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Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. Vanbrugh 300 is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to develop a nationwide project that aims to broaden the awareness of Vanbrugh through special displays, free education programmes and lectures, throughout his tercentenary year in 2026.
25th to 26th April 2026
Get ready for a weekend packed with creativity, imagination, and activities for all. Settle in for a lively storytelling performance, roll up your sleeves to make your own John Vanbrugh‑inspired wearable architecture, or explore the hidden stories in his buildings through movement and play in a fun, family‑friendly drama session. Whether you come with family, friends, or a community group, there’s something for every curious mind. Dive into a day full of laughter, discovery, and hands‑on adventure.
Become both architect and costume designer in this fun, hands-on session inspired by the life and work of Sir John Vanbrugh.
Drop in at any time and design your very own wearable work of architecture inspired by the design of Blenheim Palace. Working with a theatre designer and taking inspiration from Vanbrugh’s spectacular building, colourful life, and love of drama, families will create their own bold and imaginative hats. Think like an architect as you build a three-dimensional design that can be worn, displayed, and taken home.
From grand Baroque towers to theatrical flourishes fit for a Kit-Cat Club party, the only limit is your imagination. Bring your curiosity, creativity and a willingness to experiment.
Step inside the bold, imaginative world of Sir John Vanbrugh - playwright, architect, soldier, spy and dreamer!
In this lively, hands-on family workshop, you’ll explore the extraordinary life and buildings of Sir John Vanbrugh through movement, imagination, and play.
Discover how his palaces, castles and theatres were designed to feel dramatic, powerful and full of story - just like his plays. Bring his dramatic Baroque designs to life as you discover why Vanbrugh was the true rockstar of the English Baroque.
Together, you’ll uncover the stories hidden in his buildings, explore how bold spaces shape our emotions and see architecture in a whole new way.
Vanbrugh believed imagination could build anything - stories, buildings and ideas. In this workshop, families will discover that they can too.
This fast-paced, interactive 20-minute family storytelling performance by Lucy Lill and Alys Torrance hurtles through the many hats of one of Britain’s most surprising figures. Audience members are invited to step into Vanbrugh’s shoes as the chapters of his extraordinary story are revealed.
From frantic early travels and time spent in prison, to theatrical triumphs, political intrigue, historic fall-outs, and the creation of some of Britain’s most iconic buildings, this is history told at speed and with mischief firmly intact. Expect comic chaos, physical storytelling and sharp wit in this playful exploration of how one man’s many talents collided to leave a lasting legacy. History has never been quite so busy - or so much fun.
Perfect for families and curious minds of all ages.
