Christmas at Standen House | Days out with The National Trust

If you've followed us for a while you'll know our love for The National Trust. I still honestly think signing up last year was the best thing we did - thousands of places to visit for just a few pounds a month!

We've slowly been discovering local properties, and our most recent find was Standen House and Gardens. Located in East Grinstead in an idyllic location, with views across the Sussex countryside,
Standen is an "Arts and Crafts family home with Morris & Co. interiors".

It's extra special at this time of year though. Christmas has arrived!

We only had a quick passing trip, as we were off to a birthday party. But it was still such a lovely visit. They weren't lying when they said the house it set in an idyllic location. The views are incredible!

We sat on the terrace at the quaint little tables and chairs, and just soaked it all in (while the kids ate their snacks of course!). I can really imagine people fighting over these spots in the summer months. But even on a beautiful winter's day, with the sun beaming down, it was just perfect.

There was so much we didn't have time to explore, but it's just given us the perfect excuse to go back. The main attraction for us though was of course the Christmassy additions!

The house is decorated for Christmas - from Victorian decor through to modern day. Wreaths are hung at every spot, and you can even get create and make your very own pom-pom Christmas tree. The main attraction though has to be the Winter Tree in the courtyard.

Decorated by designed Kaffe Fassett, the tree is full of colour. Covered in colourful handmade decorations such as pom poms, tassels and garlands. It's the most unique and exciting tree I've ever seen, and the kids absolutely loved it too.

There's the opportunity to meet Father Christmas in his woodland grotto - something we would have definitely booked if we had known earlier! As well as extended twilight openings, for special tours around the house after dark (until January 2nd).

We had such a lovely Christmas visit to Standen; we just wish we could have stayed longer. We'll definitely be back in the new year!