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Visitors exploring the Christmas market at Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire
Visitors exploring the Christmas market at Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

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Christmas events and activities

The Winter Lights Trail at Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire
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Christmas lights and winter illuminations 

Many of the houses and buildings in our care that will be transformed with colour this Christmas. Find out more about our winter illuminations and lights trails and book tickets for your visit.

A crowd is gathered to ding Christmas carols among the lit-up ruins of Fountains Abbey, with rainbow lights illuminating the building.

Christmas choirs and concerts 

With carol services and choirs performing at many of our places, you’ll find lots of ways to get in the Christmas spirit at these merry events near you.

Christmas at Powis Castle, Powys
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Historic houses decked out for Christmas 

Step back in time and experience a historic Christmas first-hand. See houses decked out with decorations from across history and be transported right back to the festivities of the time.

A young boy meeting Father Christmas at Scotney Castle, Kent

Visit Father Christmas 

Plan a festive family day out and meet Father Christmas in his grotto this Christmas. You can even settle down for a storytelling session or leave a gift at a reverse grotto at some of the places in our care.

Get closer to nature

A red squirrel balances on the thin branch of a tree while holding onto the trunk in the woodlands at Wallington.
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Places to spot winter wildlife 

Whether you're spotting seal pups in Norfolk or catching a glimpse of Devon's Dartmoor ponies, there's plenty of wildlife to see in winter. Get outdoors and discover the best places for winter wildlife watching.

Pony grazing on Rockford Common, New Forest, on a misty, sunny day
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Wild places to get away from it all 

We look after many areas of outstanding natural beauty. Despite living increasingly urbanised lives, you can still find some incredible wild places to which you can escape.

Visitors walking in the woodland at Blickling, Norfolk
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Woodland walks 

From tree-lined avenues to ancient woodland, find a sense of calm among the trees with our pick of the best woodland and forest walks.

Red squirrel on the feeder at Allan Bank, Cumbria
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Top places to spot red squirrels 

Find the best places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland to see the elusive red squirrel. Autumn is a great time to spot them as they gather food ahead of the winter.

Indoor adventures

Some of the historic houses in our care close over the winter months so we can carry out vital conservation work. Please check individual place webpages for up-to-date information on opening times.

The west front of Knole, Kent
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Top 10 unique houses 

Learn about some of the most unusual houses we look after and find out what makes them so special, from a tiny woodland cottage to a romantic country retreat.

Speke Hall in winter
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Places with Tudor connections 

Discover the places we look after that have links to the Tudor period, from prominent figures like Henry VII and key events such as the dissolution of the monasteries. They’ve received royal visitors, hidden Catholic priests and witnessed important events.

The Long Gallery at The Children's Country House at Sudbury, Derbyshire
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Kids' indoor activities for rainy days 

How do you keep the kids entertained on a rainy day? Here's a selection of indoor activities at the houses in our care that won't be ruined by a sudden downpour.

Visitors in the 16th century kitchen at Buckland Abbey, Devon
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Places with famous connections 

Walk in the footsteps of famous people. From The Beatles to Sir Winston Churchill, Agatha Christie to Isaac Newton, discover more as you step into their former homes.

'50 things to do before you're 11¾'

Two children lying in a pile of autumn leaves at Castle Ward, County Down
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Top ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities to do in autumn 

Autumn opens up a world of new adventures for kids. Discover the best activities from our ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’, including playing conkers and foraging for wild food.

Using fir cones and conkers to make a collage
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No. 18 Create some wild art 

When it comes to creating wild art, the only limit is your imagination. What will you use, and how? Create some wild art is no. 18 of the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’.

Visitors enjoying one of Bristol Astronomical Society's stargazing evenings at Tyntesfield, North Somerset
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No. 27 Go stargazing 

Stargazing is a magical way to bring science alive and experience the beauty of our natural world. Going stargazing is no. 27 on our list of ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’.

Four visitors looking at the sunset at Cragside in Northumberland
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No. 49 Watch the sunset 

Watching the sunset is no. 49 of the National Trust’s ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ list.

Information about visiting

Two people walking their dogs down a path in the garden at Scotney Castle in Kent with the stone facade of the house in the background

Places you need to pre-book 

Planning a day out at one of the houses or gardens we care for? Some places need to be booked in advance. Find out which places need pre-booking and learn how you can join one of the new guided tour experiences.

Two visitors explore displays inside Mompesson House, Wiltshire
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Visiting and booking frequently asked questions 

Find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about visiting and using the booking system.

Two visitors walking at Killerton, Devon
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Enhanced facilities for disabled visitors 

Find out more about which places in our care have specialised facilities for disabled visitors.

Visitors cycling at Blickling Estate, Norfolk

Sustainable travel to the places in our care 

Find out how you can travel to the places in our care by train, bus, bike or on foot, helping you to save money and care for the environment.

Walker at Watendlath, Cumbria
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Touring Pass 

If you're travelling to the UK from overseas this year, buy a National Trust Touring Pass for entry to more than 300 places in our care. With 7-day and 14-day options available, the pass can be tailored to fit your trip. Discover where you can visit with the Touring Pass and how to buy yours.

Visitors in the garden in autumn at Stourhead, Wiltshire

Join

Enjoy access to more than 500 places with National Trust membership. Join today and help protect nature, beauty and history – for everyone, for ever.