What is Waddesdon Manor?
This Rothschild Manor is in Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire. The Rothschild Foundation run this estate on behalf of National Trust which means there is a fee to visit. This Victorian home was built in 1874 to entertain and display Rothschild’s fine art collection.
I doubt it has lost any of its grandeur over the years, although in 1874 it really would have been quite spectacular. Now we are used to seeing buildings of this style thanks to the National Trust, But I have to say this is one of the best I’ve ever seen.
It is not often I will go somewhere that renders me speechless.
I have visited plenty that have wowed me but it was a Winters day out to Waddesdon manor that blew everything else out of the water.
Christmas extravaganza at Waddesdon Manor
We visited last year, I know that the set up will be different year on year but I didn’t want to spoil the magic too much for you.
Christmas 2019 at Waddesdon manor runs from 16th November to 5th January, although some events will end on 22nd December due them being Christmas activities.
The Manor is open Wednesday to Sunday during these dates only. The house is open from 11am to 6pm.
Christmas trees
The house has a range of rooms open to the public and dressed for Christmas. It houses some of the most amazing and extravagant Christmas trees I have ever seen.
It was really difficult to get decent ‘Insta worthy’ pictures due to how busy the house was.
Tours of the house are available but must be booked in advance, the website specifically says that no house tickets will be available on the day to purchase.
We are National trust members so can enjoy free entry to their properties. During special events though, there is a small charge on top to go and view the house. The prices vary depending on the day you chose to go and if you want to visit the gardens as well. I won’t list them here as there are so many variations but follow the link for more Pricing information
I don’t think you could visit the gardens alone, if you plan on visiting, the house is just as magical as all the other events they have running.
Winter light trail and Illuminations
Now I’ll be honest, this was the reason we came. From the website alone, I knew we HAD to go.
The outside experience runs from dusk until 6pm, although you can of course walk around the gardens before then as well.
The word magical doesn’t quite cover it. Christmas lights have always given me all the Christmas feels and on a scale like this, well I was like a kid in a sweet shop!
Everywhere you look there is something wonderful to see.
It was almost too much to process. But we were all wowed. Despite visiting a few days after Christmas, I think it was possibly the most Christmassy I had felt throughout December.
Light Show
The absolute highlight for me was the way they lit up the house to music. I have never seen anything so spectacular before. It is here you really get to appreciate the Chateaux style building in all its glory, but with the added bonus of lights and music.
It was beyond magical and despite the cold, I could have spent hours watching it.
Top tips for visiting Waddesdon Manor
Be prepared to walk. Just getting from the car park to the house is a fair walk. They run shuttle buses regularly if you’d rather not walk, but it is a pretty, if not slightly muddy walk.
Wrap up warm if you want to make the most of all the outdoors has to offer.
I highly recommend a visit to the café outside and keep warm in the Tepee style tent, the Hot chocolate was to die for.
Bring
Take your time round the house, it is easy to feel pressured to get moving because of the large number of visitors but you don’t want to miss anything. Hold back from groups and take it all in.
Book early, really early! They have no weekend availability now before Christmas but they do have some after Christmas. Don’t let that put you off though as it still felt just as special after the big day.
Overall I would say this is the best National trust property I have visited but also the most wonderful Christmas event I have attended, nothing else has bought the magic of Christmas alive in such a beautiful way.
Have you visited Waddesdon at Christmas, Would you recommend? If you haven’t visited do you think you might now?
Sounds (and looks) amazing!
I can’t recommend it enough x
I had never heard of Waddesdon before, even though we are National Trust members, but it sounds great. Those Christmas trees are fabulous and the light trail/show looks amazing!
It’s such a wonderful place to visit x
Wow those Christmas trees are seriously impressive! I love visiting places like this on the run up to Christmas 🙂
Really special having trips out at this time of year x
I love Waddesdon Manor, but I’ve only ever been there on a Monday when they open up the grounds for school trips, so I’ve never actually been in the house! Christmas there looks amazing though, so I’ll have to arrange a proper visit.
I can’t recommend enough x
Oh wow it looks so magical and beautiful – especially all those lights!
It’s simply beautiful x
Omg this place looks so nice I might have to add it to my national trust to do list, I have never been to Buckinghamshire but definitely looks great. Especially the Christmas trees. Great post 💗
The pictures I’ve seen of this year look even better x
Thank you for these ideas. This will give me something to do when I’m bored or looking for a road trip! Very informative and I liked the pictures!
