Christmas at Bateman's

Claire Fletcher: Illustrating The Jungle Book exhibition

In celebration of The Jungle Book Christmas 2024 and inspired by the original Detmold watercolour illustrations, Hastings-based artist Claire Fletcher has created new illustrations of The Jungle Book characters. Her charming artwork reimagines the beloved characters and places them in the setting of Bateman's, having fun and celebrating Christmas. This display of artwork is on display until Sunday 5 January. Original artwork and prints are available to purchase in the shop.

The Jungle Book Christmas: children's spotter activity

Step into a magical world this Christmas, where the house is transformed with trees, natural foliage, and enchanting decorations inspired by The Jungle Book. As you wander through, children can enjoy a fun spotting adventure, looking out for a giant snake and playful monkeys jumping on the bed.

Festive food and shopping

The Oast house shop will be stocked with a wide array of Christmas decorations, cards, gifts, books and stocking fillers and the Mulberry Tea-room will be offering warming Christmas treats.

Winter walks and fresh air

Winter in the garden

Nature may be resting, but there is beauty to be found in the sculptural forms of the skeleton trees, splashes of colour from winter flowers and a sense of peace in the sleeping garden. The winter landscapes reveal the structure of the garden that Kipling created at Bateman's and capture views that can only be enjoyed at this time of year. Bring family and friends and keep your eye out for wildlife with a winter spotter sheet.

Estate walks

Pull on your wellies and follow in Rudyard Kipling’s footsteps with a winter walk around the fields, woods and hills of the Bateman’s estate. Walk leaflets can be picked up from visitor reception.