If you’re looking for a festive day out that’s a bit different, why not visit Waddesdon Manor near Aylesbury? Christmas at Waddesdon Manor features beautiful illuminations and plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained.
Waddesdon Manor is the perfect location during the festive season. You can walk along an illuminated trail, go Christmas shopping, or take a look at the stunning displays inside the manor. And of course, there’s always time for a cup of hot chocolate and a mince pie in the Manor Restaurant!
When Is Christmas at Waddesdon Manor?
This year, Christmas at Waddesdon Manor takes place from 22 November to Mon 1 Jan 2024. It is open from Wednesday to Sunday, plus Monday 1 January.
The grounds will be open from 12-7 pm with last entry at 6 pm. Waddesdon Manor will be open from 12.30-7 pm with last entry at 6.30 pm. Waddesdon Manor facade will be lit up with specially made projections by renowned artist Jamie Shiels.
About Waddesdon Manor
Waddesdon Manor is a French Renaissance-style château located in the village of Waddesdon, in Buckinghamshire, England. The manor house was built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in the 1870s to house his art collection.
Baron Ferdinand’s sister, Alice, who lived at the manor from 1883 until her death in 1922, was a passionate gardener and an avid collector of art. Alice established a set of guidelines for the preservation of the manor’s art and decorative furnishings: Miss Alice’s Rules. The National Trust subsequently based its conservation practices on these recommendations.
Waddesdon was bequeathed to the National Trust in 1957. The Rothschild family runs Waddesdon on behalf of the National Trust via the Rothschild Foundation under the chairmanship of Lord Rothschild.
Today, Waddesdon Manor is one of the most visited National Trust properties. More than 463,000 visitors enjoyed the house and gardens in 2019.
Christmas In The House
At Christmas time, the manor is decorated with a variety of festive displays that are sure to delight any visitor. See the Bachelor’s Wing for the first time since 2019.
Discover elaborate paper artworks by Nathan Ward, together with Captain Hook’s treasure trove, the Mad Hatter’s tea party and a magic mirror from the Snow Queen. There are beautiful light displays and immersive soundscapes by Jane Le Bon Creative.
Visitors can also enjoy a host of other decorations, including several magnificent Christmas trees. Famous portraits by Thomas Gainsborough and Joshua Reynolds are another must-see, while Porca Miseria is a contemporary chandelier by Ingo Maurer, made from broken ceramics.
Christmas in the House runs until 1 January.
Waddesdon Manor Winter Light Trail
Visitors can also wander the grounds, taking in the new illuminated light trail through the Aviary gardens. These outdoor displays have been specially arranged to reflect the beauty of the manor house and its gardens.
Glowing orbs, 3D birds and shooting stars created by Luminism light up the night. This enchanting light display is guaranteed to get you into the festive spirit! The Winter Light Trail runs from 22 November 2022 to 1 January 2023.
Immersed in Light Exhibition at The Coach House Gallery
Walk along Miss Alice’s Drive to see the Immersed in Light Exhibition. During the festive period, the path to The Coach House Gallery and The Stables is lit by a series of lanterns decorated by local schools.
Be aware that the pathway goes downhill and may therefore be challenging for those with mobility issues.
At The Stables, visitors can enjoy fish and ships, visit the Christmas Shop and a family friendly light exhibition which is a striking display of different light and sound forms. The 22 foot high Christmas tree has more than 10,000 colour-changing pixels.
Waddesdon Manor Christmas Fair
There are more than 70 wooden chalets currently located in the grounds of the manor. These hand-selected stalls are decorated with over 1,000 meters of fairy lights.
The Christmas Fair features a wide selection of festive treats from hot drinks and snacks to stylish gifts such as faux fur hats and gloves. If you happen to visit when the chateau itself is closed, you can still browse Waddesdon Rothschild Collection wines and other foodie gifts at their own stall – it’s the closest one to the castle on the left-hand side.
In the background, you can enjoy the sight of the castle lit up with a colour changing display, while festive tunes play.
