Festive season
Christmas at Britain's historic places
Historic houses illuminated after dark, castle courtyards filled with Christmas markets, decorated halls, winter trails and centuries-old places transformed for the festive season.
Explore by event
These events are run by the places and organisations named on each card. Land & Legacy does not sell tickets.
Christmas Markets
Markets in castle courtyards, barns and historic halls.
9 listed
Light Trails
After-dark walks through grounds and parkland.
8 listed
Decorated Houses
Houses and halls dressed for the season.
8 listed
Father Christmas
A visit with Father Christmas at a historic place.
4 listed
Carols & Concerts
Carols and concerts in chapels, halls and courtyards.
Father Christmas
Photo: Tilman2007 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Father Christmas at Audley End House and Gardens
Audley End House Saffron Walden
Weekends only from Saturday 5 to Sunday 20 December 2026, with timed sessions.
A Father Christmas experience at Audley End with seasonal storytelling, photographs and a traditional present for each child.
£12 per child for non-members and £9.50 for members. Advance booking required. Non-members also need site admission.
Listed by English Heritage
Photo: Chensiyuan / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Father Christmas at Dover Castle
Dover Castle Kent
Weekends only from Saturday 5 to Sunday 20 December 2026, with timed sessions.
A Father Christmas experience at Dover Castle with seasonal storytelling, a chance for photographs and a traditional present for each child.
£12 per child for non-members and £9.50 for members. Advance booking required.
Listed by English Heritage
Photo: DeFacto / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Father Christmas at Kenilworth Castle
Kenilworth Castle Warwickshire
Weekends only from Saturday 5 to Sunday 20 December 2026, with timed sessions.
A Father Christmas experience at Kenilworth Castle with seasonal storytelling, photographs and a traditional present for each child.
£12 per child for non-members and £9.50 for members. Advance booking required. Non-members also need site admission.
Listed by English Heritage
Photo: Rob Farrow / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Santa’s Elizabethan Grotto
Plas Mawr Q634054
12 December 2026 – 13 December 2026
Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 December 2026, 10am to 3.15pm.
A Father Christmas experience at Plas Mawr with an Elizabethan-themed grotto, a gift for each child, Christmas crafts and festive treats.
£15 per child, including two accompanying adults. Standard admission also applies to normal site visitors.
Listed by Cadw