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Festive days out at Grade 1 and Grade 2 ...

10 December 2024

Festive days out at Grade 1 and Grade 2 listed properties

By Joanne Townsend Administration Assistant

Wooden doors with large Christmas wreaths, adorned with red ribbons and festive ornaments, are displayed.

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Over the Festive period many listed properties have a festive make over. From grand houses bringing a historic festive story to life, to the sparkling charm of an illuminated Christmas trail set in the gardens of a castle, there is something for everyone this December.

If you are looking for a Christmas day out for all the family to make some magical memories, there are many listed properties putting on displays to choose from.

Below we have put together a list of some special places to visit.

A historic stone castle with a moat and topiary gardens under a blue sky with clouds.

Hever Castle

Situated on the Kent/Surrey/Sussex border, Hever Castle is set in rural countryside.

This Grade I listed Property has award winning gardens and was once the home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII & Mother of Elizabeth I.

This Christmas the castle has a Christmas trail including a tour around the castle and a Christmas lights display. When visiting you can witness enchanting reimaginations of classic tales on the trail and meet beloved characters as well as enjoy some shopping, dining and fairground rides.

For younger visitors, you meet Father Christmas in his Grotto, you will meet the cheerful elves and Mother Christmas along the way.

As darkness falls from 4pm, the grounds are magically transformed – step into a world of wonder as the Castle, gardens and lake are bathed in festive lights.

Christmas at the Castle is open from 24^th November 2024 – 3^rd January 2025.

All activities should be prebooked and to find out more click here: Christmas At Hever Castle 2024/2025 at Hever Castle

Dunham Massey

This stately home is situated in greater Manchester and was home to two of Britain’s historic families, The Booths and the Greys.

The Stunning landscape of Dunham Massey includes a 300-acre deer park and beautiful gardens.

The one-mile Christmas light illuminated garden trail is a festive experience to enjoy with the whole family. Masses of twinkling lights, magnificent installations and seasonal music all come together to help get you in the festive spirit.

The event will be open daily from 17^th November 2024 – 31^st December 2024 4.30pm – 8.15pm.

To find out more click here. Christmas at Dunham Massey │ Gr Manchester | National Trust

A large brick mansion with multiple chimneys, reflected in a calm pond, under a partly cloudy sky with surrounding trees.

Facade of a grand historic building with tall columns and ornate architecture under a partly cloudy sky.

Blenheim Palace

This exquisite Grade I listed property, owned by the Churchill family, was the birthplace of Winston Churchill. It is situated in Woodstock, Oxfordshire and has been the backdrop of many films and television programmes.

Blenheim has something for everyone in December, including Neverland in the palace, The Magical illuminated light trail, Christmas Market, a Ferris wheel and much more.

The historical Palace and gardens will come alive with ‘Neverland in the Palace’. Follow Tinkerbell through the state rooms as she sprinkles fairy dust over baubles and Christmas trees with lots of twinkling lights to see along the way, and then why not take a walk through the Christmas market or perhaps even a spot of ice skating.

Christmas at Blenheim Palace never disappoints and is on from 15^th November 2024 – 1^st January 2025.

To find out more please visit their website by clicking here. Christmas at Blenheim | Festive Light Trail & Christmas Market

Speke Hall

Speke Hall is a Grade I listed, Tudor, timber-framed manor house in an unusual setting. Sitting on the bank of the River Mersey, on the edge of Liverpool, it is an outstanding example of 16^th century timber-framed construction.

Speke Hall took its distinctive shape when owned by Sir William Norris. The Norris family were of Roman Catholic faith so one of the first special features of the property was a priest hole and observation hole in the chimney, so the priest or house occupants would know if anyone was approaching.

After many changes of ownership across the centuries, the National Trust took over in 1943.

This year you can experience an enchanting family Christmas and the joys of festive music at Speke Hall. From walks in the grounds whilst listening to festive melodies, and a retelling of the Twelve Days of Christmas inside the Tudor House. It’s a perfect way to create those magical Christmas memories.

Black-and-white image of a historic half-timbered building with a stone walkway leading to the entrance.

For younger visitors, they can enjoy story time with Father Christmas or why not give your little one a special treat and have breakfast with Father Christmas where they can post their letter to the North Pole.

The house is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 29^th November 2024 to 22nd December 2024, 12.30pm -4pm (last entry is 3.30pm)

To find out all of the information that you need about what is going on just click here. Christmas at Speke Hall | Liverpool | National Trust

Grand historic mansion with symmetrical facade, ornate sculptures, and expansive lawn under a clear blue sky.

Longleat House

Longleat is a Grade 1 stately home about 4 miles west of Warminster in Wiltshire, set in 1,000 Acres of parkland.

This year Longleat is bringing back its ‘Festival of Light’ event which is set throughout the park. This is the 10^th anniversary of this iconic event which will run from 9^th November 2024 through to 5^th January 2025.

Capture family memories and enjoy the impressive house light show where the house is brought to life with a stunning projection mapping display in celebration of Longleat opening its doors 75 years ago.

There are many events and activities going on at Christmas time including the enchanted Christmas tree show where you can sing along to your festive favourites (show times every 20 minutes from 4pm-7.10pm and is included in your Festival of light ticket price). There is also a Santa train where you can jump on and take a magical journey to meet Santa himself.