Waddesdon Manor Christmas Fair runs from 12 noon to 7 pm until 17 December.
Waddesdon Manor Gift Shops
In the mood for some last-minute Christmas shopping? Or perhaps you’re looking for unique gifts for a birthday or other special occasion? Either way, a visit to the gift and wine shop in the Manor is sure to be a memorable experience.
The hand-selected items range from delicate jewelry to artisanal food products. And if you’re looking for something truly special, you can’t go wrong with a bottle of Rothschild wine.
There are also limited edition gins, honey, beer, chocolate, chutneys, jams and chilli oils made exclusively for Waddesdon. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or someone else, the gift shop is sure to have something to suit your needs.
Christmas at Waddesdon Manor – Food Options
The Food Village is a great new place to enjoy some traditional festive foods from 22 November until 1 January. Choose from a fantastic selection of takeaway food and drink such as hot chocolate, mince pies, Christmas pudding and much more.
The Manor Restaurant is also open for pre-booked festive afternoon teas, or mince pies and coffee made in house by Waddesdon’s chefs.
The Stables Café is the place to go for fish and chips and seasonal pies. Children’s versions of the menu are available.
There are food to go stalls at the Manor Terrace, the Chalet on the right-hand side of the Manor, the Stables Takeaway and the Coffee Bar near the entrance to the Gift & Wine Shop.
How to Get to Waddesdon Manor
Aylesbury Vale Parkway is the closest train station to Waddesdon Manor, located just over 2 miles away. To reach the station, take the Aylesbury Line from London Marylebone which takes around 50 minutes.
Alternatively, it’s a short 10-15 minute taxi ride to Waddesdon Manor. The postcode for Waddesdon Manor is HP18 0JH.
If you’re driving, there are 1,000 free parking spaces available on site. Premium parking at the top of the hill costs £30 per car. There is also a bike shelter, in case you wish to cycle to the manor.
Once you arrive at Waddesdon Manor Welcome Pavilion, there is a shuttle bus from the car park to near the North Fountain, on to the Stables and back to the car park. It runs roughly every fifteen minutes and it’s best to pre-book your shuttle bus service.
Christmas at Waddesdon Manor Tickets
All profits from Waddesdon Manor Christmas 2023 ticket sales go towards the upkeep of Waddesdon, a Rothschild House and Gardens. Advance booking is essential in order to avoid disappointment.
Christmas at Waddesdon takes place from 12 noon to 7 pm, Wednesday to Sunday. Choose your date carefully as tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded. If there is snow or icy conditions that make pathways potentially unsafe, a decision on whether the manor will be closed for the day will be made early in the morning.
Christmas at Waddesdon Manor Ticket Prices
Wednesday to Friday, 22 November – 1 January
Waddesdon Manor House & Grounds
- £35.50 – Adult
- £16.50 – Child
- £16.50 – National Trust (you must bring proof of membership)
- Free – children aged 0-4 years old
Waddesdon Manor Grounds only
- £22 – Adult
- £10 – Child
- Free – children aged 0-4 years old
Where to Stay Near Waddesdon Manor
The Five Arrows Hotel is a Grade II listed boutique hotel at the gates of Waddesdon Manor. There are 16 well-appointed bedrooms and a 2 AA rosette bar and restaurant.
The Dairy Cottage is a self-catering property with two double bedrooms and two bathrooms, sleeping up to 4 guests.
Final Thoughts: Christmas at Waddesdon Manor
There’s no better way to get into the Christmas spirit than with a visit to Waddesdon Manor. So why not visit this stunning French castle in the English countryside to experience the unique atmosphere at this time of year.
With its beautiful exterior, magical lights and range of events and activities, there’s something for everyone at the Waddesdon Christmas displays. Be sure to try one of the delicious seasonal drinks or treats on offer while you explore everything the manor has to offer – and don’t forget to pick up a unique gift from the shop before you leave!
This is a magical time to experience all the fun of Waddesdon Manor.
Further information and online booking can be found here: www.waddesdon.org.uk/christmas
Read next: Winchester Christmas Market
