by Janis / 0 comments - Orginally published:10th December 2024
Rudyard Kipling’s family home in East Sussex
Bateman’s, Rudyard Kipling’s charming family home is a delight to visit throughout the year; however, when the Yuletide season is upon us, the stunning Jacobean Wealden manor is transformed inside into an enchanting, magical home.
This year, the Christmas theme at Bateman’s is the captivating story of the man-cub ‘Mowgli’ and his journey through the deep forests of India in the 1894 novel by Rudyard Kipling, ’The Jungle Book’.
130 years after its publication you can follow The Jungle Book Christmas story from room to room as the happy-go-lucky Mowgli and his jungle friends and adversaries climb over the bedposts and hide under Christmas trees. Whatever age you are, the enthusiasm and thoughtfulness of the festive decorations will undoubtedly bring a colourful smile to your face.
Why not Pin it for later?
Visiting Bateman’s to see The Jungle Book Christmas made me want to rediscover the classic movie and Mowgli once more.
The Jungle Book journey
Where is Bateman's?
How to get to Bateman's
- By Train
The nearest mainline railway station is at Etchingham (3 miles). You will then need to catch a bus service or pre-book a taxi to Bateman’s.
- By Car
Bateman’s can be accessed from the A21, then west off the A265. There’s a free car park for National Trust members, or parking charges apply to non-members.
Bateman’s postcode is TN19 7DS or you can find it by using What3words ///banter.ambushes.refusals
A very brief story of Rudyard Kipling
Indian influences throughoutRudyard Kipling was born in Mumbai, India, in 1865, where he spent his early childhood years; his education was mainly in the UK. Rudyard returned to India when he was sixteen and secured a job at a local newspaper.
Bateman’s in December
India had a considerable influence upon Kipling’s writing; however, Rudyard decided to leave in 1889 and arrived in the UK after travelling via the USA, where he met his future wife, Caroline Balestier; they married in London in 1892.
It wasn’t until 1902 that Rudyard and his wife discovered Bateman’s in Burwash and decided to purchase it for £9,300 when Rudyard was only 36. They turned the rundown farmhouse into a beloved family home.
“If- “ By Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard wrote several fictional stories, novels, and poems throughout his life, many of which were influenced by his life in India. Some of his most famous works include The Jungle Book, Kim and The Man Who Would Be King. Kipling’s well-known poems are “Gunga Din” and “Mandalay”, and one of my favourite pieces of poetry, “If-“; it is so touching.
Although Rudyard Kipling died in Fitzrovia, London, in 1936, Bateman’s continued to be his family home. Rudyard’s widow, Caroline, bequeathed the house to the National Trust on her death in 1939.
Rudyard Kipling’s ashes are interred at Poets’ Corner in Westminster Abbey.
Stepping into Bateman’s at Christmas
The National Trust embraces KiplingThe moment you stroll into the entrance hall of Bateman’s, you are greeted by a lofty, twinkling Christmas tree and, of course, the smiling faces of the National Trust volunteers.
The Jungle Book theme can be found amongst every nook and cranny within Bateman’s, and the flowing trail through the beautiful manor house is the vibrant illuminated Lotus flowers.
Twinkling Entrance Hall, Bateman’s
The grand open fireplace within the dark wood panelling walls would certainly have kept visitors warm in the winter months. One of the items on display that I loved was upon the oak centre table. It was a mesmerising rotating Christmas decoration which embraced Rudyard’s Jungle Book characters amongst a stack of Kipling’s novels.
Festivities at Bateman’s
Mrs Kipling’s office
A little step up from the hall on a mezzanine floor is Caroline Kipling’s office. When we visited Bateman’s a few years ago, this room wasn’t open, so it was great to get an opportunity to see where Mrs Kipling officiated her business.
There is a small window in this study that overlooked the entrance hall and front door; from there, Mrs Kipling could keep an eye on who was arriving unexpectedly.
Where to stay near Bateman's
- Rose and Crown - Just 1 mile from Bateman’s is the charming village of Burwash. Here you’ll find the Rose and Crown, a historic inn with an in-house restaurant serving a delicious breakfast.
- The Abbey Hotel - Located within the picturesque town of Abbey, this delightful Grade II listed building has recently been refurbished. You have history literally on your doorstep.
