Skip to content
back to Lamb House

Christmas at Lamb House

Published:
09 September 2026
A decorated Christmas tree stands on the far right-hand side of the screen, with a decorated staircase and walls in the background
Christmas at Lamb House 2025 | © National Trust Images/Cassie Dickson

Celebrate Christmas at Lamb House and explore a festive writer’s home, steeped in literary history.

Christmas at Lamb House

5 December - 3 January | 11am - 4pm, last entry 3:30pm
Inspired by E.F. Benson’s beloved Mapp & Lucia novels, Lamb House will be transformed into 'Mallards', the festive fictional home of Miss Mapp and later Lucia. Expect a warm 'Tilling' welcome, and bid farewell with a jolly “au reservoir”.

With plenty of special memories and photo opportunities to take away from your visit, Christmas at Lamb House is not something to miss this year.

 

Festive sights

Planning your visit

Lamb House's Christmas opening is from 5 December to 3 January.

For the first time ever, Lamb House will be open during the ‘Twixmas’ period, welcoming visitors from 27 December to 3 January.

Christmas at Lamb House begins from 5th December, running until 3rd Jan. The house is closed on the 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 24th, 25th and the 26th.

Last entry to the house is at 3:30pm, with the house closing at 4pm.

After this, we will be closed for the rest of the winter season until February 2025. 

There is no need to book your entry ahead of your visit.

When you arrive, please go to Visitor Reception (the annexe with the open door next to the main building) to scan your membership cards or pay for entry. 

Please note that there is no car park at Lamb House. Visitors wishing to park will need to find standard spaces around Rye. 

A wall is decorated with paper chains with a staircase in the foreground covered in evergreen branches
The festive entrance hallway at Lamb House | © National Trust Images/Cassie Dickson

You might also be interested in

Historic houses decked out for Christmas 

Step back in time and visit a historic house decorated for Christmas. Discover traditions from medieval to modern times, join in with crafting and carol singing, and celebrate the season.

Christmas at Powis Castle, Powys

Christmas lights and winter illuminations 

See your favourite places lit up with colour by visiting the best Christmas 2026 light trails and displays near you.

Wimpole Hall illuminated by Christmas lights

Visit Father Christmas 

Plan a festive family day out and meet Father Christmas in his grotto. You can also settle down for a storytelling session or meet real reindeer at some of the places in our care this Christmas.

A young boy meeting Father Christmas at Scotney Castle, Kent

Christmas markets and winter fairs 

Find perfect Christmas presents or stock up on seasonal treats and decorations at a Christmas market or winter fair.

Visitors exploring the Christmas market at Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire

Sign up to hear more from the National Trust

By sharing your email address you’re agreeing to receive marketing emails from the National Trust and confirm you’re 18 years old or over. Please see our for more information on how we look after your personal data.