A Christmas Wish at Hinton Ampner
- Published:
- 23 September 2025
Step into a magical Christmas story where wishes from around the world fill Father Christmas’ Post Room.
A Christmas Wish at Hinton Ampner
14 November 2026 - 3 January 2027
Join us for this year’s Christmas Wish spectacle. Meet King Arthur, Clara from The Nutcracker, Amelia Earhart and Jay Gatsby, each with a very different wish for Christmas. Their stories and wishes are told through sparkling decorations, twinkling trees and beautiful set dressing. Around every corner you’ll find stacks of wrapped presents and Christmas wish letters sent to Father Christmas. Don’t miss the chance to write your own Christmas Wish and add to the Wish tree.
Booking tickets
Booking is essential to visit us for Christmas at Hinton Ampner. This applies to house and garden visits and to both members and non-members. If you are visiting the gardens only, you do not need to pre-book your ticket.
If you would like to enjoy free entry by becoming a member of the National Trust, please either join online or telephone our Supporter Services Centre on 0344 249 1895 before booking your tickets.
Please note, if you have already purchased your admission tickets before joining as a member, we are unable to process a refund.
When will tickets be released?
Tickets are released to book in small batches.
A link to book tickets will be added below when booking goes live. We will also publish the dates when tickets will be released.
Timed tickets
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all visitors we will be operating a timed ticket system for House visits only. Please check into Visitor Reception close to the time of your allocated timeslot and they will provide you with a timed ticket token.
Garden
Our garden will be the backdrop for beautifully decorated trees with twinkling lights and classic Christmas colours. Join us for a family adventure with our games in the gardens. Our Christmas sleigh, parked in front of the house by a huge stack of presents makes a great family photo moment. Our sweetshop is also a firm family favourite and can be found in the Second-hand bookshop.
Top tips for your day
Your booking is for your entry to see the house display. Upon arrival you will be provided with a timed token for entry into the house. You may enter the house anytime within the half hour time slot.
We are busiest between 11am to 2pm. If you're looking for a quieter experience we suggest booking outside of these times. There will still be plenty of time to enjoy everything on site which closes at 4pm.
Our café gets busy between 11am and 2pm. You're welcome to pick up something earlier in the day or bring a picnic - there are lots of benches on site with beautiful views.
Accessibility
Accessible parking is available within our main car park and further parking is available closer to the mansion.
There are accessible toilets/baby-changing facilities by the mansion in the courtyard.
If you'd like to find out more before you visit have a look at our visual story and read through our access statement.
Please note, some of the displays in the house feature lighting and sound effects. We can offer an alternative room to avoid these if needed, please speak to a member of staff.
Festive food and drink
A festive day out wouldn’t be complete without a delicious treat from our café. Youll find classic festive sandwiches, a Turkey one-pot and Turkey pies. If you're after something sweet then why not stick with traditional and enjoy a mince pie. Gingerbread lattes and milled wine make the perfect accompaniment. With our log-burner going, enjoy a cosy break and soak up the festive atmosphere.
Our café gets busy between 11am and 2pm. You’re welcome to pick something up earlier in the day - there are lots of benches onsite with beautiful views.
Christmas shopping
From recycled rugs to mood-boosting soaps, chutneys for your cheeseboards and chocolates treats, visit our shop for plenty of Christmas gift inspiration (or perhaps treat yourself…). Our products are sustainably sourced and support small makers and craftspeople, so pop in on your way out to take home a little of that Christmas magic.
Second-hand bookshop and sweet shop
Our second-hand bookshop is the perfect place to find a new page turner for those cosy winter evenings. From fiction to cookery, gardening to children's books - there's something for everyone. Don't forget to visit our Showtime Sweet Shop for a treat, or two...!
More about eating and shopping at Hinton Ampner
Winter walking
No trip to Hinton Ampner is complete without a winter stroll around surrounding parkland through nearby farmland and woodland. Throw on your best bobble hat, woolly scarf and cosy jumper and warm up afterwards with a seasonal drink from the café in the old stables.
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Hinton Ampner
Elegant country house nestled in the South Downs National Park. Explore the homely Georgian house, enticing formal gardens and glorious estate.
Eating and shopping at Hinton Ampner
Discover a menu using freshly grown ingredients from the Walled Garden, hot meals and drinks. Pick up unique items from our delightful shop and find your next page turner in our Second-hand bookshop.
The garden at Hinton Ampner
The delightful garden sit within the South Downs National Park, creating a stunning backdrop. With changing seasonal borders bringing together vibrant planting and modern gardening methods, there is always something to delight and inspire. Whether you’re a garden enthusiast, looking for a tranquil space or a backdrop for making family memories – the garden is ready to welcome you.
The house at Hinton Ampner
This is a house that has sprung up from the ashes. With lavish interiors and beautiful collections, you’ll go on a journey through centuries of design influences.
Family-friendly things to do at Hinton Ampner
With lots of open space and freedom to explore and play, Hinton Ampner is an ideal place for a family day out. Keep an eye on our 'Upcoming Events' for lots of family fun!
