16 • Festive Travel, Days Out & Attractions


Christmas Inspiration - brought to you by APL Media • Wednesday 12 November 2025


BLENHEIM PALACE


HOLKHAM HALL CHRISTMAS AT CHATSWORTH HOUSE


Home of Christmas past ‘F


With enchanting light trails and towering trees, these historic houses come into their own during the festive season. Words: Henrietta Easton


or it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas…’ wrote


Dickens in A Christmas Carol, and what better way to embrace your inner child than spending a festive afternoon at one of this UK’s historic houses? Away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, here are just a few historic estates you can visit to best experience the festive season.


CASTLE HOWARD, YORKSHIRE 13 NOVEMBER TO 4 JANUARY 2026 This incredible baroque estate, which is best known for its role as Brideshead Revisited in the 2008 adaptation of Evelyn Waugh’s classic novel, takes centre stage at Christmas when its historic halls are transformed into a fantasy world. To coincide with the release of the film Wicked: For Good, this Christmas


visitors to Castle Howard will follow the Yellow Brick Road to discover curious, psychedelic surprises in each magnificent room. Afterwards, enjoy a Christmas afternoon tea served in the grand Grecian Hall.


BLENHEIM PALACE, OXFORDSHIRE 14 NOVEMBER TO 3 JANUARY 2026 This magnificent estate — the only non-royal stately home called a


ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE Te Peacock at Rowsley


Set in the heart of Derbyshire’s Peak District, The Peacock at Rowsley is a beautifully restored 17th-century manor house


With just 15 individually styled rooms, this boutique four-star rated hotel provides an intimate and tranquil retreat that offers a unique blend of historic charm and contemporary elegance The Peacock’s acclaimed


restaurant, awarded three AA Rosettes and featured in the Michelin Guide, showcases the best seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy imaginative dishes in a refined setting, complemented by an exceptional wine list and attentive service. For a more relaxed experience, the cosy bar serves traditional ales and lighter dishes beside a roaring fire. Perfectly located for exploring


Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall and the surrounding countryside, The Peacock also offers fly fishing on the Rivers Wye and Derwent and bespoke walking experiences for guests who want to see the local area. Whether you’re seeking a romantic


escape, celebrating a special occasion or simply craving peace and quiet, The Peacock at Rowsley promises a stay filled with comfort, character and culinary excellence.


palace — will become a veritable winter wonderland with a Christmas market in the Great Court and a glittering Christmas trail through the historic state rooms. Enjoy an illuminated after-dark trail in the grounds featuring spectacular works by both international and local artists, as well as the chance to taste an Emerald City-themed afternoon tea.


WADDESDON MANOR, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE 22 JANUARY TO 4 NOVEMBER The French Renaissance-style chateau — which was built by the Rothschild family and is one of the National Trust’s most visited properties — is renowned for its festive celebrations and this year will be no different. Guests get to follow none other than Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild on a festive European tour through the house. The highlight of Christmas at Waddesdon is the market, however, with artisan stalls housed in cute wooden chalets, selling seasonal produce and handmade gifts.


CHATSWORTH HOUSE, DERBYSHIRE 8 NOVEMBER TO 4 JANUARY 2026 In Jane Austen’s 250th anniversary year, it seems fitting to head to Chatsworth, her inspiration for Pemberley in Pride and Prejudice, which will dive head first into fabulous festivities for the best part of two months. The house will be decked out with towering Christmas trees and glittering decorations, while the grounds are being reimagined under the theme of Chatsworth: The Enchanted Garden.


HOLKHAM HALL, NORFOLK 28 NOVEMBER TO 30 DECEMBER This 18th-century country house calls itself the home of Christmas for very good reason. The grand estate will play host to an action-packed festive season events calendar, which is set to include a special canine carol service, a Christmas market and the site’s perennially popular Holkham by Candlelight guided tour — book a spot on the list to be treated to a warming mince pie, a glass of fizz and live music.


Book your escape today


T: 01629 733518 E: enjoymore@thepeacockatrowsley.com Visit: thepeacockatrowsley.com Bakewell Road, Rowsley, Matlock DE4 2EB


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