Christmas at The Story of Emily · Cornwall
A Christmas story waiting to welcome you in
Six Christmas chapters, twelve winter days.
From 21 November to 23 December, discover our Twelve Days of Christmas at The Story of Emily.
The Rectory where Emily Hobhouse grew up will be dressed in festive splendour, with twelve special days of music, storytelling, and Victorian traditions bringing the house to life. Each offers a new reason to step inside, linger a little longer and share the joy of the season.
A glimpse of Christmas at the Rectory
21 November–23 December 2026
St Ive, near Liskeard, Cornwall
Themed programme included with Day Pass or Annual Pass admission
Across the threshold
Step inside the Christmas Rectory
Experience a Victorian Christmas at The Story of Emily in St Ive, near Liskeard, Cornwall. Step inside the Rectory, a Victorian home dressed for the festive season, and explore its rooms at your own pace. Discover traditional decorations, notice the little details, and enjoy a relaxed Christmas day out with family and friends.
The dressed Rectory can be visited every day we are open from 21 November to 23 December. During the twelve themed dates below, each Christmas chapter will bring additional music, readings, history, and games, included with your usual Day Pass or Annual Pass admission.
Twelve winter days · Six Christmas chapters
Choose your Christmas chapter
Find the chapter that calls to you, or return as the season unfolds and let a Christmas outing become a tradition of your own.
A Christmas to return to
One visit can be the beginning
With a valid Annual Pass, the included Christmas programme gives you a reason to return for another chapter, whether you come back for music in the house, a story shared aloud or games in the parlour.
Annual Passes can be purchased in the Welcoming Area by speaking to a host. You can also upgrade a Day Pass to an Annual Pass for an extra £10 within one month of your visit, by visiting the Welcoming Area and asking a host to arrange it.
Christmas gifts, thoughtfully chosen
A little of the season to take home
On our opening and closing Christmas shopping days, discover sister-estate gifts for the people you love, with gift-wrapping for your purchases. A thoughtful ending to time spent together at the Rectory.
21–22 November & 22–23 December
Receive 5% off retail when you spend over £50 on 21–22 November and 22–23 December. Find gifts with stories to tell, from thoughtful treasures at The Story of Emily to discoveries from our sister estates, each bringing a little of these special places into someone’s home.
Retail purchases only.
Everything you need before you come
Plan your visit
21 November–23 December 2026
The dressed Rectory is available on every day the attraction is open during the Christmas period. The additional themed programme takes place on the twelve chapter dates, included with usual Day Pass or Annual Pass admission.
Themed dates: 21–22 & 28–29 November; 5–6, 12–13, 19–20 & 22–23 December.
The Story of Emily, St Ive, Liskeard, Cornwall, PL14 3LX.
Restaurant and shopping purchases are charged separately from admission. Check current opening hours and access information before travelling.
A few things you might be wondering
Make room for a Christmas story of your own
Choose the chapter you would love to share, gather your favourite people and join us as Christmas unfolds at the Rectory.
21 November–23 December 2026 · St Ive, Cornwall