**** Please note this article refers to an event from 2025 that has already taken place. **** Eighty years ago, in 1945, HS Goodhart-Rendel, the last owner of Hatchlands Park gifted the estate to the National Trust. Join us to celebrate this 80-year anniversary with an afternoon of 1940s-themed live music, dance and games. Free entry for all.
Saving Hatchlands Park
During the early 20th Century, many British country houses were destroyed as result of economic and social change. Harry (Hal) Goodhart-Rendel, the last owner of Hatchlands Park, was determined that this beloved country house and estate should be preserved.
“I have made it one of the objects of my life to improve Hatchlands and preserve it from sale, partly because I love the place, as I think you do; and partly because I think it is of national value. The National Trust thinks this too.”
After many meetings and negotiations between Hal Goodhart-Rendel and James Lee Milne, the first Historic Buildings Secretary of the National Trust, Hatchlands Park passed into the care of the National Trust on on 29 December 1945. An agreement was put in place with Hal staying on as a tenant.
The house opened to the public for 52 days a year, 11am to 7pm for 1 shilling. Hal Goodhart- Rendel remained actively involved until his death in 1959.
Celebr80! at Hatchlands Park
Sun 29 June, 10am-4pm, FREE entry for everyone
To celebrate this 80-year anniversary, we’re inviting everyone to enjoy a day of 1940s style music and dance at Hatchlands Park. Relax on the lawn with live music from the Miss Jones jazz band, enjoy jive dancing and even have a go yourself with free lessons from Surrey Jive. Have fun with traditional family games and pop into the house to discover more about the story of Hatchlands Park.
Order a pre-packed picnic
Bring your own picnic, pick up something from the café or why not order one in advance?
Pre-booked picnics include:
Your choice of sandwich (gluten free available)
Cheddar and slow roasted tomato (vg)
Coronation Chickpea (v)
Egg and Cress (vg)
Tuna Mayonnaise and Cucumber
Coronation Chicken.
A slice of Victoria Sponge cake (vg) (or v/gluten free alternative)
A packet of crisps
A pot of coleslaw (vg) (or v alternative)
A bottle of homemade lemonade (v)
A pot of flummery (v/vg jelly alternative)
Adult picnic £12, child picnic £8. Picnics will also include 1940s themed classic family picnic games, suitable for all ages.
If you require more information about ingredients or allergens for this event, please contact 01483 222482 or email hatchlands@nationaltrust.org.uk
Please note, food and drinks prepared in our kitchens are made using a wide range of ingredients. Whilst we do our very best, we can't guarantee that any of our products are totally allergen free.
Discover more at Hatchlands Park
Find out when Hatchlands Park is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Discover more about the 250-year history of Hatchlands Park, the families that made it their own and the influences of famous architects and designers of their day.
