I’m delighted to share that I’ll be trading at Mercatum, Haddon Hall’s much-loved Christmas Artisan Market, for three weeks this November, starting Wednesday 11th November. If you’re looking for beautiful, handmade gifts in one of England’s most atmospheric settings, I’d love to see you there.
When to find me
I’ll be at Haddon Hall across three consecutive Wednesday-to-Sunday runs:
- Wednesday 11th to Sunday 15th November
- Wednesday 18th to Sunday 22nd November
- Wednesday 25th to Sunday 29th November
Mercatum itself runs for six weeks, from 11th November to 20th December. The artisans change each week, so I’m only there for the first three, and it’s worth planning your visit around those dates if you’d like to meet me and see my work in person.
About Mercatum
Mercatum has become one of the highlights of the Derbyshire Christmas calendar. More than 750 makers and artisans take part over the six weeks, showing their work in the Hall’s rooms, galleries and courtyard as well as outdoors. Expect ceramics, art, chocolates, jewellery, candles, stationery, perfumes and much more, all in a festive setting. Last year Mercatum was named in the national press as one of the UK’s top ten Christmas markets.
A few practical points if you’re planning a visit:
- Opening hours: The market runs from 9.15am to 4.30pm, with morning and afternoon sessions. This year there is also a new Twilight ticket (3.00pm to 4.30pm), which is ideal for a last-minute browse. Last admission is 3.45pm.
- Tickets: These must be bought online in advance through the Haddon Hall website, and there is no buying on the door. Prices and session times are on the ticket page, so please check there before you travel.
- Parking: The car park is on the A6, directly opposite the Hall, and is included with adult tickets. There is also a bus stop right outside, served from Matlock and Bakewell, and a Green Travel ticket for anyone arriving by bus, bike or on foot.
- Food and drink: There are plenty of food and drink stalls, and Haddon Hall’s licensed restaurant is on site. It’s the perfect excuse to warm up with a hot chocolate between browsing.
- Dogs: Sadly, dogs aren’t permitted, except for assistance dogs.
A setting steeped in history
Part of the magic of Mercatum is the building itself. Haddon Hall, near Bakewell, on the banks of the River Wye, is often described as the most complete medieval manor house in England, and it’s easy to see why.
The site’s origins go back to the Norman period, when it was associated with the Peverel family. By the 12th century it had passed to the Vernon family, who held it for around 400 years and gradually shaped the house you see today. Its ancient kitchens, Great Hall and chapel, which still holds medieval wall paintings, survive from those centuries. The Tudor era added the elegant Long Gallery, with its panelled walls and generous windows.
No story is more closely tied to Haddon than that of Dorothy Vernon. Legend has it that in the 16th century the daughter of Sir George Vernon, known as the “King of the Peak”, eloped with John Manners, slipping away from a ball and crossing the terraces to meet him. The truth has probably been embroidered over the centuries, but the marriage was real, and it brought Haddon into the Manners family, who still care for it today as the Dukes of Rutland.
Then, in the early 1700s, the family made Belvoir Castle their principal home, and Haddon was left largely alone. The result is one of its great treasures: while other great houses were remodelled again and again in later fashions, Haddon slept, and its medieval and Tudor character survived. In the 20th century the 9th Duke of Rutland began a careful restoration, bringing the Hall back to life while preserving its atmosphere.
That timeless quality has made Haddon a favourite of film and television makers, and it has appeared in productions including Jane Eyre, Elizabeth, The Princess Bride and The Other Boleyn Girl. Its terraced gardens, tumbling with roses in summer, are a joy in every season.
At Christmas, with twinkling lights, fires in the grates and candlelight in the old stone rooms, it feels like stepping into another century. Mercatum is a wonderful way to see it.
Come and say hello
Please do come and find me at Haddon Hall this November. I’ll have [describe your products] on display, including [any new pieces or seasonal highlights], and I’d love to chat about my work and help you find something special. [Add stall location if you know it.]
Book your tickets early, wrap up warm, and I look forward to seeing you there.
Tickets and full visitor information are available at haddonhall.co.uk
