Christmas

Even though Christmas 2020 will be a little different for everyone, there are lots of festive things to see and do wherever you are

Groups walking down path at Stourhead iluminated with green and blue lights

Latest visiting update

Our gardens, parks and countryside locations are open to visit. Shops are also open and outdoor seating is available at some cafés. Subject to government confirmation, we're planning to reopen houses in England and Wales from 17 May, and in Northern Ireland from 24 May. Advance booking for visits helps us keep everyone safe and socially distanced. When space is available, particularly on weekdays, pre-booking isn't always necessary. But to guarantee entry, please always book in advance, especially at busier times like weekends and bank holidays. Please check the property webpage before you visit and follow government guidance.

More details on how to book >

Dog walkers by the shore of Derwentwater, Borrowdale and Derwent Water, Cumbria

Top winter walks 

Head outside and enjoy the winter countryside with one of these great walks. There are lots of blustery coastal walks, countryside strolls and places to spot winter wildlife.

A winter's day at Scotney Castle, Kent

Our top winter gardens 

Winter is a beautiful time of the year, and we've plenty of frosty gardens for you to explore. Enjoy bright pops of colour from berries and flowers, or find textured grasses and frosted seed heads.

Visitors enjoying craft activities, including colouring and drawing

Peter Rabbit activities to do at home 

Get stuck into a winter adventure with these Peter Rabbit™ packs for you to do at home. From crafts and games, puzzles and ideas inspired by nature, you can have a mini adventure with the help of Peter and his friends.

Explore Peter Rabbit activities

Festive viewing

Phoebe Dynevor and Regé-Jean Page dance at a ball in Bridgerton
Winter in the woods at Ashridge Herts
The bell metal cauldron in the Warming Room at Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire.
Scrooge, played by Guy Pearce, next to the Entrance Hall shutters in the Hall
The lake and south front of Lyme Park, Cheshire
An image from a scene from Game of Thrones which was filmed at Castle Ward

Bridgerton (2020)

We’ve rounded up some of the top festive films and TV filmed at our places. Join Daphne Bridgerton as she navigates Regency London's marriage market, complete with the ball scene outside the Temple of Venus at Stowe. Watch on: Netflix (from 25 December)

Les Misérables (2012) 

Popular film location Ashridge in Hertfordshire was transformed with 1,000 square metres of fake snow for Les Mis, when it stood in as an area of countryside near Paris. Watch on: Sky Cinema

Harry Potter (2001-11) 

A trip to Hogwarts always brings a bit more magic to the festive season. Look out for the cloisters of Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire, and Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire as Malfoy Manor. Watch on: Sky Cinema

A Christmas Carol (2019) 

In this darker take on Dickens’ classic, Rainham Hall in London was transformed into Scrooge’s imposing townhouse, complete with artificial snow outside. Watch on: BBC iPlayer

Pride and Prejudice (1995) 

What would Christmas be without a Jane Austen adaptation (or six)? Keep an eye out for Belton House in Lincolnshire, Lacock village in Wiltshire and of course Lyme Park, Cheshire as Pemberley. Watch on: Netflix

Game of Thrones (2011-19) 

Winter is here and we’re all too full of mince pies to move. So why not settle in for season one of the fantasy epic, filmed at places we care for in Northern Ireland? Watch on: Sky Store

Festive plants

A Robin among holly branches

Five things you never knew about holly 

From pagan roots to glittering decorations, discover the myths, magic and history of holly, one of the UK's favourite festive plants.

Mistletoe is traditionally harvested in early December, these freshly cut branches are from the orchard at Cotehele in Cornwall.

Merry berry: magical mistletoe 

From ancient fertility symbol to key habitat for rare moths, there's more to mistletoe than traditional Christmas kisses.