Prices will depend on when you plan to visit and what activities you wish to take part in so for more information please click here. The Festival of Light 2024 at Longleat

Arley Hall

Arley Hall is a Grade II listed country house in Cheshire and has been home to Viscount Ashbrook and his family for over 500 years.

You might recognise Arley Hall from the very popular Peaky Blinders series as it was the ‘Shelby’ residence in seasons three to five and the exterior of the property is often used in the storyline.

Although the property and grounds are open daily to the public, at Christmas time it is transformed with a spectacular mile long light trail with stunning lighting elements and fabulous interactive light play all set to music. This experience can be enjoyed by young and old, and you can find mulled wine and marshmallows for toasting to purchase along the way.

Luminate – The enchanting winter light Trail will run from Saturday 30^TH November 2024 – Tuesday 24^th December 2024.

Prices change depending on when you plan to visit so to find out more please click here. What’s On At Christmas – Arley Hall & Gardens

Historic brick mansion with intricate black detailing, central entrance, and large windows under a blue sky with clouds.

Historic castle with turrets and stone facade, surrounded by manicured lawns and hedges under a cloudy sky.

Abbotsford House

Abbotsford is a historic country house on the south bank of the River Tweed in Scotland. Now open to the public it was built for the historical novelist and poet Sir Walter Scott between 1817 and 1825 and is a category A listed building.

At Christmas time there are many festive events that you can book to attend including wreath making workshops, story telling with Mrs Claus or why not add a little extra magic this festive season and visit Santa in his grotto.

Step into the story this Christmas and experience a Scott family Christmas with a special edition audio tour where there will be festive spotlight displays and the sights and smells of the 1820’s festive season.

Also, don’t miss the chance to see the spectacular Waverley Tree which is one of the largest book trees in Scotland and the centre piece of all the festive celebrations at Abbotsford.

These tours are 12pm everyday and are included in your ticket to the house. The house is open 10am-4pm over the seasonal period (last entry 3pm) but they will close early on 24^thand 31^st of December.

Prices will depend on the date and time you are visiting so its always best to check the website before visiting by clicking here. Abbotsford – The Home of Sir Walter Scott

Ightham Mote

Ightham Mote is a beautiful medieval house that sits in a secluded Kent valley, near Sevenoaks, and is a Grade I listed building.

Built using local material, Kentish ragstone and Wealsdon oaks, Ightham Mote is steeped in history. Visit Ightham Mote this festive season and experience a magnificent Tudor Christmas, there is so much for the whole family to discover and enjoy.

Immerse yourself in the music, lights and scents inspired by the history of the property. There will be late night openings, roaring fires, traditional Christmas carols in the courtyard and lots of crafting workshops.

If its family fun you are looking for then why not visit Ightham Mote between Saturday 23^rd November 2024 and Sunday 5^th January 2025 10am-4pm because there is a mouse in the house! See if your little ones can spot all of the Tudor Christmas mice that are hidden around the house and garden.

To find out all of the details of everything going on at Ightham Mote this Christmas, click here –Tudor Christmas at Ightham Mote | Kent | National Trust

Illuminated castle at night with pink lights and decorated Christmas trees along the pathway.

Waddesdon Manor

This impressive Grade I listed property is found in Buckinghamshire. Previously owned by the prolific Rothchild family.

Waddesdon Manor was built by Baron Ferdinand Rothchild between 1874 and 1885 to display his collection of arts and then went onto be open to the public in 1959.

Waddesdon Manor truly comes to life at Christmas time, the Manor and grounds will be transformed into a magical wonderland once again this year with festive displays, decorations and amazing light installations.

Inspired by the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty, Waddesdon will be an immersive experience, including a glittering light trail to explore in the gardens where the breathtaking landscape is transformed into a kaleidoscope of colour which is a very magical experience.

You can also take a walk around the Christmas Fair which guarantees to give you those festive feelings whilst you take in the artisan stalls housed in charming wooden chalets.

Experience Christmas at Waddesdon from 15^th November 2024 – 5^th January 2025, prices vary depending on when you are planning to visit and what activities you want to take part in:

To find out more about everything going on at Waddesdon Manor this Christmas click here Celebrate this Christmas at Waddesdon Manor

Belton Estate

This grand 17^th century estate located in Belton near Grantham, Lincolnshire is a Grade 1 listed building. It is one of the finest examples of Carolean (Restoration) Architecture, which became popular following the restoration of the monarchy in 1660.

Visit Belton this Christmas and surround yourself with sparkle on a magical after-dark illuminated trail making special memories with your family and friends. There will be a meadow of light stretching out into the distance with larger-than-life neon string flowers and batons of light that shine all the colours of the rainbow and you might even get a glimpse of Father Christmas along the way.

There will be lots of street food vendors where you can find many tempting treats to indulge in, such as a spiced winter warmer, hot chocolate or a toasted marshmallow.

Christmas at Belton will run from 22 November 2024 – 1 January 2025

To find more information on how to book click here. Christmas at Belton 2024 │ Lincolnshire | National Trust

With so many festive days out to choose from, deciding where to go might be tough! But wherever you go we hope you have a lovely time and great Christmas!

A large, historic mansion with multiple chimneys and a central cupola, surrounded by trees and a vast grassy area.

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Find out more about listed home insurance