Festive days out at Nostell

Published:: 16 October 2023

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.