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Athelhampton House & Gardens Christmas Market
Puddletown, Dorset
Historic Tudor manor house with award-winning gardens.
About
Step into a festive wonderland at Athelhampton House & Gardens' Christmas Market! This enchanting event offers a delightful start to the holiday season, set against the stunning backdrop of a historic Tudor manor house and its award-winning gardens. Discover a curated selection of Dorset's finest food, drink, and artisanal crafts, perfect for early Christmas shopping and festive inspiration.
Our Take
Family Friendly
Best For
Holiday shopping and festive atmosphere
Vibe
Historic, charming, festive
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Mid-Range
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
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.
Location
Event Details
Pricing
House & Gardens: Adult £22.50, Student £16.50, Child £5.00, Infant free, Carer free, Historic Houses free, Groups £14.50, Schools £8.00. Gardens: Adult £15.00, Student £11.50, Child free, Infant free, Carer free, Historic Houses free, Royal Horticultural Society free (Saturday), Dogs £1.00.
Ages
Adult is 18 years old and over, Student is 14 to 17 or over 17 with ID, Child is 5 to 13, and an Infant is under 5 years old.
Schedule
In December & January, the last admissions are at 3 pm. and closing times are at 4 pm, 1 hour earlier. Athelhampton is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Year's Eve.
Featured Performers
- Abba's Angels
- Bournemouth Sinfonietta Choir
Organizer
Athelhampton House & Gardens
Practical Information
Parking
Free car parking is available for visitors to the House, Gardens, Shop and Restaurant. Ten Electric Vehicle charging points are provided for anyone to use, with a small charge per kWh applying. There are 3 dedicated Coach bays and accessible parking is available close to the visitor centre main entrance. Overnight parking is only allowed when charging an EV. Overnight camping is not permitted.
Accessibility
Both the Athelhampton House and the Gardens are historic Grade 1 listed sites, which offers some natural limitations as they are unable to alter the historic buildings for a visitor with a disability. Their team receives disability awareness training to help visitors have a great day at Athelhampton. The entrance, visitor centre, shop, toilets, and restaurant are all accessible. Ramps are available to overcome some impassable steps into the House and Garden, which can be deployed upon request. The house's rooms are spread over three floors, with the majority of the rooms on the ground floor. There is no lift to access the first floor, but the stewards have visual aids for those who can't manage the stairs. Due to the wide variety of requirements, they do not offer wheelchairs or motorised scooters for use. An access guide PDF is available.
Pet Policy
Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the restaurant and garden but must be kept on a short lead at all times. A small charge of £1 is made. Dogs are not permitted in the historic house or Long Hall restaurant except for guide dogs.
Food & Drink
Coach House restaurant serving breakfast, coffee, lunch, and tea. Sunday carvery roast lunch available. Food trucks and beverage vendors available on-site during markets.
Quick Actions
Tips & Advice
- Arrive early to explore the award-winning gardens before the market buzz begins, offering a serene start to your festive day.
- Take advantage of the EV charging points if you're driving an electric vehicle, ensuring your car is ready for the journey home.
- Check the event schedule for specific dates and times, as the market is part of a larger calendar of events at Athelhampton, including musical performances.
- Consider purchasing tickets in advance, especially for special events, to guarantee entry and potentially save time on arrival.
- Dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be exploring both the historic house and extensive gardens, which can be cool even on sunny days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours for the Christmas Market?
While specific market hours vary, Athelhampton House & Gardens are generally open from 10 am to 5 pm, with last admissions at 4 pm. It's advisable to check the event details for precise market timings.
Are dogs allowed at the Christmas Market?
Well-behaved dogs on a short lead are welcome in the gardens and the Coach House restaurant, with a small charge. They are not permitted inside the historic house itself, except for guide dogs.
What kind of food and drink can I expect?
The market features Dorset's finest food producers, offering a range of delicious treats and festive inspiration. The Coach House restaurant also provides breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea.
Is there parking available?
Yes, free car parking is available for visitors, including 10 EV charging points. Accessible parking is also provided near the visitor centre.
Can I visit the house and gardens without attending the market?
Yes, Athelhampton House & Gardens are open year-round. You can purchase separate tickets for access to the historic house and the award-winning gardens.