If you’re planning to visit Doddington Hall in 2026, you will find a packed programme of events to enjoy throughout the year. Each new season brings new experiences, and fresh ways to explore the estate.
From the beauty of the gardens in spring to our annual Christmas at Doddington Hall celebrations, there’s something different to enjoy with every visit.
After a long, cold winter, the anticipation of spring at Doddington Hall is palpable. As early morning frosts begin to subside, spring bulbs start to emerge, and the estate is transformed with new life.
As the first snowdrops push their way through the cold ground, we know that spring is on its way. In early February, these delicate white flowers form a beautiful blanket across the gardens, growing in swathes alongside winter aconites, cyclamen and crocuses. These winter blooms are swiftly followed by our unique collection of heritage daffodils, bringing an abundance of colour and joy to the gardens, even on a rainy day.
From February to April, the gates to the gardens will reopen for you to enjoy our annual Spring Bulb Pageant. A tradition since the 1950s, this is a chance to explore the gardens, spot the first signs of spring and listen to the beautiful birdsong. Peaceful, grounding and oh so serene, you’ll leave feeling refreshed, recharged and ready to embrace the new year.
After closing for the winter break, Doddington Hall reopens to visitors from 29 March. Combine your visit to the gardens with a trip to the Hall and you can explore the extensive history inside. With over 400 years of unbroken family ownership, the hall houses a fascinating collection of furniture, paintings and ceramics.
As we head into 2026, we’ll also be keeping one foot in the past with our new exhibition. Launching in February, Then & Now is a chance to discover the history of Doddington Hall, through a fascinating display of archive photographs and objects.
Taking place in the Stable Yard Gallery, this exhibition explores how the Hall and the surrounding village have evolved over the last century. From the residents who have lived and worked here to the ongoing development of the old estate buildings, Then & Now is a unique opportunity to connect the past with the present.
With so much to see and do, Doddington Hall is perfect for a family day out. As Mother’s Day coincides with our Spring Bulb Pageant, we always do something special in our cafés and restaurant, so you can treat someone special to a lovely day out.
In the Doddington Tea Room, you can enjoy a special Mother’s Day afternoon tea. This year, harpist Ruth Lee will be performing a live set, creating a wonderful atmosphere whilst you dine. We’ll also be serving up a traditional roast dinner in both the Grain Store restaurant and Farm Shop Café, so you can tuck into a big family meal – without the washing up!
If trying new things is on your 2026 bingo card, Wilder Doddington will be hosting a series of engaging workshops this year. These hands-on experiences are a chance to connect with nature, learn a new skill – and discover more about the estate’s 400-year rewilding project.
Shaped around the seasons, there’s a whole host of activities to enjoy, from spring birdwatching to wildlife safaris. It has never been more important to care for the environment, and the Wilder Doddington workshops are a fantastic way to engage young minds and deepen your own understanding.
The fabulous display of cherry blossom at Doddington Hall will take your breath away. Our unique collection of cherry trees usually begin to bloom in late March, but with several different varieties across the grounds, blossom can be enjoyed well into May (depending on the weather!)
Walking along our Cherry Walk as the petals flutter around you is one of the most magical experiences you can enjoy at Doddington. Visit on a quiet day, and you’ll be accompanied only by the gentle buzz of bees and the sweet song of our resident robins.
As we welcome longer days and warmer nights, Doddington Hall comes alive with the sights, sounds and scents of summer.
With the flower beds in full bloom, summer is the perfect season to slow down and spend time exploring the gardens at Doddington. From late May to early June, the irises take centre stage in the West Garden. Grown within box and grass-edged parterres, these striking flowers are complemented by pops of peonies and alliums, and a backdrop of white wisteria.
As you explore the grounds around Doddington Hall, pause to admire the seasonal produce in the Kitchen Garden, the colourful flowers in Catkin’s cutting garden and the many ancient trees that provide welcome shade on hot days.
During the summer months, there’s nothing better than lingering over a long lunch at Doddington Hall. Our cafés both have alfresco dining areas, which, on a sunny day, are buzzing with conversation over cake and coffee. Take a seat outside and you can indulge in some people watching, enjoy a light lunch or simply soak up the sun with a refreshing drink. As our Grain Store café is also dog-friendly, even your pooch can enjoy a well-earned rest.
Long summer evenings call for unhurried dinners, and the Grain Store is the perfect place to linger a little longer. On Friday and Saturday nights, our restaurant is open for à la carte dining, and the summer menu is a true celebration of our estate-grown produce. Extend your night with a stay in one of our holiday cottages, and you don’t even have to worry about driving home.
Summer always seems to go by in a flash, so you can bet we’re making the most of being outside. At Doddington, there are so many ways to embrace the outdoors, whether that’s embarking on a Wilder Walk or booking a game of padel.
