There’s something magical about visiting a country house in the run-up to Christmas. Grand staircases adorned with festive garlands, towering Christmas trees twinkling in historic halls, candlelit rooms and beautifully dressed dining tables…these magnificent homes know exactly how to capture the magic of the season.
For us, a festive visit is as much about enjoying a special family day out as it is about gathering inspiration for our own Christmas decorating at home (albeit on a much smaller scale).
Across the country, a wonderful collection of independently run and privately owned country houses open their doors throughout the festive season, each offering a glimpse of Christmas through their own unique lens. From cosy family castles to grand historic estates, here are ten beautiful country houses to visit for a little festive magic this Christmas.
Holkham Hall
Throughout December, Holkham plays host to a wonderful array of festive events, from creative workshops and Christmas markets to carol singing and, of course, the highlight of the season, Holkham by Candlelight.
Each year, the team at Holkham transform the grand rooms of this beautiful Palladian home with lavish and imaginative Christmas displays. The tour usually begins in the magnificent Marble Hall, often accompanied by the gentle sound of the Grand Piano, before leading you through the rest of the beautifully decorated house.
To make the experience even more special, every ticket includes a delicious complimentary mince pie and a glass of Prosecco!
Please check website for dates.
Burton Agnes Hall
Burton Agnes Hall is another wonderful historic house to visit, particularly during the festive season. This magnificent Elizabethan home, dating back to the early 17th century, is transformed with enchanting decorations and clever displays. The house will be decorated with original, handmade decorations, with many crafted from flowers and foliage cropped and dried from the walled garden. We particularly love the creativity and sustainability behind the decorations, showing how natural materials and a little imagination can create something truly beautiful.
Christmas at Burton Agnes Hall
14 November - 23 December 2026
Blenheim Palace
Christmas at Blenheim Palace is a truly spectacular experience, with the Palace and its grounds transformed into a magical wonderland. Inside, the State Rooms are extensively decorated, while outside, the famous illuminated trail takes you on an journey through twinkling lights and glowing trees. There is also a Christmas market, ice skating and much more.
13 November 2026 - 3 January 2027
Castle Howard
Christmas at Castle Howard is always a wonderfully festive affair, with this Yorkshire stately home pulling out all the stops to create a truly impressive experience. Each year brings a new theme, with the grand rooms transformed through elaborate decorations, beautiful Christmas trees, atmospheric lighting and imaginative displays. This year, the theme is ‘A Dickens of a Christmas’ - we can’t wait to visit!
12 November 2026 - 3 January 2027
Belvoir Castle
The wonderfully romantic Belvoir Castle is pulling out all the stops this Christmas, decking its halls and dressing its magnificent rooms in the spirit of Christmas carols. We can't wait to visit and see the beautiful festive displays the team have created this year.
Image courtesy of Belvoir Castle
14 November - 30 December 2026
Our readers can enjoy a discount off tickets using the code INTHEENGLISHSTYLE10
Raby Castle
The team at Raby Castle aim to immerse visitors in the sights, sounds and scents of Christmas, as its historic interiors are transformed with an abundance of festive trees and decorations. This year, visitors can enjoy eleven rooms, each bringing to life a traditional Christmas Day from years gone by. For the first time, the experience also opens up the downstairs rooms, including the spectacular medieval kitchen and servants' hall, offering a glimpse into how the household staff celebrated Christmas.
Image courtesy of Raby Castle
14 November 2026 - 3 January 2027
Bamburgh Castle
Bamburgh Castle invites visitors to experience ‘A Christmas Carousel’, a indoor festive experience inspired by the nostalgia and magic of the season's most-loved songs. The Castle's staterooms will play host to a snow-dusted woodland, grand Victorian feasts, regal kings and sailing ships. Created by the award-winning Charlotte Lloyd Webber Event Design team, it's sure to be a wonderfully immersive experience for visitors of all ages.
Image courtesy of Bamburgh Castle
14 November 2026 - 3 January 2027
Highclere Castle
Ever fancied experiencing a Downton Abbey Christmas? A visit to Highclere Castle offers the chance to enjoy a little of the magic of the much-loved television series while soaking up the atmosphere of this magnificent country house. This year, visitors can also enjoy a Scandinavian-inspired festive theme, celebrating the opening of the new Viking Pavilion.
Image courtesy of Highclere Castle
Please refer to website for event dates.
Haddon Hall
This Christmas, Haddon Hall will be transformed into a wonderfully festive setting, celebrating the season with decorations and traditional touches throughout. Every room will be decorated with baubles, twinkling lights, flickering candles and beautifully dressed Christmas trees, while roaring fires and the sound of familiar carols create a cosy atmosphere.
Image courtesy of Haddon Hall
12 November - 20 December 2026
Burghley House
The annual Burghley Christmas Fair transforms the courtyards and grounds of Burghley House into a festive wonderland, with around 200 stalls housed in sparkling chalets, pagodas and marquees. While the house itself isn't open to visitors to see Christmas decorations, the fair offers a great opportunity to enjoy its magnificent grounds and soak up the atmosphere.
Image courtesy of Burghley House
26 - 29 November 2026
Doddington Hall
This year, Doddington Hall is celebrating the magic of Christmas on film, inviting visitors to wander through the house and discover a different festive movie-inspired scene in each room. Created by the talented team of staff and volunteers, alongside local artists and students from Lincoln College, the handcrafted installations showcase an abundance of imagination, creativity and a little Christmas movie magic.
Image courtesy of Doddington Hall