A Fairytale Stay

Throughout the year The Grosvenor hosts guests keen to visit National Trust property Mottisfont, only 10 minutes from the hotel. This former priory is home to a highly regarded art collection, collected by the last owner Maud Russell, socialite and art patron and a close friend of Rex Whistler, Henri Matisse and Boris Anrep. In the summer the Walled Garden is filled with the scent from the country’s National Collection of Shrub Roses. And at the most magical time of the year Mottisfont’s façade, with its Georgian bays and mullion windows, looks just like a twinkling Advent calendar. 

This festive season A Cinderella Christmas at Mottisfont has set the stage for a classic pantomime with a twist on the tale. The house will be transformed from 22 November 2025 to 4 January 2026 (apart from a short break on 24 and 25 December) into an immersive theatrical playground that will enchant young and old. Step into the world of glittering ballgowns, lost slippers and larger-than-life characters as Cinders triumphs over her wicked stepsisters, helped along the way by her Fairy Godmother and a charming Prince. 

The story unfolds in the house through rooms set with twinkling trees, theatrical lighting and atmospheric soundscapes. Explore iconic scenes from the pantomime, including the humble kitchen, the Ugly Sisters’ flamboyant dressing room and a glittering royal ballroom. Mottisfont’s famous Whistler room is transformed to a throne room where preparations for the grand ball are evident, from a pumpkin being turned into the iconic carriage around which footmen mice stand guard. Pose regally on the thrones, write your own royal invitation to the ball, and play at dress up. The magic continues outside with themed games, a stage where you can perform your favourite panto moments and hop into the carriage for the perfect photo opportunity. Little ones will love hunting for familiar props, including the Ugly Sisters’ bloomers, cute mice and that all-important glass slipper. 

Round off the fun with a hot drink and mince pie in one of Mottisfont’s cafes. Or head back to The Grosvenor to warm up by the fire and enjoy something restorative from our 1822 Bar.

There is no pre-booking or extra charge for visiting Cinderella Christmas at Mottisfont, but guests will need to collect a timed ticket from the Visitor Entrance to ensure the fairytale doesn’t get too crowded. The house will be open from 22 November to 4 January (except for 24 and 25 December) at the earlier time of 10.30am. 
Mottisfont, near Romsey, Hampshire SO51 0LP.

© National Trust Images James Beck, William Shaw, John Miller