Tudor May Day at Kentwell Hall
May Day was an important festival in Tudor times, one of the first outdoor celebrations of the year.
Location
Kentwell Hall, Long Melford, Suffolk CO10 9BA
Telephone
01787 310207- Next Event
- 3rd May 11:00am - 3rd May 4:00pm
- Following 2 Events
04/05/25 11:00
-04/05/25 16:00
05/05/25 11:00
-05/05/25 16:00
About this event
At Kentwell, daily life in Tudor England is brought to life by about one hundred of Living history specialists - come and join in!
See the May Queen and her attendants, help make garlands to decorate carts and people, join the procession, tie your wish on the May Tree and dance to welcome in the May.
The Players will perform their May Day play of St George and the Dragon - watch, enjoy, boo and cheer!
The festivities take place against the background of everyday Tudor life from the gentlefolk, to the cooks and artisan craftspeople.
Entrance to the House (only the parts used for the Event) and Gardens is included. The Gardens at this time of year rich in spring bulbs and blossom. On the farm, this year's lambs will be gambolling in the paddocks.
All activities continue whatever the weather — it rained and was windy or cold sometimes in Tudor times, too.
About the Venue
Kentwell Hall is Suffolk’s hidden gem and one of England’s finest Tudor houses that stands within the most extensive moat in the county and nearly 30 acres of formal gardens and grounds.
The house offers the visitor a journey through time from the Great Tudor Kitchen, the Gothic centre block to the State bedroom that was created by Thomas Hopper in the 1820s for a visit from the then Duke of York.
The house offers a relaxed environment, mixed with an individuality that is not often seen these days in great historic venues.
Kentwell Hall’s organic gardens are a combination of ancient features, elements of the substantial alterations of Lady Guthrie, tenant during the 1930s, and the recent landscaping and planting by the current owners.
Particular areas of interest include the formal walled garden with its glorious borders providing seasonal displays of colour, the wildlife meadows and the Pied Piper Topiary hedge.
Whilst the magnificent Cedar Trees that date back to the late 18th century provide a lovely backdrop and The Sculpted Tree, based on the theme of the Tower of Babel, is the UK's biggest single wood carving.
The house and gardens are described as “magical with a surprise around every corner” and are to be enjoyed at your leisure.
The Stable Yard Tea Rooms serve light lunches and afternoon tea using seasonal produce from the gardens and farm.
Kentwell Hall is famous for producing some of the countries largest Re-creations and family events that run throughout the year.
Kentwell is available to hire for weddings, corporate functions, events and filming.