We are sold out this weekend for all non pre-booked tickets. Please note, admission charges apply for Christmas at Waddesdon, including National Trust Members.

Posted 22 December 2023

Art & architecture Behind the scenes Collection Events Exhibitions Gardens

Looking back on 2023

To celebrate the end of another great year at Waddesdon, we're taking a look back at 2023 in pictures.

Winter Light in January

This year began with sparkle and bright light with our Winter Light programme.

Doodle Jam in February

We loved the giant colourful doodles you created during February half-term.

Beautiful bulbs in March and April

The wonderful gardeners planted thousands of daffodils and snowdrops which appeared in Daffodil Valley, the Aviary and across the grounds. On the Parterre, over 50,000 red and yellow tulips burst into bloom!      

We also loved the instillation of over 1,000 forget-me-nots in the Aviary, in partnership with Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity.

New paintings displayed in March

As the house opened for main season, two new paintings by Canaletto and Guercino went on display.

 

Easter fun in April

Easter was jam-packed with lots of fun games and creative activities for children to explore and enjoy.

Marking the Coronation in May

We planted thousands of tiny bedding plants in a royal design to celebrate the coronation of the new King.

Wedding Cake opened in June

Wedding Cake, designed by Joana Vasconcelos, opened to the public for tours in June complete with 25,150 ceramic tiles and 1,238 ceramic pieces in 52 shapes including mermaids, dolphins and candles!

Wedding Cake 2023  

Catherine Goodman: Do you remember me? Opened in June

Catherine Goodman: Do you remember me? was our major summer exhibition this year, that was displayed in the Coach House Gallery down at the Stables.

 

Summer holidays highlights in July

Throughout the summer holidays, we had fun workshops that took place every weekend, including the chance for visitors to hold birds of prey including beautiful Bertie, the European Eagle Owl!

Junkyard Orchestra 2023  

Tropical Waddesdon in August

There were lots of sunny days to enjoy in August, Waddesdon looks tropical in this photo!

Chilli Fest fun in September

Chilli Fest is one of the busiest weekends of the year at Waddesdon. This year, for the first time ever, we held chilli eating competitions and welcomed Titan the Robot!

Elephant automaton was back on display in September

Between April and September, our marvelous elephant automaton underwent  conservation and cleaning before going back on display at the end of September.

Haunted half-term in October

This spooky half-term we had skeletons galore and exotic animals with Zoolab!

 

Festive Preparations in November

It was all hands on deck in November to get the house and grounds ready for Christmas at Waddesdon!

Christmas at Waddesdon in November and December

With new animated light projections on the Manor facade, decorations inside the house inspired by three classic tales and a sparkling light trail through the grounds, this Christmas has been more magical than ever.

 

Our Learning team worked with over 14,000 school children to create the exhibition down in the Coach House inspired by Yuval Zommer’s book ‘The Lights that Dance in the Night’.

 

We can’t wait for you to enjoy all the exciting events at Waddesdon in 2024!