Dartmoor’s Buckland Abbey unveils immersive King Arthur Christmas transformation

Buckland Abbey has opened its Christmas season with a display inspired by the legends of King Arthur and a tree grown and felled on the property’s estate.

The National Trust property, near Yelverton, has transformed its Great Barn and several Abbey rooms into scenes based on medieval stories, including Gawain and the Green Knight, in an event that runs from 29 November to 4 January.

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Visitors entering the Great Barn will see a forest of Christmas trees, sound effects of animals and winter weather, and the opening of the Gawain story. 

The centre of the Barn features a willow sculpture showing Gawain’s battle with the Green Knight, lit in green and gold.

A section themed around Avalon ends the display, where a version of the sword Excalibur has been placed beside the largest tree in the Barn. 

Georgia Harmer, Visitor Experience Officer at Buckland Abbey, said: “Buckland’s Great Barn is one of the largest medieval tithe barns left in England and we always look forward to filling it with festive cheer. Throughout its history there are stories of it being a place where the community are brought together.”

ABOVE: Christmas at Buckland © National Trust Images Steve Haywood

Inside the Abbey, a handmade Christmas cascade runs down the Georgian staircase. Volunteers have sewn decorations illustrating Gawain’s journey from his meeting with the Green Knight to the final scene in the Green Chapel. 

Other rooms have been decorated to reflect characters such as Arthur and Guinevere, with volunteers creating large floral displays for the season.

Eleanor Hopkinson, Visitor Operations and Experience Manager, said: “We’ve really enjoyed delving into the fantastical world of King Arthur this year. Many of the decorations have been lovingly handmade by volunteers who have worked incredibly hard to bring King Arthur to Buckland.”

Two Christmas craft workshops will take place on 29 November and 19 December. 

The Abbey will also hold its traditional Wassail in the orchard on 18 January, when rangers will lead the ceremony to bless the trees for the year ahead.

Buckland Abbey is open 10am to 4pm daily during the Christmas period, except 25 and 26 December and normal admission applies.