Four Places To Visit This Christmas

- Places marked with a * was kindly a PR visit, but I am under no obligation to post. - 

Many stately homes have decked their halls and opened up their doors over the festive period. With big beautiful trees and lots of amazing themes to marvel at; visiting a stately home at Christmas is fast becoming a yearly tradition of mine. Here are four of the latest homes I've visited that I would recommend. 

Haddon Hall

I visited Haddon Hall* back in the Summer for its roses and was astounded by how beautiful the medieval Manor House was. Dating back to the 11th century, Haddon Hall is already shrouded in history with its grand Tudor hall and Elizabethan gardens. I was so happy to be back in this building for it's Christmas event this year, where they've decked the atmospheric main hall with a beautiful Christmas tree and roaring fire - you really feel like you've stepped back in history. As you wonder through the building, there's lots of other displays to look at. I would say Haddon Hall is the most 'low key' Christmas event of the bunch, but they often run Christmas markets throughout the start of December if you're looking for the full experience.

Blenheim Palace 

This year was the first time I've ever been to Blenheim Palace* and after visiting for Christmas, I can't wait to go back to explore the gardens in the Spring. In 2023, they had a theme of "Sleeping Beauty" for their Christmas display. Greeted at the door with a glorious Christmas tree reaching the painted ceiling of the great hall, you meander through the various palace rooms that tell you a story as you go. The interior of Blenheim Palace is beautiful on it's own, but with the added magical elements of twinkling lights and soft golden hues, it just becomes a true feast for the eyes. 

Chatsworth House

Chatsworth House is the place that made me fall in love with visiting stately homes at Christmas time. I've already got a love for Chatsworth House as it was the setting for Pemberly in Pride and Prejudice, but it was visiting at Christmas that really cemented it in my favourites list. The entrance hall with a grand staircase is beautiful enough as it is, but as you wind your way up the stairs you'll find the Christmas tree perched at the top. It's accompanied by the most marvellous painted ceiling you'll ever see and the whole experience from first room til last is a day trip you'll never forget. 

Waddesdon Manor 

Waddesdon Manor looks like it has been taken from a fairytale with it's round turrets and magical facade. They put on a Christmas market with delicious food and presents to buy others, but it's what is on inside that was truly beautiful. It was lovely to have lots of rooms decked out in different themes and each one was perfectly decorated getting you in the festive spirit. 

Have you visited at stately homes at Christmas? 

15 Things To Do This Christmas

We're officially on the countdown to Christmas! I personally enjoy the lead up to the 25th over the day itself as I love to embrace all the festivities and make sure to spread some Christmas joy throughout the month. If you're looking for things to do this festive season, then I've got just the list for you. 

Bake Some Treats | I personally love to bake in the lead up to Christmas as it's a great activity to get you in the festive mood, whilst getting a delicious treat out of it too. Gingerbread, chocolate pudding tiffin, mince pies and chocolate Yule log are just a few ideas of what you can whip up in the kitchen this Christmas. 

Have A Film Marathon | There's nothing I love more than spending an evening cosied up on the sofa surrounded by a cheese board and a few Christmas films lined up to watch. At the moment I've been watching the likes of The Holiday, Elf and Love Actually whilst completing a festive puzzle and having a games night - the perfect way to spend the evenings leading up the Christmas! 

Visit Christmas Lights | Lots of stately homes are lit up with wonderful Christmas displays throughout the month, some with Christmas lights both inside and out with lots of different themes. They're often accompanied by a Christmas market which means there's lots of delicious food to be eaten and presents to buy. I'm lucky as I've visited quite a few recently, but it's always an activity I recommend if you're looking to get in the mood. Equally, if you want to stay local, then having a frosty evening walk around your area to see who has decorated the best this year is also a great yearly activity of mine. 

Get Crafty | I always try and take up a new craft over the Christmas period as an excuse to relax and unwind in front of a Christmas film. I'm still working on improving my knitting technique, but last year I took on a needle felt project and thoroughly enjoyed it. Other ideas could include practising calligraphy, colouring in or starting some DIY Christmas presents. 

• Wear a Christmas jumper

• Donate to a local food bank

• Read a Christmas book 

• Go ice skating

• Make your own Christmas cards

• Have a mince pie competition 

• Finish decorating the house

• Make a homemade present 

• Listen to a Christmas playlist 

• Make a DIY garland or wreath

• Decorate a gingerbread house

Christmas Gift Guide - Cottage Core

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When I finally decided I wanted to do a few Christmas gift guides this year, the 'Cottage Core' instalment was top of my list. Full to the brim of presents I'd actually love to receive, it was hard to not add everything to my personal Christmas wishlist. 

These 'Cottage Core' themed presents are great for creatives, nature lovers and those who love unique presents. Personally, I think the Complete Book of the Flower Fairies would be a great gift if you know anyone that is nostalgic for the flower fairy poems and illustrations. If you've been inspired by poetry, I would recommend also gifting the A Poem For Every Night of The Year Book as I think it would be a thoughtful present and one that can be used and read outside of the Christmas period. 

If you'd like to put some time into your Christmas present, I would recommend creating a hamper using a beautiful wicker basket (so that it can be re-used!). Hand select their favourite beauty products, a candle and a book for a simple, yet thoughtful gift.