Lainston House Christmas 23'

Magical Christmas stays at Lainston House

There’s always something in the air at Lainston House. Our historic Hampshire estate takes the traditional country house and sprinkles its own, one of a kind, magic dust over it. And no more is that true than at Christmas. You’ll feel it as soon as you arrive: the feeling that you and your loved ones are in for a festive experience like no other.

We’ll welcome you on arrival with freshly roasted chestnuts and mulled wine, then leave you to settle into your room and explore your new home for Christmas. Wander through our 63-acre grounds, marvel at our avenue of lime trees – the most striking feature within our grounds, take a peek at our kitchen garden or take part in some friendly competition with our board games.

It wouldn’t be Christmas without tables groaning with food and at Lainston House, you’re in for a real treat. Our brigade of chefs is waiting in the wings to deliver the best seasonal fare you’ve ever had the pleasure to encounter, and we’ve got plenty of classic and experimental festive tipples for you to try.

A traditional Christmas with a little unexpected Lainston House twist, we’ll make this festive season one to remember.

3pm

We welcome you to arrive from 3pm where a warming welcome drink will be waiting for you. Take your time getting settled into your room and relaxing in your new home for Christmas.

From 6.30pm

Dinner will be served in The Wellhouse, our converted wellhouse restaurant that serves memorable creations cooked on woodfire and smokers in a completely unique setting.

*Three-course dinner included, beverages will be an additional charge.

23rd December

Christmas begins the moment you step onto our grounds. Guests on a four-night package will arrive on 23rd December. You’ll be welcomed in from the cold with a hot drink while you check in, then we’ll whisk you up to your room or suite, where your very own Christmas tree will be waiting.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is the day our guests on a three-night package arrive. Mulled wine and roasted chestnuts will be waiting for you in Lenny, our beloved van. And once you’ve checked in, we invite you to make yourselves at home by grabbing a slice of cake and a cup of tea and curling up in front of the fire. You can even try your hand at making your own – we’ll be holding festive baking classes in our cookery school, Season.

In the evening, enjoy a glass of fizz and the sound of the magical voices of a local choir performing, before taking your seat for a delicious dinner in The Avenue. And if you choose to head to midnight mass, we’ll be sure to welcome you back with mulled wine and mince pies before you tiptoe off to bed.

Begin your day with a hearty English breakfast before wrapping up warm and heading outside for our wintery walking tour at 11.30am.

From 3pm

Guests arriving today will check in at 3pm, accompanied by roasted chestnuts and mulled wine. Don’t forget to stop at reception for a go on our Wheel of Delight, for a chance to spin and win!

3pm to 4pm

Tuck in to some delicious cakes and a hot drink in The Drawing Room or head to Season to make your own.

6pm to 7pm

Join us for a Champagne drinks reception, complete with a performance from local carol singers in The Dawley Barn.

From 6pm

Take your seat in The Avenue for a delicious fivecourse feast with wines to match. After dinner, curl up on a chair in The Drawing Room and relax to background music from an acoustic guitarist.

If you’d like to attend midnight mass, transport will be arranged to take you to Winchester Cathedral or Sparsholt Church, in the local village for the Christmas Eve service,* On your return, we’ll welcome you back into the warmth of Lainston House with mulled wine and mince pies before you head off to bed.

*Booking in advance is required.

Christmas Day

The big day is here! Wake up to the aroma of breakfast being served, and the promise of an exciting day ahead, where all details are taken care of.

We’ll be treating you to plenty of Champagne and festive treats throughout the day, as well as a four-course lunch with all the trimmings (including wine pairings and live music). Make the most of our 63-acre Hampshire estate and stroll through our grounds or sit down to a family board game in front of a roaring fire before digging into a light supper.

8am to 10am

Start your morning off with breakfast and a glass of Buck’s Fizz while we put the finishing touches together for the day ahead.

12pm

Meet us in The Drawing Room for Champagne and canapés before the main event. A fourcourse Christmas lunch will be served with carefully selected wines in The Avenue, while you enjoy some live music.

You’ll probably want to rest after your lunch, so we highly recommend settling down to watch the King’s Speech with a slice of Christmas cake (there’s always room). Or if you’d like some fresh air, why not wrap up warm and explore our extensive grounds?

7.30pm

Feeling peckish? A light buffet will be served outside The Avenue restaurant.

Boxing Day

Start the day with a nourishing full English breakfast served in The Avenue. After breakfast, don your hats and scarves for falconry or axe throwing in our beautiful grounds, with the chance for plenty of warming hot chocolate breaks from our van Lenny, who will be making another appearance. We’ll be finishing off Boxing Day with a five-course dinner – and lots of dancing.

Wake up to breakfast in The Avenue or make the most of that comfortable bed with breakfast delivered to your door.

10.30am to 2pm

Let your competitive side come out with some axe throwing, or if you’re an animal lover, falconry can’t be missed.

From 12pm

When bellies start rumbling, you can build your very own picnic box, roll out the picnic blanket and enjoy it on our grounds (or one of our lounges if you don’t fancy venturing outside).

From 6pm

Join us in The Drawing Room for a glass of Champagne and some canapés, before taking your seat in The Dawley Barn for a five-course gala dinner hosted by the General Manager. Courses will be paired perfectly with wines

27th December

Today’s the day we say goodbye. Enjoy one last breakfast before heading home with a lifetime of memories. There no need for the adventure to stop there, take a detour to explore the local City of Winchester.

Four night package

23rd, 24th, 25th & 26th December

Three night package

24th, 25th & 26th December Cosy

Based on two people sharing. For single occupancy, additional beds for children or dogs, please get in touch.

Traditional Junior Suite

All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. Reservations are confirmed on receipt of 50% deposit for each room booked. The remaining balance of the account, including any add-ons/supplements, is required by 1st December 2023. Bookings made after this date are subject to full payment at time of booking. All dietary requirements must be advised at the time of itinerary completion.

Don’t want to leave so soon?

Extend your stay with a very special rate from £255 per night, including breakfast for two.