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Haxey Hood

Haxey

England's oldest and strangest village game: a huge rolling scrum, called the Sway, pushes a leather tube (the Hood) across the fields between Haxey and Westwoodside until it reaches one of four pubs. It is held on 6 January each year, or on the Saturday if the 6th is a Sunday. The Fool gives his speech from the Mowbray Stone outside St Nicholas Church at about 2.30pm while damp straw is 'smoked' behind him, then play starts at about 3pm and often goes on into the evening.

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Where to stay

  • Haxey and EpworthA few pubs and guest houses, book early
  • DoncasterThe most hotel choice, about 20 minutes by car
  • GainsboroughMarket town about 20 minutes away
  • ScunthorpeMore hotels about 25 minutes away

Getting there

  • Doncaster station is about 10 miles away and has the most trains and taxis
  • Gainsborough and Crowle stations are closer but have fewer trains
  • Village roads are narrow and busy on the day, so park well away from the green and walk in
TipWatching is free. Wear warm, waterproof clothes and boots you don't mind getting muddy, and stand well back from the Sway, which can move suddenly. The red-jumpered Boggins keep play safe, so follow what they tell you.

Travel details can change, especially on event days — check with the venue or operator before you travel.

Questions people ask

Where is the best place to stay near Haxey Hood?

Haxey and Epworth: A few pubs and guest houses, book early. Doncaster: The most hotel choice, about 20 minutes by car. Gainsborough: Market town about 20 minutes away. Scunthorpe: More hotels about 25 minutes away.

How do I get to Haxey Hood?

Doncaster station is about 10 miles away and has the most trains and taxis. Gainsborough and Crowle stations are closer but have fewer trains. Village roads are narrow and busy on the day, so park well away from the green and walk in.

Any tips for visiting Haxey Hood?

Watching is free. Wear warm, waterproof clothes and boots you don't mind getting muddy, and stand well back from the Sway, which can move suddenly. The red-jumpered Boggins keep play safe, so follow what they tell you.

Which airport is closest to Haxey Hood?

The nearest airport on this site is Leeds Bradford Airport, about 42 miles away in a straight line. See hotels near the airport.

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