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Every winter the National Trust dresses Charlecote Park, the Lucy family’s Tudor-era house a few miles east of Stratford-upon-Avon, for a Victorian Christmas. For 2026 the house is styled as a mid-1800s Christmas party, and you arrive as guests of the Lucy family. Here are the dates, opening times, how tickets work and what else there is to do.
On this page
Christmas at Charlecote 2026: key dates
- 2–8 November 2026: the house is closed while the decorating begins
- 9–15 November 2026: the house reopens with decorating still under way, so you get a behind-the-scenes look
- 16 November 2026 – 3 January 2027: the full Christmas display
- 24 and 25 December: the whole site is closed. It reopens on Boxing Day.
Opening times and tickets
- House: 11am, last entry 3pm
- Parkland: 9am–4pm, last entry 3pm
- No advance booking: collect a timed house ticket from Visitor Reception when you arrive, and enter within the half-hour slot shown. The ticket covers the house only.
- Parking: free
- Admission: free for National Trust members. For non-member prices, see the National Trust’s Charlecote Christmas page.
What else to do
- A family trail around the estate
- Walks through the deer park. Dogs are welcome on the designated parkland routes.
- Food at the Orangery Restaurant and Wood Yard Café
- Gifts at the Servants’ Hall Shop
- Free all-terrain mobility vehicles. Book ahead.
Getting there
Charlecote Park is near Wellesbourne (CV35 9ER), about 5 miles east of Stratford-upon-Avon, roughly a 15-minute drive. Make a day of it with the Stratford Christmas Market on 28–29 November or 5–6 December.
Charlecote at Christmas: quick answers
Do I need to book Christmas at Charlecote?
No. Timed house tickets are given out at Visitor Reception on the day.
When is Charlecote decorated for Christmas?
The full display runs from 16 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, closed on 24 and 25 December.
Planning Christmas in Stratford? See every Christmas date in Stratford for 2026: the lights, the markets, pantos, Santa and more, in one place.
Alex Harrington
Alex Harrington grew up in Stratford-upon-Avon and runs What's up, Stratford? as an independent guide to the town.
