Christmas at Basildon Park

View through two doors to a Christmas tree with a santa dress displayed in front — Entrance hall at Christmas, Basildon Park, Berkshire | © National Trust/Katy Dunn

Experience the enchantment of the season at Basildon Park as we pay tribute to classic Christmas films.

From 16 November to 5 January, join our festive celebration where rooms of the mansion are beautifully decorated with a nod to your favourite Christmas movie.

This year, as we celebrate twenty years of Basildon Park starring as a filming location, you can admire the sumptuous Christmas trees, bask in the glow of the twinkling lights, and see if you can guess the movie theme of the room.

Outside, little ones can run off energy on a pushchair-friendly reindeer trail, complete with quizzes and a prize.

Our car park can fill up on busy days, the quietest times to visit are weekdays, or before 11am and after 1pm.

Basildon Park is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Christmas tree sparkling in red upholstered room — Christmas tree in Octagon Room at Basildon Park, Berkshire | © National Trust/Katy Dunn

Festive food and drink

Cosy up with a hot soup or enjoy a festive mince pie this winter in the tearoom.

Or book now for a special festive meal in the tearoom, nestled in the heart of a stunning Palladian mansion, beautifully decorated for Christmas.

Two courses: £25 Three courses: £30 with mince pie and hot drink served to finish.

Book Christmas lunch

Christmas tree and chandelier in the staircase hall — A Christmas view from the staircase at Basildon Park | © National Trust Images/Arnehl de Serra

Planning your visit

Entry: There's no need to book. Normal property admission price (free for National Trust members and under-fives). If you’re with a carer or essential companion, they visit for free.

When to visit: For a quieter visit, arrive before 11am or after 1pm, or visit on a weekday (even during school holidays).

Car Parking: Please note that our car park surface can become uneven and muddy, particularly during periods of bad weather. Our car park can fill quickly on our busiest days, so you may need to queue; in extreme circumstances we may have to close the car park to allow spaces to free up.

Accessibility: Toilets and changing facilities located in the Stableyard. Buggies/pushchairs welcome in the gardens, but not in the house - please be prepared to leave these outside if going inside.

Gently sloping areas and wide pathways around much of the grounds, which can be uneven and muddy in places during winter: sturdy footwear is recommended.

Buggy service available, subject to volunteer availability.

Christmas shopping: There are some fantastic gifts and stocking fillers in our shop in the Stableyard, do call in to have a look around.

Refreshments: drinks, snacks and light lunches with festive and family-friendly options are available from our café.