15 to 23 February 2025

*Kids Go Free is back !

*Two free child tickets with each full price adult ticket purchased.

(extra child tickets are available to buy)

Weekends, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday

Waking up the Avoncroft orchards with a Wassail

The word wassailing is believed to derive from the Old English ‘was hal’, meaning ‘be hale’ or ‘good health’.

Wassailing dates back to the Anglo-Saxon era and traditionally took place on the twelfth night after Christmas, now wassails usually take place between late December and February.

As a result of blessing the orchards a bounteous harvest was expected for the coming year

two adults in brightly coloured hats and cloaks pushing the historic jenny ring a cider press.

Come to the traditional ‘Waking Up with Wassailing’ a family friendly week for all to enjoy.

A King and Queen of the Wassail will be selected for each procession after which the gathered crowd will wind its way around the site via the Avoncroft Orchards and points of interest. Their will be plenty of time before and after to visit all our historical buildings and grounds.
Everyone is welcome to join  the procession, you can dress up in bright colours, capes, cloaks and hats. Sing along with traditional wassailing songs (song sheets will be provided) and make lots of noise with pots, pans and bells.
With musicians, singers and Morris Dancers and children’s crafts, details will be available nearer the time for what is on each day.

 

Included in a daily ticket or free to members.

Members no need to book just bring a valid Membership card with you.

wassail procession leaders, dressed in cloaks and floral hats looking at the orchard in winter next to a medievil townhouse

FREE