The tiny must-visit Christmas market is the National Trust’s hidden gem | UK | Travel
As the winter period approaches, Christmas buffs, history lovers and travelers will be thrilled to see that one of England’s surviving medieval manors, known for its “Arts and Crafts-style garden”, offers a magically intimate experience, the perfect market event to welcome the festive season.
Located in the beautiful barns and courtyard of the manor house in Somerset, the Christmas market will take visitors back in time with its traditional style market and local handmade products. Admission to the Lytes Cary Market, a collection of area artists, is completely free; however, there is a small entrance fee to visit the additional garden, tea room, and house.
Welcoming people of all ages, the National Trust website advises participants to wear warm clothing suitable for falling temperatures and the outdoors, and to remember that although the ground is level enough to walk on, the courtyards (where the market is set) are paved with gravel and are therefore a potential obstacle for wheelchair users.
The property was owned by Henry Lyte, translator of Niewe Herball’s book on herbal medicine. The Lyte family retained ownership of the property for several centuries. Its history dates back to 1286, when the house was granted to William le Lyte under feudal tenancy. This was a practice by wealthy Lords who offered low rental rates in exchange for loyal service.
The manor house was later restored by Sir Walter Jenner in the 20th century. In 1948, Sir Jenner donated his house to the National Trust after his last living relative, daughter Esme, died of pneumonia aged 37. New tenants Jeremy and Biddy Chittenden adopted the gardens and have nurtured them for 45 years to date.
Now home to magnificent garden rooms, Lyte Cary Manor has both pruned and herbaceous edges and offers a tranquil walk through nature along the Cary River.
The current date for the healthy event is 22 and 23 November 2025, with opening times between 10:00 – 15:00 daily. But for those who prefer to visit before the frost sets in, Lyte’s Spooky Halloween Trail will run from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. from October 25 to November 2.
