From gorgeously decorated houses full of sparkle to family trails with favourite Christmas characters, National Trust places in Hampshire provide the perfect backdrop for magical days out.
Richard Grudzinski, Experiences Curator at the National Trust said:“To the wonderful visitors who come back to see us at this busy time of year, the National has Christmas well and truly wrapped up. At Mottisfont, Hinton Ampner and The Vyne you’ll find enchanting scenes that bring festive tales to life. There are frosty wonderlands and sugar plum fairies at Mottisfont’s Nutcracker. See the Snow Queen’s icy hall, and busy elves in their workshop at Hinton Ampner. And at The Vyne you’ll meet characters from Alice in Wonderland against festive backdrops.”
Feast on festive cakes, bakes and hot drinks at the National Trust’s cafés, like crumble-topped mince pie, cranberry and orange cake and hot spiced apple juice.
Find original, ethical and sustainably sourced Christmas gifts in beautiful out-of-town surroundings, from children’s toys and decorations to gifts for gardeners, foodies, wildlife lovers and home-makers. Our second-hand bookshops are full of delights including Blind Date with a Book – secondhand books lovingly wrapped in brown paper and string and finished with a hand-written label offering an enticing clue as to their contents.
Here’s a round-up of the National Trust’s best Christmas events near you. For more information see nationaltrust.org.uk/hampshire
Mottisfont – a Nutcracker Christmas, 23rd November to 5th January
Heroes, villains and dolls come to life at Mottisfont…. Enter the magical world of theatre this Christmas, as Mottisfont unveils the Nutcracker. Collect your ticket at the ‘Box Office’ then follow the story through rooms filled with sparkling trees, music and special light effects. Snowflakes swirl in a frosty wonderland, sugarplum fairies twirl in the Land of Sweets, and there’s a thrilling duel scene between the Prince and the Mouse King. Outside, the adventure continues, on The Nutcracker family adventure trail.
Hinton Ampner – an Enchanted Christmas, 16th November to 5th January, pre-booking essential
Step into an Enchanted Christmas at Hinton Ampner with twinkling decorations, winter light and sound effects. Each room reveals a magical festive scene, from the Snow Queen’s throne in her icy entrance hall to a woodland ball with swirling Northern Lights,. There are fairytale castles and gingerbread houses, and in the North Pole Workshop giggling elves tap away with their tools to make Christmas toys and games.
Outside, you’ll find a pop-up sweetshop, and family activities. Tiny tots can spot hidden elves and there are fun, festive games for older kids to enjoy. Our Christmas sleigh scene in front of the house creates the perfect backdrop for family photos.
Booking essential on 0344 249 1895 or at nationaltrust.org.uk/hinton-ampner
The Vyne – wonderland Christmas, 20th November to 5th January, trail £2
Lavish decorations and whimsical scenes at The Vyne draw you into Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. Sparkling trees illuminate fanciful displays inspired by Alice’s adventures – look out for upside-down Christmas trees and a giant chess board. In the gardens you’ll see much-loved colourful characters and famous moments from the book, including the Queen of Hearts’ army of cards on the lawn.
Families can join Alice on a quest through the grounds, with nonsensical fun challenges and activities leading to a prize.
Winchester City Mill – a Riverside Christmas, 23rd November to 5th January
Inside this ancient mill, Christmas trees sparkle with blue and silver baubles, inspired by the famous river Itchen that rushes beneath the mill. There are winter foliage garlands and stacks of presents, and hidden within the tree branches, animal characters reflecting the wildlife that lives along the riverbanks. On 25 and 26 November you can join professional willow weaver Mollie McMillen to create your own festive wreath using all natural materials, from berries to teasels (booking essential).
