How two National Trust properties are turning a sleepy Midlands village into a magical festive wonderland

Lapworth is set for a busy festive season as two of the National Trust’s most popular Warwickshire properties, Baddesley Clinton and Packwood House, open their doors for Christmas. The houses sit only a couple of miles apart, and at just 13 miles from Birmingham city centre, they’re an easy winter day out for families looking for a seasonal escape.

Christmas at Baddesley Clinton

From 29 November to 4 January, Baddesley Clinton invites visitors to step into a scene that feels close to a long-awaited white Christmas. The Great Hall fire will be burning, the kitchen will be filled with the scent of festive cooking, and the rooms will be dressed with trees and traditional decorations.

A Christmas feast will be set in the dining room, and the great parlour promises a winter-themed surprise.

The house opens at 10.30am, with last entry at 3.30pm. Staff are warning that weekends and school holidays can be especially busy, with house tickets often gone before noon. Tickets are handed out at the gate on a first-come, first-served basis, so visitors may wait for a slot on peak days. The Trust advises arriving early or choosing a weekday morning or late afternoon for a quieter visit.

Families can also take part in The Snowman™ Sculpture Trail, running from 12 November 2025 to 11 January 2026 (closed 17 November and 24–25 December).

Twelve large sculptures inspired by The Twelve Days of Christmas will be placed around the gardens, each painted by a different artist. The route is step-free and on hard paths, though dogs are not permitted in the gardens and therefore cannot access most of the sculptures.

After exploring the house or garden, visitors can stop at the Barn Restaurant for seasonal food and browse for gifts in the shop.

Christmas at Packwood House

Packwood House, also in Lapworth, will be dressed in handmade decorations, twinkling lights and Christmas trees throughout its Tudor rooms. Like Baddesley, Packwood expects heavy footfall during December. The property recommends weekday visits wherever possible, as weekends between 11am and 2pm are the busiest and house tickets may run out before midday.

A festive double visit

With both houses close together, many visitors plan to see them on the same day, though staff suggest leaving plenty of time for queues and ticketed entry. For those heading out from Birmingham, the short drive makes Lapworth an easy festive outing with two very different historic houses offering their own Christmas atmosphere.

Both properties will run their Christmas events into early January, giving families time to enjoy the decorations even after the main rush of the season.

Packwood House to Baddesley Clinton walk

A beautiful walk through the Arden countryside, taking in the Stratford-upon-Avon canal and tranquil National Trust places in Warwickshire.

For the full route visit here.