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Christmas at Coleton Fishacre

Black, white and gold decorated Christmas trees in the Saloon at Coleton Fishacre
Christmas at Coleton Fishacre | © National Trust / Lauren Hutchinson

It's 100 years since the family first moved into their new holiday retreat, so what better way to celebrate than with a Christmas straight from the Roaring Twenties? End the year with a bang, learn to dance the Charleston and even stop by a pop-up Speakeasy.

A Roaring Twenties Christmas

It's December 1926 and the D'Oyle Carte family are spending their first Christmas at Coleton Fishare. Join us as we create our own interpretation of what a festive party in the Roaring Twenties might've looked like, with glitz, glamour and a dash of gin as we end the year with a bang. 

Expect extravagant decorations, party games of the era and even pop-up dance classes, teaching the steps of the famous Charleston in the elegant and theatrical Saloon on selected dates. In celebration of the family's connections to the Savoy Hotel, there'll be a secret Speakeasy style bar hidden at the back of the house, serving sample cocktails to try, inspired by The Savoy Cocktail book.

Once the party is over, head upstairs and explore the rooms as guests get ready to turn in. Stop by the guest dressing room and pop on your night cap before posing for an iconic vintage photograph in true theatrical 1920s style. 

 

Christmas Treasures of the National Trust (2025)

Catch it again on BBC iPlayer 

Hidden Treasures of the National Trust returned in time for Christmas 2025, 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 began at National Trust houses around the country, viewers had the privilege to access three unique properties as they prepare for three very different Christmas celebrations. 

At South Devon's famous Arts & Crafts house, Coleton Fishacre, the team celebrated the property's centenary in style. Charleston lessons were underway in preparation for a roaring 20s-themed party - which promised all the glitz and glamour of a Christmas night out - and the team made sure the 1920s cocktail cabinet was 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.

Staff at Coleton Fishacre in 1920s costume
Christmas Treasures of the National Trust featuring Coleton Fishacre's Roaring Twenties Christmas party | © Blast Films

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.

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.

Christmas Treasures of the National Trust

The countdown to Christmas is on as teams at three unique National Trust houses each race against the clock to deck their halls in time for their dazzling festive openings. Catch Coleton Fishacre in action as it celebrates 100 years with a Roaring Twenties Christmas.

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