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Christmas at Hatchlands

A child and parent looking at marble room with white snow dusted Christmas trees
Come to Narnia at Hatchlands Park this Christmas | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

This information is about Christmas 2023, we’ll update for 2024 nearer the time. Step into Narnia at Hatchlands Park this Christmas, with a magical journey through the house and a family trail inspired by C. S. Lewis’s beloved story, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Christmas at Hatchlands Park: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe

Narnia in the house

1- 31 December (except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) 12-3pm

When the Second World War broke out, Hal Goodhart-Rendel, our last owner of Hatchlands, opened his home up to evacuees. Just like the children in our Christmas story, the Hatchlands evacuees found themselves in the countryside miles from home, in a strange old house that promised adventure..

As you wander through the house, you’ll see the showrooms dressed beautifully for a country house Christmas. In the Drawing Room you’ll discover more about the evacuees – both the real ones that lived at Hatchlands, and the fictional children that travelled to Narnia. Follow them on their journey as you catch glimpses of magical silhouettes in the Saloon and discover Narnian artifacts in the mysterious Library.

As you pass through the hall, stop and admire our beautiful woodland Christmas tree and revisit some of the stories of Hatchlands Christmas past .

The grand finale of the your visit to the house comes as you step through the enchanted wardrobe, and find yourself in the magical world of Narnia, in an installation created by set designer Imogen Cloët.

Imogen Cloët

Imogen is an award winning visual artist, designer and curator based in Newcastle. She has worked nationally in museums, site specific installation, theatre and film. Originally from a theatre background, collaboration and story telling are at the heart of her practise. As a visual artist Imogen is known for creating playful, magical, thought provoking experiences.

A parent and child sitting on a Narnia throne in the garden at Mottisfont, Hampshire
Narnian thrones in the beech circle | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Narnia in the parkland

1 Dec - 7 Jan (except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) 10am-4pm

In the parkland, we’ve teamed up with Tin Shed Scenery. Fresh from their success designing sets from the Lord of the Rings musical, Tin Shed are bringing their wonderful Narnian themed trail which attracted thousands of visitors to Mottisfont Abbey last Christmas, and adapted it to fit new spaces with us here at Hatchlands.

As you explore the parkland, you’ll find yourself following in the footsteps of Mr Tumnus, the White Witch and our heroic evacuees once again. There are Narnia-inspired activities to take part in and lots of great photo opportunities as you enter the Beaver’s cottage, find Father Christmas’s sleigh, and sit in the throne room at Cair Paravel.

Narnia® is a registered trademark of CS Lewis Pte Ltd
THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE by C.S. Lewis copyright © C.S. Lewis Pte. Ltd. 1950.

Girl sipping a large cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows on the top
Enjoy a warming cup of hot chocolate at Hatchlands | © National Trust Images / John Millar

Christmas food and drink

Treat yourself to festive bakes, sweet treats and hot seasonal lunches in our dog-friendly cafés.

The cafés are open daily 10am-4pm (except 24 & 25 December).

Planning your visit

Entry: There's no need to book your visit. Normal property admission price applies (free for National Trust members and under-fives), plus £3 for a trail sheet. If you’re with a carer or essential companion, they visit for free.

Parking: there's free parking in the car park next to the visitor reception.

Planning your visit: Christmas can be a busy time at Hatchlands. Most of our visitors tend to arrive between 11am and 2pm, which can cause congestion in the car park. If you arrive at 10am you might find the grounds a little quieter and if you arrive after 1pm, there’s still time to enjoy all that Hatchlands has to offer. Please note that the last entry to the house is 3pm.

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.

Visitors exploring the Christmas decorations inside the house at Killerton, Devon

Get into the festive spirit

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

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