What Is The Steampunk Weekend Event At Wentworth Woodhouse In September?

Ever get tired of the same old weekend plans? Well, something properly different is happening in South Yorkshire this autumn. Imagine stepping back in time, but with a twist of science fiction. Wentworth Woodhouse, a house so big it’s hard to believe, is hosting its first-ever Steampunk Weekend. It’s a chance to see a historical past reimagined with gears, gadgets, and a whole lot of steam-powered creativity. This isn't just for die-hard fans; it’s an event for anyone curious to see something truly unique. On Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th September, the magnificent house and its grounds will be buzzing with a creative energy that blends the old with the fantastically new.

So, what on earth is steampunk?

It sounds a bit strange, doesn’t it? But it’s actually quite simple. Think about the Victorian era – the time of Queen Victoria, Charles Dickens, and the start of the Industrial Revolution. Now, imagine if all their big ideas about technology were powered by steam and clockwork instead of electricity. That’s the core of Steampunk. It’s a genre of science fiction where people create amazing outfits and gadgets inspired by this idea. Expect to see people in top hats, corsets, and petticoats, but with added extras like brass goggles, mechanical arms, and intricate clockwork accessories. It’s a wonderfully creative community that loves to blend history with imagination, creating a visually stunning spectacle that feels like walking into a different world. This event at Wentworth Woodhouse is a perfect introduction to this inventive culture.

A grand house for a grand event

You couldn’t ask for a better backdrop. Wentworth Woodhouse isn’t just any old stately home; it’s one of the grandest Georgian houses in the country. Standing in 87 acres of beautiful gardens and grounds, this place is massive. Building started around 1725 for the 1st Marquess of Rockingham and it took decades to finish. The house later passed to the Fitzwilliam family and has a rich history that you can feel in every room.

Today, the entire estate is looked after by the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust, a charity working to restore and regenerate the site for everyone in South Yorkshire to enjoy. The surrounding parkland, complete with a deer park and lakes, is managed by the Fitzwilliam Wentworth Amenity Trust. Opening its doors for a Steampunk weekend feels like a brilliant way to fill its historic halls with new life and creativity, mixing the past of the house with a reimagined one.

What’s happening at this weekend event?

This isn’t just about people dressing up. The whole house is being taken over with things to see and do. Over 50 stalls will be set up throughout the stunning State Rooms, selling all sorts of unique, handcrafted items. It’s a perfect place to find a one-of-a-kind gift or a piece of Steampunk fashion.

And for science fiction fans, there are some special treats. The event will feature specially invited exhibitions, including one based on the legendary Dr. Who and another showcasing incredible Steampunk gadgetry. There will also be live musical entertainment to keep the atmosphere buzzing and, get this, Steampunk Morris dancing. Yes, you read that right. It promises to be a family-friendly event with something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned Steampunk enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out this September. The sheer variety of attractions makes this weekend a standout on the Yorkshire calendar.

Gothic stories and comfy chairs

If all that excitement gets a bit much, there’s a perfect place to relax. The Wentworth Woodhouse Library is described as sumptuous, filled with comfy and squishy leather chesterfields. It sounds like the ideal spot to put your feet up for a bit. And during the Steampunk Weekend, it’s transforming into a literary hub. A series of authors will be giving readings from their published works. The genres covered are suitably atmospheric, with a focus on Horror, Gothic, and Science Fiction, alongside some inspirational stories too. It’s a chance to hear fantastic tales in a setting that could have come straight out of a classic novel. This unique part of the event blends the literary roots of the Steampunk and Gothic movements with the grandeur of the house itself.

The practical bits and bobs

Thinking of going? Here’s everything needed to plan a visit to this fantastic event. It takes place on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th September, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm each day.

Ticket Type	Price
Adult Day Ticket (17+)	£15.50
Adult Weekend Ticket (17+)	£26.00
Child Ticket (16 and under)	Free
Accompanying Carer Ticket	Free

Booking in advance is a good idea.

Address: Wentworth, Rotherham S62 7TQ, UK

More from the organisers

This whole weekend is being put together by Andy Dolan of WSW Events. Based in Whitby, North Yorkshire, WSW Events are experts in creating unique gatherings, especially those with a Gothic and Steampunk flavour. Their events are well-known in the community for being friendly, creative, and brilliantly organised.

If this sounds like your cup of tea, there are plenty more events to look forward to. Here’s a list of what WSW Events has planned for the future:

• Autumn Gothic Horror & Alternative Markets: 31st Oct – 2nd Nov

2026 Events

• Whitby Steampunk Weekend: 6th – 8th February
• Spring Gothic Horror & Alternative Markets: April (dates to be confirmed)
• Whitby Steampunk Weekend: 24th – 26th July
• Bridlington Steampunk Race The Waves: 12th & 13th September
• Wentworth Woodhouse Weekend: September (dates to be confirmed)
• Autumn Gothic Horror & Alternative Markets: Oct/Nov (dates to be confirmed)

From the coast of Whitby to the grandeur of Wentworth, these events celebrate all things wonderfully weird and creative across Yorkshire and beyond.