The National Trust is bringing festive traditions to life at its country houses, atmospheric gardens and wintry countryside in Sussex this Christmas.
Petworth and Standen are known for their beautifully decorated historic houses, cosy with candle-light and sparkling with Christmas trees. While at Nymans and Sheffield Park & Garden there are fun, larger than life-size sculptures in the gardens, with plenty of activities for little ones along the way.
Away from the rush of the high street or the click of online shopping – National Trust places in Sussex put the magic back into Christmas. Meeting up with friends and family, at these beautiful places, is a day out where everyone, young and old, can feel treated by the sparkle and wonder of Christmas. Enjoy festive food in a National Trust café and browse the shop, full of thoughtful Christmas gifts.
See what’s on near you in Sussex
Christmas at Nymans: The Gruffalo Art Adventure
21 November – 17 January. This Christmas at Nymans is The Gruffalo Art Adventure, inspired by the much-loved stories created by writer Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler. Explore the garden where twelve giant Gruffalo sculptures have each been painted by artists, inspired by the patterns of nature. Keep an eye out for Gruffalo-inspired games and challenges along the trail. The adventure continues in the house, where the rooms are beautifully dressed for Christmas with an enchanting winter woodland theme. The Gruffalo Art Adventure at Nymans is presented by the National Trust and Wild in Art, in collaboration with Magic Light Pictures.
Snowdogs™ Discover Sheffield Park and Garden this Christmas
8 November – 10 January. Visit Sheffield Park and Garden this Christmas for a magical Snowdogs™ Discover Christmas trail! Discover ten beautifully hand-painted Snowdog™ sculptures around the garden and delight in festive games and activities for all the family. Warm up with a hot chocolate and mince pie at our festive food stalls and make magical Christmas memories. Snowdogs™ Discover at Sheffield Park and Garden is presented by National Trust and Wild in Art in collaboration with Penguin.
A Magical Christmas at Petworth House
28 November – 3 January. Nature becomes the artist this Christmas at Petworth House. Journey through grand state rooms of where creativity and nature come together. Marvel beneath the stars, gaze up at the moon, and discover an enchanting festive experience inspired by the natural world. Each room glows with wonder. There will be towering trees, late openings, workshops, a Christmas makers market, all new Festive Teas and more.
Dreaming of Christmas at Standen
21 November – 5 January. It’s Christmas and the Beale family have decorated their home in festive splendour, inspired by its beautiful Arts and Crafts interiors. See patterns escaping from wallpapers, peacocks leaping from curtains and Christmas magic inspired by the family’s playful storytelling, weaving enchantment into every corner. Outside, set off on a playful adventure around the garden and follow the Merry Mice family Christmas trail. Follow the trail map to discover sing-along moments, family games, and plenty of laughter along the way.
The Jungle Book Christmas at Bateman’s
14 November – 3 January. This year at Bateman’s, follow Baloo the sleepy brown bear through the house and garden and step into scenes from The Jungle Book brought to life. The world-renowned author of The Jungle Book, Rudyard Kipling, lived at Bateman’s for over 30 years, and the house remains to this day a warm and welcoming family home.
Christmas at Bodiam Castle
28 November – 3 January. Unwrap Bodiam Castle this Christmas. With twinkling lights, Christmas trees in tower rooms, Father Christmas’s sleigh in the castle courtyard and warming treats in the Wharf tea-room, experience the charm of Bodiam Castle during the festive season.
Christmas at Lamb House
5 December – 3 January
Celebrate Christmas at Lamb House and explore a festive writer’s home, steeped in literary history. Inspired by E.F. Benson’s beloved Mapp & Lucia novels, Lamb House will be transformed into ‘Mallards’, the festive fictional home of Miss Mapp and later Lucia. Expect a warm ‘Tilling’ welcome and bid farewell with a jolly “au reservoir”. For the first time ever, Lamb House will be open during the ‘Twixmas’ period, welcoming visitors 27 December to 3 January. The house is closed 9 – 10, 16 – 17 and 24 – 26 December.
Events correct at time of issue, please check individual webpages for full details, availability, and opening dates/hours. Places are open daily, except for 24 and 25 December.
Image credit: ©National Trust Images/Laurence Perry.
