Rothamsted Manor’s Annual Heritage Open Day Festival

ROTHAMSTED MANOR THROWS DOORS OPEN FOR ANNUAL HERITAGE OPEN DAYS FESTIVAL

Rothamsted, Harpenden, August 2021 – Rothamsted Manor is once again taking part in the annual Heritage Open Days – England’s largest festival of history and culture. Every September thousands of venues across England organise events to celebrate our fantastic history and culture. It’s everyone’s chance to see hidden places all of which are FREE to explore.

Rothamsted Manor is a stunningly beautiful Grade I listed manor house, set in acres of Hertfordshire woodland with beautiful surrounding gardens. Known as Hertfordshire’s hidden gem, the Manor sits in the historically signifi cant Rothamsted Estate, home to some of the world’s oldest and most important agricultural research work. This year the theme of the festival is ‘Edible England’ and the folks at Rothamsted know a thing or two about food production. Guests can look forward to a number of fun food activities, including a ‘Crimes against Crops’ trail where guests are invited to solve a crime wave that is sweeping our farmers’ fi elds; learn how to make a mould biodome with bread; and taste ‘Claret Cup’ the drink of choice for visitors to the Manor in the 1800’s.

One of the highlights of the house is the extensive murals from the 1500’s which are usually hidden under wooden panelling to prevent damage, but will this year be uncovered for all to see. Guests can also look forward to self-guided house and garden tours, and cream teas in the historic library (booking required).

There are further activities in the grounds too, including scavenger hunts, face painting, lawn games, rock painting, and the very popular ‘Make your own Bee Hotel’. This year, there are 5 open days held between 11th-19th September, one of which is a ‘quieter day’ for those that prefer to avoid the crowds and children’s activities.

Nicole Sadd, CEO of Rothamsted Enterprises says:

Open dates:

Saturday, September 11th, 10am – 5pm

Sunday, September 12th, 10am – 5pm

Tuesday, September 14th, 10am – 5pm (quiet day, no children’s activities, just house tours and cream teas)

Saturday, September 18th, 10am – 5pm

Sunday, September 19th, 10am – 5pm

“We are absolutely delighted to once again be part of Heritage Open Days. The Manor has a rich and enormously signifi cant history, and one which links directly to the agricultural research that takes place on our estate today. We are always delighted to share it with our community. This year’s event is particularly enjoyable for us because it is all about food and so is an ideal opportunity for us to share the science and research of Rothamsted.” Booking link:

www.rothamstedenterprises. com