Stay local with Chawton House this late summer
Chawton House, Hampshire, August 2020. See out the last of the long summer days in the beautiful setting of Chawton House. With a Country Fair, Sunday Picnics, Parkland Breakfasts, September Sunsets and brand new kids trails, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Throughout the late summer and early autumn, Chawton House will host a series of outdoor events to encourage people to enjoy what they’ve missed over the last four months enjoy the beautiful landscaped surroundings.
Chief Executive Katie Childs says: “We know it’s been a difficult time for people, what with the pressures of lockdown and countless cancelled holidays. We hope people can find renewed enthusiasm for all things local and include us in their staycation plans.”
Chawton House has a Good to Go award and a carefully mapped out one-way system for visitors to follow. Entry to the House and Gardens is bookable online and capacity is limited.
Vintage Country Fair
August Bank Holiday, Sunday 30 August.
11.00am – 3.00pm
In collaboration with the Chawton Antiques and Vintage Fair, Chawton House is holding their first ever Vintage Country Fair on the estate on the August Bank Holiday weekend.
With stalls selling a mixture of antiques, vintage goods and hand-made crafts, the day will be a celebration of the Hampshire countryside, with a BBQ and entertainment on-site. Stalls and entry will be spaced to allow for social distancing.
Advanced ticket £1.50. On the Day ticket £2.00
Parkland Breakfast
August Bank Holiday, Monday 31 August
10.00am – 12.00pm
Enjoy Parkland walk followed by a hot drink and bacon bap cooked on the BBQ. Collect your map and activity trail from the Parkland Pantry, by St Nicholas Church in Chawton.
No entry fee. Bap and hot drink £5
Summer Holidays activity trail
Running everyday August till October half-term
Take your kids on a fun activity trail around Chawton House’s Garden and Parkland. Come and explore the beautiful grounds and discover wildlife right on your doorstep! Either download and print at home or ask for a free trail at reception.
Included in entry fee.
Sunday Picnics: Greek meze and English small plates
6 and 20 September.
2.00 – 4.00pm
Enjoy a lazy Sunday afternoon with a ‘small bites’ picnic on the lawn. For just £16, explore the historic gardens, take in the beautiful scenery and then enjoy dining al fresco on the lawn at Chawton House.
£16 per head (includes one-off entry and food).
September Sunsets
11 and 25 September
6.00 – 8.00pm
For these special evening events, the gardens are open from 6-8pm, leaving plenty of time to collect a cocktail and snack box from the Old Kitchen Tearoom, before heading to the South Lawn with a picnic blanket. Watch the sun disappear behind Chawton House and the spires of St Nicholas church.
Tickets are £12 per person and include entry, one cocktail (or mocktail) and a snack selection box. Drinks will also be available to purchase on the night.
Outdoor screening of Emma (2020)
Doors open at 7.30 pm, screening starts at 8.00pm
Enjoy Autumn de Wilde’s sumptuous adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel Emma in the historic grounds of Chawton House. Purchase your refreshments and popcorn from the Old Kitchen Tearoom before taking your place on the South Lawn.
Handsome, clever and rich, Emma Woodhouse (Anya Taylor-Joy) lives a comfortable lifestyle with her hypochondriac father (Bill Nighy) and delights in matchmaking. This beautifully made, fresh, funny and fast-moving version of the much-loved novel is a charming and faithful adaptation.
£14
As we enjoy the last of summer, why not start a new hobby or hone a skill with these creative workshops.
Interactive poetry workshops
Wednesday 9 Sept, 5.30pm-6.30pm
Wednesday 14 Oct, 5.30pm-6.30pm
Whether you’re a complete beginner or a confident writer looking to take your poetry to the next level, this online class will have something for you. Writer, editor and university lecturer, Sinéad Keegan, will set exercises inspired by the archives at and the history of Chawton House and will run the interactive poetry class.
£10.00 per session.
Creative writing workshop – Writing historical fiction
Sat 26th – 11am UK BST
Sun 27th – 5pm UK BST
Has Chawton House inspired you to write a Regency drama? Or perhaps you’re fascinated by the Elizabethans or Victorians. This online workshop will consider the elements that make successful historical fiction and how you make that slice of history come alive.
£7.50 per session
Photography workshop
Tuesday 5 September
10:00am-1.00pm
In-house photographer Claire Lewis will guide you to take your photography to the next level. Don’t worry about what type of camera you have, it’s all about enjoying the craft of capturing images! Taking place in the beautiful setting of Chawton House.
£45 (includes 20% discount on lunch from the Old Kitchen takeaway service)
