Hopton Hall Gardens and Month of Art – What’s New?

The Summer opening of our gardens (every Thursday - Sunday in July until Sunday, 26^th July) coincides with our Month of Art celebration where artists are offered free access to create an artwork taking inspiration from the grounds for the chance to win £1,000.

Some 200 artists across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire have already signed up to participate.

This year sees further enhancements to visitor and artist experiences alike:

• The number of artist gazebos where artists are invited, at no charge, to display and sell their artwork, create artwork and run workshops, has been extended to 32. Custom-made for the event by resident carpenter, Louis, each includes spotlights and commercial Wi-Fi to give artists the most professional setting in which to showcase their art. (All 32 are fully booked for the final weekend.)

• The addition of new storyboards across the grounds which give visitors the opportunity to learn more about the Estate’s incredible history, including on the decorative Pompeii Rock, brought back to Hopton by archaeologist, traveller and one-time owner of the Hall, Sir William Gell FRS in the early 1800s and on Musket Firing Range (set up by prominent and ruthless Parliamentarian military commander Sir John Gell to rapidly train local miners and labourers into a disciplined, functioning infantry unit during the English Civil War).

• Opening of the newly-refurbished The Stables at Hopton Hall which offers a new space to showcase the work of artisans. During the Month of Art, visitors will be able to view a solo exhibition of 2025 Month of Art winner, Lesley Linley.

• A new ticketing system enabling visitors to book their tickets in advance and, should they choose, a pass to return as many times as they wish during the July event.

• An extended menu and state-of-the art coffee machines at The Café at Hopton Hall which can be enjoyed from indoor seating or an outdoor terrace.

• (For visitors on the final weekend who wish to cast their votes to select the Month of Art 2026 winner) the opportunity to access the main corridor of the Hall to view the submitted artwork.

A list of exhibitors at the event can be accessed here: Artists and art groups taking up residency in an artist gazebo at the Month of Art 2026.

Our Walled Garden is well-known for its 2,000 rose bushes and 5,000 immaculately clipped box plants, and visitors love our walks through the woodland and around the wildlife lake too. We know from Competition entries in previous years that the Estate offers so much inspiration for artwork – whether its natural beauty, quirky features like the Crinkle-Crankle Wall (the inspiration for the Serpentine Hedges at Chatsworth House) or our super friendly and fluffy cat, Gladys!

The event brings such positive vibes and people to the estate and we’re really looking forward to greeting all our guests.

Tickets are priced at £7.50 for adults (£3.75 for children) and can be booked online here.