Embrace the magic of Christmas with the National Trust in Devon
Across Devon, National Trust places are full of warmth, magic and sparkle as the festive season approaches. Wrap up and embrace the chilly days with a family walk around a country estate, or get into the Christmas spirit with carols, open fires and mince pies. There’s lots on offer this season, from Christmas crafts to festive family trails and choirs to visits from Father Christmas.
What’s more, every time you experience a National Trust day out, you help care for these special places for future generations.
Here is what’s happening near you this season, please check property website for opening days and times, especially over the Christmas period:
Arlington
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/arlington-court-and-the-national-trust-carriage-museum
Christmas at Arlington Court
Every Sat, Sun & Mon from 16 Nov, daily between 14 Dec and 5 Jan (closed 24-26 Dec). 10am – 4pm until 15 Dec. 10am-3pm from 16 Dec.
The house will be dressed to impress with each room themed on a Victorian Christmas carol, from ships sailing down the dining room table to sheep taking over the drawing room. Take part in a festive family activity trail around the gardens and grounds or explore the wider estate for a winter walk. Join us for our popular late-night openings on the 5, 12 and 19 of December from 2pm - 7pm, see website for more details.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Barnstaple Ladies Choir Christmas carol performance
8 Dec. 3.30 - 4pm
Kick off the festive season with this joyous performance in the staircase hall, decorated in full Victorian Christmas splendour.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Father Christmas at Arlington Court
21, 22 and 23 Dec. Various times between 11.30am and 3pm, please check the website.
Come to our festive grotto in the stables harness room and meet our traditional green Father Christmas who is visiting Arlington Court. All children will receive a present and must be accompanied by an adult.
Price: Child £6. Booking essential 0344 249 1895 or via the website.
Father Christmas at Arlington Court (sensory friendly)
21, 22 and 23 Dec. 3-3.30pm
Come to our festive grotto in the stables harness room and meet our traditional green Father Christmas who is visiting Arlington Court. These sessions feature quiet surroundings, (no music), soft lighting, and reduced capacity to help create a relaxed atmosphere. All children will receive a present and must be accompanied by an adult.
Price: Child £6. Booking essential 0344 249 1895 or via the website.
Buckland Abbey
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/buckland-abbey
Small barn mini markets
9 and 10, 16 and 17, 23 and 24 Nov. 10am-4pm
A smaller affair for 2024, this year Buckland Abbey will be holding a series of mini markets in the Small Barn. Up to 15 stalls will be set up by local vendors for visitors to peruse and start off their Christmas shopping. The Buckland Abbey shop and café will be open and a seasonal family trail will be in place along the yellow route. The Gardens will also be open for visitors. The Great Barn and the Abbey will be closed on these weekends as we prepare for Christmas.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Viking Yule: Christmas at Buckland Abbey
Daily 30 Nov-31 Dec (closed 25 and 26 Dec). 10am-4pm
As you step into the Great Barn you will be transported through a forest and into a Viking Long Hall to celebrate Yule. As you walk through you'll be immersed in Viking traditions until you reach the top of the Great Barn where you will be greeted by the Norse god Odin and the Northern Lights. The Abbey will be decorated with medieval winter traditions throughout.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Children’s Christmas block printing workshop
30 Nov. 11am-12noon, 1.30-2.30pm, 3-4pm
Join local artist Grace Coombes from Linnet Workshops to hand print your own Christmas gift wrap with festive lino blocks. There will be a wide selection of designs to choose from, all hand carved by Grace. You will be using water-based inks to create beautifully decorative wrapping paper. Each participant will get to take away their sheet of gift wrap ready for Christmas. All materials included. Please bring an apron or wear old clothes as the inks can get messy. Suitable for ages 4 - 16. All Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the session.
Price: Child £9 (normal admission applies). Booking essential 0344 249 1895, or via the website.
Viking cooking
14 and 17 Dec, 11am-3pm
As you reach the ground floor of Buckland Abbey, you may smell an open fire and something cooking!
Our volunteer historical cooking team will be whipping up a spread fit for a Viking long hall. The food will not be available for visitors to eat but we will provide recipe cards for you to take away and try at home. Cooking will take place from 11am – 1pm. From 1pm to 3pm the cooks will be around to talk about what they have cooked and answer any questions about Viking life. Visitors may be able to assist with some simple tasks such as grinding spices.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Winter solstice walk
21 Dec, 7-9.30am
The winter solstice is a time of hope as we begin to welcome in the light on the shortest day of the year. Join us for a winter walk as the sun rises across Buckland Abbey on the shortest day. This walk will be led by our Area Ranger, after the walk we will visit the café for a light breakfast and hot drink (this is included in the ticket price). The walk will be moderate difficulty but gently paced.