Exploring Bateman’s
Christmas is for everyoneStrolling out of the entrance hall on the left, you’ll find yourself in the Kipling’s parlour, where the family would have relaxed and entertained friends in front of a roaring fire.
Bateman’s parlour
A cheerful shimmering Christmas tree can be found in the parlour. It has been lovingly decorated with lots of Jungle Book characters and twinkling bright lights. Keep a lookout, as beneath the festive tree is a pile of Christmas parcels protected by ‘Kaa’, the giant snake from the Kipling novel.
The music room in Bateman’s
Across the hall, at the bottom of the oak-panelled staircase, is the attractive and extremely colourful music room, which was originally a schoolroom. I love the amount of detail the National Trust volunteers have made in every room, particularly here, where the vibrant Lotus flowers can be found in abundance.
If you're intrigued by Sussex's fascinating past and weird and wonderful history around the county, then take a peek at "The A-Z of Curious Sussex".
You won't be able to put it down, you can pick it up for your Kindle or in good old paperback.
Rudyard Kipling’s study
Where his imagination came aliveIt’s now time to venture upstairs to my favourite room in the house, Rudyard Kipling’s study. The author’s study has been recreated to look as if Rudyard had just stepped out of his office for a brief moment.
Rudyard Kipling’s office
This captivating room is alive with enchanting tales from near and far, of fantasy and adventure.
Poignant and thought-provoking short stories and poetry line the walls within the floor-to-ceiling bookcases. It’s such an emotive room, full of vision, imagination and a few festive treats thrown in.
It’s from this study that Kipling wrote Puck of Pook’s Hill and Rewards and Fairies at Bateman's, which includes the poem ‘If’.
Kipling’s desk in Bateman’s
Next to Kipling’s study is the exhibition room. When it isn’t Christmas time, a collection of memories and personal items Rudyard once owned can be found here. However, for this festive season, there is a display of stunning artwork by Hastings-based local artist Claire Fletcher. These amazing illustrations are to celebrate The Jungle Book Christmas 2024.
Christmas in the Exhibition Room
John Kipling’s room
Passing through the Exhibition Room, we step into the bedroom of John Kipling, Rudyard’s only son. John died in Loos, France during the First World War on 27th September 1915, aged 18. The loss of their son inspired Rudyard Kipling to become involved with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Hiking the East Sussex Countryside
Bateman’s is located in East Sussex, nearby the historic town of Battle and the seaside town of Hastings. This region of Sussex is ideal for hikes as it is in the High Weald (AONB), an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. To explore the trails in this region of East Sussex, the Ordnance Survey map that will help you along the route is no. 124, ‘Hastings & Bexhill’.
Alternatively, why not purchase and download the OS Maps App, which covers all of Great Britain.
Our video of Bateman's at Christmas
We have created a little YouTube video of our visit to Bateman's at Christmas. Why not take a look?
Also, why not subscribe to our YouTube channel and get the latest clips as we post them?
Dining at Bateman’s
Visiting the Scullery BookshopOne last stop on our Bateman’s Jungle Book Christmas adventure is to the family Dining Room, which is adjacent to the entrance hall. The Dining Room not only has a vibrantly decorated Christmas tree, but it also contains the original 18th century leather wall hangings. These protected wall hangings are covered with silver leaves depicting ornate birds and foliage, an inspiration from India.
Bateman’s dining room at Christmas
Mrs Kipling was a stickler for timing, and dinner would be served at eight o’clock sharp. Whether there were guests dining with them or not, everyone was to be dressed in their best attire.
Bateman’s oast house in winter
We loved strolling around Bateman’s and chatting with the volunteers; the Christmas Jungle Book theme was so enchanting. The journey comes to an end within the oast house which is now home to the National Trust’s shop, which sells plants, garden ornaments and some lovely gifts for your friends and family.
If a little rest is required, pop into the Mulberry tearoom. Here, you can pick up some delicious delights or indulge in a mouthwatering cream tea.
Scullery Bookshop
What I also like about National Trust sites is their second-hand bookshops. For the bookworms amongst us, Bateman’s Scullery bookshop can be found as a pop-up in the old kitchen in the manor house.
If, like us, you enjoy visiting the National Trust gardens around the United Kingdom, then grab yourself a copy of the latest ‘Gardens of the National Trust’.
It’s a beautifully illustrated book, and it won’t be long before you’re planning your next trip.
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