Tucked into the Sussex countryside just outside East Grinstead, Standen House & Gardens is an example of one of the National Trust’s grand homes in the county.
Dating back over 130 years, the house was designed as an Art & Crafts masterpiece by renowned architect Philip Webb for the Beale family in the 1890s.
Famous for its William Morris interiors designed for the family, along with its views of the Medway Valley, Standen House is a popular location to visit throughout the year, but especially at Christmas.
During the festive season the National Trust transforms the property into a nostalgic recreation of what Christmas would have looked like over a century ago, when the Beales were once in residence.
This year’s theme, “All I Want for Christmas”, running from November 22 through early January, showcases a nostalgic side to the house, with every room designed to reflect the personalities of the different family members who lived there, featuring decorations inspired by the Arts & Crafts movement.
One of the highlights is the grand staircase, where a snowy winter scene has been created to evoke the Beales’ dream of waking up to a white Christmas.
But it’s not just the house that’s decorated – in the garden, families can follow The Jolly Holly Christmas Trail.
This playful, gift-themed trail inspired by children’s Christmas lists from bygone years, invites the family to explore and discover what would have been on children’s wishlists over the decades, before ending with a small gift for the children at the end.
For those looking for a more atmospheric experience, Twilights at Standen offers evening openings on selected weekends in December.
During these weekends, visitors can wander through the softly lit house, listen to choirs singing carols in the courtyard and enjoy festive food served in the Barn Café.
For those looking to do some Christmas shopping, the festive season also brings the Sussex Guild Christmas Exhibition to the house, showcasing beautifully crafted gifts from local artisans.
If you’re planning on bringing your dog, Wagging Walkies offers visitors a chance to visit and bring their dogs for a stroll around the gardens, with festively dressed pups receiving a treat for joining in the festivities.
The garden is open from 10am to 4pm, with entry priced at £17 for adults, £8.50 for children and free for National Trust members.
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