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Christmas at Coleton Fishacre

A festive scene with three people in vintage attire. A man in a velvet jacket pours champagne for two women near a decorated, illuminated tree.
Join the party this Christmas at Coleton Fishacre | © National Trust / Steve Haywood

Coleton Fishacre turned 100 years old in 2025, so what better way to celebrate than with a Christmas straight from the Roaring Twenties? End the year with a bang as we host the party of the year, learn to dance the Charleston and even stop by the secret Speakeasy.

A Roaring Twenties Christmas

By Christmas 1925 Coleton Fishacre was newly built, and the Great Gatsby by F. Scott. Fitzgerald had been published. To celebrate, we're throwing a festive party reminiscent of the Roaring Twenties. There'll be glitz, glamour and a hint of gin as we end the year with a bang. 

There’ll be mini dance lessons, teaching the steps of the famous Charleston or the chance to sing along to Christmas classics with our live pianists in the elegant and theatrical Saloon on selected dates.

Vintage reels of the 1920s will be brought to life in a cosy pop-up cinema in the Sitting Room, or you can relax in the library playing a game of Rummy and Old Maid. There's even a secret Speakeasy bar hidden at the back of the house, serving sample cocktails to try, inspired by The Savoy Cocktail book.

If you want a taste of life behind the scenes, try your hand at polishing the silver with the butler, or kneading dough in the kitchen with the cook.  You can even stop by the dressing room and try on party accessories before posing for a vintage selfie. 

 

Christmas Treasures of the National Trust

19 December, 9pm on BBC Two 

Hidden Treasures of the National Trust returns in time for Christmas, unwrapping the festive stories behind some of the country's most beautiful historic homes and gardens at the most magical time of the year. As the countdown to Christmas begins at National Trust houses around the country, viewers will have privileged access to three unique properties as they prepare for three very different Christmas celebrations. 

At South Devon's famous Arts & Crafts house, Coleton Fishacre, the team is celebrating the property's centenary in style. Charleston lessons are underway in preparation for a roaring 20s-themed party - which promises all the glitz and glamour of a Christmas night out - and the team makes sure the 1920s cocktail cabinet is looking its best, in time for them to practise making festive cocktails from the original Savoy Cocktail book...

Christmas Treasures of the National Trust is a Blast Films production (1x60) for BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Amanda Goodman for BBC Arts. The Executive Producer for Blast Films is Sarah Spencer and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Amanda Goodman.

 

Christmas opening dates

To help you plan your festive season, Christmas at Coleton Fishacre will be open from 11am to 4pm on:

  • 22 - 23 November 
  • 29 - 30 November
  • 6 - 7  December
  • 13 - 14 December
  • Daily 17 December to 4 January 2026 (excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day) 
Cocktail glasses and the Savoy Cocktail book on a bar in a pop-up speakeasy at Coleton Fishacre in Devon
Sample a Savoy Cocktail in the secret Speakeasy this Christmas | © National Trust / Lauren Hutchinson

Winter on the coast

The coastal garden at Coleton Fishacre is perfect for winter walks and breath taking sea views. A stroll along the accessible path to Scout Point, the farthest part of the garden, is rewarded as the garden falls away and the wide ocean vista unravels before you. Nearby the South West Coast path hugs the coastline with secluded beaches and viewpoints to explore. Ideal for taking in that fresh air on a winter's day. 

Festive food and drink

We've got decadent hot chocolates, spiced lattes and warming cups of tea - why not take one with you on a stroll round the garden to keep those mittens toasty? If you're stopping for a break, warm up with seasonal bites or treat yourself to a festive mince pie. 

Christmas shopping at Coleton Fishacre

Whether you're looking for stocking-fillers or something special to put under the tree, you'll find the perfect gift at the National Trust shop. Transform your home into a winter wonderland with a range of decorations available, from festive garlands to handmade ornaments. 

There's plenty for food lovers too, from tasty biscuits to handmade jams, indulgent chocolates and tipples a plenty. Pick up a treat or two, or choose a combination of things to go in a festive hamper.

A taste of the Roaring Twenties

Want to recreate the era at home this Christmas? Browse through the timeless Art Deco inspired gifts, from earrings to silk scarves and bags or even mementoes of Coleto Fishare's story. The Savoy Cocktail Book, along with special edition liquors, is available and the perfect gift for a Jazz Age lover.

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