The Harley Foundation
Coal Mining Stories
Explore the connections between the Welbeck Estate and coal mining – and celebrate the creativity of Nottinghamshire’s mining communities.
At Welbeck, community is found in the makers, growers, educators, artists, visitors and neighbours who bring the estate to life. Rooted in North Nottinghamshire and open to new ideas, Welbeck is a place to discover, learn, connect and return to throughout the year.
Welbeck is a historic estate with a living, contemporary spirit — a place where heritage, craftsmanship, creativity and care for the land come together.
Set within 15,000 acres in the heart of North Nottinghamshire, Welbeck has long been shaped by the people who live, work, make, grow and learn here. Today, that sense of community continues through exceptional food, independent enterprise, education, art, conservation and thoughtfully curated experiences that invite people to connect with the estate in meaningful ways.
For generations, Welbeck has been part of life in the villages, towns and countryside that surround it. Its character is defined not only by its historic landscape and architecture, but by the people and businesses who bring the estate to life every day.
From farming and food production to hospitality, learning, culture and rural enterprise, Welbeck supports a distinctive network of talent and expertise. Every visit helps sustain this community, contributing to a place where tradition and innovation continue to thrive side by side.
Welbeck is home to experiences that celebrate skill, curiosity and creative excellence. The School of Artisan Food shares traditional and contemporary food skills through hands-on learning, while The Harley Foundation offers access to art, making, exhibitions and workshops within an inspiring estate setting.
Together, these places encourage people to discover something new, develop confidence and connect with the makers, artists, producers and educators who help shape Welbeck’s creative community.
At the heart of Welbeck is a vibrant community of growers, makers, producers and independent businesses. Across the estate, quality, provenance and thoughtful production are championed — from artisan food and drink to studios, workshops, retail and visitor experiences.
This commitment to craftsmanship supports local employment, nurtures specialist skills and gives visitors the chance to experience the people, stories and processes behind what is grown, made and served at Welbeck.
Welbeck’s landscape is central to its identity. Across farmland, woodland, parkland and historic spaces, the estate takes a long-term view of responsible stewardship — caring for the land while creating opportunities for people to understand, enjoy and value the natural world.
Through conservation, biodiversity work, seasonal activity, walks and nature-focused experiences, Welbeck continues to deepen the connection between people and place, ensuring the landscape remains a source of inspiration for generations to come.
Throughout the year, Welbeck welcomes visitors for exhibitions, workshops, courses, walks, tours, seasonal events and time spent outdoors. Whether discovering the Farm Shop, visiting The Harley Gallery, joining a class or exploring the estate, each experience offers a considered way to feel part of Welbeck.
Welbeck’s community is made up of the people who live here, work here, create here, learn here and return often. However you choose to spend time with us, you become part of a living estate where heritage, enterprise, creativity and nature continue to flourish together.
Welbeck is home to two Church of England Churches; St Mary’s Church at Cuckney and St Winifred’s Church at Holbeck.Â
Our community village hall is an ideal venue for DIY weddings, meetings, dances, parties and any other gathering and events.
Welbeck is home to three charities: Lady Margaret Hall, The Harley Foundation and The School of Artisan Food
Welbeck is an innovative rural estate providing contemporary workspaces within carefully converted heritage buildings. Consultancies and technology companies work alongside creative and artisan businesses, food producers, publishers, designers and artists.
Explore the connections between the Welbeck Estate and coal mining – and celebrate the creativity of Nottinghamshire’s mining communities.
Visit to discover a museum of extraordinary objects and fascinating stories. See silver, tapestry, paintings and jewels, plus returning star items that visitors know and love – such as Michelangelo’s ‘Madonna of Silence’ or the pearl earring worn by Charles I at his execution.
Discover new ceramic works by Serena Korda in this exhibition exploring the three archetypes of a woman’s life: Maiden, Mother, and Crone.
Inspired by the landscape paintings in the Portland Collection, and set amongst the rolling green fields of the Welbeck Estate, learn how to layer and lock fibres to create your own felted picture in this family workshop.
