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Christmas in the South West

A close-up image of a Christmas tree with lights and baubles at Uppark, with more lights out of focus in the background
Christmas decorations at Uppark | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Add a little sparkle to your festive days out in the South West this Christmas. Discover houses dressed to impress, enjoy winter illuminations after dark, and find the best places to meet Father Christmas with all the family.

Christmas in Cornwall

Christmas at Cotehele 

Celebrate Christmas with a festive day out to Cotehele. Step into the hall to adore this year's Garland, grab a festive hot drink and enjoy the lights along the path to the mill, join in with a festive sing song by the tree and visit Cotehele Mill for crafts for all the family.

A floral garland made of pink and purple flowers hanging within the Tudor Great Hall at Cotehele

Celebrate Christmas at Trelissick 

Find out more on how to spend a Cornish Christmas at Trelissick.

Two visitors admire the decorations at Trelissick house

Christmas in Cornwall 

From a 60-foot garland to festive decorations and Cornish traditions, we've something for the whole family this Christmas in and around Cornwall. Here are a few suggestions to help you plan your festive season.

A member of staff at Trelissick decorating a tree for a Cornish Christmas

Christmas in Devon

Christmas at Killerton 

Make Killerton part of your Christmas tradition this year. Wander through the traditionally dressed historic house, enjoy an outdoor adventure on the children's play trail, and be inspired by the creativity of local community groups.

Visitors looking at a Christmas tree at Killerton

Christmas at Knightshayes 2026 

Christmas is a magical time at Knightshayes. Experience a joyful Christmas celebration filled with bold colours, twinkling lights and festive decorations.

the house at Knightshayes illuminated by Christmas lights

Christmas at Saltram 2026 

Christmas at Saltram is back for the festive season with four beautifully transformed rooms in the mansion,

Staff at Saltram decorate the trees in the Red Roomready for Christmas time.

Christmas around Devon and Exmoor 

Discover unique houses and gardens in Devon and Exmoor transformed for Christmas.

Images show an adult holding a small girl who is reaching towards the Christmas decorations in the house at Killerton

Christmas in Bath and Bristol

Christmas unwrapped at Dyrham Park 

Visitors are invited to discover a festive escape at Dyrham Park this winter with a seasonal celebration inspired by the stories and objects in the historic house. The house will be adorned with decorations, with a family trail in the parkland, a giant wreath, red bows and Christmas trees dotted around the 270-acre site.

A woman and a young child standing in front of a giant wreath with a historic house behind it

Christmas at Tyntesfield 

Experience an unforgettable Christmas at Tyntesfield, where you'll see the magical story of The Nutcracker brought to life in the Victorian house and gardens.

A member of National Trust staff puts decorations on a brightly lit Christmas tree in The Grand Hall at Tyntesfield.

Christmas around Bath and Bristol 

Discover plenty of opportunities for wintry walks, warming treats, festive family trails and Christmas decorations galore around Bath and Bristol.

Two woman adjust decorations on a large lit indoor Christmas tree at Dyrham Park

Christmas in Somerset

Christmas at Dunster 

Experience Christmas at Dunster Castle this winter. Wander through seasonally decorated rooms, enjoy crisp winter walks and views from the garden, and browse festive gifts in the Stables Shop. Throughout December, a varied programme of seasonal events, performances and activities offers plenty of reasons to visit again and again. Dunster Castle and Gardens is open at weekends throughout November and December, and every day from 19 December to 3 January (Excluding Christmas Eve & Christmas Day). Extended Christmas opening hours are available: -Every weekend in December -Daily from 19 to 23 December -Daily from 26 December to 3 January On these dates, the Castle, Stables Shop and Tenants' Hall are open until 7pm, with last entry to the Castle at 6.15pm. The Watermill Tearoom, parkland and car park are open daily throughout the season. Please check opening times before your visit.

A child running towards a Christmas tree at Dunster Castle in Somerset

Montacute House Sings 

For Christmas 2025 we invited you to experience the sounds of the season at Montacute House, listening for the echoes of song around the grounds, where you could hear Christmas carols that had been specially recorded by local Somerset choirs. The Christmas offer has now finished, please check back here nearer the time to see what is in store for Christmas 2026.

Sheep in the parkland on a frosty day, with Montacute House in the background.

Christmas in and around Somerset 

For Christmas 2026 discover magnificent houses, enchanted winter woodlands, Elizabethan revelry and seasonal food and drink in and around Somerset. Here's a few suggestions to start planning your festive visit.

A child running towards a Christmas tree at Dunster Castle in Somerset

Christmas in Dorset

A Starlit Christmas Ball 

Christmas 2026 will be full of starlight and sparkle at Kingston Lacy. Join us to be swept off your feet by a ball inspired by a winter's night sky, filled with plenty of festive stardust.

Christmas in the Dining Room at Kingston Lacy

Christmas at Corfe Castle 

Experience the charm of Corfe Castle this Christmas. Explore the ruins to find festive scenes, toast marshmallows around firepits, enjoy family crafting activities or for an extra touch of magic, experience the ambience of the castle at night.

Corfe Castle at dusk with lights and fire pits

Christmas in and around Dorset 

Discover how the houses and gardens around Dorset are being transformed for Christmas in 2026 and plan your festive day out.

A small child accepts a gift from Father Christmas

Christmas in Wiltshire

Christmas at Avebury 

Join us from Saturday 28 November for A Very Avebury Christmas in the manor, story time with St Nicholas, and six Christmas markets in the barn.

Two large Christmas trees covered in bright lights and decorations, surrounded at the base by presents wrapped in gold paper and ribbon.

Festive fun at Stourhead 

Get ready for a season of festive joy at Stourhead, with a schedule full of wonderful activities and a spectacular after-dark illumination trail. Experience a magical Christmas season and make magical memories.

Festive house decorations and spectacularly decorated Christmas trees, Stourhead, Wiltshire

Christmas at Mompesson House 

You're invited to step back in time and immerse yourself in the magical Regency world of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Christmas at Mompesson starts on Friday 20 November and runs until Tuesday 22 December, Friday - Tuesday, 11am-3.30pm (last entry at 3pm).

A Christmas tree and foliage in the Large Drawing Room

Christmas in Wiltshire 

Discover how the houses and gardens in Wiltshire are being transformed for Christmas in 2026 and plan your festive day out.

Image shows part of the illuminated Christmas trail at Stourhead, with a bridge lit up in pink-purple light and lights floating in the water. The house illuminated in the distance

Christmas in Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds

Christmas at Newark Park 

Experience the magic of Christmas past and present as you explore the decorated house and learn about the traditions that make the festive season so special.

A small child in a Santa hat with their family and Christmas lights in the background

Christmas around Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds 

See how houses and gardens around Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds are transformed for the festive season.

Images shows a young boy adding a star decoration to a Christmas tree at Attingham Park
Visitors in the garden at Buckland Abbey, Devon

Where will you visit next?

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

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Christmas 

Whether you want to make your own Christmas wreath, visit Father Christmas or enjoy winter illuminations at a historic location, we've plenty of festive events and things to do at the places in our care. Plan ahead for a festive day out this year.

A young family enjoying the Christmas decorations in the house.