A warm Christmas welcome awaits National Trust visitors

Magnificent houses with Father Christmas, warm mince piece at the tea-rooms, frosty walks all waiting to be discovered at National Trust places in Devon and Cornwall this Christmas.

A pop-up 1950s cinema has opened at Greenway in South Devon this December. Vintage-styled cinema in a cosy marquee in the garden, complete with red velvet seats and uniformed ushers, is screening classic Agatha Christie films chosen by her grandson Mathew Prichard.  Stepping into the marquee takes you back in time to the 1950s, the heydey of Agatha's family holidays at Greenway and the golden age of cinema. In the foyer uniformed ushers sell popcorn, cold drinks and sweets.  The 1950s cinema theme is complemented by the 1950s Christmas decorations in the house. Retro toys are waiting to be wrapped and played with, along with stories and pictures of family celebrations on display.

Experience the magic this Christmas and join us for a Victorian Christmas at Arlington Court in North Devon.  Once again the house will be decorated for a traditional Christmas and Father Christmas will be in his festive grotto in the stables at the Carriage Museum so come along and meet him and see him dressed in his traditional green outfit. There’s also an outdoor festive family trail, Christmas family crafts and a ‘Spot the Mouse’ challenge.

Get away from the crowds and hustle and bustle of town to experience Christmas at Castle Drogo in Devon.  There is a treat in store for children on the weekends of the 9, 10, 16 and 17 of December as they can follow the trail around the garden and grounds to find Father Christmas in his grotto and receive a special present.  There are miles of pathways through the Teign Gorge to explore and breath taking views across Dartmoor to take in. Winter is the perfect time to admire the expansive views from the castle down into the gorge.  Then take advantage of the home made cakes in our café or enjoy something hearty from the delicious festive food menu.

This Christmas step through the doors at Killerton in Devon and enter into Kenneth Grahame's world of Wind in the Willows.  Step into the world of Toad, Rat, Mole and Badger inside the house and journey through rooms in the Georgian mansion transformed into scenes from this much loved tale of camaraderie and adventure.  The magic of Christmas continues outside with a Wind in the Willows inspired family trail in the parkland and Chapel grounds.

You’re invited to step back in time to enjoy the decadence of a 1920s Christmas at Coleton Fishacre in South Devon. What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than a 1920s cocktail party, complete with carol singing in the Art Deco Saloon at Coleton Fishacre? The Butler will welcome you with cocktails from the Savoy Cocktail Book and delicious canapés.

Brighten up dark winter nights with a stroll around the enchanted illuminated gardens at Saltram near Plymouth in Devon and see the house magically decorated throughout with inspiration taken from some well-known fairy tales.

Each year the gardeners at Cotehele in Cornwall build a 60ft-long garland from thousands of flowers grown on the estate. A tradition since 1956, the garland adorns the Tudor Hall throughout Christmas.  Booking essential between 25 November – 24 December. Cotehele Gallery is dedicated to exhibiting and selling the work of West Country artists and craft makers. 'All That Glitters' winter exhibition is a coming together of old and new artists to celebrate the festive period with shine and sparkle to illuminate the imagination.

Discover the origins of Christmas traditions which began in the Victorian times at Lanhydrock in Cornwall. See the past come alive at Lanhydrock this Christmas, as the household prepares for the Agar-Robartes family's Christmas dinner with family and friends.  The halls, dining room and garden are decorated to welcome and impress the family's guests and you can join in with the dinner preparations in the kitchens.
Outside, you can wander the decorated garden; back inside the house it is warm, festive and atmospheric.

Trelissick in Cornwall has a fantastic array of festive events and experiences for you to enjoy this Christmas. Meet Father Christmas with his reindeer and explore the illuminated house and garden after dark.  It’s a truly magical time.  Illuminations from dusk onwards light the way through the garden to the festively adorned house. Festive fairies have taken up residence in the house’s many Christmas trees and Father Christmas' reindeer are even paying a visit to the stables.

Christmases past are brought to life at Trerice in Cornwall this winter as traditions are celebrated. Revisit a 50s Christmas Day, hear stories of a very different Tudor Christmas and join in with our very own Trerice tradition.In the North Chamber volunteers have worked together to create Christmas Day in the Elton family’s sitting room. A nostalgic Christmas of the 50s and 60s is brought to life with toys, games and decorations from volunteers’ personal collections. The tree is dressed, paper chains hang from the ceiling, toys are unwrapped and Christmas cards line the fireplace. It’s a familiar and nostalgic image for many and a snapshot brought to life for those a little younger!

The garden at Trengwainton in Cornwall takes on a magical atmosphere with the lower drive and walled gardens lined with flaming bamboo torches. The walled gardens and orchard are decorated with hundreds of fairy lights and withy lanterns made by local school children.  In the orchard you can stay warm with hot food and drink for sale while listening to local bands and choirs and singing along to the festive songs.

Once again, Knightshayes garden in Devon will be transformed into a winter wonderland. Every day of December, the garden will become a magical experience of glistening treetops and twinkling pools in the pool garden. In December, there will be evening openings where you can see the house in all its festive traditional splendour as well as explore the garden with even more of the garden illuminated than before.

From kissing boughs to marchpane galleons, the stage is set for a perfect Tudor Christmas at Buckland Abbey in Devon this December, featuring beautiful floral displays created by local NAFAS groups. Whether you want to sample the seasonal sights and smells of a busy kitchen or take a moment's peace in the chapel, you'll certainly leave feeling full of festive cheer.  Ever wondered how to make a Fart of Portingale? The ladies of the costume group are on hand to show you how. If you visit on a Tuesday or Thursday between 5 - 21 December, you'll be treated to a demonstration from the Tudor cooks in the kitchen as the scent of herbs and spices fill the air.

All this and more at National Trust places this Christmas, check the website for more details: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/southwest