Get into the festive spirit
From wreath-making workshops and carol concerts to winter illuminations, find Christmas days out near you.
Historic houses decked out for Christmas
Step back in time this Christmas when you visit a historic house decorated for the festive season. From the 1500s to the 1980s, enjoy the festivities of the time at the places we care for.
Historic houses in the East
- Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire
- The decorations at Anglesey Abbey are inspired by the house's vast collection, from the pineapples of the Pagoda Clock to the Dining Room’s Grecian Banquet. Discover a treasure trove of history when you visit – and a bear hunt in the grounds.Visit Anglesey Abbey
- Blickling, Norfolk
- Explore star-filled rooms full of light installations, family activities and games at Blickling, inspired by the recent conservation of the 17th-century Star Atlas from the estate's collection. You'll get a chance to help decorate the hall too.Visit Blickling
- Felbrigg Hall, Norfolk
- Enjoy Felbrigg's indoor trail as the country house is transformed into Wild Wood Hall using illustrations and soundscapes. Follow two young wolves on a quest to find their pack’s matriarch, journeying through a wonderland that includes a mirror ball tree, a glittering fungi feast and frosty mountains.Visit Felbrigg Hall
- Ickworth, Suffolk
- Enjoy a Grand Tour to Christmas on the Continent at Ickworth. Discover various modes of transport and room decorations that represent different wintry scenes throughout Europe. There’s also a winter trail and self-led crafts to complete your festive travels.Visit Ickworth
- Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
- The house at Wimpole will be decorated with 10ft trees and festive displays, including the Lightfall display in the well of the Grand Staircase. Make your way up to the farm to see the animals keeping warm, join in with carol singing in the chapel, or try your hand at some Christmas crafts.Visit Wimpole
Historic houses in London and the South East
- Mottisfont, Hampshire
- Experience the magic of The Nutcracker at Mottisfont as sparkling trees, music and light effects bring this theatrical story to life. There'll be frosty wonderlands, twirling Sugar Plum Fairies and a family adventure trail.Visit Mottisfont
- Nymans, West Sussex
- Step through the wardrobe into Narnia this Christmas at Nymans. Inspired by C.S. Lewis’ classic tale, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, this West Sussex house has been decorated as the Professor's home. Peek into the Beavers' burrow and Mr Tumnus' cave on a magical journey through the White Witch’s kingdom.Visit Nymans
- Petworth, West Sussex
- A Christmas Spectacular is waiting for you in the grand state rooms of Petworth House. This festive wonderland includes decorated trees and garlands, but be sure to look closely as there are some mischievous mice who have come to play.Visit Petworth
- Polesden Lacey, Surrey
- Celebrate Christmas in style at Polesden Lacey, where the Edwardian house is dressed for a Christmas masquerade ball inspired by the Devonshire House Ball in 1897. Everyone is invited to this festive party, complete with a family trail and vintage carousel.Visit Polesden Lacey
Historic houses in the Midlands
- Attingham Park, Shropshire
- Attingham Park is bringing stories, myths and legends to life this Christmas. The Georgian mansion's decorations have been inspired by ancient myths from the gods of Greek and Roman legend, to the timeless tales of Attingham’s own past. There's also a spotter trail in the mansion and a family trail outside.Visit Attingham Park
- Belton Park, Lincolnshire
- Belton’s own parkland is the inspiration for its Christmas transformation of the mansion house. Wander past twinkling trees, woodland creations and wildlife origami, with hidden deer to spot along the way. Plus, look out for a photo opportunity in Santa's sleigh outside.Visit Belton Park
- Croome, Worcestershire
- Explore Croome’s landscape and plant collection through an immersive light and sound experience that brings the outside in. The Court's ground floor rooms will be festively decorated and outside there's a family trail to enjoy.Visit Croome
- Hanbury Hall, Worcestershire
- Celebrate in retro style at Hanbury Hall this Christmas. Inspired by the 1970s and 80s, the house will be decorated in a riot of colour, bright lights and baubles. Expect tinsel and Slade hits at this festive experience.Visit Hanbury Hall
- Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire
- Experience an Elizabethan Christmas at Hardwick. The Wintertide celebrations will include a mischievous Lord of Misrule – a traditional figure appointed to rule over the festivities and create havoc wherever he goes. There’ll be handmade decorations and festive displays throughout the house. Plus, make sure you check the place page for special late-night openings.Visit Hardwick Hall
Historic houses in the North
- Nostell, West Yorkshire
- Join in with the festivities at Nostell, which will be traditionally decorated with evergreen swags, baubles and lights. The fires will be lit, seasonal music will be playing and the trees will be twinkling. Make sure you visit the Dolls' House, which will also be decked out for Christmas, and discover Nostell's gingerbread village.Visit Nostell
