Discover more at Hughenden
Find out when Hughenden is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Stamped and Sealed: Christmas at Hughenden
Stamped and Sealed explores the rich history of the Christmas card — from its royal beginnings to the cherished ritual it has become. As you wander through the beautifully decorated rooms of the manor and explore the festive gardens, you’ll be surrounded by the warmth of handwritten words, vintage designs, and the quiet joy of connection.
Long before emails and instant messages, Christmas greetings were carefully penned by hand, sealed with love, and sent across miles to warm the hearts of friends and family.
Inspired by the magic of the first Christmas card and the golden age of letter writing, this year’s celebration brings together the elegance of the Victorian era and the heartwarming story of a 1940s wartime Christmas at Hughenden.
Saturday 29 November 2025 - Sunday 4 January 2026.
Christmas Decorations
Step inside the Victorian Manor House that has been transformed into a joyful Christmas of twinkling charm.
As you enter the arcade, you will be welcomed by a warming fire in the entrance hall. Step into the whirlwind of the Royal Post Room, as Queen Victoria prepares her Christmas gifts in the library. Experience the enchantment of a Victorian Model Village in the Drawing Room. Spot the beautiful robin tree in the Garden Hall and see how many robins (knitted by volunteers) you can find around the house? In the Dining Room enjoy the warm glow as we celebrate the Dawn of the Christmas card. Step into a 3D Christmas card in the Disraeli Room for a festive photo opportunity.
Finally, discover the real story of the Hillside Christmas card competition, when a group of mapmakers built a community at Christmas.
Planning your visit: what you need to know
Entry: There's no need to book. Normal property admission price (free for National Trust members and under-fives). If you’re with a carer or essential companion, they visit for free.
When to visit: Christmas can be a busy time at Hughenden, especially during the holidays. Most of our visitors tend to arrive between 11am and 1pm, which can cause congestion in the car park especially on weekends. If you arrive at 10am you might find the grounds a little quieter, or if you arrive after 1pm, there’s still time to enjoy all that Hughenden has to offer. If you have the flexibility, a weekday visit is generally quieter than a weekend, even during school holidays. If you can only visit over the weekend, Saturdays are usually less busy than Sundays.
As Christmas is very popular, you may need to queue to view the decorations inside the manor. In order to preserve the beauty of the manor, we may have to kindly ask visitors to pop back another time once we’ve reached full capacity. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Parking: there's free parking onsite with accessible spaces located closer to the Stableyard (please speak with a member of the welcome team). Please note that our car park surface can become uneven and muddy, particularly during periods of bad weather. Our car park can fill quickly on our busiest days, so you may need to queue; in extreme circumstances we may have to close the car park to allow spaces to free up.
Accessibility: toilets and changing facilities located in the Stableyard. Buggies/pushchairs welcome in the gardens, but not in the house - please be prepared to leave these outside if going inside. Gently-sloping areas and wide pathways around much of the grounds, which can be uneven and muddy in places during winter: sturdy footwear is recommended. Buggy service available, subject to volunteer availability.
Refreshments: drinks, snacks and light lunches with festive and family-friendly options are available from our café.
Festive fun for families
There’s also lots of Christmas make-and-do magic to fuel the festivity for little imaginations, please see event page for further details.
Embark on an enchanting Christmas Family Trail, following the journey of a letter to the North Pole! Embark on an enchanting adventure with your family as you explore the interactive trail throughout the gardens.
Set a date to meet family and friends at Hughenden and make lasting memories.
Find out more by looking at our Christmas events.
Festive Food and Drink
Head to the café to warm up with a hot chocolate or spice-infused mulled wine. Enjoy our festive menu to indulge in a mince pie or turkey bap whilst surrounded by Christmas sparkle.
Christmas shopping
Leave the busy high street behind and let us help with gift ideas to suit everyone. Whether you’re looking for stocking fillers or presents for nature lovers and outdoor explorers, you’ll find the perfect gift to give. If you're buying for foodies, there's plenty of choice, from tasty biscuits to handmade jams, indulgent chocolates to quaffable wines. Pick up a treat or two, or give as a special hamper. You can also transform your home into a winter wonderland this season with unique decorations from the shop at Hughenden.
Set a date to meet family and friends at Hughenden. Come together in Hughenden’s festive Christmas setting and make lasting memories.
You might also be interested in
The house at Hughenden
Visit the house at Hughenden and discover its many stories, from being a famous prime minister’s home to a top-secret war base
The garden at Hughenden
Enjoy the symmetrical flower beds, clipped topiary and stonework of the formal garden design, or take a wander through the productive beds of the walled garden.
The estate at Hughenden
Explore the parkland on one of three colour-coded walks, with its carefully designed views, rare chalk stream and medieval church.
The history of Hughenden
Find out more about the history that surrounds this estate, from early Domesday records to becoming the home of Queen Victoria’s favourite Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli.
