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Christmas trees and lights outside Ham House, Surrey with grass and a path in the foreground and a cloudy sky above
Christmas trees and lights outside Ham House, Surrey | © National Trust Images/Chris Davies

Houses and buildings

From grand houses and palaces to cotton mills and urban homes, the historic houses and buildings in our care are full of stories, art and collections.

Winter house closures

Some of the historic houses in our care close over the winter months so we can carry out vital conservation work. Please check individual place webpages for up-to-date information on opening times.

A conservator working on a doll's house

Visit a historic building

Historic houses decked out for Christmas 

Step back in time and visit a historic house decorated for Christmas. Explore traditions from medieval to modern times, join in with crafting and carol singing, and celebrate the season.

Christmas at Powis Castle, Powys

Best historic kitchens 

Some of the historic kitchens we care for have catered for royalty, while others contain well-preserved stoves and gadgets from centuries past. Discover stories from some of the best kitchens to visit.

Copperware in the kitchen at Felbrigg Hall, Norfolk

Unique houses 

Learn about some of the most unusual houses we look after. There's a hydroelectric-powered Arts and Crafts home with an early dishwasher, a 16-sided house and even a Jacobean time capsule to visit.

View of Clouds Hill, the small woodsman's cottage, in Dorset with trees and bushes surrounding it

Places with literary connections 

Visit some of the places we look after that have inspired famous writers, playwrights and poets, including the homes of Beatrix Potter, Virginia Woolf and Thomas Hardy.

A mother and child read a book with a volunteer at Max Gate, Dorset

Find a house or building near you

    Visitors exploring festive decorations at Belton House, Lincolnshire with Christmas trees and lights in the foreground and a painting in the background

    Where will you visit next?

    Discover lots of gardens, historic houses, days out at the coast and more.

    Plan a visit

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