Discover more at Nymans
Find out when Nymans is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Christmas at Nymans
Join us for Christmas at Nymans and explore enchanting scenes in the decorated house and a family trail in the garden. Sat 21 Nov 2026 - Sun 17 Jan 2027. (The house opens at 10.30am and closes at 3.30pm with last entry at 3pm until Tues 5 Jan).
The Gruffalo Art Adventure
“A Gruffalo? What’s a Gruffalo?” “A Gruffalo! Why, didn’t you know?” Join us this Christmas for The Gruffalo Art Adventure, inspired by the much-loved stories created by writer Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler.
Explore the garden following the Gruffalo Art Adventure, where 12 giant Gruffalo sculptures have each been painted by artists, with designs inspired by the patterns, shapes, and surroundings of nature. Keep an eye out for Gruffalo-inspired games and challenges during your visit.
The Gruffalo Art Adventure at Nymans is presented by the National Trust and Wild in Art, in collaboration with Magic Light Pictures.
The house will be open Sat 21 Nov 2026 – Tues 5 Jan 2027. Explore the Gruffalo Art Adventure Sat 21 Nov 2026 – Sun 17 Jan 2027.
The House at Christmas
Sat 21 Nov - Tues 5 Jan: 10.30am -3.30pm
The adventure continues in the house, where rooms are imaginatively dressed for Christmas with an enchanting winter woodland theme.
Step through the front door and cross the threshold into a 1940s country house making preparations for Christmas. As you wander from room to room, nature gradually makes its presence known...
The house opens at 10.30am over the festive period. Last entry 3pm.
Planning your visit
- Dogs are welcome in the garden between 1.30pm - 4pm from Mon 2 Nov.
- Baby change facilities are available in the welcome cafe and car park toilets as well as the Riding House toilets. We have a Changing Places in the welcome cafe toilets. Please see our accessibilty information for more details.
- Afternoons are generally a quieter time to visit Nymans. During extremely busy times we may need to temporarily close the car park, usually only for a few minutes while spaces become free.
- We are open on Boxing Day and New Years Day.
- Please leave buggies outside the house. They can be safely left by the front door.
- There are wheelchairs, mobility buggy tours and two all-terrain push trikes available to hire for free. It is advisable to book prior to your arrival on 01444 405250.
- If you're a member of the National Trust, don't forget your membership card to speed up your entrance into Nymans.
Nymans is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Festive Food and Drink
Drop into the cafe or Riding House on your visit. As well as our usual selection of hot and cold drinks you'll find a festive twist to our menu.
Choose a light lunch, or pick up a slice of pizza, a sausage roll or wedges, perfect hand held snacks for winter walks in the garden and around the wider estate.
For something more filling, try our turkey and cranberry stew or winter vegetable soup. And for an irresistable sweet treat we can recommend gingerbread, a slice of almond Christmas cake or our 'Scone of the Month' - a mince pie scone. Add brandy butter or clotted cream and orange marmalade for extra indulgence.
Cafes open from 10am.
Christmas Shopping at Nymans
Find unusual gifts and products in our shop, with chunky knit scarves, accessories and throws. We also have a range of Christmas cards, 2027 calendars, home fragrance and a range of locally produced and artisanal products.
Start your countdown to Christmas with The Gruffalo advent calendar. Explore our range of Gruffalo merchandise, with plushies of all the characters from the books, storybooks and pop out playset. Gruffalo keyrings and pin badges are ideal stocking fillers too.
Give the gift of National Trust membership - ask our Visitor Reception team about the year round benefits that membership brings.
Shop open from 10am.
Dogs
- Dogs are welcome to join you on your Christmas visit between the hours of 1.30pm - 4pm.
- Dogs are welcome in the garden from Mon 2 Nov.
- Please note dogs are not permitted in the house.
- Poo bags are available from reception.
- Keep dogs on a short lead please.
You might also be interested in
Explore Nymans house
Explore Nymans’ medieval style manor, part house, part ruin following a devastating fire in 1947. It now offers romantic ruins and charming rooms to explore.
Visiting Nymans garden
Romantic ruins, intimate gardens and internationally recognised plant collections, all set against a backdrop of the woodland and far-reaching views over the Weald.
Eating at Nymans
If you're after a meal or just a quick pit-stop, try our winter menu with freshly prepared food inspired by the season. Quick snacks and delicious cakes available too.
Shopping at Nymans
Browse local and artisan products in our shop, with a wide range of plants including some grown on site in ‘The Nymans Collection’.
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 lights and winter illuminations
See your favourite places lit up with colour by visiting the best Christmas 2026 light trails and displays near you.
Christmas in Sussex
Discover the festive traditions we're bringing to life at our country houses, atmospheric gardens and wintry countryside for Christmas in Sussex.
