Christmas at Godolphin

Family exploring the Christmas decorations at Godolphin, Cornwall, — Family enjoying the Christmas decorations at Godolphin, Cornwall. | © National Trust Images/James Beck

This festive season, step into the warmth and wonder of a traditional Christmas at Godolphin. Soak up the festive atmosphere with performances from local choirs and see the House adorned with estate-sourced decorations. Or take part in bespoke workshops, including ceramic and candle making, set within Godolphin's historic surroundings.

Christmas house experience

Experience the magic of the season as Godolphin House is beautifully dressed in traditional festive décor. For the first time ever, we're opening our doors not only on weekends but also on Fridays in the lead-up to Christmas—giving you even more opportunities to soak up the holiday spirit. Join us in the dining room to craft your very own pomander decoration and then, warm up with festive treats including mulled wine, mince pies, and seasonal hot drinks.

Godolphin House is open from 10.30am - 4pm (final entry 3pm) on the following weekends:

Friday 5 - Sunday 6 December
Friday 12- Sunday 14 December
Friday 19- Sunday 21 December

Please note: mulled wine and mince pies purchased inside Godolphin House will be cash only. Card payments are accepted in the Piggery tea-room for food and drink purchased there.

Christmas choirs

As part of our Christmas House weekends you can enjoy the performances of local musical groups who will be filling Godolphin with their performances of Christmas carols and music.

Please check back here closer to December for confirmed date and timings of choir performances.

Guided Tours

Or, if you prefer a quieter wander through the house this Christmas, you can join one of our exclusive house tours and see Godolphin decorated for Christmas as part of a small group guided by one of our volunteers.

Dates and times of tours are to be decided, but there will be no pre-booking required. Check back here for more details closer to the time.

Front door of Godolphin adorned with large Christmas wreath and colonnades decorated with seasonal foliage. — Godolphin House Decorated for Christmas | © National Trust Images

Candle and Lip Balm making in Godolphin House

Come and join our resident bee keeper and make your own bees wax candles using wax harvested from her hives and take away your festive creations to give as gifts or enjoy for yourself! Watch her demonstration on making other bees wax products that you can make at home. Workshops take place in the entrance hall of Godolphin House.

Check back here for more details soon.

Ceramics Winter Decorations Workshop with The Leach Pottery

Feather, swirl, comb and paint with slips and oxides to make a collection 8 ceramic winter decorations, under the expert guidance of potters from The Leach Pottery in St.Ives. Workshops take place in the Entrance Hall of Godolphin House.

Booking opening soon.

Christmas crafts

Let's get crafting this Christmas! Create your own Christmas decorations in the cider house and either take your decoration home with you or help us decorate the Christmas tree.

Tinsel10

Join the festive, free & fun Tinsel10 trail run around Godolphin estate, on Sunday 21 December!

Christmas fancy dress welcome and make sure to come prepared for a muddy route. Post run hot drinks & festive treats available from the Piggery cafe.

Winter Stroll Around Godolphin

No trip to Godolphin is complete without an exploration of the countryside which surrounds it. Throw on your thick jumpers, hats and winter boots and head to the countryside to enjoy a winter walks around the wider estate of Godolphin.

With over 500 acres of diverse countryside, you can take in the views from the summit of Godolphin Hill where on a clear day you can see two coastlines, stroll through ancient mining landscape in Godolphin Woods or venture along and enjoy the tranquility of the River Hayle. Wherever you choose to explore, the diversity and wildlife of the Cornish countryside is never far away from Godolphin this Christmas.