CHRISTMAS with the National Trust is a time of warmth and celebration, tradition and excitement.

The Trust’s historic houses and gardens invite you in to celebrate the coming of the festive season, where you’ll discover sparkling landscapes filled with handmade decorations and winter greenery, wonderful old stories, and inspiring new experiences.

There’s loads on offer, especially for children, from seasonal craft-making activities and visits from Father Christmas to themed adventure trails through the various houses and gardens. You’ll also find seasonal homemade treats in the Trust cafes, and shops fully stocked with gifts to suit all pockets.

Enter into the past this Christmas, and help the Trust’s work as a charity protect these amazing places for the future.

Hinton Ampner

(Bramdean, near Alresford)

Telling ‘The Story of Christmas’, Hinton Ampner is like a jewel box at Christmas, full of sparkling decorations and a festive story to tell. This winter is no exception; each ground room is beautifully transformed with lots of sparkle to illustrate some of our favourite Christmas traditions, from bulging stockings and twinkling trees to sumptuously wrapped presents and the legend that is Father Christmas. A highlight is Hinton’s very own Punch and Judy display, celebrating the annual entertainment that former owner Ralph Dutton would host for the village children.

Outside, children can follow an Advent calendar-themed trail around the gardens in search of 25 boxes, each one containing something hidden inside. The trail is on until January 6. After Christmas, enjoy Hinton’s beautiful winter landscape on a Boxing Day or New Year’s Day guided walk led by Hinton’s knowledgeable head gardener, and with warming hot chocolate and shortbread.

Call 01962 793515 or visit nationaltrust.org.uk/hinton-ampner.

Mottisfont Abbey

(near Romsey)

This winter, The Twelve Days of Christmas come alive at Mottisfont, where the stage is set for a flamboyant Christmas party with plenty of sparkle. Discover beautifully decorated rooms and gardens inspired by the classic song, from the glittery dresses of nine ladies dancing to beautiful bird decorations, even seven swans a-swimming on Mottisfont’s river. There are fancy dress costumes for children to try on too, and an ornate gold picture frame in which to pose for a unique ‘historic’ photograph.

Children can create their very own ‘lords a-leaping’ on Mottisfont’s new activity trail. It’s packed with things to find and do, from drumming drums to playing pipes, as it takes families through all the song’s famous verses.

Call 01794 340757 or visit nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont.

The Vyne

(near Basingstoke)

This Christmas, there is a unique opportunity to experience The Vyne as it’s never been seen before, as the huge roof project to save this former Tudor ‘powerhouse’ and its precious contents gets under way.

The house itself is shrouded in scaffolding and, while the first-floor rooms are closed, several ground-floor show rooms are being transformed into large, open store rooms brimming with antiques to explore up close. Discover fascinating stories about past inhabitants and visitors, including King Henry VIII, as the house immerses you in historical moments from its colourful past.

Outside, a new family bingo trail takes children on a seasonal adventure to find no less than 100 Tudor characters hidden in the gardens. Plus there is a shop filled with festive gifts, and the Brewhouse café serving delicious seasonal treats such as festive bakes.

Call 01256 883858 or visit nationaltrust.org.uk/the-vyne.

Uppark House

(South Harting, Petersfield)

This winter, Uppark introduces you to the world of a Victorian Christmas ‘below stairs’. Find your way to the bustling servants’ quarters through the underground tunnels, and discover how they’re preparing for the family’s festive season ‘upstairs’. Even the famous dolls’ house is dressed with miniature decorations. If you visit Uppark on its opening weekend, you’ll be welcomed by real Victorian servants!

Are we still using Victorian servants’ traditions today? Find out all sorts of fascinating facts about a 19th Century Christmas on Uppark’s new family trail around the house and gardens.

On Sunday (December 18), the stables are transformed into a wooded wonderland, where Father Christmas will be waiting to give little ones a small festive gift. In the house, children can have a go at stirring Christmas puddings and practising historic table etiquette.

‘A Servant’s Christmas’ continues until January 6.

Call 01730 825415 or visit nationaltrust.org.uk/uppark.

Winchester City Mill

At Christmas, this cosy working water mill is beautifully decorated with a huge sparkling tree and pretty window displays. There’s nothing more festive than the aroma of warm spices and baking, and at the baking demonstration on Saturday (December 17) visitors can find out how to make delicious seasonal treats using the mill’s freshly ground flour. Taste the results and take away the mill’s new Christmas celebration cake recipe card to try out at home.

A new festive-themed family trail challenges children to hunt for Father Christmas’s mischievous elves, who are hidden around the mill.

Call 01962 870057 or visit nationaltrust.org.uk/winchester-city-mill.

(Pictures courtesy of the National Trust)