Christmas at Claremont Landscape Garden

Close up of Christmas Tree with blue baubles and Tin Soldier from the Nutcracker tree decoration. — Enjoy festive favourites in our Countdown to Christmas trail. | © James Dobson

A walk around Claremont is always a popular Christmas-time tradition and this season we're adding some festive sparkle as we countdown to the big day and welcome in the New Year

A walk at Claremont is always a pleasure with its winding pathways, secret spaces and pastoral landscape views. Over the Christmas period it becomes the perfect place to get together with friends and family, whether its a frosty morning stroll or getting the kids out to burn off some pent-up festive energy.

Countdown to Christmas Trail - Saturday 7 December – Sunday 5 January

We've taken inspiration from some of our favourite Christmas traditions to turn your festive walk around the garden a pleasure for all ages. The Christmas cheer starts immediately with a beautifully decorated entrance complete with a Christmas tree twinkling with lights. As you stroll around the lake, you'll find delightful installations. Don't forget to open the doors of our whimsical Christmas boxes revealing scenes that capture the magic of the season.

Keep your eyes peeled for playful reindeer on the island and take a moment to write your letters to Father Christmas in the Thatched Cottage. Join in the fun by helping to decorate a festive Christmas tree and gather your loved ones for a cheerful selfie in our giant Christmas Card and sleigh!

Image of boy looking at a Christmas tree, captured through the branches of the tree. Parents in winter counts standing in the background — Help decorate a Christmas tree as Claremont counts down to the big day | © James Dobson

Winter walks

Short strolls

For an easy stroll around the gardens, take the short circular route around the lake, suitable for all the family (including your four-legged ones) with level access throughout. Say hello to the waterfowl braving the cold and admire the eighteenth-century grass amphitheatre as you walk along. You can even enjoy a little greenery as you walk through corridors of laurel and rhododendron.

Longer routes

For a slightly bigger challenge, take one of the longer routes around the garden. Each hill comes with its own reward - like the camellia terrace, dedicated to former resident Princess Charlotte of Augusta and her prince, its winter blooms chasing away the seasonal blues. Don't forget to head to the top of the amphitheatre to take in a sweeping view of the 49-acre estate and beyond.

Hot drinks and tasty treats

Once you've completed the walk, pop into the Gardener's Borthy Cafe for a hot drinks and festive treats, made in-house that will warm your spirits as well as your toes.

Adventures for children

Follow the wooded path up the hill opposite the amphitheatre and you'll come across Badgers Basecamp, a den building adventure site, perfect for little people to explore and create their own magical shelter.

It's a steep path though. so if you have younger children and a pushchair, then the play area is best. It's filled with miniature versions of features in Claremont's garden and is the perfect place for them to let off some steam.

Person holding a hot drink in their hands — Warm up at the Gardener's Bothy cafe with hot drinks and tasty treats. | © National Trust/William Shaw

A sustainable Christmas

if your considering a more sustainable Christmas this year why not consider something second hand or the gift of membership.

Second hand book nook

Just behind the welcome kiosk and in the cafe you'll find a small collection of adult and children's fiction and non-fiction titles where you might just find the perfect gift Every penny you spend goes back into caring for Claremont so you'll be indirectly supporting us this Christmas too.

The gift of membership

Buying experiences or days out is often considered a more environmentally-friendly alternative to buying presents. So why not give the gift of National Trust membership to your friends and loved ones so that they can enjoy our places for free all year round? While they're enjoying their membership, the money from your gift helps us care for these unforgettable places, keeping them special for everyone, for ever. Ask at the kiosk for details.