Yes, it’s that time of year again – Christmas! A time for family, friends and festive cheer! And what better way to discover the traditions of Christmas than exploring everything the National Trust has to offer this festive period.
Over the festive season, the National Trust will be sprinkled with that very special Christmas sparkle! So without further ado, here are Historical Honey’s top picks of National Trust Christmas days out for all the family to enjoy.
Nunnington Hall, North Yorkshire
1920s Christmas experience: 30 November-1 December, 7-8 and 14-15 December, 11am-4pm
Normal admission charges apply. Booking is not required.
Nunnington Hall will be celebrating Christmas, 1920s style. Join the team for a festive experience to remember as you discover the Hall as you might have found it on Christmas day over 90 years ago. Your visit to will take you on a journey through the different stages of Christmas day in the Fife family household. You can also experience the tastes of a 1920s Christmas in the house, with sherry in the dining room and sugared almonds in the drawing room. Throughout the day, there’ll be hair and make-up demonstrations on how to achieve an iconic 1920s look, perfect for a Christmas party.
Beningbrough Hall and Gardens, North Yorkshire
Story time with Santa, 7-8, 14-15 & 21-22 December at timed intervals from 11.30am-3.15pm
Child £6 (includes gift and admission for one adult). Booking is essential on 01904 472027.
Children can join a small group for a special visit to Santa in his sitting room as he prepares for Christmas. Santa will tell the children stories, they can deliver their letter, check they’re on the good list and receive a special present in this 18th-century home.
Meet Father Christmas at various National Trust locations, including National Trust Beningbrough.
Erddig, Wrexham
Deck the hall and Christmas market, weekends from 24 November – 16 December, 10am – 4pm
Market and gardens entrance: Adult £3.50, under 16s free. Market, house (below stairs) and gardens: Adult £5, under 16s free. £5 for a grotto ticket. Booking essential for the grotto, please call 01978 355314 for more information.
Erddig’s Christmas market is not to be missed, with 30 traditional wooden chalets selling everything from Christmas crackers and hampers to traditional crafts and toys. The whole family can also enjoy the ‘Deck the hall’ event, with Christmas ‘below stairs’ brought to life in the house. Erddig’s servants will be preparing for Christmas, inviting visitors to help them make turkey stuffing, prepare traditional mincemeat and make the decorations. There is also Father Christmas in his grotto, music, reindeers and a magician to keep the kids entertained.
Bodiam Castle, East Sussex
Christmas in the Castle, 7-8, 14-15 & 21-22 December 10.30am – 3pm
Child £3 (includes gift), normal admission charges apply for adults. Booking is essential, please call 01580 830196.
Don’t miss out on a visit to Santa in his grotto at one of the most famous castles in Britain dating back to the 14th-century. There’s more festive fun to be had around the castle and all children will receive a gift from Santa.
Killerton, Devon
A Christmas Carol, 4 December – 5 January (closed 25-26 December & 1 January), 11am – 4pm
Normal admission charges apply. Booking is not required, for more information please contact 01392 881345.
Experience the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future and follow the Christmas trails in the house and park. See stunning displays in the house as you follow Scrooge to find the meaning of Christmas. Feel festive with Christmas trees, lights and the magic behind this festive classic.
Make a weekend of it: Take your pick from one of five cottages on the estate. There’s Forest Cottage (sleeps 6), Killerton Park Cottage (sleeps 4) Longmeadow (sleeps 4), or one of three adjoining cottages (once a medieval thatched farmhouse) which includes Mattress Cottage (sleeps 5) and Broad Ley Cottage (sleeps 6).
Discover the meaning of Christmas with Scrooge at National Trust Killerton.
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Christmas craft fair, 16-17 November, 10.30am – 5pm
All tickets £4 (under 14s go free). Booking is not required, please call 01223 206000 for more information.
Wimpole’s festive season starts up with our fantastic Christmas Craft Fair. Find unique and unusual presents from over fifty craft stalls, visit our Stable Block shops and enjoy mulled wine and tasty mince pies.
Croome, Worcestershire
Visit Father Christmas, 30 November, 1, 7-8, 14-15 & 21-22 December 11am-3pm
Normal admission charges apply, plus £3 per child visiting Father Christmas (including gift and activities). Booking not needed, for more information please call 01905 370005.
Discover Father Christmas in his sparkling and cosy grotto in the cellars of Croome Court, once home to the Earls of Coventry. Free craft making activities are included to keep the family entertained and Croome will be decorated for the season with roaring log fires. Come and see the famous 25 foot Christmas tree in the saloon and hang a Christmas wish on it. There’s also the chance to go on a winter walk in the heart of ‘Capability’ Brown’s first landscape design.
Mottisfont, Hampshire
The Swan Queen’s Ball: Christmas at Mottisfont, 1 December– 5 January 2014 (except 24 and 25 December), 11am – 5pm
Special weekend events are also on offer, including dance classes. Normal admission charges apply. Booking is not required, for more information please call 01794 344020.
Come on a magical journey as the Swan Queen prepares for the ball. As the frost glitters and the mist rises from Mottisfont’s river, discover a winter wonderland of beautiful trees, decorated rooms and stunning evening gowns from ‘Talons & Tiaras’.
Children can race around the grounds on a magical quest trail to solve the mystery of the Swan Queen’s secret and gain entry to her palace. There are sparkly dresses and handsome cloaks to try on in the boudoir, and crafty fun making tiaras and crowns. Then it’s time to join the Swan Queen at her ball in a beautiful room filled with sparkling lights and dancing silhouette shadows, and at the centre, an 18th-century style swan feather ball gown.
The Swan Queen’s Ball at National Trust Mottisfont
Belton House, Lincolnshire
Christmas food and craft market, 15-17 November, 10.30am – 4pm
Normal admission charges apply. Booking is not needed, for more information please call 01476 566116.
Set in an English country estate that tells the tale of above and below stairs, this is the perfect opportunity to buy beautiful handmade Christmas gifts in a festive atmosphere with seasonal music and a traditional Mummers Play.
Christmas lunch is also available in the restaurant from 12pm – 2pm (counter service)
Quarry Bank Mill & Styal Estate, Cheshire
A Victorian Christmas at the Mill, 7-8 and 14-15 December, 11am-3pm
Normal admission charges apply. Booking is not required, for more information please contact 01625 527468.
Join the festive fun at Quarry Bank Mill with its traditional Christmas weekends. Meet the Victorian characters and find out more about customs from the past. Tell Father Christmas what’s on your Christmas list. Enjoy Christmas carols, stories and finish your day with a warming mince pie.
Meet the Victorians at National Trust Quarry Bank Mill & Styal Estate
Please do let us know if you manage to visit any of these wonderfully festive National Trust events!
All images courtesy of the National Trust
Historical Honey 2013 ©