Thank you Lia x
I have seen a few posts on Waddesdon Manor now and it looks like a beautiful place to visit
It’s fantastic, there is so much to do as well x x
Everything is so pretty! I love the Christmas trees the most.
They were stunning x
The way they have decorated the Christmas tree is just wonderful. I will definitely try to visit Waddesdon Manor this Christmas. The effort they have put to decor that Christmas trees are a great inspiration for us!
I just wish I had a house grand enough for trees that size!
I have not heard of the Waddesdon Manor, but it looks like a beautiful and fun tour. The light show looks amazing! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you Denise, it’s really wonderful z
I enjoy looking at Christmas decorations, trees, and light displays every year at this time.
It’s perfect for getting in the spirit of Christmas x
Oh Wow! Had never heard of Waddesdon Manor! Looks and sounds so good!
It’s spectacular x
I love the trees!
They are fantastic x
Those themed trees look incredible!
They are beautiful x
Magical lights, trees and your decoration. Love it a lot! It’s like a treat for my eyes 💕
Thank you, it’s so pretty x
Everywhere seems to have light shows and installations now. I’m in two minds about them, I think it looks really pretty but I also can’t help think it’s a waste of electricity. I love the different decorated trees though, especially the one with the cards.
It all looks absolutely amazing! The tree in the Games room in my favourite. I wish I had the patience to decorate a tree like that.
Oh me too! I think I have and then I start!
Wow, really like the outdoor effects. Looks great! Love your blog layout and presentation, colorful and inspirational.
Thank you Deon, that’s very kind of you to say x
This sounds like it would be so much fun and beautiful to visit in person. ❤️
It’s so lovely Valerie x
The NT really know how to do Christmas well! Lovely pictures – will be sharing on my reg blogshare feature “Inspiring Blogs for You” this week!! C x
Thank you so much Claire, that’s really kind of you x x
This would be so on my holiday list. I love older building and decorating. Especially around the holidays where it seems magical with the trees and lights.
It really was so magical x
You captured such wonderful highlights of the place! Thank you for sharing your photos, thoughts, and tips!
Thank you Shelley x
You’re welcome!!
So pretty!
Oh how lovely! We did last year Christmas at Warwick Castle. The children absolutely loved it 🎄🎅🏻❤️
We haven’t done Warwick Castle at christmas despite it being on the doorstep. Maybe next year x
It’s worth it! They also had a bird of prey show. The boys loved it!
I have never been or heard of this place before. It looks so beautiful! The tree is beautifully decorated x
I wish I had those kind of tree dressing skills x x
That sounds so amazing. And those trees and lights 😍😍😍 I love those old time houses and manors. At least for a visit
It is so magical x
Very pretty! When I was a kid, during Christmastime, my parents would take me to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. It was beautiful and reminds me of the Waddeson manor. They are both places to make some wonderful memories. 🙂
I love childhood memories like that, they are so special x
Oh wow this looks like the perfect place to get into the festive spirit – the trees are all so beautiful and the light trail looks lovely
Laura x
Thank you Laura, It is spectacular x
This looks fab! I always did love a great Christmas tree – this year I seem to be particularly obsessed!
I just want a house big enough to have a tree this grand x
That looks beautiful. I would definitely go if we were closer. Thanks for sharing.
We loved it so much I have booked for the 30th December x
Oh wow! This looks amazing, I love the Christmas trees, and they look even more spectacular due to their opulent surroundings.
I know, I wish I had a room fancy enough for trees like that x
Wow. What an awesome place to take your children to get all Christmassy!
It’s a bit too far for us to travel but we have a similar National Trust property near us with a light trail we’ll definitely be taking out little boy to now!
It is so good we have booked for after Christmas to go again x
Wow, it all looks beautiful and so Christmassy! The trees look amazing and my kids would love the winter trail.
It is so good, we’ve just booked to go again x
Looks great, we did the light trail last year, this year we have booked to see inside of the house 🙂
Nic | Nic’s Adventures & Bakes
Amazing! you’ll love it x
[…] https://ourfavouritejar.home.blog/2019/12/05/a-christmas-extravaganza-at-waddesdon-manor/ […]
I love visiting these kinds of places – it’s gorgeous! It makes you feel like you are stepping back in time a little. So h a beautiful experience. Happy Holidays to you and yours.
And to you Madi x x
[…] last year and after writing a review post this month all about our day out last Christmas at Waddesdon Manor, I couldn’t stop myself from booking another […]