Fifty years ago, Penrose, near Helston, was kindly gifted to the National Trust.

This Christmas the Charity is marking this milestone by inviting the local community to join in some seasonal fun in celebration.

From December 8 to 31, visitors to the Penrose estate can help decorate the 1780’s stable block with stars, whilst enjoying some festive refreshment from The Stables Cafe and second-hand book shop. The wider estate is open every day and the cafe will be open every day, except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Penrose’s second-hand bookshop, is also celebrating its first anniversary and to mark the occasion visitors can create some recycled Christmassy craft from old and unloved, books to take home or put on display at Penrose.

There will also be some pop-up seasonal storytelling sessions for children and families to enjoy before capturing a family photo in Penrose’s wreath frame, made from plants and foliage grown and harvested on the estate.

Other special events include a visit from Carmenellis Pony Club on December 8. They will be at the cafe in their festive finery from 11am-1pm or early birds can follow the ponies around the estate from the Fairground car park from 9am.

On Wednesday, December 11 at 3pm David Davies, who has worked on the Penrose estate for 49 years, will be reflecting on the progress and challenges he has seen during the past half a century, in an inspiring lecture at The Stables Café. Booking is essential for this event at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/penrose

Tegen Oates-White, visitor operations and experience manager for Penrose, said: “We want to celebrate 50 winters at Penrose, while still capturing the spirit of this special place. Penrose has a community that cherish it for its calm and humble nature.

“This is how what we want to reflect this winter at Penrose – whilst celebrating this special place where everyone feels welcome and can escape with family and friends at this special time of year.”

Those who want to embrace the beauty of the season can join the last volunteer led Social Walk of the year. These monthly get togethers are also celebrating their one-year anniversary this winter and have been popular with over 200 people attending the walks scheduled throughout 2024. Details of next year’s walks will be on the Penrose website soon.

Greg Cross, Lead Ranger for Penrose added ‘Penrose has been a huge part of my life for the past 12 years, I have been a part of creating one of the first Parkruns in Cornwall, creating miles of new footpaths and surfaced bridleways along with creating space for nature to thrive. I feel privileged to have played a part in making this a place where everyone can enjoy everything Penrose has to offer’.

Penrose is free to visit for both National Trust members and non-members.