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The Great Christmas Gnome Adventure at Winkworth Arboretum

A man pushes a buggy while a woman in a bright red coat carries a young child down a woodland path with fairy lights overhead.
This holiday season, families can take a leisurely stroll around The Vyne's estate. | © National Trust Images / Trevor Ray Hart

This Christmas, discover the magic of Winkworth Arboretum on a family walking trail inspired by Scandinavian folklore. Pick up a trail booklet and set off on an adventure to meet the giant gnomes. Meet Scottie, Ginger, Stella. Ralph and their friends with try out playful challenges along the way. For the perfect festive day out, warm up with seasonal treats in our new café and browse our shop for Christmas gifts, food and decorations.

Christmas at Winkworth Arboretum

Saturday 14 November to Sunday 3 January.

A walk at Winkworth is always a joy, with winding paths and stunning views. Over Christmas, it’s the perfect spot for a frosty stroll or a festive family outing. This year, discover added seasonal charm with The Great Christmas Gnome Adventure. 

Promotional graphic for The Great Christmas Gnome Adventure at Winkworth Arboretum featuring the lake at Winkworth with frost cover plants and the boathouse in the background.
The Great Christmas Gnome Adventure at Winkworth Arboretum | © Emma Bradley

The Great Christmas Gnome Adventure

This festive season, ten giant woodland characters have made their home at Winkworth Arboretum. Inspired by Scandinavian folklore and winter traditions, each one has its own distinctive colourful hat reflecting each gnome's unique personality. Before you head out to explore the Arboretum, head to the welcome desk and pick up your special adventure trail booklet and stamp your booklet with the embosser when you find each gnome.

The trail is located in the Upper Arboretum so is completely pram-friendly, but if you wish to go on a wider walk, pathways can get muddy and there are steep steps and slopes down the Lower Arboretum, lake and boat house. 

Winter warmers

Once you've found all the gnomes and completed your trail booklet, head on over to our bright and airy cafe in the Visitor Welcome Centre where you'll find festive treats and warm drinks with plenty of indoor seating. If you’re feeling peckish, there are several options available for light lunches and snacks. Or, choose from a range of sweet treats to help you soak up the festive mood. 

Festive finds

In our new shop, you'll find everything you need to have Christmas wrapped up, from decorating your tree and planning your festive table to choosing extra-special gifts for friends and family. 

Visits chatting in the cafe over a cuppa with a Christmas tree in the background
Get into the festive spirit with an afternoon tea | © National Trust/Rod Kirkpatrick

A sustainable Christmas

If you're considering a more sustainable Christmas this year, why not consider something second hand or the gift of membership.

Second hand books

Our old tea-room is now a second hand bookshop where you'll find a great selection of quality pre-loved adult and children's fiction and non-fiction titles. Every penny you spend goes back into caring for Winkworth Arboretum so you'll be supporting us this Christmas too. 

The gift of membership

Buying experiences or days out is often considered a more environmentally-friendly alternative to buying presents. Why not give the gift of National Trust membership to your friends and loved ones, so that they can enjoy our places for free all year round? While they're enjoying their membership, the money from your gift helps us care for these unforgettable places, keeping them special for everyone, for ever. Ask at the welcome desk for details.

Paperbacks on a shelf in the second-hand bookshop at Shugborough Estate, Staffordshire
There's a huge selection of second-hand books to browse | © National Trust Images/David Goacher

Planning your visit

A little note of thanks

The team wishes you all a wonderful festive season and a magical time exploring the Arboretum. While you have fun and enjoy the festivities here, you are also helping us fund the care of Winkworth Arboertum for future generations to enjoy. Thank you.

A man and a women walking down the Azalea steps at Winkworth Arboretum

Discover more at Winkworth Arboretum

Find out how to get to Winkworth Arboretum, where to park, the things to see and do and more.

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