Christmas at Castle Drogo

Father Christmas is sitting on a chair in a Library the room is dark with candles in the foreground and an old fashioned lamp in the background — Father Christmas visits Castle Drogo | © Trevor Ray Hart

Get into the festive spirit at Castle Drogo this winter. The castle will be decorated to celebrate 100 years of Christmas from family traditions to fashions throughout the decades. Prepare for glitz, glam, paper garlands and of course lots of colourful lights to give that feel-good glow of Christmas nostalgia. With beautifully decorated rooms the castle is sure to brighten up the darkest Dartmoor day.

In the house

Christmas in the Castle

The Castle will be open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from November 27 then daily from 21 December until 31 December, excluding the 24, 25, 26 December when the castle will be closed.

Even on the wettest Dartmoor day, we’ve got plenty to keep families entertained inside the castle. Explore the rooms and find out more about the family that lived here. The rooms will be decorated with trends from the last 100 years as well as some family traditions. Remember to look out for Christmas critters hidden in the rooms, can you find them all? For those who aren’t in a rush, sit in the boudoir or service corridor and play a board game or two, or head to the butler’s pantry to have a go with our set of hand bells and see if you can play a Christmas tune. On certain days we will have music in the Drawing room with local musical groups. We will advertise these on our social media pages once we have dates and times confirmed.

A man and woman stand in the Drawing room looking at the Christmas tree. The room is large with a big window behind them and wooden floors. The walls of the room are light green. — Visitors admiring a Christmas tree in the Drawing Room at Castle Drogo, Devon | © Trevor Ray Hunt

Around the grounds

In the garden

The garden is open throughout the winter and provides good level access walking routes for visitors throughout the season. Winter is a great time to admire the architecture of the gardens, take in the views across Dartmoor or simply enjoy a bit more of a sheltered and accessible walk. There will also be a Christmas family trail for visitors to enjoy running throughout the Christmas period.

Winter walking

With miles of pathways throughout the Teign Gorge, winter is a great time to get out and connect with nature. Whatever the weather, the dramatic Dartmoor landscape provides the perfect backdrop for a wintry stomp. You can find out more about the walking routes here.

Father Christmas

Castle Drogo will not be running a bookable Father Christmas session this year.

A woman is helping a child to walk over rocks. They have two boarder collies with them. The woman and child are wearing rain coats and wooly hats. — Visitors walking the Teign Gorge on the Castle Drogo estate, Devon | © James Dobson

Eating and shopping

Christmas food and drink

Stop in and refuel after a bracing winter walk, or recharge after a visit to the castle. Festive favourites for those with a sweet tooth include mince pies, chocolate brownies and a selection of festive traybakes and scones. The cafe will also be offering their popular mulled wine and mince pie offer, with a non-alcoholic spiced apple juice alternative.

Just popping in for a cuppa? There's lots of festive hot drinks on the menu including speciality seasonal coffees and hot chocolates.

For lunches and light bites, the cafe will be offering a range of hot and cold sandwiches such as Turkey & cranberry and Brie & cranberry, or for those wanting a bit more our usual popular favourites will be available including jacket potatoes, hot pasties and sausage rolls.

Christmas shopping

There is something wonderfully fun about Christmas shopping when it becomes part of a day out. Rather than ticking items off a list, it becomes an opportunity to explore, discover and celebrate.

A thoughtfully chosen present is more than simply an object; it is a way of showing appreciation, sharing memories and bringing happiness to the people we care about most. Whether you are searching for a special keepsake, a unique handcrafted treasure or a stocking filler that will raise a smile, Christmas shopping should be an experience filled with delight and discovery. Every gift tells a story, and finding the perfect one can be just as rewarding as giving it.

Slow down and soak up the atmosphere. Wander through beautifully decorated spaces, enjoy seasonal treats and create treasured memories with family and friends. It is a chance to escape the rush of everyday life and embrace the simple pleasures that make Christmas so special.