There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about Christmas in the Shropshire countryside — the crisp air, the twinkly Christmas lights and that irresistible mix of mulled wine and mince pies! Staying in our Grade II listed holiday cottage in Shropshire, tucked just 10 minutes from Ludlow, you’re perfectly placed to enjoy some of the most charming festive events the region has to offer. From Victorian Christmases to Georgian mansions dressed for the season, this part of Shropshire always feels a little extra magical at Christmastime.
So throw on a cosy jumper, pour something warming, and let’s explore what’s happening across Shropshire and the Three Counties this festive season.
National Trust
Here is a roundup of the festive offerings at the National Trust properties in Shropshire over the coming weeks:
Attingham Park, near Shrewsbury
Enjoy “A Very Attingham Christmas” in the beautiful Georgian mansion as they explore Christmas traditions through the ages. There promises to be plenty of sparkle and festive fun. Help the Attingham cats search for Santa’s missing reindeer in the walled garden. There are activities along the trail and a prize at the end. Trail costs £5.00, normal admission charges apply.
Berrington Hall, near Leominster
Celebrate a Georgian Christmas at Berrington this December and see the mansion adorned with traditional decorations, Christmas trees and beautiful dried flower arrangements. Complete the Georgian Christmas Stocking Trail making your own Christmas decorations on the way. Trails cost £3 plus normal admission charges, prize at the end.
If you are feeling crafty, wreath making workshops take place at various dates and times throughout December using greenery from the gardens. Tickets cost £40 and include a festive tipple and a mince pie.
Croft Castle, near Leominster
It’s a Victorian Christmas at Croft Castle with an imaginative take on Christmas’s from the past. Lots of opportunities for festive crafts and an immersive Christmas experience for the whole family.
In keeping with the theme, why not have a go at the Victorian Christmas Trail? Help get the mansion ready for the big day taking inspiration from traditional carols. Trails cost £3 on top of normal admission charges with a prize at the end of course.
Younger children can book for a storytelling session with Father Christmas with a gift at the end of course. Cost is £8 per child and booking is essential.
Croft castle also has wreath making workshops on various dates. Tickets cost £40 and include mulled wine and a mince pie.
Dudmaston Hall, near Bridgnorth
Comer Woods has a Community Tree trail this winter period. Follow the self-guided trail to see the festive trees hung with decorations from local community groups. Then warm up with a hot chocolate and mince pie in the café.
For those wanting a bit more activity, Dudmaston is hosting a 10km Christmas run on Sunday 21 December. Christmas jumpers or seasonal fancy dress is a must!
Ironbridge Gorge Museums, near Telford
A great place to visit at any time of year and always so much to do whatever the weather. Here is a run-down of the events specifically running over the festive period.
Blists Hill Victorian Town: Step back in time to see Blists Hill in its Victorian glory this Christmastime. Spot characters from A Christmas Carol roaming the streets, make your own festive pomander to take home and listen to traditional brass bands. The buildings will be traditionally decorated with lots of festive activities taking place including a 12 Days of Christmas Trail for children. Cost of trail £2 on top of normal admission.
Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms
Have a go a making your own Christmas wreath with natural materials sourced from Onny Meadows at this workshop on 30 November. Then enjoy some festive fare in the café.
Children can have a go at the Mammoth Santa Trail on 13 December, on an interactive trail through the exhibition searching for Father Christmas in his grotto. Cost is £10 per child with a gift from Santa.
The popular festive party night with DJ, dancing and a 3-course meal takes place this year on 12 December. Tickets are £38.50 per person with a complimentary glass of bubbly on arrival. Booking essential.
Finally for the Twixmas period, walk off a mince pie or 2 with a gentle stroll in the meadows on this guided walk on 28 December.
Ludlow Castle
Throughout December children can meet Father Christmas at Ludlow Castle. Follow the corridor of Christmas trees decorated by local groups, to find Santa in his grotto. Tickets cost £8 per child.
At 7 pm on 22December you can enjoy a candle-lit carol service in the inner bailey (weather permitting). This is a free event but dress up warmly and wear suitable footwear!
Black Country Living Museum, near Dudley
Celebrate Christmas through the decades with everything from traditional Victorian decorations to the overload of tinsel in the swinging sixties! With traditional carol singing, festive craft, plenty of mulled wine and a sprinkling of nostalgia, there is something for all ages this Christmas.
Whether you’re planning slow winter mornings, twinkly evenings, or festive outings for the whole family, Shropshire this season has something for everyone. And after exploring for the day, you can settle back into the warmth of our Shropshire self-catering cottage. With easy access to all these festive spots, EV charging on-site, and the perfect setting for luxury short breaks near Ludlow, St Milburga Chapel makes the ideal base for a Christmassy escape. Come curious, leave rested — and maybe carrying a mince pie or two for the road!
20% Discount Code for St Milburga Chapel
Valid for the Christmas period – simply enter MINCEPIES when booking. Valid for all bookings from 22nd December 2025 to the 28th February 2026 made via our website.