Join Us At The Ilkley Manor House: A Summer Of Making, Performing And Exploring

Ilkley Manor House Trust is delighted to be part of Make It Bradford, with a summer programme of hands-on creative activity, local artisan making, community performance and photography, all set in one of the Bradford District’s most distinctive historic buildings.

From June to August 2026, Ilkley Manor House, a free-entry, Grade I listed building on the site of the Roman fort of Olicana, offers a packed programme of experiences that put making, creativity and participation at the heart of a summer visit.

RE-Play: celebrating the joy of making

Running 6th-28th June, RE-Play is a vibrant exhibition curated by artist Kathryn Fox and artist-curator Andreea Chițan. Bringing together

Summer Makers’ Fair: local artisans in the courtyard

On 25th and 26th July (10am-4pm), the Manor House courtyard fills with makers’ stalls showcasing handmade cards, jewellery, ceramics, paintings and more from local artisans. Free entry, no booking required.

photoILKLEY: see the world anew

From 3rd July to 9th August, the Manor House is a venue for photoILKLEY, Ilkley’s first photography festival. The exhibition showcases winning images from the Young Photographer Competition, giving emerging local voices a real platform.

Family Fun sessions: make, play and discover

Every second Saturday afternoon through the summer, the Manor House runs hands-on family sessions. On 13th June visitors can make spinning tops and play traditional ring games; on 11th July they can create mice pictures, poems and characters inspired by the House’s stories; and on 8 August families can dress as Romans, make shields and march round the ancient fort of Olicana. Sessions run 2-3.30pm.

Yorkshire Day 

Join us as we celebrate Yorkshire Day at Ilkley Manor House with traditional maypole dancing, Victorian games and a white rose craft activity inspired by Yorkshire’s heritage. Visitors can also explore the history of the House on a guided tour and enjoy a day of family-friendly activities in one of Ilkley’s most historic settings.

Celebrate God’s Own Country with family-friendly activities and playing with traditional games and toys in the courtyard.

Bard in the Yard: Shakespeare in a medieval courtyard

Returning for its seventh year, Ilkley Playhouse brings minimalist Shakespeare to the Manor House courtyard on 30th-31st August. This year’s productions are The Merchant of Venice and Much Ado About Nothing. Tickets £8 / £5 students.

“The Manor House is a place where history and creativity meet, and our summer programme reflects that. Whether you’re making a Roman shield, browsing a maker’s stall, discovering the work of local photographers or watching Shakespeare under the stars, there’s something here that lets you make your own mark, and that feels very much in the spirit of Make It Bradford.”

Visit

Ilkley Manor House is open free of charge every weekend. Castle Yard, Ilkley, West Yorkshire LS29 9DT. Full programme and booking at www.ilkleymanorhouse.org