Christmas at Castle Ward

Winter wander trail with Percy the Park Keeper

Percy the Park Keeper needs you and your family to help out with some winter tasks and activities around the estate. Follow the map to join in with Percy and his friends, and don’t forget your welly boots as the trail may become mucky with the winter weather. You will get a note from Percy himself and clues to help you along the way until you reach the end where a prize awaits!

The trail is self-led and will run from 4 December 2021 to 3 January 2022.

There is a £2.00 participation fee which must be paid at Reception or at the Shop in the Stable yard.

A Georgian Christmas

This festive season, we invite you to step inside Castle Ward and experience the Mansion dressed in tableau for an evocative eighteenth century Christmas. Entering the house, your senses will awaken, and you will view the rooms just as the Georgians did in the dark and cosy Winter evenings.

Atmospheric lighting will accentuate the period plasterwork and panelling, and the moving shadows will add to the intrigue of the old rooms. A feast for all the senses, the halls will be wreathed in colourful historical garlands; the dining table festooned with a veritable cornucopia of festive fayre and rich wines; the air will be filled with evocative scents of Christmas; and if you listen carefully you will hear the sounds of mirth and jollity from centuries past. After journeying through the grand and elegant rooms of the house, you will descend the Servants Stairs to the basements of Castle Ward where you will find the preparations for Christmas well under way – a Housekeeper’s room; a bustling kitchen filled with the delicious scents of festive food; and a cellar filled with fine wines.

The Georgian Christmas experience will be open to visitors over two weekends,  3 – 5 and 10 – 12 December 2021.

Christmas Artisan Market

We’re delighted to welcome a host of local crafters and artisan makers into our Stable yard this Christmas. From metal and woodworkers, to painters and cheesemakers, our artisan market is the perfect place to pick up your locally crafted Christmas gifts. Our Tea-room is offering a selection of festive hot beverages to keep your hands nice and toasty, along with locally sourced and seasonal hot food. Our Stable yard is filled with Christmas lights, wreaths and cheer, a place where you can enjoy the sounds of local carol singers before warming up at the wood burner with some Christmas tales.

The Christmas Artisan Market will be open to visitors from 3 to 5 December 2021.