Christmas at Ilam Park

A mum and dad outside with their young girl who is holding up a leaf and wearing a Christmas dress — Come together at Ilam Park for Christmas 2023 | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Come together at Ilam this Christmas for festive fun.

From wreath-making and bauble needle felting workshops, to family trails and crisp winter walks, there’s lots at Ilam to get you and your family feeling Christmassy.

We’ll be selling high-quality, sustainable Christmas trees with all profits going to support our vital conservation work across the Peak District. Plus, very special guest, Father Christmas, will be joining us in the Manifold Tea-room in December – this event usually sells out quickly so please book in advance if you’d like to come (more details are below).

Our tea-room will be open every day serving seasonal warm lunches and hot drinks – sit inside feeling cosy, or grab a take-away coffee to accompany you on your wander round the parkland.

Breakfast with Father Christmas

Father Christmas has made time in his busy December schedule to visit the Peak District! Come to the Manifold tea-room for a traditional English breakfast and meet our special guest, Father Christmas

This popular event sells out quickly, and there are limited spaces available, so please book in advance here .

Christmas tree sales

A Christmas tree from Ilam will not only decorate your home for the festive season, it will also help look after the landscape and wildlife of the Peak District all year round. All the money we raise through selling sustainable premium grade Christmas trees at Ilam is put towards the vital conservation work we do, from tackling ash dieback and restoring woodlands, to making the places we care for more accessible to everyone. We'll have trees from 5ft to 9ft available - while stocks last. Find out when you can get your tree.

Two pairs of hands making a wreath from willow and leaves — Create a handmade wreath with natural materials gathered from Ilam Park | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Wreathmaking workshops

Creating a handmade wreath is a wonderfully festive activity to get into the Christmas spirit. We’ll supply natural materials gathered from Ilam Park and all the decorations for a beautiful looking traditional wreath made from a willow hoop. Hot drinks and mince pies provided! Find out more and book your place.

Needle felting Christmas baubles workshop

Make the perfect handmade decoration to adorn your Christmas tree from Ilam! Friendly tutors will help you learn how to needle felt a little Santa, a penguin, a Christmas pudding and more! We'll provide hot drinks and sweet treats throughout, and all materials will be provided on the day. You'll also receive a goody bag to take home, with enough wool to continue crafting, as well as a range of needles, finger guards and a ‘how to’ guide. Find out more and book your place.

Make a day of crafting by booking a needlefelting and a wreathmaking workshop together to enjoy a discount. Find out more and book

Walks

Whether it's a stroll by the River Manifold, a wander through ancient ravine woodlands or a hike over the limestone hills, the White Peak offers some bracing and beautiful winter walks. Discover quiet landscapes and cool, crisp air to leave you feeling inspired and energised. Ilam Park makes an ideal base to start and end your walk; pick up a takeaway hot drink to keep you warm as you explore, and finish up in the cosy Manifold tea-room for a warming lunch or cake.

Eating and drinking at Ilam Park

Grab a cosy spot inside the Manifold tea-room, open every day from 10am - 4pm (except Christmas Day). We'll be serving warming seasonal meals, sandwiches and a selection of cake. Gluten and dairy-free options are available.