Price: £10 per person (over 12s only). Booking essential via the website.
Mummer’s play and Wassail
5 Jan 1-4pm
Wassailing is an annual tradition to bless orchards to ensure a good harvest for the year to come. Join Dartmoor Border Morris to scare away evil spirits in the orchard and ensure a good harvest this year at our Wassail - remember your pots and pans to make lots of noise. The event starts with a Mummers’ play in the Great Barn, and will then proceed to the orchard for the Wassail itself.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Castle Drogo
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/castle-drogo
Christmas in the Castle
Fri, Sat and Sun 29 Nov-8 Dec. Daily 13-30 Dec (closed 24, 25, 26 Dec). 10.30am-3.30pm
See the rooms decorated for Christmas and celebrating those who lived here. There will be musicians in the Drawing room, storytelling in the library, and a trail of naughty elves who have been causing chaos in the castle. Can you find them all? Visit the garden for some fresh air and children’s reindeer trail, or stretch your legs on a walk through the wider estate and Teign Gorge. Father Christmas might even be dropping in on certain days (check social media for updates).
Price: £8 per child (normal admission applies). Booking essential 0344 249 1895 or via the website.
Coleton Fishacre
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/coleton-fishacre
Christmas at Coleton Fishacre
Every Sat and Sun from 23 Nov. Daily 18 – 31 Dec (closed 25 and 26 Dec). 11am – 4pm
This year let the traditional decorations at Coleton Fishacre fill your heart with cheer. With fresh greenery straight from the garden and the twinkle of fairy lights, the house is invitingly cosy this winter. Outside, take part in a festive trail with characters Dottie and Doyle the Dalmatian pups, as they explore their first Christmas at Coleton Fishacre and search for Father Christmas. For rosy cheeks and cheerful soles, winter walks around the coastal garden provide show-stopping sea views. Don't forget Café Coleton will be serving a range of tempting treats and decadent hot drinks, and the shop will be stocked full of Christmas gifts, decorations, and more.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
New Year’s Day at Coleton Fishacre
I Jan. 11am – 4pm
Start your new year off with a visit to Coleton Fishacre with the house, garden, shop and café all open on New Year's Day. Why not gather loved ones and stretch those legs after the Christmas festivities?
Take in the sea views from the garden, snap up treats from the shop in the Christmas sale, and soak up the festive decorations in the house.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Greenway
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/greenway
Christmas at Greenway
Every Sat and Sun from 23 Nov to 21 Dec. Daily between 27 – 31 Dec. 11am – 4pm
Celebrate a festive day out at Greenway. Take part in the outdoor garden trail, 'Rocking around the Christmas wreath', and guess the songs on each of the handmade wreaths. Can you work out the lyrics and sing along? On your winter wander, why not pose for a family Christmas photo at one of two twinkly stations? Inside, the house is full of seasonal cheer with traditional decorations, sumptuous garlands, and festive floral displays. Alongside the magical sparkle of fairy lights and trimmed trees, there will be fun wreath crafts in the house kitchen to take part in.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.If visiting Greenway by car, you will need to book a parking space in advance through the website.
Killerton
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/killerton
A feel-good Christmas at Killerton
Daily 30 Nov to 31 Dec (closed 25 and 26 Dec). 11am – 4pm (11am – 2pm on 24 Dec)
Weave your way through the ground floor of Killerton house, traditionally dressed with lush green garlands, sparkling trees, decorative fireplaces and fairy lights to give that feel-good glow of Christmas. Discover Christmas traditions old and new with interactive activities for all ages leading you through the gardens, parkland, and Chapel grounds. Head to the chapel and marvel at the 12 sparkling Christmas trees, lovingly decorated by community groups.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Knightshayes
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/knightshayes
A Victorian Christmas at Knightshayes
Daily 16 Nov-5 Jan (closed 24-26 Dec). 11am-4pm (open until 7pm on Winter Lights dates)
Be transported back in time and discover Victorian Christmas traditions as you explore the ground floor of the house this festive season. Each room will celebrate a different Christmas tradition, from gift giving to ghost stories - which one will be your favourite?
