The Great British Bake Off will return for its 2026 season on Tuesday, September 22, Channel 4 has announced.
The programme will see a change to its judging panel, with Prue Leith departing and Nigella Lawson taking over as judge.
Production is scheduled to begin in April and run for ten weeks.
The show has been based at Welford Park since series five in 2014, with the exception of a two-year period during the coronavirus pandemic when production moved to Down Hall hotel in Bishop’s Stortford.
Contestants during that time operated within a self-contained bubble, with family members permitted to join them.
Prior to establishing its base at Welford Park, the programme filmed series three and four at Harptree Court in Somerset, while series two was shot at Valentines Mansion in Redbridge.
The inaugural series aired in 2010 with a mobile setup, transporting the marquee weekly to various locations across the United Kingdom corresponding to each week’s theme.
The cake-themed episode was filmed in the Cotswolds, while bread week took place at Sarre Windmill near Sandwich in Kent.
The marquee is erected solely for the filming period and cannot be visited outside of production.
Welford Park itself remains open to visitors.
The historic Welford Park House has passed through multiple phases throughout its history, previously functioning as a monastery before serving as a hunting retreat for Henry VIII.
The estate has remained under the ownership of a single family since 1618.
Spontaneous visits to the grounds are not permitted, though numerous events are hosted throughout the year.
During winter months, visitors can explore the winter gardens and snowdrop displays while purchasing refreshments at the tea tent.
The Spectacle of Light event runs on select evenings between October 16 and November 7, offering guests the opportunity to wander through the gardens while experiencing an Alice in Wonderland-themed illumination display.