Idler Festival 2023

The Idler is once again taking over Fenton House and Gardens in Hampstead for three days of philosophy, husbandry and merriment.

The Idler Festival 2023 will take place 7-9 July in the country house surroundings of the seventeenth-century mansion within its walled gardens and orchard.

Slow down, have fun and live well for one glorious idle weekend. You'll be inspired by fascinating speakers, brilliant musicians, dancers, comedians, philosophers, beekeepers, agony aunts, and artists.

Tickets

Idler Member Tickets: £115 (sold out)

Early Bird Tickets: £125 plus fees (saving £10 on full price)

Location: Fenton House is a brick mansion with a walled garden built for a wealthy merchant in the 17th century. It houses the Benton Fletcher collection of harpsichords, 17th-century needlework, a ceramics collection featuring Chinese and 18th-century pieces, formal lawns, a sunken rose garden, yew hedges, a 300-year-old orchard and a working kitchen garden. It was given to the National Trust by the last owner Lady Binning in 1952.

Address: Fenton House, Hampstead Grove, Hampstead, London NW3 6SP

Times:

Friday: 6pm – 9pm

Saturday: 12am – 7pm (plus after party at a local venue)

Sunday: 12am – 7pm

Nearest tube: Hampstead Underground Station

Parking: Limited on-street metered parking Friday/Saturday. No parking restrictions on Sundays

Accommodation: The Idler Festival does not offer overnight accommodation.

Workshops: Some workshops and activities with limited spaces will be subject to additional booking fees. Booking will open to all ticket holders one month before the festival.

Children: Please note, there are no children’s areas at the festival and no events aimed specifically at children. Older children may enjoy the talks. Families with babies are welcome and will find plenty of quiet spots in the garden. Children under the age of 5 go free.

Dogs: There are no dogs allowed on the Idler Festival site (apart from registered guide dogs).

Disabled Tickets and Access: The Idler Festival welcomes deaf and disabled guests and we're working hard to ensure that we are as accessible as possible to everyone. We operate a 2 for 1 (free personal assistant ticket) for eligible guests. The types of supporting documentation we accept are as follows: DLA/PIP letter or equivalent (dated within the last three years) / A verifiable medical professional’s letter / D/deaf or blind registration / The Access Card / Blue Badge + Photo ID. Please contact [email protected] or call 0203 176 7907 to find out more.

Accessibility:

Building – there are two steps to the entrance which provides access to the Dining Room and bookshop; a ramp is available.

Grounds – there is an accessible route around the upper walk and south garden which provides access to the Main Stage.

Terms and Conditions:

Festival tickets are fully transferable. This means if you are unable to attend the event or a workshop you have booked, then you may pass your ticket on. Please contact us at [email protected] with your details and the details of the person to whom you would like to transfer your ticket(s).

Refunds within 4 weeks of the opening date of the event are discretionary and Idle Ltd reserves the right to refuse.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Fenton House, Hampstead Grove, London, United Kingdom