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Winter lights at Knightshayes
Fri, Sat and Sun, 29 Nov to 22 Dec. 4-7pm
Discover the gardens lit up on selected dates in December. Explore some of the most special places in the formal garden via an illuminated route. The ground floor of the house will remain open during Winter Lights, so why not make your evening more magical with a visit to see a traditional Victorian Christmas. The Stables Shop & Cafe will also be open, it's the perfect place to pick up a hot drink or do some Christmas shopping.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Christmas in the garden
Daily 29 Nov-5 Jan (closed 24-26 Dec). 10am-4pm
Some of the trees in the Formal & Woodland Garden have decided that they want to join in the festive fun too! Can you find them all? Follow the family trail through the garden to stretch your legs and enjoy some festive fun.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Father Christmas a Knightshayes
Every Sat and Sun from 30 Nov to 22 Dec, plus Mon 23 Dec. Various times, please check the website
Father Christmas returns to Knightshayes this December, dressed in traditional green, telling stories and giving gifts to all good children. Your child's ticket includes meeting Father Christmas, admission to the House & Gardens, and a present.
Price: £12.50 per child. Booking essential 0344 249 1895 or via the website.
Saltram
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/saltram
‘Twas the night before Christmas at Saltram
Daily 22 Nov to 1 Jan (closed 25 and 26 Dec), 11am – 5pm
Step into the magic of '’Twas the Night Before Christmas' as it's brought to life within Saltram's magical interiors. With the house perfectly prepared and Father Christmas on his way, festive enchantment awaits you at Saltram.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking essential 0344 249 1895 or via website.
Christmas family trail
Daily 22 Nov to 1 Jan (closed 25 and 26 Dec), 11am – 5pm
Embark on a magical festive trail through the house and garden. Collect your Christmas family trail sheet from the Welcome Centre and set off on a merry adventure. Explore enchanting rooms and discover hidden surprises along the way. Don’t forget to claim your festive sticker at the Bookshop or Welcome Centre once you’ve completed your journey.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Father Christmas in his Grotto
Every Sat and Sun from 1 Dec to 22 Dec. 3.30-3.45pm, 3.45-4pm, 4.15-4.30pm
This year, why not visit Father Christmas in his grotto, located in our historic stable yard? Father Christmas will be welcoming families to share their festive wishes, and each child will receive a Christmas gift. These sessions are perfect for families with young children who want a small, intimate grotto experience.
Price: £7 per child (includes present). Booking essential via website.
Father Christmas in his Grotto: Relaxed and BSL signed session
14 and 21 Dec. 3.30-4.30pm.
This year, why not visit Father Christmas in his grotto, located in our historic stable yard? Father Christmas will be welcoming families to share their festive wishes, and each child will receive a Christmas gift. Our BSL signer, Jason, will be available to help families communicate with Father Christmas. These grotto sessions are perfect for families looking for a more relaxed experience or for those who require a British Sign Language signer.
Price: £7 per child (includes present). Booking essential via website.
Songs and Stories with Father Christmas
Every Sat and Sun from 1 Dec to 22 Dec. 12.30-1.15pm, 1.30-2.15pm, 2.30-3.15pm
Join Father Christmas for a lively musical story session where singing loudly is highly encouraged!
Father Christmas will share tales of Christmases past and guide you through the story of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. At the end of the session, each child will receive a gift from Father Christmas. This experience is designed for families with children aged 6 and above. It’s a 45-minute seated session, best suited for children who can engage for that length of time.
Price: £10 per child (includes present) and £5 per adult. Booking essential via website.
Songs and Stories with Father Christmas: Relaxed and BSL signed session
7 and 14 Dec, 2.30-3.15pm. 15 and 21 Dec, 12.30-1.15pm
We are delighted that Father Christmas has bought his amazing friend Jason with him this year to help translate with British Sign Language. A relaxed Father Christmas session means fewer people in each session, with more space to accommodate wheelchairs, ear defenders, or the flexibility to leave your seat during the show. Join Father Christmas for a musical story session where he will share tales of Christmases past and guide you through the story of ‘'Twas the Night Before Christmas.’ At the end of the session, each child will receive a gift from Father Christmas. This experience is designed for families with children aged 6 and above.
Price: £10 per child (includes present) and £5 per adult. Booking essential via website.
For more information visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/christmas
Photo: Visitors admiring the Christmas decorations at Saltram, Devon. Credit: National Trust Images, John Millar.
