Easter weekend is the start an egg-citing programme of springtime events at Sledmere House

A cracking line-up of family events at Sledmere House and Gardens

Wednesday 28th March 2018

4 minutes read

Sledmere House is set the host a cracking line-up of family events this Spring.

With the clocks moved forward and, fingers crossed, some seasonal weather on its way, the Easter weekend represents the start of a hectic programme of springtime events at Sledmere House.

The events at the Grade I listed Georgian country house spring into action on Friday 30th March (Good Friday) with an Artisan Craft and Food Market, which is an old tradition that Sledmere has revived for 2018.

At the market, which runs from 9am to 3:30pm, suppliers from across Yorkshire will be showcasing a range of local, fresh food produce as well as handmade crafts.

“This is the start of a really busy period for us at Sledmere House and we’ve got some great events coming up,” said Sledmere House’s Lauren Fenwick.

“We’ve made lots of changes including developing the mini farm which is now known as the Spotty Pig Play Farm and adding exciting new equipment to the play area.

“We also have two new shire horses – Poppy and Amy.

“Our new Sledmere Friends membership scheme is another addition and it gives members special offers and benefits throughout 2018.

“The Artisan Market is a brand-new event and there will be three over the year, with a fourth one incorporated into the Christmas fair.”

Good Friday also represents the start of Sledmere’s Eggstraordinary Easter Weekend, an event which runs until Monday 2nd April (Easter Monday).

Amongst the activities taking place across the weekend is the Great Sledmere Egg and Spoon obstacle challenge, in which participants will have to slalom their way around a tricky course, whilst keeping their egg in one piece to be in with a chance of winning a prize.

The Easter Bunny Trail will also give young and old alike the opportunity to explore Sledmere House’s grounds and gardens as they attempt to spot the Easter Bunny and his friends. Families are being encouraged to get on their bikes to take part in a special Bicycle Easter Egg Hunt which takes participants further into the grounds to follow a trail, find their egg and take it to the Farm Shop in exchange for a prize.

“The Easter weekend will be action-packed with an Easter trail for children, an Easter egg hunt which people can complete on their bike, as well as an obstacle course, from which there will a winner each day,” continued Lauren.

Normal admission charges apply for the Eggstrordinary Easter Weekend, however, entry is free to Sledmere Friends Members, with gates opening at 10am on each day.

After the Easter festivities are over, Sledmere House will play host to its Primrose Ramble on Sunday 8th April. This is the second year the event has taken place and it represents a unique opportunity to explore some of the hidden treasures, including a display of wild primroses which naturally seed throughout the woodland as well as other private areas of the estate.

A circular ramble has been created by the staff at Sledmere, which is open for one day only, and will give the best views of the flowers. Ramblers can choose from a shorter or longer route, with the maximum walk approximately three miles long and are suitable for families and visitors of all fitness levels and dogs.

However, wellingtons or walking boots are recommended. “We have added a nature trail to our Primrose Ramble which is returning for a second year,” Lauren told the Wolds Weekly. “The ramble suits all levels of fitness, with a shorter one and a half mile walk and a longer three miler, and it’s a great excuse to explore parts of the estate that aren’t usually open to the public.”

Again, normal admission applies to the Primrose Ramble except for Sledmere Friends members, and gates open at 10am. The springtime programme comes to a conclusion on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th April with Lambing Time at Sledmere. This event offers visitors the chance to go along and meet some of Sledmere’s newest arrivals and help the farm team at feeding time, as well as watching a live stream from the sheep sheds, which will hopefully provide ‘Lambing Live’.

Andrew Karavics and Lauren Fenwick of Sledmere House & Gardens plan the route of the primrose ramble which takes place on Sunday 8th April 2018 ? Mike Hopps/Wolds Weekly

There will also be a Chick Corner, where you can meet new-born chicks in addition to rabbits and other new arrivals. “The lambing weekend will allow visitors to have a look at our new arrivals including lambs, chicks and bunnies,” said Lauren. “Our farm team will be on hand to answer any questions and we are also setting up a live feed from our sheep sheds for people to watch.” Normal admission applies except for Sledmere Friends members who can enter free of charge.

SOME SLEDMERE EVENT HIGHLIGHTS 2018
Friday 30th March: ARTISAN FOOD AND CRAFT MARKET
Friday 30th To Monday 2nd April OUR EGGSTRAORDINARY EASTER WEEKEND
Sunday 8th April : PRIMROSE RAMBLE
Saturday 14th And Sunday 15th April: LAMBING AT SLEDMERE
Sunday 13th May: FAMILY DOG DAY
Thursday 24th May – Monday 28th May: THE CARAVAN AND MOTORHOME CLUB – NATIONAL RALLY*
Monday 28th May: ARTISAN FOOD AND CRAFT MARKET
Sunday 10th June: DEER SAFARI
Sunday 24th June: VINTAGE SUNDAY AND CAR RALLY
Sunday 8th July: STATELY HOME CHARITY CAR BOOT SALE*
Sunday 5th August: TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC
Thursday 16th – Sunday 19th August: TRIBFEST*
Saturday 25th August: ARTISAN FOOD AND CRAFT MARKET
Saturday 27th October: FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR*
Saturday 27th October – 4th November: THE PETRIFYING PUMPKIN HUNT
Thursday 1st November: BIG BARN CHRISTMAS SHOP OPENS
Friday 7th – Sunday 9th December: CHRISTMAS CRAFT AND FOOD FAIR*ARTISAN FOOD AND CRAFT MARKET
2nd. 8th, 9th, 16th and 23rd December: SANTA WILL BE IN HIS MAGICAL GROTTO LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING HIS VISITORS*

*separate entry charges apply

Sledmere is a great centre for walking and cycling across the Wolds. Free all day parking and information on routes and local places of interest is available at the Farm Shop. Sledmere is dog-friendly but please keep them on a lead at all times.