Eight of the most instagrammable places to visit this Christmas

This season, cultural venues across the UK are celebrating Christmas in style. From glittering decorations to light installations, there’s plenty for culture lovers to explore. Whether you want to stroll through botanic gardens or marvel at sparkling staterooms, these spots offer glamour, glitter and lots of instagram inspiration. Here, we reveal our top festive locations to visit.

Waddesdon Manor

Expect sumptuous decorations, light displays and a bustling fair at Waddesdon Manor’s Christmas Carnival. Built in the style of a French Renaissance château, this 19th-century manor was the home of art collector Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild. This year, the festivities take inspiration from Waddesdon’s artistic treasures, which include Sèvres porcelain and Gainsborough paintings.

Christmas Carnival, 10 November–2 January 2019; Christmas Fair, 10 November–16 December. For more information, visit waddesdon.org.uk

Chatsworth

If anywhere knows how to do Christmas, it’s Chatsworth. Each year, the home
of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire is transformed into a scintillating wonderland: inside, lofty trees drip with ornaments, and garlands wind around banisters. This Christmas, Chatsworth brings the world of make-believe to life, with scenes from fairy tales displayed throughout the house.

Christmas at Chatsworth, 10 November–6 January 2019. For more information, visit chatsworth.org

Holkham Hall & Estate

Filled with magic and magnificence, Holkham Hall’s Christmas celebrations provide the ultimate festive experience. From candlelight tours of the State Rooms to craft workshops, the 18th-century mansion has plenty of festive treats on offer. Make sure to linger by the full-sized parterre garden installed in the Statue Gallery.  

For more information, visit holkham.co.uk

Image © Holkham Estate

Kew Gardens

One of London’s most magical events, Christmas at Kew brings together glittering lights, laser displays and festive flotillas. Packed with Christmas charm, the one-mile trail takes you around Kew’s horticultural highlights, from water shows on the Palm House pond to dazzling fire gardens. For the perfect ‘gram shot, head to the Canopy of Light – a vast pea-light tunnel.

Christmas at Kew, until 5 January 2019. For more information, head to kew.org

Image: Palm House Grand Finale Jeff Eden © RBG Kew

Fountains Abbey

Once upon a time, the vaulted ceilings of Fountains Abbey resounded with the chanting of monks. This Christmas, the abbey’s arches will be bathed in rainbow light as part of its festive celebrations. With choirs performing most weekends, and a candlelit carol concert too, Fountains Abbey knows how to celebrate Christmas in style.

Carols by Candlelight, 9 December, 3.30-4.15pm. For more information, visit nationaltrust.org.uk

Image: Visitors in Fountains Abbey, lit up with coloured at Christmas time, North Yorkshire ©National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Dennis Severs’ House

For a festive experience with a twist, head to Dennis Severs’ House this season. Located a stone’s throw away from the bustle of Old Spitalfields Market, this characterful townhouse oozes Christmas charm. The creative vision of American artist Dennis Severs, the house has been transformed into the fictional home of a Huguenot silk-weaving family. As part of its annual Christmas installation, expect acres of festive bunting, ornaments aplenty and lots of festive treats.

The Annual Christmas Installation, Dennis Severs’ House, 25 November–4 January 2019. For more information, visit dennissevershouse.co.uk

Image: Roelof Bakker

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

A cornucopia of twinkling lights, incandescent flowers and enchanting tree sculptures, Christmas at the Botanics is an instagrammer’s paradise. Taking place at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – a centre that’s home to more than 13,500 species of plant – this one-mile trail takes visitors around the garden’s treasured landmarks. Make sure to snap a picture of the Cathedral of Light – a dazzling immersive installation.

Christmas at the Botanics, until 29 December. For more information, visit rbge.org.uk

Powis Castle and Garden

Filled with sparkle and splendour, Powis Castle is the place to be this festive season. There are plenty of wonders to see: among the paintings by Reynolds and Bellotto, discover how the castle’s owners – the Herbert family – spent Christmas in times gone by. As night sets in, head outside to explore the castle’s illuminated gardens.

Christmas at Powis Castle, from 24 November. For more information, visit nationaltrust.org.uk

Image: Snow at Powis Castle, Powys, Wales ©National Trust Images/John Millar

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