Skip to content

Festive days out at Nostell

Visitors walking through a corridor at Nostell with Christmas tree in the foreground
Christmas tree in the house at Nostell | © National Trust Images/Freya Raby

Come and make festive memories to treasure at Nostell this Christmas. Experience a magical world of fairy tales and folklore in the house and gardens and then stretch your legs with a winter walk in stunning surroundings.

Young visitor and family meeting Father Christmas by the open fire at Nostell
Meet Father Christmas as he relaxes by the open fire at Nostell | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Explore the magical fairy tale house

Join in the festivities this Christmas as the house is decorated to the nines with a magical fairy tale theme with rooms featuring elements from stories such as Rapunzel, Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast. The fires will be lit, seasonal music will be playing and the trees will be twinkling with pretty lights.

Make sure to visit the exquisite Doll’s House will also be decorated with all the Christmas trimmings. The mischievous fairies from the garden trail have their eyes on this miniature, cosy house - watch out for a fairy invasion.

Father Christmas will be visiting the house in the run up to Christmas. You may spot him as he walks around the house or, perhaps you’ll see him having a cheeky pre-Christmas snooze by the fire. It's an informal experience with no bookable appointments - he will be drifting around, giving out plenty of waves and smiles and he is always happy to pose for photographs and chat with families. See events page for dates and times.

Frost on the grass and trees in the parkland at Nostell
Frosty morning in January in the parkland at Nostell | © National Trust Images/Freya Raby

Wrap up for a winter walk in the gardens and parkland

Nostell is the perfect destination to stretch your legs and enjoy a refreshing winter walk. You'll see nature at its starkest, but most beautiful - especially if you're out on a morning with frost and the low winter sun glints off the lakes and buildings.

Visit the gardens to enter into a magical world of fairies and folklore this Christmas. Woodland fairies have set up their homes in the area surrounding the adventure playground, see if you can find all of the fairy doors. You'll also find ethereal scultpures of nymphs and fairies as you travel around, each one has their own character and story to tell.

If you're feeling a bit chilly, call into the café for a warming hot chocolate and a slice of cake to refuel. Alternatively, head over to the new wood-fired pizza trailer you'll spot it on the vista if you are standing in front of the house) and treat yourself to a freshly fired pizza with a range of tasty toppings.

The exterior of the mansion at Nostell Priory and Parkland on a damp day in winter

Discover more at Nostell

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

You might also be interested in

Dog on a lead at Nostell Priory in West Yorkshire
Article
Article

Visiting Nostell with your dog 

Nostell is a two pawprint rated place. Find out how to make the most of your visit to Nostell with your dog and why you and your canine friend will enjoy taking in the Yorkshire air here.

Frost on the grass and trees in the parkland at Nostell
Article
Article

Exploring the estate at Nostell 

Follow the paths and tracks at Nostell to discover ancient woodland, an abundance of wildlife and rolling views across this enchanting Yorkshire landscape.

Visitors outside the 18th-century mansion at Nostell Priory
Article
Article

Visiting the house at Nostell 

Explore one of the great treasure houses in the North of England, also home to one of the few remaining doll's houses from the 18th century.

A member of staff smiles as she pours steamed milk for a customer at the Courtyard Café at Nostell Priory
Article
Article

Eating and shopping at Nostell 

Visit the Courtyard Café with its range of seasonal treats, then head to the National Trust shop, where there’s a range of products inspired by the places we care for.

A group of visits are seen on a path walking through Bodnant Garden in Wales
Article
Article

Group visits to Nostell 

There's a rich variety of things to see and do for groups of all ages at Nostell, from exploring lakes and woodlands to exploring the grand treasure house and stables.

A gardener tending to the borders at Kingston Lacy, Dorset

Gardening tips 

Discover our gardeners’ top tips so you can make the most of your garden, plot or window box.

Frosty morning in the garden at Nostell with fountain and statue in the foreground

Gardens and parks in Yorkshire 

Enjoy Yorkshire's late autumn gardens and parks, from the landscaped views at Fountains Abbey, to the borders and pathways at Beningbrough Hall and Nostell.