Fill your festive calendar with National Trust days out in Cheshire and Greater Manchester
EXPLORE CHRISTMAS THROUGH THE AGES, TIRE OUT LITTLE ELVES ON FAMILY-FRIENDLY TRAILS AND PICK UP SPECIAL GIFTS AWAY FROM THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF THE HIGH STREET AT NATIONAL TRUST PLACES IN CHESHIRE AND GREATER MANCHESTER THIS CHRISTMAS. BEST OF ALL, BY EN
Experience the magic of Christmas through the eyes of a child with a ‘Country House at Christmas’ at Lyme. Visit the house between 2-24 December to discover the festive memories of 10-year-old Phyllis Legh, the daughter of Lord Newton of Lyme. Enjoy the sights and sounds she captured in her sketchbooks and listen to harpists and local choirs on selected days. Make your own festive memories and get stuck into Christmas crafting from 19-23 December and join Sneaky Experience on the 10 & 11 and
17-24 December for a unique adventure ‘A Timeless Christmas at Lyme’ - and embark on an enchanting journey to help save Christmas. Booking essential.
Dunham massey, Greater manChester
Light up dark winter nights with a Christmas-themed illuminated trail through the gardens at Dunham Massey. Discover sparkling tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections, giant baubles and glistening trees. ‘Christmas at Dunham Massey’ is on selected dates from 18 November 2 January 2023. Limited tickets remain, booking essential.
For a daytime adventure, enjoy a festive family trail based on the antics and escapades of Judith Kerr’s much-loved Mog the Forgetful Cat.
Running from 19 November to 8 January this shorter trail is perfect for little legs with big imaginations. If it’s too cold outside settle down for ‘Seasonal Stories: Mog’s Christmas Experience’, an immersive storytelling complete with hot chocolate, a cookie and a special Mog-themed gift for children. Runs from 25 November to 18 December, booking recommended.
LittLe moreton haLL, Cheshire
Take a journey back through time at Little Moreton Hall and explore Christmas through the ages. Wander along the higgledy-piggledly hallways of the Tudor manor house and explore rooms transporting you to Christmas past, from the Tudor age to the present day. After you’ve journeyed from the 16th century, reward yourself with a well-deserved brew and delicious treat in the cosy tea-room. Visit FridaySunday between 2-18 December.
Quarry Bank, Cheshire
Wrap up warm and get a fresh air fix at Quarry Bank this Christmas, with woodland and garden walks to suit all ages and abilities. Father Christmas’s reindeer have been in training and have dropped some presents from the sleigh. Follow the trail and see how many you can find. Enjoy festive favourites sung by
a choir in the Mill Yard at weekends in December and pick up stocking fillers, Christmas cards and gifts in the shop.
tatton Park, Cheshire
Celebrate the Great British pantomime this Christmas at Tatton Park. Head into the mansion and discover music and magic with sensational sets, special lighting and your favourite colourful characters from panto favourites like Peter Pan and Jack and the Beanstalk. Tinker Bell’s wings will make a great family photo and little ones can enjoy counting Dick Whittington’s cat. Open selected dates between 22 November 1 January.
Search ‘National Trust Cheshire and Greater Manchester’ for information about opening times and what’s on, including how to book special events and workshops.