National Trust is open for Christmas

THE traditional image of National Trust properties closed up for winter is being shaken up with more open than ever before in the run up to Christmas. 

Many National Trust places will be choosing to spend the winter welcoming visitors rather than hiding behind closed shutters and under dustsheets. The grand houses will be open at weekends until Christmas while shops, restaurants and countryside places have extended opening hours.
 
In Somerset, the house at Barrington Court is open five days a week, Montacute (pictured) is running special tours to see conservation work being done and Lacock Abbey cloisters and the museum are open seven days a week.
 
National Trust marketing manager Shona Owen said: “Some still think that Trust places are still closed from October to Easter but that image is far from the truth with more each year being brought to life to celebrate Christmas.

''People looking for something different to do at this time of year really enjoy the weekend opening which is now common – with thanks to our army of volunteers who have rallied round to help.

“For some places, Christmas can be as busy as August, and in recent years, this encouraged us to look at winter as a whole. Many National Trust places open fully from February or March – the days when Easter marked the start of the season are only a dim memory for us now!”
 
In Somerset several opening times have been extended for this year. At Montacute House, for the first time, visitors will be able to book onto special behind the scenes tours to see the work that is done in the house over winter by conservators.  There are guided tours between noon and 2pm every Saturday and Sunday, led by volunteers.

As Barrington Court is not furnished, it is not subject to the same limitations on the number of hours of light allowed as Montacute and is staying open for five days a week until December 23. The estate, shop and catering will open from 10am until 4pm and Court House from 11am until 3.30pm.
  
More information is available on www.nationaltrust.org.uk/southwestchristmas which has its own virtual advent calendar launching on 1 December

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