Get into the festive spirit
From wreath-making workshops and carol concerts to winter illuminations, find Christmas days out near you.
Christmas at Woodchester Park
The Christmas and winter season at Woodchester Park is the perfect time to visit to see the changing seasons, offering offer peaceful walks, festive cheer at Tinkley Gate and a deep connection to nature.
As winter draws in across the Cotswold landscape, Woodchester Park takes on a special kind of magic. The quiet valleys, frost-fringed lakes and woodland areas combine to offer peaceful walks, festive cheer at Tinkley Gate and deep connection to nature. In this article, we’ll look at what to expect this winter, from events to seasonal sights, to help you plan a visit full of wonder.
Winter Events
There’s plenty going on at Woodchester Park this winter to get you into the festive spirit.
Tinkley Robin’s Winter Forage Trail (24 November 2025 – 11 January 2026, 11:00-15:00)
Follow the heartwarming story of the Tinkley Robin, as it forages for food on a cold winter's day. This free trail around the red route from Tinkley Gate explores how robins feed, nest, and survive winter. With artwork by Trevor Waugh, it’s perfect for families wanting a gentle wander. More info.
Trust10 Trail Run (23rd November and 28th December from 09:30).
A 10km trail run around the historic parkland. Enjoy crisp winter air and countryside views across the Woodchester Park landscape. More info.
AllSorts Santa Dash at Tinkley Gate (7 December 2025, 10:30-12:30)
The Santa Dash adds festive fun to the trails, with plenty of Santas and seasonal joy. Run by local charity AllSorts in collaboration with Stroud and District Athletics Club, this is a brilliant way to kick off the festive season while supporting local children with additional needs and their families. More info.
Christmas Copper Ornament Workshops
Decorate your very own copper ornaments at Tinkley Gate to hang on your Christmas tree. Taking place on the 16 and 18 December, all tools and equipment will be provided and full instruction will be on hand. Check the Woodchester Park events page for more information. More info.
Christmas Wreath Making
On the 27 November and 4 December, we’ll be running wreath making workshops using foraged foliage and wood from Woodchester Park. This is a sustainable event, and no plastic will be used. Tools and materials will be provided. Two sessions available at £30 per person and more information available on Woodchester Park events page. More info.
Free Storytelling for Under-5s
Running on Monday mornings throughout winter. More info.
Woofchester Wednesday Dog Walks
Our Woofchester Wednesday Dog Walks happen on the 1st Wednesday of each month (Oct-Feb) for dog-friendly, guided social walks into Woodcheste Park. Booking required. More info.
Nature in Winter
One of the joys of Woodchester Park is how rich the winter months can be for wildlife and natural beauty. We are also hard at work during the winter; it’s when a lot of our larger-scale woodland management takes place, which encourages a more diverse and richer ecosystem.
After dry summer months, the wetter autumn and winter weather mean that mushrooms and fungal bodies appear across the landscape. Fallen leaves carpet the ground, and our woodland management means that fallen bark is left to become deadwood habitats for a wide range of species including important invertebrates. You’ll also see plenty of moss and lichen, which is thriving at this time of year. Walks under the trees here feel entirely different from summer, with a different sensory experience. On frosty or dewy mornings, spider webs are visible like silver threads, mist hangs over the lakes and plenty of wildlife is active finding food and making habitats for the winter. Under soft skies, the quiet woodland areas offer a serenity that’s unmatched during other times of the year.
Facilities & Tinkley Gate Café
From Monday 3 November 2025, Woodchester Park will move to its autumn and winter opening times: the park will be open 09:00-16:00 daily; the café open 10:00-15:30. From Monday to Thursday during this period, the caféwill be serving cakes, soup, sandwiches and a range of hot and cold drinks. Pizzas will be served on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the winter period.
There are also seasonal menu changes, with the return of the pigs in blankets pizzas, and two new scones of the month, a ‘Red Dragon’ scone (chilli, paprika and cheese) in November, and a fig and goat’s cheese scone for December.
Embracing Christmas at Woodchester
Woodchester Park is open from dawn til' dusk every day. Tinkley Gate car park and cafe are open every day with the exception of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Please check our app or the website before visiting.
Winter is the perfect time to enjoy quiet walks followed by hot drinks and food in the café, and with wreath-making, exploratory trails, Christmas decoration making and other events through the winter period, there’s plenty to do.
We look forward to welcoming you this winter. For more information, visit the Woodchester Park homepage here: Woodchester Park | Gloucestershire | National Trust