A Victorian Christmas awaits at Emily Hobhouse’s St Ive home

Candles on the branches, dried orange slices strung between the baubles, and holly tucked into every gap. The Rectory in St Ive is getting ready for Christmas the way a Victorian household would have done it.

The Story of Emily, the award-winning immersive museum near Liskeard, is opening its doors for twelve special winter days of music, storytelling, parlour games and festive traditions. They run across five themed weekends from Saturday 21 November to Sunday 20 December 2026, followed by a two-day Christmas-week finale on Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 December.

The museum is set in the restored childhood home of Victorian humanitarian Emily Hobhouse, and the historic Rectory will be dressed throughout the Christmas period with traditional decorations, seasonal greenery and the trappings of a Victorian home preparing for the big day.

Six Christmas chapters

The celebration days are split into six themed “Christmas chapters”, each offering a different taste of a Victorian Christmas.

21 to 22 November: Christmas Comes to the Rectory

The opening weekend sees the Rectory’s Christmas decorations unveiled, giving visitors the chance to be among the first to see the historic house dressed for the season. It doubles as a Christmas shopping weekend, with gifts from The Story of Emily and its sister estates, The Newt and Babylonstoren, plus gift-wrapping for purchases. All visitors get 5% off retail spend over £50.

28 to 29 November: The House in Song

Music takes over. Visitors can enjoy the Rectory’s historic piano alongside live Christmas music across the attraction, celebrating the part music played in bringing Victorian households together.

5 to 6 December: Stories by Winter Light

The Rectory becomes the setting for a weekend of festive readings, harking back to a time when reading aloud together was a treasured part of family life.

12 to 13 December: Christmas: A Tale of Two Countries

This weekend looks at Christmas across the two countries linked by Emily Hobhouse’s story. Visitors will discover the traditions of a Victorian household in Cornwall and compare them with a South African Christmas, celebrated beneath summer skies. The museum describes it as a thought-provoking look at family, home and the importance of connection during times of conflict.

19 to 20 December: The Rectory at Play

Families can find out how Victorians entertained themselves at Christmas, with hosted parlour games inspired by the era. Expect laughter and a bit of friendly competition.

22 to 23 December: Christmas Gathered

The celebrations close on Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 December with a final gathering in Christmas week, open to visitors of all generations. These last two days are also Christmas shopping days, again with gifts from the sister estates, gift-wrapping, and 5% off retail spend over £50.

“Slow down and rediscover”

Claire Corbett, Head of Marketing at The Story of Emily, said: “Christmas is a particularly special time at The Story of Emily, and this year we’re delighted to invite visitors to experience the traditions, warmth and charm of a Victorian Christmas through six Christmas chapters.

“We wanted to create an experience that brings generations together and encourages families to slow down and rediscover some of the simple pleasures that make Christmas so special.”

Who was Emily Hobhouse?

Born in St Ive, Emily challenged the injustices of her time and campaigned tirelessly for women and children affected by the Second Anglo-Boer War, saving thousands of lives.

Alongside the festive programme, visitors can explore the museum’s immersive War Rooms, which tell her story, and the Rectory itself. The museum has picked up international recognition for its approach to storytelling, including an Outstanding Achievement accolade at the Thea Awards. And there’s a heritage South African restaurant on site serving South African dishes, a nod to the lasting connections between Cornwall and South Africa.

Tickets and opening times

All the Christmas activities are included in the usual Day Pass or Annual Pass admission:

• Day Pass: adults (18 and over) £27, children (5 to 17) £5
• Annual Pass: adults (18 and over) £37, children (5 to 17) £5

Day Pass holders can upgrade to an Annual Pass for an extra £10 within one month of their visit.

The Story of Emily is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 4pm, across the Christmas period. It is closed on Christmas Day but open on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Booking is advisable, and booking times are on the Story of Emily Christmas page.