Skip to content
back to Paycocke's House and Garden

Christmas at Paycocke’s

Christmas tree decorated with traditional ornaments and a family in the background at Cragside, Northumberland
Christmas tree decorated with traditional ornaments | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

There's plenty to do at Paycocke's this Christmas. Visit Paycocke's House to experience an authentic Tudor Yuletide, enjoy a performance of A Christmas Carol and of course, enjoy a mince pie or two in the tea-room.

Christmas Events



Tudor Yuletide at Paycocke’s  

Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 November 2025

Let The Companye of Merrie Folke transport you back 500 years to discover how Thomas Paycocke and his household would have spent the festive season, from the decorations they made to the food they ate.  

Find out more

A Christmas Carol

9 - 10 December 2025

Hear the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas in the beautiful and atmospheric surroundings of Paycocke's Great Hall. With mulled wine, mince pies and a blazing log burner, this show is guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit.

This show regularly sells out large venues. In the intimate setting of Paycocke's, this special performance is limited to only 33 seats, so book your tickets now, to avoid disappointment.

Book now

A view of Paycocke's, Essex, on street level
Visitors enjoying a Christmas market | © National Trust Images/Matthew Antrobus

Festive food and drink  

The tea-room will be open on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 November, offering seasonal fare and winter warmers. Take a break to enjoy the cosy parlour seating area and indulge in a mince pie or festive coffee.  

Visitors in the kitchen at Christmas, Petworth, West Sussex

Get into the festive spirit

From wreath-making workshops and carol concerts to winter illuminations, find Christmas days out near you.

Plan your Christmas visit

You might also be interested in

Visiting Paycocke's 

Uncover the story behind Paycocke’s House, a glorious example of Tudor craftmanship with quaint beamed rooms. There’s so much to discover here in this unique merchant’s home.

A view of Paycocke's, Essex, on street level

Booking your visit to Paycocke's House 

Explore the unexpected at Paycocke’s. Entry to the house is by guided tours, led by passionate and knowledgeable volunteers, which will reveal the hidden treasures and stories of the house. To guarantee your preferred time slot you may wish to book a tour in advance. Find out how, here.

Sunlight bathes the great hall and main staircase of Paycocke's House, Essex

The history of Paycocke's 

Paycocke’s has an intriguing history spanning more than 500 years. Constructed in 1509, it has witnessed a religious reformation and survived a civil war.

Visitor looking at the fireplace in the Panelled Dining Room at Paycocke's House and Garden, Essex

The history of the Paycocke family 

Originally built by a successful woollen cloth merchant, discover more about the family who started the development of this fascinating place.

Visitors in the Parlour at Paycocke's House and Garden, Essex

Explore Paycocke's garden 

Discover how an overgrown industrial yard is now an Arts and Crafts garden, featuring plants that would have been grown over the previous five centuries of the house’s existence.

A young visitor stands under a hedge arch at Paycocke's House, Essex

Volunteering at Paycocke’s House 

Volunteers at Paycocke’s House and Garden play a vital role in welcoming visitors and sharing knowledge about the building and its history. Discover how you can get involved.

Visitors and staff in the coffee shop at Paycocke's House and Garden, Essex

Sign up to hear more from the National Trust

By sharing your email address you’re agreeing to receive marketing emails from the National Trust and confirm you’re 18 years old or over. Please see our for more information on how we look after your personal data.