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Christmas at Beningbrough

Head and shoulder of Father Christmas telling a story surrounded by lights and festive decorations
Book your place for a special story with the man in red | © National Trust / Sue Jordan

Enjoy festive family fun at Beningbrough this winter. Book your tickets to meet Father Christmas for a magical storytelling experience, get creative with seasonal crafts, and make the most of your day with winter walks, festive treats and a visit to the shop.

Storytime with Father Christmas 2026

5 - 20 December, Saturdays and Sundays 

Father Christmas is back at Beningbrough...and needs your help to save the day!

Join a magical group experience filled with festive storytelling, a fun Christmas challenge, and a chance for children to tell Father Christmas about all of the wonderful things they’ve been up to this year... and maybe share their gift ‘wish list’. Feel free to bring along a letter if you like!

There will be a book for each child at the end of the experience and the chance to take some festive snaps to remember the moment.

Good to know...

  • During winter, Beningbrough is open 10am – 3.30pm. Plan your day out around these times and your session. 
  • Non-members will need to pay normal admission prices on arrival at Beningbrough.
  • Head to the top floor of the hall five minutes before the start of your timed session and show your booking confirmation. Please note the hall is several minutes' walk from admissions.
  • The route and room are accessible and the hall has a lift. Visit the AccessAble website for the full access statement or contact the elves on 01904 472014 to discuss your requirements.
  • Each session will be limited to 26 visitors, plus babies. 
  • Each group must include at least one supervising adult.
  • Tickets are not refundable or exchangeable. Please select your tickets, date, and time with care.
  • Babies (under 18 months) not requiring a gift can enter with the family for free. However, if you would like a gift for your baby, please book a child ticket.
Woman pushing a buggy with small children looking at a trail sheet
Set off on a family adventure | © National Trust Images / Annapurna Mellor

A winter visit

Seasonal festivities at Beningbrough are on the top floor of the hall for those with tickets to Storytime with Father Christmas (sold out) and for everyone to enjoy time together crafting. The ground and first floors of the hall are not decorated for Christmas as the current displays continue. In the Reddihough Galleries on the first floor, discover the Whispers of the Wilderness: Exploring Wilderness Gardens exhibition. And the majestic ground floor oozes style with its craftsmanship and architecture. Here discover the stories of the estate and the people who made it.

Outside the are centuries old trees standing proud, trained fruit structures along the walls and winter crops steadily growing around the walled garden. The Mediterranean Garden is a suberb year-round addition with evergreens and grasses offering texture, colour and interest for wildlife, even on the frostiest winter days. 

With trees to climb, places to hide and dens to build, the play area is a must destination for families, whatever the season. Pick up the latest free family trail and see what seasonal surprises you can find.

A plate of chocolate biscuits, striped with white chocolate, and a cup of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream
Let our seasonal menu tempt you | © National Trust Images

Seasonal food and drink 

Take a break and head to the restaurant for winter favourites to suit every appetite. With homemade one pots on the menu, alongside favourite bakes with a seasonal twist. Make the most of your day out with a warming lunch together.

Try one of the flavoured coffees for a change from your staple pot of tea, or 'tis the season for hot chocolates with marshmallows, perfect to warm you through. Don't forget your refillable cup to take advantage of the reduced price. 

Head to the Brew House either side of your time in the hall for a pause and refuel - find it in the laundry courtyard for light bites and more. 

Shopping in the stables

Visit the stables shop for gifts and treats inspired by National Trust places. From cards and calendars to tipples and tins. Pick up the perfect scarf or throw and find lots of choice to help your garden grow and nature thrive. You might even be able to tick off some gifts on the Christmas present list while you're here.

Thank you for your purchases in the shop and restaurant - they all support the conservation work of the National Trust, including the ongoing developments at Beningbrough.  

 

Where to next? 

Looking for even more Christmas magic? Discover festive experiences at these nearby National Trust places Step into An Inspired Christmas: Frank Green's Grand Performance at Treasurer's House, where decorations evoke the grandeur of a glamorous Edwardian Christmas. At Nunnington Hall, experience Nature's Noel, featuring countless trees festooned with fairy lights and sustainable decorations created by local community groups and volunteers. Or head to Fountains Abbey, where festive activities, family trails and seasonal adventures offer plenty to explore throughout the grounds.

 

 

Overhead shot showing countryside, gardens, hall, walled garden and tree lined avenue

Discover more at Beningbrough

Find out when Beningbrough is open, how to get here, things to see and do and more.

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Discover the family activities and events at Beningbrough, from den building in the wilderness play area to nature spotting on a walk. Look out for new trails and activities during the school holidays.

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Discover more about the Reddihough Galleries on the first floor of Beningbrough Hall. See what's on display or coming next and what to expect between exhibitions and get a flavour of previous exhibitions.

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Explore what to expect visiting the historic rooms on the ground floor, from feats of engineering, striking architecture and symbolic pieces of the collection marking moments in time. Find out about the next exhibition in the first floor Reddihough Galleries.

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Choose from a range of tasty snacks and drinks at Beningbrough's restaurant and two other eateries, open on selected days. Find out where to refuel with your dog, indoor and out.

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Shopping at Beningbrough 

Stop off at the stables shop to find a range of gifts inspired by the places we care for and many local artisan product. Peruse the outdoor area with plants in the growing season and any surplus produce from the garden on offer.

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Things to see in the garden at Beningbrough 

Discover the formal gardens, walled kitchen garden, herbaceous borders and wildlife areas, each with its own style and beauty. Experience the tranquillity of the Mediterranean Garden, the latest new space designed by Andy Sturgeon. Find out more about this RHS partner garden in Yorkshire.

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From twinkling winter lights and houses dressed for the season, to wreath making, storytelling with Mrs Claus and meeting Father Christmas himself, there's plenty of fun festive things to do across Yorkshire.

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