Christmas Treasures of the National Trust

It’s Christmas at the National Trust as houses across the country get ready for the most magical time of the year. As the countdown to Christmas begins, the teams at three unique National Trust houses race against the clock to deck their halls in time for three spectacular festive openings, each with a different theme.

High up on the Northumberland moors is Cragside, a Victorian arts and crafts mansion. Each year, the team takes inspiration from their history to prepare a magical festive experience for visitors, and this time they are getting set to present the Servants’ Ball - traditionally the one night of the year when the servants were allowed the run of the house.

Overlooking the Tamar Valley, Cornwall’s Cotehele is one of the best-preserved Tudor houses in the country. Every spring, the gardeners begin collecting and drying thousands of flowers from the estate in preparation for building a 60-foot Christmas garland.

Finally, in south Devon’s famous arts and crafts house Coleton Fishacre, the team is celebrating the property’s centenary with a roaring 1920s-themed party, which promises all the glitz and glamour of a Christmas night out.