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Idler Festival

The Idler Festival is a weekend of philosophy and merriment, comedy, talks, music, workshops and salons in the bucolic surroundings of Fenton House and gardens near Hampstead Heath

  • Booking essential
  • Free event

The Idler is once again taking over Fenton House, from Friday 10 July to Sunday 12 July, bringing together a carefully curated line-up of artists, wits, performers and characters.

The Idler Festival is a weekend of philosophy and merriment, comedy, talks, music, workshops and salons in the peaceful and bucolic surroundings of Fenton House and gardens near Hampstead Heath.

You’ll be entertained and enlightened by the Idler’s favourite thinkers, comedians, writers and musicians. There’ll be dancing lessons, singing, and plenty of time to loaf under the apple trees.

Performers this year will include Prue Leith, Irvine Welsh, Jojo Moyes and Kevin Rowland

PLUS For Gods’ Sake! An Immersive Mythical Melodrama, The History of UK Skateboarding, Comedians Do Poems, Craftivism, Goth Women, Philosophy Slam, Poetry Salon. Fanzine, beekeeping, ukulele & harmonica workshops; DJs in the orchard, pranayama, walks and more.

Join us for our dream garden party.

Times

The basics

Booking details

Call 02031767907

Suitability

Children are welcome.

Accessibility

Our ground floor is fully accessible, but our upstairs can only be reached via a two-flight staircase. There is a short flight of stairs between levels in our garden. The paths in our garden are gravel paths. Registered guide dogs are permitted. Toilets inside the building on the first floor and portaloos in the yard, accessible from the road (level access) or from the lawn (via stairs).

Contact info

The Idler Academy

Upcoming events

Nature Journaling 

Join us for a peaceful hour of guided journaling in the blissful surrounds of Fenton's gorgeous gardens.

Event summary

on
21 Jun 2026
at 11:30 to 13:30

Music Tours 

Hear musical history come to life as our volunteer musician guides and serenades you through the story of our rare plucked-string instrument collection.

Event summary

on
26 Jun to 16 Oct 2026
at 12:30 to 13:30+ 4 other dates or times