The nights are drawing in, it’s getting colder, and Christmas isn’t far away. Which means it’s time to get into the festive spirit – and there’s no better way than visiting the National Trust.
Thanks to the National Trust, we’ve got a lineup of the best Christmas days out for you in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
Whether you want to see historic houses decorated in the style of Christmases gone by, enjoy festive family trails, take part in classic Christmas crafts, or have a good old sing-along with open-air carol concerts. There are after-dark illuminated trails, festive gardens and twinkling lights, dazzling installations and seasonal sounds to see across the region.
If you’re lucky, you might even spot Father Christmas on one of his annual visits.
Here’s a roundup of some of the National Trust’s best Christmas events in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
Christmas days out in Derbyshire
Hardwick Hall
Explore the Elizabethan gardens of National Trust Hardwick Hall will be bathed in lights when it hosts Luminate’s Light Trail. Taking place from 23 November until 24 December. For the first time visitors will be able to walk through the illuminated gardens and experience Hardwick’s history like never before. Visitors to the area will be greeted by the formidable Bess of Hardwick herself, as they begin their journey into Hardwick’s story and Elizabethan Christmas traditions.
Visitors can book their tickets by visiting the Luminate website via www.luminate.live/Hardwick-hall, and can share memories of their visits by tagging in @NTHardwick
Ilam Park, Dovedale and the White Peak
There’s plenty of festive fun this Christmas at IIam Park. From wreath-making and bauble needle felting workshops to family trails and crisp winter walks. There’s lots at IIam to get you and your family feeling Christmassy.
A very special guest, Father Christmas himself, will be visiting the Manifold Tea-room in December. Guests can enjoy a traditional breakfast whilst Father Christmas reads a festive story. There will also be gifts handed out to the children.
The White Peak offers some bracing and beautiful winter walks, and Ilam Park makes an ideal base to start from; pick up a takeaway hot drink to keep you warm as you explore, and finish up in the cosy Manifold tea-room for a warming lunch or cake.
High-quality, sustainable Christmas trees will be for sale at Ilam Park, with all profits going to support vital conservation work across the Peak District. Choose to buy your tree from here and help to look after the special places you love.
Longshaw, Burbage and the Eastern Moors, Peak District
Longshaw offers a special place to get together with friends and family and create festive traditions. Have a go at making your own wreath using natural materials gathered from the local area, or join a family craft session and make a Christmas decoration to take home.
Head to the Longshaw café for a traditional breakfast and meet their special guest. They will read a festive story after breakfast (and will of course have gifts for the children!) A free reindeer trail will be on for families every day from Saturday 26 November – search in the woods, look by the pond, see if you can find all of Father Christmas’s reindeer hiding around Longshaw!
As always, our rangers will be selling high-quality, sustainable Christmas trees. Longshaw has been selling Christmas trees for nearly 50 years. All the money Longshaw raise through selling Christmas trees at Longshaw is put towards the vital conservation work we do, from erecting bird boxes in Padley Wood to restoring blanket bog in the High Peak to help tackle climate change.
Christmas days out in Nottinghamshire
Clumber Park
There’s so much on offer in Nottinghamshire for the festive season! A host of activities are on offer including a magical Father Christmas Experience, Breakfast with the Elves, Carols in the Chapel with Thoresby Colliery Band and so much more! There are plenty of free, fun-filled activities for children to enjoy in the Discover Centre too!
With over 3,800 acres to explore, there are plenty of chances for you to enjoy the fresh air. If you’re looking for something more energetic, our paths are great for running and the park has over 20 miles of cycle routes to explore. We’ve got lots of places to play and have adventures, as well as all the open fields and hidden spots in woodlands to create your own games and make dens.
Visitors can find out more about Christmas at Clumber Park to get further information about events!
