A cinematic Christmas at Doddington Hall

A giant Grinch hand reaching for presents, knitted Muppets and a Polar Express scene in the Long Gallery will bring a little movie magic to Doddington Hall this Christmas, with handcrafted displays shaped by the estate and the people who care for it.

Opening on 11 November and running on selected dates until 31 December 2026, the Christmas experience will unfold across three floors of the historic Hall, inspired by this year’s theme, Classic Christmas Cinema. Visitors will discover more than a dozen scenes inspired by much-loved festive films, each reimagined with a Doddington twist.

In the Great Hall, a giant red bow along with hearts of moss and dried hydrangeas will set the scene for Love Actually. Elsewhere, volunteers’ paper decorations will recreate the excitement of Elf, knitted characters will bring The Muppet Christmas Carol to life and students from Lincoln College will create a Polar Express spectacular in the Long Gallery.

Almost a year of planning and making brings together Doddington’s staff and volunteers with local creatives, including artisan florist Rachel Petheram, Lou Jones and Nadya Monfrinoli of Lumo Workshop, James Richards of House of Props and expert knitter Helen Powell. Alongside Howell Thomas and students from Lincoln College, they combine their skills and ideas to create something new within a treasured family home.

“Looking after Doddington means caring for the Hall and the landscape around it, and that responsibility carries through to Christmas. We make thoughtful use of natural and recycled materials from across the estate in handcrafted scenes created by our staff and volunteers alongside local artists and students. The care that goes into making them matters to us as much as the finished rooms.

“The Hall is our family home and we’ve spent many Christmases here. I love seeing the team bring new ideas to life in the rooms each year. This year’s theme, Classic Christmas Cinema, gives us the chance to have fun with stories people know and love, while creating something that feels at home at Doddington.”

Claire Birch, Owner of Doddington Hall

Visitors can explore at their own pace, chat with volunteers about the work behind the displays and return to their favourite rooms. For some, it will be the start of a new Christmas tradition; for others, another chapter in years of family visits.

VISITOR INFORMATION

Event:
Christmas at Doddington: Classic Christmas Cinema

Dates:
11 November–20 December: Wednesday–Sunday
21–23 December: Monday–Wednesday
28–31 December: Monday–Thursday

Opening times:
Weekdays: 11am–4pm
Weekends: 10am–4pm
Last entry: 3pm

Admission:
Adults: £18–£21
Children aged 4–16: £10
Under 4s: free
1 adult + 2 children: £32–£35
2 adults + 2 children: £50–£55
Doddington Hall Season Ticket holders: free

Tickets:
Timed entry. Advance booking essential.