A 1960s Christmas at Chastleton

A decorated Christmas tree at Chastleon House, West Oxfordshire — A 1960s Christmas at Chastleton | © National Trust/Peter Greenway

A 1960s Christmas at Chastleton has now finished. We look forward to welcoming you back for Christmas in November and December 2025. This page will be updated closer to the time.

A 1960s Christmas

27 November - 15 December, Wednesdays - Sundays. House open 11am – 3pm (last entry at 2.15pm).

Experience a 1960s Christmas in the style of Chastleton's last owners, Barbara and Alan Clutton-Brock. The champagne's on ice, cocktails are ready and the dining table is laid out for Christmas dinner...

Explore rooms decorated to represent the Clutton-Brocks' chaotic but cosy style, with paper chains, tinsel, trees and piles of wrapped presents. Have a go at a classic board game and watch some festive television.

Younger visitors can look out for Christmas mice hidden throughout the house.

Normal property admission price applies (free for National Trust members and under-fives).

A 1960s Christmas at Chastleton in Oxfordshire | © National Trust

Meet the Clutton-Brocks

Alan and Barbara Clutton-Brock inherited Chastleton House in 1955 and, despite the ongoing challenges of being custodians of an ever-declining house, they enjoyed sharing their unique home with others.

The couple were sociable and had a wide-ranging group of friends; Alan was an artist and worked as an art critic for the The Times and later as Slade Professor of Fine Art at Cambridge University.

Friends and family who visited Chastleton during this time have fond memories of country Christmases at Chastleton, when the house was bustling with life and festive fun. Using stories captured from oral history projects, we try and re-create that spirit today.