Henry VIII is out on progress again and holding court in the stately elegant Bestwood Lodge Hotel, Nottingham. 

Bestwood Lodge was for centuries the Royal Hunting Park of Sherwood Forest. In the early 1100s Henry I ordered a Hunting Lodge to be built in the area, some say for a mistress, however official records begin in 1286 when Edward I commanded the sheriff to pay Roger de Tybtot, “keeper of the forest of Bescewod, ten marks to complete a lodge in the forest that he lately began by the king’s order.”

King Edward III often hunted in Bestwood Park as a teenager whilst his mother, Queen Isabella, ruled England with her lover Roger Mortimer, who had cruelly murdered Edward’s father. On the evening of 18th October 1330 Edward and his companions hatched a plot over candlelight after dinner at Bestwood Lodge, which resulted in a small party of men led by William De Eland sneaking into Nottingham Castle through a secret passage at night to capture Mortimer, who was dragged into the tunnel. He was later hanged for treason at Tyburn in London.

In August 1485 another king, Richard III, was hunting in Bestwood Park when he received news that Henry Tudor had landed in Wales with an invasion force. Richard rode out of Bestwood to meet his foe at Bosworth in Leicestershire, where he lost both crown and life.

In 1593 Queen Elizabeth I, who loved to hunt, sent an order to repair Bestwood Lodge in readiness for her visit. eighty-six oak trees were recorded as felled in order to carry out the work, a huge number which may have meant additional repairs to the Park fencing were carried out at the same time.

The perfect place to host the Tudor King!

We have two different packages for you to choose from.

The Wolsey Package (Full Day Package)

Arrive at 1pm for a Welcome Reception with freshly baked Scones, Clotted Cream, Preserves and Tea or Coffee.

One and a half hour Tudor Dance Workshop, taken by a professional period dance tutor. Finish time 3 pm. 

Free time to relax and enjoy the Hotel prior to the evening festivities. (approx. 4 hours)

Attend a Tudor Inspired Feast at 7pm to a glass of Mead. Dine on Four Courses of delicious food and Tudor Court Music to set the ambiance.

Monologue performance of "Henry" by his Majesty, King Henry VIII.

Finish with a chance to put those dance moves into action. 

Event finishes at 11.30pm.

92.00 per person.

The Cromwell Package (Evening Event Only)

Attend a Tudor Inspired Feast at 7pm to a glass of Mead. Dine on Four Courses of delicious food and Tudor Court Music to set the ambiance.

Monologue performance of "Henry" by his Majesty, King Henry VIII.

Finish with a chance to put those dance moves into action.

75.00 per person.

Menu

The Court Pottage. Freshly made garden vegetable soup served with Bread.

Second Course. Ham Hock Terrine or Sautéed wild Mushrooms (V, VE)

Third Course. Corn-fed Chicken breast rolled in Mace and Tarragon, with a Chicken Broth or Vegetable Coffyn (V, VE). Served with Roasted Carrots and Parsnips and a buttered Cabbage.

Fourth Course. Poached Pears in Hippocras (Spiced Red Wine) and Cream. 

Whichever package you choose, you will be transported back to 1543 Just before Henry takes his final Queen.