Few places in Hampshire capture winter magic like Christmas at Mottisfont 2025. Whether you’re chasing twinkling lights, a story-book themed trail or the perfect mince-pie moment, this in-depth guide covers everything you need to know before visiting—from dates and ticket hacks to accessibility, parking, nearby hotels and insider tips that’ll make your festive day out sparkle.
Christmas at Mottisfont 2025 Dates & Opening Times
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Provisional run: 22 Nov 2025 – 4 Jan 2026 (closed 24 & 25 Dec). Final dates are confirmed by the National Trust in early autumn—bookmark this page for updates.
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Estate & gardens: 10 am – 4 pm winter hours (last entry 3 pm).
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House & exhibition: opens 11 am; last entry 30 mins before close.
Why visit on weekdays after 2 pm?
Crowds thin dramatically and off-peak admission is usually applied, saving up to 40 %.
How to Book Mottisfont Christmas Tickets 2025
| Ticket type | 2024 price* | 2025 forecast** | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult (18+) | £25.30 peak | ~£26–£27 | Gift-Aid price; members free |
| Child (5–17) | £12.70 peak | ~£13–£14 | Under-5s always free |
| Family (2+3) | £63.30 peak | ~£65–£68 | |
| Trail add-on | £3 per child | £3–£4 | Includes souvenir map & sticker |
*Actual 2024 prices for reference.
**Based on typical 3-5 % NT uplift announced each October.
Booking advice
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Members still need arrival slots once the booking portal opens (usually mid-October).
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Gift-Aid vs standard: choose Gift-Aid only if you’re a UK taxpayer; it funds conservation work.
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Car-parking: NT now gates overflow meadows on busy weekends—pre-book parking if offered in 2025.
What’s the 2025 Mottisfont Christmas Theme?
The National Trust hasn’t revealed the 2025 storyline yet. If past form is any guide—The Nutcracker in 2024, Narnia in 2023, Cinderella in 2022—expect immersive set-pieces, theatrical lighting and soundtrack moments in every room.
Insider tip: Theme news usually drops on Mottisfont’s Instagram (@MottisfontNT) in the first week of September. Join the mailing list to be first to know.
Mottisfont Christmas Trail 2025 & Family Activities
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Interactive trail across riverside boardwalks and winter woodlands, 1.2 km push-chair friendly.
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Miniature installations: look out for model theatres, animatronic woodland creatures and selfie spots thoughtfully lit for low-light photography.
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Craft huts & storytelling at the Stable Yard (selected weekends)^.
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Twilight chill: Although there’s no full “illumination trail”, the walled garden is studded with warm fairy lights that make golden-hour strolls spectacular.
^Craft timetables are published fortnightly from late November.
Food & Drink – Mottisfont Christmas Café Guide
| Venue | Best for | Must-try festive dish |
|---|---|---|
| Old Kitchen Tearoom | Cosy indoor seating | Mulled-wine sticky toffee pudding |
| Coach House Café | Quick bites | Turkey-stuffed sausage roll & cranberry slaw |
| Stone Barn Pop-Up | Trail halfway point | Cinnamon hot chocolate topped with marshmallows |
All cafés cater for gluten-free & vegan visitors; allergen charts on request. Lines peak 12 – 1 pm—eat early or late for shorter queues.
Accessibility & Facilities at Christmas
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Blue Badge bays: 15 near the Welcome Centre; pre-book recommended.
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Mobility scooters: 4 available—book by phone 24 hrs prior.
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Step-free trail route: follow the “wheel” symbol on the map to avoid boardwalk steps.
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Baby-change & quiet room: in the beamed Tudor Stable block.
Where to Stay Near Mottisfont Abbey at Christmas
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The Peat Spade Inn, Longstock – roaring fires & gastro-pub dining, 8 min drive.
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Lainston House, Winchester – luxury 17 C hotel with festive afternoon tea, 20 min.
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Premier Inn Romsey – budget-friendly family rooms, 10 min.
Book early—local rooms sell out by mid-October for December weekends.
Other Festive Things to Do Near Mottisfont
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Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market (30 min) – voted among Europe’s best.
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Hillier Gardens Glow Trail (20 min) – after-dark light show.
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New Forest Reindeer Walks (35 min) – meet & feed Santa’s herd.
Final Tips for a Magical Visit
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Arrive early on Saturdays to beat the car-park queue.
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Dress for mud & drizzle—river-meadow paths get soggy.
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Bring a reusable cup: you’ll save 25 p on hot drinks in NT cafés.
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Check live updates on the day: @MottisfontNT posts weather closures or capacity alerts.
🎄 Pin or share this guide so fellow festive-seekers can plan their perfect Christmas at Mottisfont 2025 too!
Christmas at Mottisfont 2025 – Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the 2025 dates for Christmas at Mottisfont?
Christmas at Mottisfont runs 22 November 2025 – 4 January 2026, with the whole property closed on 24–25 December.
2. Do I need to pre-book tickets for Christmas at Mottisfont 2025?
Yes. Time-slot booking (including for National Trust members) opens in mid-October via the NT website and usually sells out weekend mornings within hours.
3. How much are tickets, and are National Trust members free?
Peak 2024 prices were £25.30 adult / £12.70 child; the Trust’s typical 3-5 % uplift points to £26–£27 adult and £13–£14 child in 2025. NT members still enter free but must reserve a slot.
4. Is parking free and do I have to reserve a space?
Parking beside the Welcome Centre is free, but on busy December weekends the main car park can fill before 11 am; overflow meadows open after 2 pm. Pre-bookable parking was trialled in 2024 and is expected to return in 2025.
5. Are dogs allowed at Christmas at Mottisfont?
Dogs on short leads are welcome in most gardens and the estate; assistance dogs only inside the house, Whistler Room and walled rose garden. Water bowls are provided near the cafés.
6. Is the Christmas trail wheelchair- and push-chair-friendly?
Yes. Step-free routes avoid the boardwalk steps, mobility scooters are bookable 24 h in advance, and accessible toilets are available by the Stable Yard.
7. How long does the Christmas trail take?
Allow 45–60 minutes for the 1.2 km loop of story-scenes and riverside boardwalk (steady pace with photo stops).
8. Can I meet Father Christmas at Mottisfont?
A separate “Storytime with Father Christmas” event runs selected dates (usually the first three December weekends). Tickets release in September and sell out quickly.
9. What is the theme for Christmas at Mottisfont 2025?
2025’s production is “A Cinderella Christmas at Mottisfont,” transforming the house into a glittering pantomime set with lost-slipper surprises.
10. What food and drink options are available, and can I bring a picnic?
Three on-site cafés serve festive specials (mulled-wine sticky toffee pudding is a must-try). Picnics are welcome in the paddock and riverside lawns but not inside the house.
