Top twinkling Christmas days out with the National Trust

From gorgeously decorated houses full of sparkle to family trails with favourite Christmas characters, National Trust places in Hampshire provide the perfect backdrop for magical days out.

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Feast on festive cakes, bakes and hot drinks in our cafés, like crumble-topped mince pie, cranberry and orange cake and hot spiced apple juice.

Or hunt for original, ethical and sustainably sourced Christmas gifts in beautiful out-of-town surroundings, including children’s toys and stocking fillers, gifts for gardeners, foodies, wildlife lovers and home-makers. Our second-hand bookshops are full of surprises too; look for Blind Date with a Book – books lovingly wrapped in brown paper and string and finished with a hand-written label offering an enticing clue as to their contents.

Richard Grudzinski, Experiences Curator at the National Trust said: “To the wonderful visitors who come back to see us at this busy time of year, the National has Christmas well and truly wrapped up. At Mottisfont, Hinton Ampner and The Vyne you’ll find enchanting scenes that bring festive tales to life. There are frosty wonderlands and sugar plum fairies at Mottisfont’s Nutcracker. See the Snow Queen’s icy hall, and busy elves in their workshop at Hinton Ampner. And at The Vyne you’ll meet characters from Alice in Wonderland against festive backdrops.”

Here’s a round-up of the National Trust’s best Christmas events in Hampshire. For more information see www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hampshire

Mottisfont

A Nutcracker Christmas, 23 November to 5 January

Enter the magical world of theatre this Christmas, as Mottisfont unveils the Nutcracker. Collect your ticket at the ‘Box Office’ then follow the story through rooms filled with sparkling trees, music and special light effects. Snowflakes swirl in a frosty wonderland, sugarplum fairies twirl in the Land of Sweets, and there’s a thrilling duel scene between the Prince and the Mouse King. Outside, the adventure continues, on The Nutcracker family adventure trail.

Hinton Ampner

An Enchanted Christmas, 16 November to 5 January, pre-booking essential

Step into an Enchanted Christmas at Hinton Ampner with twinkling decorations, winter light and sound effects. Each room reveals a magical festive scene, from the Snow Queen’s throne in her icy entrance hall to a woodland ball with swirling Northern Lights. There are fairytale castles and gingerbread houses, and in the North Pole Workshop giggling elves tap away with their tools to make Christmas toys and games.

Outside, you’ll find a pop-up sweetshop, and family activities. Tiny tots can spot hidden elves and there are fun, festive games for older kids to enjoy. Our Christmas sleigh scene in front of the house creates the perfect backdrop for family photos.

Booking essential on 0344 249 1895 or at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hinton-ampner

Winchester, City Mill

A Riverside Christmas, 23 November to 5 January

Inside this ancient mill, Christmas trees sparkle with blue and silver baubles, inspired by the famous river Itchen that rushes beneath the mill. There are winter foliage garlands and stacks of presents, and hidden within the tree branches, animal characters reflecting the wildlife that lives along the riverbanks. On 25 and 26 November you can join professional willow weaver Mollie McMillen to create your own festive wreath using all natural materials, from berries to teasels (booking essential).

The Vyne

Wonderland Christmas, 20 November to 5 January, trail £2

Lavish decorations and whimsical scenes at The Vyne draw you into Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. Sparkling trees illuminate fanciful displays inspired by Alice’s adventures – look out for upside-down Christmas trees and a giant chess board. In the gardens you’ll see much-loved colourful characters and famous moments from the book, including the Queen of Hearts’ army of cards on the lawn.

Families can join Alice on a quest through the grounds, with nonsensical fun challenges and activities leading to a prize.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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