Sussex National Trust properties always have fantastic themed Christmas displays. There are eight National Trust properties across Sussex which put on a Christmas display, and in 2025, we’ve visited them all!
Nyman’s A Fairytale Christmas
Nyman’s at Handcross in West Sussex always has a touch of magic about it with its haunting and hollow ruins. Former home of the Messel family and gutted by fire in 1947, the stunning grounds offer up views across the valley towards High Beeches and the house offers up a glimpse of life in a bygone era.
Their Christmas display starts in the grounds as soon as you arrive, with toads waiting to be kissed and Cinderella’s carriage standing by to whisk you away. A modest-looking door with a simple wreath is the portal into the wonderland inside, where Christmas trees and fairy lights twinkle and mystical beasts and legends await. It just oozes Christmas charm with Christmas presents waiting to be unwrapped, the clock set at five minutes to midnight, and polar bears and a beanstalk adding to the fun.
Summary: A good combination of outdoor trail and indoor display. The interior is not too big, so it won’t take long, but it has been beautifully designed with lots of thoughtful detail. The ruins and house always provide extra atmosphere. Free parking is a bonus. Open from 22 November.
All I Want for Christmas at Standen House and their Jolly Holly Christmas Trail
Standen House is famous for being home to the Arts and Crafts movement as well as being the beautiful family home of the Beale family. If design and social history are your thing, this is absolutely the place to visit.
This Christmas at Standen, there is a Jolly Holly Trail – a gift-themed trail with an entry cost of £4.75. When you’ve completed that (optional), say hello to the huge courtyard Christmas tree and step inside to discover the people who lived here. Each room has been themed to reflect the personalities of the different family members. Search for treasure with pirates in the Billiard Room, watch the ballerina in one of the bedrooms and join a teddy bear’s tea party.
There are presents, beautiful trees dressed with origami, letters waiting for Father Christmas and lots of sweet treats being cooked up in the kitchen. With lots of rooms to explore, Standen also hosts special Twilight events at which you can gather round the tree for carols.
Summary: Another fabulous display filled with beautiful details and bursting with Christmas atmosphere. The combination of the interior with the outdoor trail (we didn’t do the trail) adds to the fun and again, free parking is a bonus. Open from 26 November.
Unwrapping Bodiam Castle
Imposing and impressive, the reflection of the ruins of the 14th century Bodiam Castle shimmer in the moat as you approach. You can visit the castle throughout the year to explore the ruins, climbing the turrets and imagining Medieval life here.
At Christmas, the castle has a gentle kind of Christmas spirit. Spot the dragon in one of the turrets, ride in Santa’s sleigh and write letters to Father Christmas. There is also a Christmas Trail (admission fee £2) to discover the hidden gifts dotted around the ruins, and there’s a chance to pose as a joker, a fair maiden or a gallant knight! What a wonderful way to bring history to life with a touch of festive magic. Open from 29 November.
Summary: This is an outdoor experience, so dress accordingly. It’s also a quieter display with a calm atmosphere. Well, it was when we visited. Choose a fresh winter’s day and the castle looks stunning. As it won’t take you long, you might want to combine your visit with a trip on the Kent and East Sussex Railway Santa Special train ride. Parking is free with National Trust membership.
Naughty Elves at Sheffield Park and Garden
Sheffield Park is famous for its autumn colours, dramatic lakes and impressive trees, and there is no doubt the lakes and gardens are stunning.
This year (and following on from the fun of last year’s snowman theme), their Christmas is all about the Elf on the Shelf! There are twelve naughty little elves to find …well, they are not that little. They are, in fact, beautiful hand-painted sculptures. Each elf comes with a little information about it and its creator. It’s great fun finding the elves and joining in with festive games and activities that are interspersed along the trail. There are marshmallows, hot dogs, mince pies and hot chocolate waiting at the end!
Summary: Great fun and a chance for little ones to let off steam. This is an outdoor trail only so dress for the weather! You could combine a visit with a visit to the Bluebell Railway, which is only a few metres away from the entrance. Parking was free. Open from 29 November.
Lamb House goes to New England
Tucked away in the atmospheric streets of Rye, Lamb House is the place to go for lovers of a literary theme.
Their 2025 Christmas takes you back to 1900 whilst transporting you to New England in America, as more than a passing nod to former resident, Henry James. It’s all about traditions here, with handmade decorations and plenty of charm. Lamb House is effortlessly elegant and its Christmas display has a compelling simplicity. You feel every bit like you are back at the turn of the last century, penning a literary masterpiece! Open from 24 November.
Summary: A slightly more cerebral display. It’s not unsuitable for children, but not as suitable as other displays. There is a garden, but no trail. However, a visit here makes a great addition to a day out in Rye.
Bateman’s Jungle Book
Home of Rudyard Kipling, Bateman’s is a beautiful Jacobean house built in 1634 with stunning grounds.
It’s always interesting to enjoy an insight into the life and home of Kipling, but at Christmas, Bateman’s comes alive with the characters of the Jungle Book as you discover Mowgli and friends hiding in the house. The team have pulled out all the stops this year, and the house just oozes a fabulous mix of jungle vibes and Christmas charm! To a backdrop of exotic saris, tropical vines, beautiful gifts and roaring fires, look out for Shere Khan, Baloo, King Louie, and, of course, the occasional snake in the kitchen! Open from 15 November.
Summary: Designed with children in mind and with the great combination of being able to explore both the grounds and the house (with lots of rooms), this is a great family day out. It’s also only 15 minutes from Bodiam if you want a double and parking was free with National Trust membership.
A Christmas Enchantment at Petworth House
Petworth House is so majestic with its high ceilings, grand stairway and views across the park and, of course, it’s also home to some incredible works of art. This was one of our favourite Christmas displays last year.
There is nothing quite as magical as walking up the path towards the house at Christmas. This year, the team here have taken their inspiration from the Winter Solstice and “the shifting rhythms of nature”. Expect woodland creatures, lots of trees, grand skies and the mice of Brambly Hedge! Open from 29 November.
Summary: An all-time favourite with fabulous walking amongst the deer in the park and a visit to the town is a must. There will also be carol singing from 5.30 pm on 29 November and 20 December.
Uppark
In the far west of the county, Uppark is a grand, 17th century country house with magnificent views and a gorgeous interior, which has seen come fascinating owners and dramas over the centuries.
Re-opening for Christmas, it’s going to be all about the “glitz and glamour” of Sir Harry Fetherstonhaugh’s 18th century world with fabulous trees, an opulent feast and a busy “downstairs” team preparing for Christmas. Open from 7 December.
Summary: A sophisticated venue but quite remote. Head up to Harting Down for a walk afterwards.
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