Burton Constable Hall near Skirlaugh offers one of the most varied cultural calendars in East Yorkshire, with family-friendly trails, outdoor performances, craft fairs and exhibitions running throughout the summer. Below is a month-by-month guide to what’s coming up.
JULY
The Creature Feature
Date: Now until Friday 26 July
Details: A display of needle-felted birds, mammals and insects by textile artist Jane Higgins, set in the Orangery. Free entry with a garden ticket.
A Mischief of Rats Trail
Date: Now until Friday 30 August
Details: A fun, interactive sculpture trail created by artist David Mayne, featuring imaginative rat figures hidden across the Hall and grounds. Included with standard admission and ideal for families over the summer holidays.
Cobwebs & Cream Teas
Date: Now until Thursday 31 October
Details: A one-hour guided tour exploring the Hall’s lesser-seen servant spaces, followed by tea and cake in the Stables Kitchen. Tours run on selected days and advance booking is recommended due to limited capacity.
Summer Craft Fair
Date: Saturday 27 July
Details: A seasonal market showcasing local crafts, handmade goods, jewellery and artisan food in the Stables courtyard. Open from 10am to 4pm. Admission included with entry.
Points of View – Phil Hargreaves Exhibition
Date: Monday 29 July to Friday 27 September
Details: An exhibition of paintings by Phil Hargreaves, capturing the East Riding landscape through abstract and aerial perspectives. Displayed in the Carriage House Gallery and included with standard entry.
AUGUST
Dr Dolittle – Outdoor Family Theatre
Date: Saturday 3 August
Details: A live outdoor performance by Illyria Theatre Company, bringing the story of the doctor who talks to animals to life on the lawn. Starts at 5.30pm. Bring your own blankets or low chairs. Tickets must be booked in advance.
Outdoor Cinema Weekend
Date: Friday 16 and Saturday 17 August
Details: Enjoy four open-air film screenings in the parkland:
- Mamma Mia! – Friday evening
- Monsters Inc. – Saturday afternoon
- Wicked! – Saturday early evening
- Top Gun (1986) – Saturday late evening
Booking is essential and refreshments will be available on site.
History Talk – The East Riding Yeomanry
Date: Friday 16 August
Details: Local historian Neil Hutty presents a talk on the history of the East Riding Yeomanry, based on more than 20 years of research. The talk begins at 4pm in the Stables and is included with admission.
Late Summer Craft Fair
Date: Saturday 31 August
Details: Another chance to browse work by local crafters, designers and food producers. Ideal for gifts or early autumn shopping. Held in the Stables from 10am to 4pm and included with entry.
SEPTEMBER
Last Night of the Proms
Date: Friday 6 September
Details: Driffield Silver Band presents an open-air evening concert featuring patriotic favourites including Jerusalem and Land of Hope and Glory. The performance starts at 6.30pm. Guests are encouraged to bring picnics, flags and outdoor seating. Tickets must be booked in advance.
Classic & Vintage Car Show
Date: Saturday 7 September
Details: A full-day outdoor event showcasing vintage and classic cars and motorcycles, set against the backdrop of the Hall and parkland. No need to book. Entry included with admission.
Quartet of Painters – Autumn Art Exhibition
Date: Monday 30 September to Friday 29 November
Details: A group exhibition featuring work by four artists from the Hornsea Spectrum collective, focusing on local landscapes and abstract forms. Displayed in the Gallery and free with standard admission.
Visitor Information
Burton Constable Hall is open daily, with access to the Hall, Stables Kitchen, gardens and parkland. The Hall is open to visitors from April to November. For full details, ticket prices and booking, visit:
www.burtonconstable.com