Christmas at Charlecote Park

Two large Christmas trees frame the central fireplace in the Great Hall at Charlecote. The walls are adorned with large portraits and in the centre of the room is a historic table decorated with a champagne fountain. — Discover what's on over Christmas at Charlecote Park | © Jana Eastwood

This Christmas we’re celebrating the traditional skills and techniques of crafts on the ‘red list’. Many of the treasures inside the house have been designed, made, and shaped by these heritage crafts over the centuries. Admire heritage crafts-themed decorations in the house and take part in the race for or against Time in our puzzling Christmas trail!

Heritage Crafts Puzzle Trail: The fight for or against time

Choose your trail route to work with our Master Crafter or become one of Time’s Minute Minions.

‘Time’ is alarmed about the pace of change and has locked all the heritage crafts away for safe keeping. But in doing so these crafts have been forgotten and unused and are in danger of being lost forever.

The Master Crafter is in a race against Time to try and save these special skills and techniques and unlock them before they're forgotten.

Now’s the hour in which you chose your trail route. Will you unlock these crafts or keep them hidden?

Join forces with the Master Crafter to unlock these heritage crafts from the constraints of Time. Help them to solve riddles and puzzles to revive the different crafts this Christmas. Or become one of Time’s ‘Minute Minions’ and help keep these crafts locked away for Christmas and beyond!

Dates: Saturday 2nd December 2023 – Monday 8 January 2024 (closed 25 December)
Time: 9am – 4pm each day, last admission 3pm
Price: £3 per trail, admission prices also apply
Booking: Booking is not available or needed. Weekends are busy during December so we encourage weekday visits wherever possible if you prefer to avoid the crowds.

Please note that some trail stops are not on the dog walking route.

A Christmas tree made of paper stand next to and old clock with frosty white decorations surrounding them. — See the house decorated for Christmas | © Jana Eastwood

A house decorated for Christmas

See the five ground floor rooms of the house decorated for a Heritage Crafts themed Christmas. This year we’re celebrating the traditional skills and techniques of crafts on the ‘red list’. Many of the treasures inside the house have been designed, made, and shaped by these heritage crafts over the centuries.

From globe making to illumination, flock wallpaper to harp making, see each room filled with handmade decorations crafted by our staff and volunteers which celebrate some of the endangered heritage techniques and skills.

The house is open every day in December from 10.30am - 2.30pm by timed ticket. Collect a timed ticket for the house when you arrive at the Visitor Welcome Centre. Tickets are issued on a first come, first served basis in half hour slots.

Please note that pre-booking is not available. The house will be closed 25 December.

A young family with a father, mother, young daughter and baby looking up in delight at a Christmas tree decorated wtih fairy lights — The Christmas trail is suitable for all ages | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

More to enjoy at Charlecote this winter

Parkland walks: The parkland will be open every day from 9am - 4pm with last entry at 3pm (closed 25 December) to explore.
House opening: The downstairs rooms of the house will be open and decorated for Christmas with our Heritage Crafts Christmas theme, every day from 10.30am - 2.30pm (closed 25 December)
Eating & Drinking: Warm up with a hot chocolate and other delicious festive treats from one of our outlets.
Shopping: Browse a selection of eco friendly and sustainable gift ideas in the Servants' Hall Shop with the winter sale starting in 23 December.
Dogs: Continue to be welcome along the designated dog walking routes in the parkland.
Access: Hire out a tramper to help you explore the parkland this winter.