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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.
Castle Howard
This new exhibition introduces visitors to Sir John Vanbrugh – architect, playwright, soldier, spy. Each participating venue explores Vanbrugh’s life and work, as well as his relationship with his patron and the buildings he created at that site.
Seaton Delaval Hall
This new exhibition introduces visitors to Sir John Vanbrugh – architect, playwright, soldier, spy. Each participating venue explores Vanbrugh’s life and work, as well as his relationship with his patron and the buildings he created at that site.
Grimsthorpe Castle
This new exhibition introduces visitors to Sir John Vanbrugh – architect, playwright, soldier, spy. Each participating venue explores Vanbrugh’s life and work, as well as his relationship with his patron and the buildings he created at that site.
Castle Howard
To celebrate the 300th anniversary of Castle Howard, visitors are invited to experience architecture through play with Playshapes; Castle Constructors, an interactive artwork inspired by the bold imagination of Sir John Vanbrugh.
Castle Howard
A luminous new revolving artwork which takes over the Temple of the Four Winds, created by internationally renowned artist and designer Es Devlin.
Wider events
Open Monday to Friday, 10.00am - 4.00pm,
visitors are welcome to explore three specially created exhibition panels in the historic Earl Marshal's Court.
Stowe House
This new exhibition introduces visitors to Sir John Vanbrugh – architect, playwright, soldier, spy. Each participating venue explores Vanbrugh’s life and work, as well as his relationship with his patron and the buildings he created at that site.
Kimbolton Castle
This new exhibition introduces visitors to Sir John Vanbrugh – architect, playwright, soldier, spy. Each participating venue explores Vanbrugh’s life and work, as well as his relationship with his patron and the buildings he created at that site.
Stowe House
Get ready for a weekend packed with creativity, imagination, and activities for all. Settle in for a lively storytelling performance 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.
Stowe House
Francis Terry re-examines Sir John Vanbrugh’s contribution to Stowe House through a new series of reconstruction drawings.
Wider events
Explore the 18th-century Palladian mansion and its 100-acre grounds in Elmbridge, a former royal residence and Grade I listed building. Visitors can enjoy a self-guided tour of the mansion, take a tree walk or explore the Vanbrugh remains!
Wider events
Join actors Harriet Walter and Stephen Boxer, and historian Ophelia Field, to celebrate the tercentenary of Sir John Vanbrugh (1664–1726) in a special event in partnership with The Georgian Group.
Seaton Delaval Hall
Introduced by Sandy Nairne, Vanbrugh scholar Sir Charles Saumarez Smith discusses Vanbrugh’s career and links to Seaton Delaval Hall. Archaeologist Mark Newman shares how investigations have provided insight into Vanbrugh’s involvement in the hall.
Kimbolton Castle
Visit Kimbolton Castle on one of only two open days each year. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the state rooms, including the Queen’s Room, where Katherine of Aragon died. Discover one of Sir John Vanbrugh’s lesser-known architectural gems, with a special exhibition exploring his connection to Charles Montagu, 4th Earl of Manchester.
Seaton Delaval Hall
One of a series of free lectures funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund taking place at Seaton Delaval Hall, as Annette Rubery and Nick Helm explore John Vanbrugh and the Queen’s Theatre in the Haymarket.
Stowe House
Michael Bevington examines Sir John Vanbrugh’s work at Stowe and the landscape vision he helped to create.
Seaton Delaval Hall
As playwright, soldier, spy and adventurer, Vanbrugh is one of the most colourful architects in English history, yet relatively little is known about him. Here Rory Fraser gives a sense of the character that lay behind his legendary facades.