West Horsley Place, a historic manor house located just 35 minutes by car from parts of South London, will host a series of Christmas experiences across November and December, transporting visitors back to Christmas 1939. The program includes an artisan Christmas fair, a history festival, and a Santa event.
Artisan Christmas Fair from November 20-22
The festivities begin with the artisan Christmas fair, running from November 20 to 22. Independent craftspeople, makers, and food producers will gather across the Manor House, barn, and estate for three days of festive shopping, culinary treats, and handcrafted decorations inspired by the era. Visitors can discover unique gifts, meet the artisans, and enjoy seasonal food and refreshments within the estate's surroundings, according to Surrey Live.
Crewe's Christmas History Festival November 28-29
From November 28 to 29, Crewe's Christmas will transform West Horsley Place into a 1930s manor, with rooms dressed for the festive season and stories from the Crewe family brought to life. The event will pay tribute to Lord and Lady Crewe's dedication as arts patrons, featuring intimate renditions of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake in the Stone Hall. The weekend will also highlight the stories of 40 evacuee children who spent Christmas 1939 at the house, with guests able to browse related correspondence and learn about their experiences.
The historic rooms will be decorated with handcrafted adornments, including newsprint paper chains and embossed-foil ornaments, while families can join crafting workshops. Jane's Historical Kitchen will recreate authentic seasonal recipes from the era, offering a glimpse into 1930s culinary traditions.
Clare Clinton, deputy director of West Horsley Place, said: "Crewe's Christmas offers a wonderful opportunity to experience West Horsley Place through the stories, music and traditions of another generation. Alongside the real stories of the children who stayed here in 1939, visitors can discover the Crewes' love of the arts, enjoy immersive ballet in the historic house and take inspiration from the handmade decorations, food and simple pleasures of Christmases past."
Magical Manor Santa Event in December
In December, the Magical Manor event will feature storytelling, gingerbread making, seasonal surprises, and a chance to meet Father Christmas. Running on selected dates between 10am and 4pm, families can enjoy crafts, biscuit decorating, toy play, seasonal tastings, and hidden surprises throughout the house. The Stone Hall will have a Christmas tree, the library will become a snug retreat for tales, and the kitchen will smell of freshly baked gingerbread. Families can also book a special audience with Santa, who will have a present for every child.
Clinton added: "From the stories, music and immersive ballet of Crewe's Christmas to Father Christmas, family activities, crafts and independent makers, Christmas at West Horsley Place brings together different generations of festive traditions throughout November and December. It is a wonderful time to visit, and throughout it all West Horsley Place itself is part of the experience - the historic rooms, the winter landscape, the decorations, food, music and making, and those simple moments of gathering together that make this time of year so special."
Visitor Information
West Horsley Place is located at Epsom Road, West Horsley, Leatherhead, KT24 6AN. Parking is free on site. Tickets can be booked at westhorsleyplace.org/whats-on.
