Top 10 country houses for meeting Father Christmas

There is nowhere more idyllic at this time of year than our many heritage properties when these houses and gardens provide beautiful settings for a range of Christmas themed events to get you in the seasonal spirit. The period finishings offer the perfect settings to step back in time to bygone eras, and indeed many properties offer special period events, offering a chance to meet Victorian Father Christmas or celebrate an Edwardian Christmas.

We're bringing you the best 30 properties to visit this Christmas, here highlighting the top ten places to visit Father Christmas this year...

Belsay Hall, Northumberland
Victorian Christmas with Father Christmas
26-27 November, 11am – 4pm

The gardens of Belsay provide a spectacular setting for the medieval castle and Classical Greek Revival villa which sit amongst it. A Victorian Father Christmas will be joining these formidable surroundings this November, reciting Christmas tales and celebrating Victorian traditions.

Belsay Hall, Belsay, Nr Morpeth, Northumberland, NE20 0DX
 

Castle Ward, County Down
Santa’s House
30 November, 1-4, 7-11, 14-18 December 10am – 5pm

At Castle Ward you will find Santa sitting by a log fire, ready to tell wonderful Christmas tales and show off his elves’ workshop. Mrs Claus is there too, serving up warm mince pies and mulled punch and each child will receive a gift from Santa.

Booking is essential and tickets cost £7 for adults, £15 for children. Call 028 4488 1204.

Castle Ward, Strangford, Downpatrick, BT30 7LS
 

Cragside, Northumberland
Secret Santa
3 – 4 December 11am – 3pm

Cragside has long been a site of innovation – Lord Armstrong’s former home was the first house in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity. It is therefore fitting that the property hosts one of the more exciting Santa events available at heritage properties this year. After finding Santa in his forest grotto, the whole family sets off on a secret trail (set by Santa himself!) around the woodland and lakes.

Booking is essential. To book, call 01669 620 333. Normal admission charges apply, plus £10 per child visiting Santa.

Cragside, Rothbury, Morpeth, NE65 7PX
 

Killerton, Devon
Father Christmas visits Killerton
3, 10 & 17 December 2.30 – 4pm

For an authentic Victorian Christmas, a visit to Killerton is a must as this estate plays host to a Victorian Father Christmas – dressed in traditional green as in the Victorian era. His sledge will be parked on the driveway and Father Christmas will be waiting to meet his new friends by a warming fire in the music room.

Normal admission charges apply, plus £2 per child meeting Santa.

Killerton, Broadclyst, Exeter, Devon, EX5 3LE
 

Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, South Yorkshire
An Audience with Victorian Father Christmas
3, 10, 17 December

Father Christmas will be telling famous Yuletide stories and poems in full costume at this beautiful Victorian country house. Each child who visits Father Christmas will receive a treat and the opportunity to have their photo taken. There’s something for the adults too, with liqueur and food tasting on offer.

Booking is essential and tickets cost £5.50 for adults and children 5-15 years and £5 for concessions. English Heritage members go free.

Brodsworth, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN5 7XJ
 

Hatfield Forest, Essex
Father Christmas Trail
3-4 & 10-11 December, 10.30am – 2.30pm

This fun, interactive day out begins with a self-led trail through this most legendary of forests, collecting items along the route. At the end of the 45 minute trail children will be thrilled to discover Father Christmas waiting to present them with a Christmas gift. The fun doesn’t end here though, as you then move into the classroom to make a festive craft from the items found on the trail.

Booking is essential, call 01279 870678. Entry costs £6.80 per child and is free for accompanying adults.

Hatfield Forest, near Bishop’s Stortford, Essex

Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire
Breakfast with Santa
3-4 & 10-11 December 10 – 11am

For an extra special experience this Christmas, head to Kedleston Hall. You can join Santa for a whole meal in this Neo-classical mansion, which was a key filming location for The Duchess film. Cosying up in the old kitchen restaurant, you’ll share breakfast with Santa, receive a gift and get a chance to see his real reindeer. This site also hosts a special Edwardian Christmas event.

Booking is essential, call 01332 842191. Tickets cost £6.50 for adults and £8.50 for children.

Kedleston Hall, near Quarndon, Derby, Derbyshire DE22 5JH
 

Wallington, Northumberland
Santa at Wallington
3-4, 10-11 &17-18 December, 10.30am – 3.30pm

Visit Santa in his Wallington grotto and receive a special Christmas present. Mrs Santa will be telling stories and the property is packed with Christmas activities ranging from carol singing to craft making. The house is on fine festive form with beautiful decorations enhancing the already stunning interiors which include a Pre-Raphaelite central hall and paintings by William Bell Scott.

Booking is essential, call 01670 773600. Normal admission charges apply, plus £6 per child.

Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 4AR
 

Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire
Christmas at Clumber
3-4, 10-11 & 17-18 December 10am – 5pm

A Clumber Christmas is something very special indeed. A range of events are staged throughout the festive season – on 3-4 November there is a magical lantern lit trail, there’s musical Christmas with the choirs on 10-11 November and a festive food fayre on 17-18 November. Throughout this time Father Christmas will be in his grotto and there are children’s activities each weekend.

Normal admission charges apply, plus £4 per child visiting Santa.

Clumber Park, North Nottinghamshire, south of Worksop, in the northernmost part of Sherwood Forest
 

Castle Drogo, Devon
Drogo Christmas
10-11, 17-23 December 11am – 4pm

Behind this castle’s imposing façade lies a comfortable family home which welcomes visitors this Christmas for festive frolics. A 1930s themed event, the castle will be traditionally decorated and children can meet Father Christmas in his grotto.

Normal admission charges apply, plus £2 per child visiting Santa.

Castle Drogo, Drewsteignton, near Exeter, Devon, EX6 6PB

There are plenty more events at heritage properties this Christmas. For more information, visit the National Trust or England Heritage sites.

The images used in this article are courtesy of English Heritage.

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