Christmas at the Castle
Visitors can wander an evening light trail across the grounds and past the lakeside while enjoying views of the illuminated castle facade. Daytime visits offer Christmas shows, circus activities, and festive entertainment throughout the estate. Guests can also ride the Ferris wheel, visit the Festive Marquee for local food and drink, or book optional add-ons including the Father Christmas grotto and the interior Castle Experience.
What to Expect
Daytime shows, an illuminated evening light trail, and festive castle entertainment.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Powderham Castle
Food & Drink
Food and drink include local traders' festive treats, toast-your-own marshmallows, hot chocolate and mulled wine; the new Festive Marquee has local traders and undercover seating.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and magical
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
£
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Admission: adult (17+) £11.00; child (3–16) £8.80; under 3 free; carer free with a full-paying visitor; dog free, ticket required. Optional add-ons: Castle Experience adult (17+) £5.50, child (3–16) £3.30, under 3 free; grotto £11.95 per child, baby under 1 free with a sibling but no gift; car parking pass £5.50 per car, accessible parking pass £5.50. Blue Light Card holders and Powderham Members get 10% off admission, Castle Experience and parking only; the discounts do not apply to the grotto or workshops. – Get tickets
- Hours: By day: 10am–4pm. By night: 4.15pm–8.30pm; last entry 7.30pm.
- Parking: A car parking pass costs £5.50 per car; an accessible parking pass also costs £5.50. There are no separate parking slots; arrive at the booked admission time.
- Accessibility: Accessible parking passes are available to book in advance.
- Pets: Dogs are welcome across the grounds, inside the castle and in the grotto. Keep them on a short lead at all times; add a free dog ticket when booking.
Tips & Advice
- Add carer tickets when you book and bring proof such as an Access Card or PIP letter, because they can't be added or swapped later.
- Enter your Blue Light or Powderham Members code at checkout, since discounts cannot be applied to a booking that has already been made.
- Arrive within your grotto window and close to its start, because families are seen in arrival order and may wait a short while.
- Wrap up warm and come ready for wet weather and wet paths, as the event is outdoors and only cancelled in extreme conditions.
- Pick a date other than 17 or 18 December if you want the Castle Experience, because the castle interior is closed on both evenings.
Special Events & Promotions
- New for 2026: the Festive Marquee, with undercover seating, clear panels looking onto the castle and local food and drink traders
- Father Christmas grotto add-on, in 15-minute timed sessions, daytime and evening on selected dates
- Castle Experience add-on to see inside the castle dressed for Christmas (closed on 17 and 18 December)
- Blue Light Card holders and Powderham Members get 10% off admission, the Castle Experience and parking, but not the grotto or workshops
- Christmas Eve: Christmas by Day runs as usual, the grotto has daytime sessions only and the Light Walk closes early
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Christmas by Day and Christmas by Night?
By day there are two Christmas shows a day, circus fun to join in with, and the Castle and grounds in festive swing. By night you walk the light trail through the grounds and past the lakeside, with the castle washed in colour and festive music playing. One admission ticket covers either, and you can do one or both.
How does the Father Christmas grotto work?
The grotto is in the Great Barn. Book a 15-minute session with your tickets and arrive within it, close to the start. Families are seen in arrival order, so you may go straight in or wait a short while. Every child with a grotto ticket gets a gift. The elves will take a photo on your phone or camera. Babies under 1 can come free with an older sibling but don't get a gift.
What food and drink is there?
The new Festive Marquee has undercover seating with a castle view and local food and drink traders. There's also toast-your-own marshmallows, the Hot Chocolate Hut and mulled wine at the bar by the outdoor seating. Cards are accepted throughout.
Can we bring our dog?
Yes. Dogs are welcome across the grounds, inside the castle and in the grotto. Keep them on a short lead at all times and add a free dog ticket when you book.
What if the weather is bad?
It's outdoors in December, so wrap up warm and come prepared for wet weather and wet paths. The event is only cancelled in extreme conditions.
More Christmas Events Near Kenton
More Christmas Events near Exmouth
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.