Christmas Returns to Avebury Manor

Avebury Manor, the 16th-century National Trust house, is reopening its doors for a special festive season on Saturday 29 November, marking its first Christmas in almost two years following devastating floods.

The historic manor, closed since January 2024 after floodwaters caused significant damage, will open with a one-off Christmas display featuring handmade decorations crafted by volunteers, along with trees, twinkling lights, and seasonal music throughout the house.

House Manager Amelia Bryan said:
"The flood was a huge shock to everyone, but we’re so looking forward to welcoming visitors back again. Coming to see the decorations at Avebury Manor is a real tradition for visitors, and we can’t wait to see them enjoying the display and the house again."

The floodwater reached over a metre in parts of the manor’s garden, causing extensive damage to the ground floor. Specialist contractors have been working alongside staff to restore the Grade I listed building, and some furniture and items previously on display continue to be carefully restored off-site.

General Manager Jan Tomlin added:
"The team have been working incredibly hard to get things ready for another Christmas celebration in the manor. There are a few repairs and renovations to be completed, but I’m so pleased that we’re now able to welcome people back again."

‘Christmas at Avebury Manor’ will run daily from 11am to 4pm until Sunday 4 January. After this, the house will temporarily close to remove the festive display and complete final restoration work ahead of a full reopening in the spring with a new visitor offer.

Alongside the house decorations, visitors can enjoy a special story time event with St Nicholas in the 16th-century dovecote in the farmyard. Children taking part will hear a festive story and receive a small gift to take home.

The manor’s gardens will also feature a festive trail, where visitors can follow a map to find eight magical hares carrying clues to a seasonal word puzzle.

Adding to the festive cheer, two Christmas markets are scheduled for 6 and 7 December in the threshing barn, complete with carols and live music alongside a variety of stallholders.

For more information on Christmas events and admission prices, visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/avebury