Nestled in the heart of North Nottinghamshire, the Welbeck Estate recently played host to an inspiring visit from Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, as part of a special showcase organised in partnership with Visit Nottinghamshire. Accompanied by Andrew Stokes OBE, Head of Visit England and Alison Clark, Associate Director of Culture, Visitor Economy and Sport, and guided by Welbeck’s team, they all embarked on a day-long exploration designed to highlight the unique synthesis of heritage, creativity, and artisan enterprise that defines our renowned estate.
The morning began with a convivial breakfast at the Harley Café, setting the tone for a day of thoughtful conversation and culinary delight. Guests enjoyed locally sourced fare served in the café’s welcoming, art-filled ambience—a fitting introduction to Welbeck’s dedication to both sustainability and style.
After breakfast, Mayor Ward and guests were led on an engaging tour of the award-winning Welbeck Farm Shop. Here, they discovered shelves brimming with produce from the estate’s kitchen garden and producers. The Farm Shop, celebrated across the region for its commitment to quality and provenance, offered insight into the estate’s close-knit relationship with North Nottinghamshire’s food and farming communities.
During their itinerary, the guests also enjoyed a whistle-stop at Welbeck’s charming self-catering holiday cottages, which offer visitors a tranquil retreat in the heart of the estate’s picturesque landscape.
The cultural journey continued with a visit to the Portland Collection Museum, home to one of the country’s most significant aristocratic art collections. The museum provided an evocative glimpse into centuries of artistic and historical heritage carefully preserved on the estate. This was followed by an exploration of the Harley Gallery, a contemporary exhibition space renowned for showcasing both emerging and established artists.
Lunch was served at the acclaimed School of Artisan Food, where founder Alison Swan Parente joined Mayor Ward and guests. The afternoon saw the guests sampling the heights of local craftsmanship at Welbeck Abbey Brewery. Here, they toured the brewhouse, learning about time-honoured techniques that have evolved to meet modern tastes. The experience was extended with a visit to DropWorks Rum Distillery, where innovation takes centre stage in the crafting of premium rums. Tastings at both locations provided a sensory appreciation for the estate’s commitment to excellence and experimentation.
Nicola Brown, Head of Marketing and Communications at Welbeck, reflected on the significance of the day: “We were honoured to work with Visit Nottinghamshire to welcome Mayor Claire Ward and Andrew Stokes OBE to Welbeck. Their visit was a fantastic opportunity to showcase not only the beauty of North Nottinghamshire but also the unique blend of cultural attractions and artisan businesses that make the estate such a vibrant contributor to the region’s visitor economy. From the Harley Gallery and the School of Artisan Food to the award-winning Farm Shop and Welbeck Abbey Brewery, we were proud to share the creativity, heritage, and innovation that define Welbeck.”
Mayor Ward’s visit stands as a testament to Welbeck’s enduring role as a beacon of tradition, ingenuity, and community spirit in the East Midlands, inviting visitors to experience the best of what North Nottinghamshire has to offer.
Image (left to right): Andrew Stokes OBE, Head of Visit England. Megan Powell Vreeswijk, CEO – Marketing Nottingham & Nottinghamshire. Claire Ward, Mayor of East Midlands. Alison Swan Parente MBE, Founder, The School of Artisan Food. Alison Clark, Associate Director of Culture, Visitor Economy and Sport.