- Speke Hall, Liverpool
- Step inside Speke Hall for a retelling of the traditional carol, The Twelve Days of Christmas. Fireplaces and banisters will be decked with fresh garlands, there'll be sparkling trees, festive music both inside and out and a variety of events, from singing to storytelling.Visit Speke Hall
- Treasurer's House, Yorkshire
- This Christmas, Treasurer's House will be adorned with hand-crafted decorations inspired by former owner Frank Green and those who helped him reshape the house. Expect unusual and bespoke displays around every corner, with the unique history of the house reflected through the festive decorations.Visit Treasurer's House
- Wallington, Northumberland
- Festive decorations will sparkle both indoors and out at Wallington this winter. The House will be seasonally dressed, with live music every weekend in December and a 20ft Christmas tree in the Central Hall. Both Father and Mrs Christmas will be there, as well as plenty of reindeer throughout the propertyVisit Wallington
Historic houses in Northern Ireland
- The Argory, County Armagh
- Christmas at The Argory is all about enjoying classic traditions. The house will be decked out with decorations and lights, and the dining table set for a yuletide feast. Experience the holiday preparations of previous owners and their servants, and discover how Christmas was celebrated in the 1800s.Visit The Argory
- Castle Ward, County Down
- Visit Castle Ward and see the mansion dressed for a traditional 18th-century Christmas. There'll be colourful garlands decorating the halls and the dining table will be piled high with festive foods and rich wines, while downstairs in the bustling kitchen the servants are preparing for the big day.Visit Castle Ward
- Mount Stewart, County Down
- Get into the Christmas spirit with a visit to Mount Stewart. Come to one of the late-night openings and you can sip hot chocolate under the stars before heading inside to see the house decked out for the season. There's a children's trail and seasonal storytelling too.Visit Mount Stewart
Historic houses in the South West
- Dunster Castle, Somerset
- Dunster Castle is putting on a country Christmas inspired by family memories of the festive season. Wander through the house decorated with trees and natural garlands created from plants from the gardens, play games in the Morning Room, or see how many hidden knitted robins you can spot.Visit Dunster Castle
- Dyrham Park, South Gloucestershire
- Experience Christmas through many different centuries at Dyrham this winter. The house will be dressed with festive decorations from six different eras, from Tudor times right up to the 20th century. Plus, new this year will be a colourful 1980s room filled with authentic items from the decade.Visit Dyrham Park
- Kingston Lacy, Dorset
- For a festive day out, head to Kingston Lacy to see the decorated mansion, ride the vintage carousel and sip mulled wine in the Laundry Courtyard. You can also follow the Christmas wishes trail and help the Wish Makers find all the escaped wishes.Visit Kingston Lacy
- Stourhead, Wiltshire
- The grand rooms will be decorated with lights, floral arrangements and Christmas trees inspired by the history and landscape of Stourhead. There's a different theme in each room, from the Adoration of the Magi in the Music Room to folded paper decorations in the Library to a display of traditional toys and games in the Saloon.Visit Stourhead
- Tyntesfield, Somerset
- At Tyntesfield, each room will be decorated to reflect how the rooms were used by those who lived in the Victorian house. You can also ride the carousel in front of the house and see a Dickensian street scene in the chapel courtyard. Plus, there are Christmas trails and craft workshops to enjoy.Visit Tyntesfield
Historic houses in Wales
- Chirk Castle, Wrexham
- Step into the seasonally-decorated State Rooms at Chirk Castle this Christmas. Once inside, look out for a treasure-guarding dragon and wolves inspired by the former owners' coat of arms created in collaboration with Manchester-based artist, Lazerian (Liam Hopkins). Can you spot the hidden stars on a trail through the gardens too?Visit Chirk Castle
- Penrhyn Castle, Gwynedd
- Discover seasonal activities, from crafts to community celebrations, at Penrhyn Castle this Christmas. The Dining Room table will be dressed for a feast and, in the Grand Hall, you’ll find a decorated Christmas tree ready to be used as a festive backdrop for family photos.Visit Penrhyn Castle
- Powis Castle, Powys
- Christmas trees, festively-dressed fireplaces and twinkling lights will transform Powis Castle this winter. Taking inspiration from the 13th-century castle's collection, the decorations in each State Room will reflect a different part of the world. Venetian, Chinese, Elizabethan – there's something to discover in every corner of the castle.Visit Powis Castle
- Tredegar House, Newport
- Unwrap 500 years of Christmas at Tredegar House, filled with shimmering lights and more than 80 Christmas trees. Explore changing Christmas traditions and find out how the festive season has been celebrated from Tudor times to the 1950s.Visit Tredegar House
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