The fastest-growing sport in the UK, padel is a cross between squash and tennis. With introductory sessions, social play and one-to-one training, Doddington is the perfect place to give this exciting new sport a try. Our courts are open all year round, but there’s nothing quite like playing on a fresh summer’s morning – then heading to the Grain Store for an iced coffee and a croissant!
If you’re up for more of an outdoor adventure, our on-site bike shop Giant Lincoln has a fleet of bikes available for hire. Fun for the whole family, you can choose either an e-bike or a manual bike and head off on your own wilderness experience.
Situated just across the road from the Hall, the Georgie Twigg cycling track is entirely off-road, making it perfect for family rides. You can wind through the fields, stop for a picnic, and circle back when the kids have had enough. If you’re feeling ambitious, this handy tarmac track runs all the way to Lincoln – just don’t forget you’ll need to cycle back!
Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons to visit Doddington Hall. With the changing leaves, the rising morning mist and the dew glittering on the grass, nature puts on a spectacular show here.
Transformed by autumnal hues, the Wilder Doddington landscape forms the most amazing backdrop for our estate walking trails, and the colder weather brings a whole host of new wildlife to look out for.
During October, the gardens at Doddington Hall are open daily for you to admire the autumnal changes. With fiery shades of red, orange and gold at every turn, it really is a treat to visit at this time of year. The Hall is framed by colourful leaves, while the soft lighting inside exudes warmth and a craving to get cosy. Even on a dark, damp day, there is a certain magic in the air that makes every visit feel special.
If pumpkin picking has become an autumn tradition for you, a visit to the Pumpkin Patch at Doddington Hall is essential. Open throughout October, you will find over 30 varieties of pumpkins, guords and squash to choose from – in an array of colours, sizes and shapes!
In our cafes and restaurants, we utilise seasonal produce all year round, and autumn is our time to shine. From pumpkin cake to roasted butternut squash, you can expect to find plenty of autumnal flavours on our menus at this time of year.
If you want to create your own recipes at home, our Farm Shop is stocked with all sorts of seasonal produce, much of which is grown on the estate. Visit in the morning and you will more than likely see our Kitchen Gardener, Ellie, delivering her bountiful daily harvest – it doesn’t get much fresher than that!
After a busy summer of weddings, our autumnal afternoon tea returns in October. Our specially designed menu is inspired by the rich, comforting flavours of autumn, and truly captures the essence of cosy season.
Served in our beautiful Tea Room, this indulgent experience is a wonderful way to celebrate a special occasion, or simply treat someone you love. Book an early slot and you can enjoy a walk around the gardens after you dine, and stave off that post-cake sugar coma!
This is, of course, your last chance to enjoy our classic afternoon tea before things take a festive twist in November, and we launch our much sought-after Christmas menu…
When the last pumpkin has been picked, it’s time to step into Christmas at Doddington Hall. From November onwards, the estate is transformed into a winter wonderland, with festive magic at every turn.
The gardens close during the winter months, allowing the Hall to take centre stage once more. Our annual Christmas event sees every room transformed with an incredible handmade display, created by our talented staff and volunteers. The theme for 2025 was fairytales and folklore – but what will 2026 bring?
Although the festivities actually start in September with the opening of our much-loved Bauble Barn, our other shops embrace Christmas from November. You’ll find plenty of winter warmers in Country Clothing, while Doddington at Home is full of gift ideas and festive homeware. Over in the Farm Shop, you’ll find everything you need for Christmas dinner, along with an abundance of sweet treats, foodie gifts and hamper inspiration.
Whether you’re visiting the Hall, browsing the shops or picking out the perfect Christmas tree, our cafés and restaurant offer the perfect place to soak up the magic of the season.
Throughout winter, festive flavours take centre stage across the estate. The Grain Store restaurant showcases our homegrown produce, whilst the Farm Shop Café offers a menu of comforting winter classics. In both cafes, you can enjoy a range of seasonal drinks and cakes – the perfect fuel for a festive adventure!
From popping in for a mince pie and a cuppa, to booking a relaxed meal with friends and family, our cosy eateries invite you to slow down and savour the season.
Although the gardens are closed, our estate walks remain open throughout the winter months. On a frosty morning, you can enjoy the most amazing views across the Wilder landscape – visit early and you will more than likely have the whole place to yourself.
The winter sunrises and sunsets are particularly magical at Doddington. Time it right and you will be rewarded with a magnificent spectacle of colour across the sky (best seen from the Grain Store balcony!)
If you find Christmas overwhelming, booking a winter escape in our accommodation could be the perfect antidote. Opening your curtains to the beautiful Lincolnshire countryside, embarking on a rejuvenating walk and cosying up in one of our cottages is a wonderful way to slow down and soak up the magic of the season.
As the year unfolds, we’ll be updating this blog with the latest seasonal news and events. Bookmark this page to plan your visit, or sign up to our newsletter for updates delivered straight to your inbox.
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