Bee House Honey Company will be here on Sat, 9th June with his hives and to answer any questions you may have.

Opening times

Open 11am - 5pm on both days; the House will be open from 12 noon to 4pm on both days.

Catering

We shall be be serving homemade lunches and teas in the Stableyard Restaurant.

There is a picnic site by the Main Gates, with a marvellous view of the house, however we do not allow picnics inside the grounds.

Tickets and Prices

Special Prices apply for this weekend - please see below. HHA visitors do not enjoy free entry during this weekend.

Tickets will be available to purchase on the gate. However, we suggest you book in advance for discounted tickets.

No dogs are allowed within the grounds.

Please note: online tickets must be booked before the day of your visit.