Petworth House will transform its state rooms with woodland creatures, trees and celestial decorations for a Christmas season beginning on Saturday 28 November.
A Magical Christmas at Petworth House runs until 3 January 2027, with closures on 24 and 25 December. Two late openings and an opening-weekend makers market are also planned.
At a glance
| Dates | 28 November 2026–3 January 2027; closed 24–25 December |
|---|---|
| Usual house hours | 10.30am–4pm |
| Late openings | 28 November and 19 December, until 6.30pm; last entry 6pm |
| Christmas admission | Adult £18; child aged 5–17 £9; under-fives free; National Trust members free |
What is planned inside the house?
The National Trust’s Christmas programme describes nature-inspired room displays, a quiet space in the exhibition room and a reading corner in the North Gallery.
On the two late-opening dates a courtyard choir is scheduled for 5.30pm. The makers market takes place on 28–29 November in the Battery House and marquee.
Christmas market hours and workshops
The separate makers-market listing gives Saturday 28 November hours of 10am–6.30pm and Sunday 29 November hours of 10am–4pm. It describes a free event with normal property admission charges, rather than free access to the whole house. Booking for the market is not needed.
The Christmas programme includes wreath-making on 2, 5 and 6 December at 10.30am and 2pm, priced at £55 per adult, with materials, a hot drink and a mince pie. Festive block-printing is listed on 1 December at 10.30am and 2pm. These are separate booked activities, rather than something every admission ticket includes.
Admission and additional bookings
The property’s Christmas price table lists a two-adult family ticket, including up to three children, at £45 without Gift Aid. Higher voluntary Gift Aid prices are also displayed. Check the relevant rate before paying.
Festive teas, brunches and workshops have their own booking arrangements. Do not assume they are included in ordinary admission.
What would a family visit cost?
Using the published Christmas admission rates without the voluntary Gift Aid addition, two adults and two children aged five to 17 would pay £54 as individual admissions. The £45 family ticket covers two adults and up to three children, making it £9 less for that example. Add £4 for one car in the main car park: £49 before food, shopping or separately booked activities. National Trust members have free admission and parking when membership is validated.
The displays sit within Petworth’s existing state rooms and art collection. The North Gallery reading corner and quiet exhibition-room space provide places to pause, while the late-opening choir offers a different visit from a daytime market trip. The Trust says the Beauty Room and Grand Stairs will be closed over Christmas.
Parking and access
Follow signs to the main House car park on the A283, using GU28 9LR. The North car park serves the deer park and is a different arrival point.
The Trust describes a 700-yard route from the main car park to the house, including an incline, with a mobility buggy available. Main car parking is £4 for non-members; members should validate their parking.
Ground-floor rooms have level access, while some other areas involve steps. Check the property’s access guide for your route and requirements.
For an arrival without a car, the Trust identifies Pulborough as the nearest railway station, around 5¼ miles away, with Stagecoach service 1 linking the station and Petworth. From the town centre, the pedestrian entrance is near St Mary’s Church. The property’s travel and access information distinguishes this from the main car-park approach. A mobility buggy runs from the main car park to the courtyard and can accommodate wheelchairs; request assistance from the welcome team.
Find the venue
For more local planning information, see our Sussex National Trust and English Heritage guide.
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