Christmas at Coleton Fishacre

Published:: 30 July 2023

Miniature village with decorated houses illuminated on a blue table, with a Christmas tree in the background. — Feel the Christmas spirit in this model village, created by a team of volunteers | © National Trust / Lauren Hutchinson

This Christmas wrap up warm and step into winter, as Coleton Fishacre presents 'Winter Tide and Time'.

Thank you

Thank you to everyone who visited 'Winter Tide and Time' at Coleton Fishacre. The following article relates to Christmas for 2023, please check back later this year to see what's happening for Christmas 2024.

Christmas opening dates

Coleton Fishacre will be open from 11am to 4pm on:

Daily from Wednesday 20 - Sunday 24 December
Daily from Wednesday 27 - Sunday 31 December

Winter Tide and Time

With a frosty sparkle and festive touches, the house at Coleton Fishacre invites you to spend Christmas by the coast. This year the decorations and illuminations are based on traditions old and new, inspired by sleepy harbour towns and wild coastal walks and the chill of winter.

So soak up the small magical moments and eleganty decorated trees, pose for a Christmas card photo and be swept away into a wintry wonderland.

Christmas tree with sled and presents in a wintery woodland scene, with a round archway decorated with twigs — A winter wonderland snow globe in the Saloon at Coleton Fishacre | © National Trust / Lauren Hutchinson

Traditions old and new

From embracing traditions of years gone by to seeking new ones for memories with loved ones, the house at Coleton Fishacre has been dressed to fill your heart with wintery cheer. From decadent Christmas displays to iconic selfie moments and beloved ornaments, can you guess which traditions have inspired us?

Inside the Dining Room, there's a magical model village inspired by the nearby fishing town of Brixham. Handmade by a small team of volunteers, it took over 250 hours to create and sits at home on the table with illuminated windows and festive details to spot.

Don't forget to step into the Saloon, transformed into a giant snow globe complete with a winter wonderland scene.

Did you know?

Public displays of festive lights at Christmas become popular in the early 20th Century, thanks to the rise of electric lights. A journey down the hallway at Coleton Fishacre will lead you under a sparkling tunnel of lights, the perfect spot for a Christmas photo opportunity.

Two people smiling and standing under an archway covered in lights — Step through the sparkle on an indoor tunnel of lights | © National Trust / Lauren Hutchinson

Winter on the coast

The coastal garden at Coleton Fishacre is perfect for winter walks and breath taking sea views. A stroll along the accessible path to Scout Point, the farthest part of the garden, is rewarded as the garden falls away and the wide ocean vista unravels before you. Nearby the South West Coast path hugs the coastline with secluded beaches and viewpoints to explore. Ideal for blowing away the cobwebs on a winter's day.

Festive food and drink

We've got decadent hot chocolates, spiced lattes and warming cups of tea - why not take one with you on a stroll round the garden to keep those mittens toasty? If you're stopping for a break, warm up with seasonal bites or treat yourself to a festive mince pie.

Christmas shopping at Coleton Fishacre

Why not leave the busy high street behind and let us help with the Christmas shopping this year? Whether you're looking for stocking-fillers or something special to put under the tree, you'll find the perfect gift at the National Trust shop.

There's plenty for food lovers too, from tasty biscuits to handmade jams, indulgent chocolates and tipples a plenty. Pick up a treat or two, or choose a combination of things to go in a festive hamper.

You can also transform your home into a winter wonderland with a range of decorations available, from festive garlands to handmade ornaments.