Christmas at Blackthorpe Barns
The estate is once again ready to ignite the Christmas spirit and bring seasonal magic to life, with a delightful array of Christmas decorations, arts and crafts fairs, workshops, and Christmas trees.
It is the perfect place to visit to embrace the festive season.
George Agnew, owner of Blackthorpe Barn and Rougham Estate, says: “I’m eagerly anticipating opening our doors again this year. It’s another enchanting setting, perfect for visitors to immerse themselves in the festive spirit, find unique gifts for their loved ones, and soak up the magical atmosphere that truly signals the start of Christmas.
“This year, we’re thrilled to introduce new arts and craft makers who will be showcasing their creations. They are excited to share the passion and inspiration behind their pieces.
“I look forward to welcoming visitors, old and new, when the doors open to the Country Christmas Shop on the 21st of October.”
The festive offering for 2024
Country Christmas Shop: It all starts when this popular store unveils its seasonal splendour on Monday, October 21. The shop will then open every day until Sunday, December 22.
Offering a wealth of festive treats, from elegant, high-end decorations across all colour palettes, to pretty wreaths, aromatics to stimulate the senses, and gifts for all. Not forgetting the beautiful lifestyle goodies that will be sure to add some extra-special glamour and decadence, and those special finishing touches, to even the most sumptuous of homes during this joyous season.
Arts & Crafts Fair:
The ‘Arts & Crafts Fair’ will get underway on November 16 and run for five consecutive weekends. It’s the place to get genuine, unique, and high-quality items crafted by talented artists.
The makers themselves will be on-hand at the events – an essential part of exhibiting at Blackthorpe Barn – thereby allowing visitors to ‘meet the makers’ from all over the country and learn more about the inspiration behind their wonderful pieces. Each weekend will see a change of exhibitors, so there will always be fresh, innovative items to explore.
Christmas Trees:
Christmas is not complete without a Rougham Estate Christmas tree – renowned for their quality and longevity, and for being chosen to bring festivity to Bury St Edmunds town centre.
For two weekends – November 9-10 and 16-17 – visitors can choose their own living Nordmann Fir trees from the plantations close to the Barn, then collect them after they have been hand cut especially for each person.
From November 23, pre-cut Christmas trees and smaller pot-grown trees are available in many shapes and sizes and, at the same time, the PYO trees can be collected. Each tree comes with a dedicated care guide to help keep it in tip-top condition over the festive period.
Christmas Workshops:
There are many other Christmas pleasures to discover too, such as creative workshops where visitors can get away from the fast-paced world for a while and focus on unleashing their own unique skills. This year, under the expert tutelage of talented artists and craft-makers, visitors can learn how to create beautiful items such as decorative wreaths.
Roots Café and Food Vendors:
To enjoy a break from all the festivities, our Roots Café – including the courtyard and sunken garden – is open daily. It links up with the Country Christmas Shop to bring everything under one roof and serves tasty treats and refreshments with plenty of choice for vegetarians, vegans, and those with special dietary requirements.
Roots Café courtyard will be under-roof during this period, with heating, to accommodate the extra footfall. There will also be a range of food vendors on site over the Arts & Craft Fair weekends to offer a wide range of choices.
More details on the website.
Dates, Times and Prices
Country Christmas Shop
Open every day from October 21 – December 22.
Monday to Saturday: 9.30am to 5pm.
Sundays: 9.30am to 4pm.
Admission: Free.
Arts & Crafts Fair
Open on November 16-17, November 23-24, November 30-December 1, December 7-8, December 14-15.
Saturday and Sunday only: 10am to 4pm.
Online/Advance Tickets: Single £2.50, Advanced Season Ticket £10
Tickets on the door: Single £3, Season Ticket £12
Children (under the age of 16): Free
PYO Christmas Trees
Pick Your Own Tree (reserve your perfect Nordmann Fir Christmas Tree before it is cut) for £10 per tree reservation.
Open on November 9-10 and November 16-17
From 10am to 4pm (last booking 3.30pm).
The trees can be collected from November 23.
Booking slots will be available via the website.
Pre-cut Christmas Trees, pot grown trees, and natural decorations
A range of trees, wreaths, and natural decorations will be on sale at the barn.
Available every day from November 23 – December 22..
Monday to Saturday: 9.30am to 5pm
Sundays: 9.30am to 4pm.
(Note: While stocks last. Only Nordman Fir are available in November.)
Christmas Workshops
On various days. See the website for details and to book online.
Roots Café
Open every day until Friday, December 22.
Monday to Saturday: 9am to 5pm.
Sundays: 9am to 4pm.
Guided Rougham Hall Walk & Talk
See the website for details – dates yet to be announced.
For more information visit www.roughamestate.com
