Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
Blenheim Palace will host The Palace of Oz this festive season (14 November 2025 to 3 January 2026). The state rooms will be transformed into an immersive Wizard of Oz wonderland, while an illuminated light trail returns to the gardens. The Christmas Market in the Great Court will feature artisan stalls and regional food. Nearby, dine at The Royal Oak Oxford or The Wild Rabbit, and stay at the Blenheim Palace Lodge Retreat or The Bull Charlbury. Extend the visit with festive shopping at Bicester Village or Oxford’s Christmas Market (22 November to 31 December).
Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire
From 22 November to 4 January, Christmas at Waddesdon transforms the Rothschild estate with festive displays inside the house, an outdoor light trail through the gardens, and illuminated façades. Visitors can browse the Christmas Fair, with artisan crafts and festive food, then choose between dining at the Manor Restaurant, serving locally sourced dishes, or the 2 AA rosette The Five Arrows, a historic coaching inn. Overnight stays are available at The Five Arrows or The Bow in Waddesdon village. Nearby highlights include Stowe Gardens offering picturesque lakeside walks and known for its landscaped parkland and temples, while Hughenden projects views of historic landscapes and rolling hills.
Chatsworth House, Derbyshire
Christmas at Chatsworth transforms the estate with enchanting, themed displays throughout the house and a Christmas Market in the gardens (8 November 2025 to 4 January 2026). Known to many as Pemberley, Mr. Darcey’s home in the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, it is also home to dining options from the Pilsley Inn to estate cafés. Chatsworth Escapes offers a range of accommodation, including The Cavendish Hotel at Baslow, holiday cottages and shepherd’s huts. Nearby, Hardwick Hall hosts Elizabethan-themed Christmas magic with Hardwick Wintertide, while Derby’s Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink offers festive skating (29 November to 31 December).
Castle Howard, North Yorkshire
Christmas at Castle Howard will feature a Wonderful Wizard of Oz theme, with installations throughout the house and grounds (13 November 2025 to 4 January 2026). Famous also as a filming location for Bridgerton, the estate offers accommodation and dining, with options including nearby Restaurant Mýse in Hovingham and The Pheasant Hotel, which also offers rooms. Additional accommodation is available in properties across the estate. Regional highlights include the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and Christmas at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal.
Lyme Park, Cheshire, Greater Manchester
Christmas events at Lyme are confirmed but 2025 dates are yet to be announced. Visitors can typically look forward to decorated rooms, seasonal shopping, and winter walks through the estate, including accessible paths for wheelchair users. Last year, visitors enjoyed a Christmas Tree trail illuminated with festive lights. Nearby accommodation includes Shrigley Hall Hotel and Spa in Cheshire and The Reach at Piccadilly in Manchester. Regional highlights include the illuminated trail within the historic deer park at Dunham Massey (14 November 2025 to 3 January 2026).
Inverlochy Castle, Fort William, Scottish Highlands
Inverlochy Castle’s luxury Christmas package includes Christmas Eve dinner, a visit from Father Christmas, Christmas Day lunch and Boxing Day activities like falconry displays and sheep dog demonstrations. Guests can stay in individually designed rooms with spectacular views of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest peak. Visitors can also explore Scotland at Christmas with The Sorcerer’s Trail, a curated eight-day self-guided tour offered by Adventure Scotland, visiting Harry Potter filming locations.
Powis Castle, Wales
From 30 November 2025 to 5 January 2026, Christmas at Powis Castle features Dickensian-style decorations, evening illuminations and Father Christmas breakfast events. Nearby, Kerry Vale Vineyard offers festive afternoon tea, with wine upgrades also available (1 November to 19 December 2025). Accommodation options include The Bothy Wales and The Royal Oak Hotel in Welshpool. Regional highlights include the Welshpool and Llanfair Railway Santa Special (6 December to 23 December 2025) and seasonal markets in the surrounding area.
For a truly memorable winter getaway, travellers can combine visits to several of these historic estates in a single trip, taking in festive décor, seasonal events, and charming local stays. They can fully immerse themselves in classic British Christmas traditions, experiencing the history and festive spirit that bring these stately homes to life.
