Christmas at Hughenden

Hughenden's drawing room decked for Christmas

In 1877, Queen Victoria visited her favourite Prime Minister at his country home amongst much excitement and ceremony. This year, Christmas at Hughenden takes inspiration from the visit from the 'Faery', Benjamin Disraeli's affectionate nickname for the Queen.

A Very Royal Christmas: a visit from the Faery

Follow in the footsteps of Queen Victoria when she came for lunch at the Manor with her daughter Princess Beatrice. You’ll be greeted, as they were, by a giant chair arch, a replica of the one the furniture-makers of Wycombe made for the Queen’s arrival.

Portrait of Queen Victoria viewed across a table dressed for Christmas — Table dressed for Christmas at Hughenden

Traditional Victorian Christmas

The Manor is dressed in a traditional Victorian Christmas style with individual themed room decorations that tell of the Faery's visit to Hughenden.

In the candlelit dining room, mock turtle soup and tipsy cake are being served. In the drawing room, there's an extravagant bonbonnière sweet treat, Disraeli’s gift for the Princess. The statesman’s room is dressed as a German forest, and in the garden hall you can write a letter to the Queen and send it by penny post.

Join a Manor tour to discover more about the most unlikely friendship between Queen Victoria and her favourite Prime Minister, and how a Dining Room chair was cut short especially for her Majesty’s visit in December 1877.

Christmas trail in the garden

Outdoors, there's a Christmas trail to discover with ten miniature scenes in large bell jars to find around the pleasure grounds, formal garden, walled garden and in the orchard.

Stableyard decorated for Christmas with lights and decorated tree — Stableyard at Hughenden decorated for Christmas

The stableyard is the location for a giant Christmas tree decorated with ‘Wycombe Chairs’, mini chairs made from lollipop sticks, giant baubles and magical lights.

Fancy a spot of Christmas shopping?

Visit the Stableyard Shop to pick up your Christmas gifts, from tasty chocolates to a great range of homewares and enjoy the sparkling lights as dusk draws in. Inspired by Queen Victoria's visit? There are lots of royal gifts for Queen Victoria fans. Or how about a gift that lasts a whole year? Give someone special gift membership for them to enjoy free entry to over 500 special places in 2019.

For handmade present ideas, Hughenden's volunteer team have created a great selection of countryside products including bird boxes, coasters, bug hotels and wellie racks. Each one is unique and made from wood from the Hughenden estate.

Refuel with a festive treat

Head to the Stableyard Cafe or Dizzy's Tea Room for a festive treat. During weekends and school holidays children's lunchboxes are on offer. There's also a range of cakes, sandwiches and drinks available, and hot meals are served in the cafe 12noon-2.30pm every day.

Visiting with your family

There's plenty of space for young explorers to run, jump and play around in the grounds at Hughenden.Grab your wellies and splash in a puddle or discover your inner adventurer on the woodland play trail. Don't forget to bring your coat and wrap up warm.