Unwrap history this Christmas
Enjoy a magical day out at our festive events and activities.
Whether you're starting a new tradition or reliving an old favourite, you'll find plenty of seasonal cheer and things to do this Christmas.
Take the kids to meet Father Christmas, enjoy Festive Fun in beautiful historic surroundings and follow the Walking with The Snowman™ Trail.
Scroll down to find festive events and activities happening at English Heritage sites near you, including Festive Wreath-making workshops and Christmas markets.
Meet Father Christmas
Join Father Christmas at one of our historical sites this December for a magical way to start the festive season. After a group storytelling session, you and your children will meet the man himself, with the chance to take photographs and make memories to treasure and recieve a traditional present to unwrap.
Book your visit to:
- Meet Father Christmas at Audley And House and Gardens, Saffron Walden
- Meet Father Christmas at Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, Northumberland
- Meet Father Christmas at Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, Doncaster
- Meet Father Christmas at Dover Castle, Dover
- Meet Father Christmas at Eltham Palace and Gardens, London
- Meet Father Christmas at Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden, Warwickshire
- Meet Father Christmas at Kenwood, London
- Meet Father Christmas at Marble Hill, London
- Meet Father Christmas at Wrest Park, Bedfordshire
Have some Festive Fun
Join us for festive days out across the country that the whole family will love. Follow Christmas-themed trails around our historic grounds and make magical memories along the way.
Plus, try your hand at some Christmas-themed crafts.
Book your visit for:
- Festive Fun at Audley And House and Gardens, Saffron Walden
- Festive Fun at Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, Northumberland
- Festive Fun at Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire
- Festive Fun at Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, Doncaster
- Festive Fun at Dover Castle, Dover
- Festive Fun at Eltham Palace and Gardens, London
- Festive Fun at Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden, Warwickshire
- Festive Fun at Osborne, Isle of Wight
- Festive Fun at Walmer Castle and Gardens, Kent
- Festive Fun at Wrest Park, Bedfordshire
Book in advance online and save 15%. Members go free.
Walking with The Snowman™ Christmas Trail
This winter, something special is happening at Wrest Park and Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens. The Snowman™ has tip‑toed into the gardens – and he’s brought a host of cheerful friends with him.
Follow a festive family trail to discover twelve giant Snowman sculptures hidden throughout the grounds, inspired by Raymond Briggs' beloved classic.
Keep your eyes peeled – each sculpture hides a secret letter. Collect all twelve and you’ll reveal a magical Christmas word.
So pull on your hats and scarves and head out for a charming winter adventure, sprinkled with nostalgia from Raymond Briggs’ much‑loved classic.
Book in advance online and save 15%. Members go free.
Enjoy a Wreath-making Workshop
Join us in magnificent surroundings for a fabulously festive day of wreath making. You will be guided through the step by step process by our expert gardeners to create a beautiful wreath. Book a workshop at:
- Audley End House and Gardens, Essex (includes a Festive Afternoon Tea)
- Eltham Palace and Gardens, London (includes a Festive Afternoon Tea)
- Marble Hill, London
- Wrest Park, Bedfordshire (includes a Festive Afternoon Tea)
Christmas Markets to visit
Discover some of the best Christmas markets and festive fairs to visit at English Heritage sites this winter.
Browse stalls filled with unique gifts, handmade crafts and seasonal treats, all set against the backdrop of our stunning historic castles, houses and grounds.
Whether you're looking for the perfect present or want to get into the festive spirit, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Find a Christmas Market to visitTry the festive menu in our cosy cafés
There's no better way to relax than with a hot drink and seasonal treat amid historic surroundings. Sample our festive menu featuring favourites like gingerbread hot chocolate, sausage rolls and, of course, mince pies.
To help you find the perfect place to get off your feet, here's our list of our top cafés and tearooms at historic places around the country.
Products may vary
Find a café to visitChristmas traditions, crafts, recipes and more
Discover the fascinating stories behind your favourite festive traditions. From medieval feasting and the origins of Father Christmas to the decorations the Tudors loved.
You can also bring a touch of history into your own home with step-by-step guides for Victorian crafts like homemade Christmas crackers, alongside authentic 19th century festive recipes from Audley End.
Find out about the history of Christmas
