Christmas at Carew Castle
Step into a Tudor Christmas
5 & 6 December and 12 & 13 December, 10am to 4pm
Experience the magic of Christmas at Carew Castle as the historic rooms are transformed for two very special weekends with evergreens, traditional Tudor kissing boughs, magical twinkling lights and the warmth of a roaring fire.
Meet Santa in his cosy grotto hidden within the Castle walls, enjoy festive performances throughout the day, gather around the fire for a carol sing-along, discover Tudor Christmas traditions and take part in family activities around the Castle.
Included with Castle admission:
- Beautifully decorated Castle rooms
- Live performances from local choirs, musicians and storytellers throughout the day
- Carol sing-along around the fire in the Lesser Hall
- Free Tudor Christmas craft activities for children
- Explore the Castle on The Twelve Days of Christmas Trail
- Festive shopping in the Castle Gift Shop
- Nest Tearoom serving festive food and drinks, including our famous Luxury Hot Chocolate
Standard Castle admission prices apply.
The Twelve Days of Christmas trail
We all know the famous Christmas song… but have you ever wondered why your true love gave you all those things?
Follow our festive treasure hunt around Carew Castle, searching for turtle doves, golden rings and all sorts of Christmas surprises. Can you find all twelve gifts and uncover the story behind the song?
Take part using a smart phone, includes a festive prize.
£2.50 per child.
Santa’s Grotto
Santa will be welcoming children to his magical grotto hidden within the Castle walls between 10am and 4pm.
Each child will enjoy time with Santa and receive a Christmas gift.
Child Grotto Ticket: £12.00
Your Grotto ticket includes:
- Meet Santa and his elf
- A Christmas gift
- Entry to Carew Castle
- FREE admission for one accompanying adult
Advance booking is essential. Book your Grotto tickets here.
Castle Admission Prices
Visitors without a booked valid Grotto ticket, and additional family members beyond the one free accompanying adult, will need a standard Castle admission ticket.
Adult £8.00
Child £6.00
Family (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children) £25.50
Buy Castle admission tickets here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does everyone need a ticket?
Yes. Everyone visiting the Castle must have a valid ticket.
- All children meeting Santa require a Child Grotto Ticket.
- Each Grotto ticket includes one free accompanying adult.
- Any additional adults or children will require a standard Castle admission ticket.
- Annual Pass Holders, Carew and Jeffreyston Parish residents, wheelchair users and essential accompanying carers, please see admission policy here, there is no need to book.
Is booking essential?
Yes. Advance booking is essential for Santa’s Grotto and strongly recommended for Castle admission.
Is the Grotto accessible?
Yes. Santa’s Grotto is located on the ground floor of the Castle and is accessible to wheelchair users.
Will the Tearoom be open?
Yes. Nest Tearoom will be serving festive cakes, our famous Luxury Hot Chocolate, mulled wine and other seasonal treats throughout the day.
What happens if we miss our Grotto timeslot?
Please arrive in good time before your booked slot.
Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee entry if you arrive late.
Santa has a very busy Christmas schedule, so we appreciate your understanding.
Can we change our Grotto booking?
You can amend your own Grotto booking date/time on our booking website if required by selecting Manage Booking. You do not need to have an account to do this. Changing timeslots is only possible when other timeslots are available.
Booking Terms
- All bookings are non-refundable.
- Proof of your bookings will be requested on arrival. Please have the QR code ready to show.
- Please allow sufficient time to walk from the Visitor Centre and Shop to the Castle before your booked Grotto slot.
