Visit Bateman's between Boxing day and the new year

Family walk with boy on a dads shoulders — Enjoying a bracing winter walk

Escape the Boxing Day crowds and join us at Bateman's from December 26 all the way though to January 1 and onward into the new year - we are open. Visit the house decorated in rich, opulent colours inspired by Kipling's travels and his Just So Stories. Explore the winter garden, venture out onto the estate for a wintery walk, try out the Just So stories Elephant family trail, or stop by the tea-room for a warming drink and seasonal treat.

'Just So' at Bateman's

Until Sunday 5 January 2020

This winter Bateman's festive decorations are based around Kipling's Just So Stories, which will cast their magic around his family home.

Wander into the 17th-century house and be met with the warm glow from the hall fire and a majestic tree to welcome you. This year the houses magical decorations are based around Kipling's 'Just So' Stories, with handmade decorations in opulent colours and story-themed floral arrangements. Kipling’s 'Just So' Stories famously describe how different animals acquired their most distinctive features, such as how the camel got his hump or how the elephant got his trunk.

A gilt camel nestled among the handmade decorations at Bateman's Just So Christmas event — Bateman's

The 'Just So' Christmas in the house is open daily until Sunday 5 January 2020, 11am to 4pm, excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Last entry to the house at 3.30pm.
Free event but normal admission charges apply.

'Just So' storytelling for families

Find out more about Kipling's Just So Stories, at a storytelling session in the old kitchen. Take a seat and listen to a reading from the recently released 'Just So Stories' as retold by Elli Woollard in rhyme. This version of Kipling's famous tales is particularly suitable for younger children, although older kids and adults are welcome.

Thu 19 - Sun 22 Dec
Thu 26 Dec - Sat 4 Jan

Timings: 12 midday, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm

This is a free event. Meet in the old kitchen, either at the end of your visit to the house or via the servants' corridor from the Oast-house shop.

Wooden elephants depicting Kipling's 'How the elephant got his trunk' story at Bateman's Just So Stories Christmas event — Bateman's

Just So Stories elephant trail identity visual — Just So Stories Elephant trail at Bateman's

Children's 'Just So' elephant trail fun

Even though it's wintertime, there's still plenty to see in the garden and our elephant themed garden trail, inspired by the Just So stories, is perfect to get the children out and about.

Pick up a trail at visitor reception and head off into the gardens to seek out the elephants hiding in the garden, learning lots of elephant inspired facts along the way.

One of the elephants is hard not to miss, a giant woven willow elephant by artist Juliette Hamilton. Can you help us name the elephant? You can share your elephant photos and name suggestions by tagging @batemansnt us on social media. We will pick our favourite name and share it on Mon 6 January.

Giant willow elephant overlooking at frosty view of Bateman's garden — The giant willow elephant overlooking the garden at Bateman's

During your search don't forget to stop and admire the amazing framework of branches created by the pleached limes in the formal garden or stop for a while and watch the River Dudwell rushing under the bridge in the wild garden.

A wintery scene in the garden at Bateman's — Pleached lime trees in the garden at Bateman's

Trails available until Sunday 5 January 2020, except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Available from 10am to 3.30pm. Prize collection available until 4pm.
£2.50 per trail.
Suitable for children aged 4 - 12 years.

A walk with a ranger across the Bateman's estate

Festive treats and warming drinks in the tea-room

After a crisp walk on a frosty winter’s day take the time to relax, unwind and thaw out in our Mulberry tea room and enjoy some delicious festive fayre.

Walkers respite

If you've just completed one of our estate walks, the Mulberry tea-room is the perfect place to stop, catch your breath and warm up before you head back up the hill to your car.

We have freshly made coffees - latte, cappuccino, expresso and filter, or steaming mugs of creamy hot chocolate and a selection of teas which will quickly warm you through. Our tempting freshly baked sweet and savoury scones are a great light snack before your journey home and there's always an array of delicious cakes and sandwiches on offer.