Plan to start your seasonal family celebrations with a Godolphin Christmas. This historic National Trust estate puts on a feast of festive things to do during the first two weeks in December and makes a visit really fun. Although many other Cornish attractions put on a nativity, or cookery demonstrations, or carol singing, or craft demonstrations, Godolphin does the whole lot in one place!
Christmas at the historic Godolphin Estate
This historic 700-year old estate near Helston is a fascinating place to look around. The two-storey home was once considered one of the most fashionable houses in Cornwall and the beamed ceilings and antique furnishings create a wonderful historic atmosphere. The 16th century garden is even more unusual as it has barely changed and is considered one of the most important gardens in Europe historically.
In December, Godolphin House is cozily warmed with log fires and beautifully decorated so it really looks like the family are in residence for Christmas.
The courtyard is the place to find plenty of Christmas activities, especially on the weekends in early-mid December. From 11:30am to 3pm carol singers, choirs and musicians entertain with cheery Christmas music , weather permitting of course. There is also choir singing in the house on some days.
Godolphin Christmas has Carols and a Living Nativity
Godolphin sets up a living nativity, when real characters in appropriate costume can be seen gathered around the manger, chatting and setting a living scene of Bethlehem-in-Cornwall. It certainly helps bring the Christmas story to life for youngsters and answers questions such as “what's a manger, Mum?”
Inside the house there are plenty of seasonal craft demonstrations and hands-on activities for all ages. Watch a mince pie making demonstration and learn the tips of making perfect pastry and what goes into that sludgy mass known as mincemeat.
Crafters can learn to make handcrafted jewellery ‐ a great idea for last minute stocking filler gifts or to pop inside crackers. You can also make a tree decoration with all the materials on hand for inspiration and some professional guidance from a volunteer. You can take your decoration home or hang it on the Godolphin Christmas tree if it doesn't quite work out!
Godolphin garden walks
Although the gardens at Godolphin are not at their best in winter, the views never cease to thrill me and remain as stunning as ever. On a clear winter's day you can see St Ives bay to the north and the unmistakable outline of St Michael's Mount to the south.
You may fancy a stroll to the old engine house and tall chimney, the relics of the Godolphin mine which funded the estate and fine living for the family for many centuries. The uneven bumpy land is another relic of the area's mining past!
There are gorgeous scenic walks along the river and through the woods. On your return you can warm up in the café with hot soup or homemade cakes and biscuits and a hot drink.
There's no need to book for the Godolphin Christmas events, and there's no additional charges beyond the usual NT admission. Note that the opening hours are limited from 10am to 4pm for this event. Who knows, a visit to this wonderful attraction in December may well inspire you to return in summer and enjoy the beautiful river walks and attractions to the full.
Have you ever visited Godolphin? What time of year did you visit? We'd love to know your first impressions, especially if something unexpected surprised or delighted you during your visit.
Born in Cheshire, Gillian Birch moved to Cornwall at her earliest opportunity and never looked back. After 20 years, her ongoing discovery of popular attractions, quiet footpaths and local eateries has made her a fount of knowledge as she entertains readers with her informative articles on the hidden gems of Devon & Cornwall from a local point-of-view.