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Christmas at Dinefwr

Christmas tree in the front hall of Newton House at Dinefwr, Camarthenshire, Wales
Christmas tree in the front hall of Newton House | © National Trust Images/Heather Birnie

Feel the warmth of festive family days and enjoy adventures on the Dinefwr Estate with friends this winter. Find out what's on over festive season, from the excitement of the Dinefwr Christmas fair to the traditional Mari Lwyd event and bracing winter walks enjoying the beauty of the ancient parkland.

Enjoy a beautiful and restful Christmas

Visit beautifully decorated Newton House, discover special artist commissions inspired by the wildlife of Dinefwr Estate and feel refreshed after a walk to Dinefwr Castle. Or simply relax at the fireside in the café for a warming bowl of cawl. Escape the hustle and treat yourself in beautiful surroundings.

Newton House and café open every day
10.30am - 3.30pm from 26 December – 7 January.

Woodland banquet by Kathryn Campbell Dodd, Newton House, Dinefwr
Woodland banquet by Kathryn Campbell Dodd, Newton House, Dinefwr | © Holly Dwyer

Winter Wonderment

The twinkle of lights and the greenery adorning Newton House creates an air of special seasonal magic. This year the Dining Room table is a Woodland Banquet Feast created by Kathryn Campbell Dodd. Places are laid for the imaginary creature-characters of the Estate, with Badger and Buck sitting at the top of the table.

We want you to image a frosty moonlit Christmastide night, when everyone has gone home, and the house is quiet. What creatures might venture into the house for a grand Dining Room banquet? What crowns might they wear?

A father holding his son to admire the festive window art as they both smile at Newton House at Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire
Visitors admiring the festive window art in Newton House at Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

‘Tis the Season

To celebrate the winter wonderment of Dinefwr artist Lucy Burns has created an exquisite display of chalk drawings on the windows of the conservatory that overlook the medieval Deer Park. Follow the six little creatures she has hidden around the house to lead you to the window. All the creatures in Lucy’s commission can be found on the Dinefwr Estate, the delicate drawing against the backdrop of the rugged estate is a sight to delight.

alt p harris
p harris | © p harris

Creating Traditions

Artist Bettina Reeves created the wonderful ‘Creatures of Dinefwr’ Christmas tree. The magnificent 12 foot tree in the hall is adorned with the beautiful hand-made decorations, there are 8 new creative additions this year. Can you find them all?

Mari Lwyd festive performance at Newton House, Dinefwr, Wales
Mari Lwyd festive performance at Newton House, Dinefwr | © National Trust Images Paul Harris.jpg

The Mari Lwyd

22 and 29 December.

Join us for a warming drink, music, and a mischievous Mari in this fun Welsh tradition. When Mari and her group get to Newton House, they will sing Welsh language songs or wassails, and indulge in a ritual called pwnco: an exchange of rude rhymes with the person who lives there. If the Mari and her gang get entry, the household is said to have good luck for the year. The Mari is well-known to be mischievous – trying to steal things and the chase people she likes – as she goes about her bidding. Wear suitable shoes and cosy clothes.

Winter walks

Discover the wellbeing of a winter walk and take a moment to pause on crisp winter mornings to watch the wildlife of Dinefwr, and even catch sight of our herd of Fallow deer.

Newton House and café open every day

10.30am - 3.30pm from 26 December – 7 January.

During the winter months our café is serving delicious bowls of cawl along with the regular menu of hot food and drinks. Find a seat by the fireplace and settle in for a relaxing treat after a walk around Dinefwr and a tour around the unique Christmas decorations in Newton House.

The front entrance at Newton House, Dinefwr

Discover more at Dinefwr

Find out when Dinefwr is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

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