Victorian Christmas Celebrations at Beaulieu 15th December 2012 – 6th January 2013

Visit Beaulieu this Festive Season, between 15^th December and 6^th January 2013, for a glimpse of Christmas Past in a Victorian country house.

Palace House, which has been the home of the Montagu family since 1538, is a place of enchantment at this special time of year.  Children can delve into a  ‘Box of Delights’ and dress up in period costumes while in the Lower Drawing Room there will be carol singing and musical entertainment for everyone to enjoy.

Visitors can talk to characters from Victorian times to discover what life was really like ‘Upstairs and Downstairs’ at Christmas time and warm themselves in front of the yule log in the hearth of the great fireplace while enjoying a glass of hot fruit punch. The splendid Victorian-style decorations around the house and the magnificent Christmas tree in the Upper Drawing Room will add to the flavour and charm of the season.

In the National Motor Museum, the Victorian theme continues as visitors can see what driving was really like in those early days. Don’t miss the ‘Wheels’ pod-ride transporting you on a journey through one hundred years of motoring history.

See the museum’s exciting BOND IN MOTION exhibition, showcasing 50 original vehicles from the James Bond films. Put on in conjunction with EON Productions, this is the largest exhibition of its kind to be staged anywhere in the world, and celebrates 50 years of the film franchise. See some of the most iconic and best-loved Bond vehicles, including the Aston Martin DB5 from Goldeneye, the ‘Little Nellie’ gyrocopter from You Only Live Twice and Bond villain Zao’s gadget-laden Jaguar XKR used in Die Another Day, plus watch action clips and behind-the-scenes footage from some of the most thrilling vehicle stunt sequences in the films.

In the World of Top Gear Enormodrome watch exclusive footage as the boys take you behind the scenes in the Top Gear production zone, enjoy clips from some of the best Top Gear moments and see actual cars from some of the presenters’ most ambitious challenges.

To complete the day, take a ride on the high-level Monorail or hop on the Veteran London Bus to see the Beaulieu sights.

For shopping delights visit the Beaulieu gift shops which offer everything from soft toys and stocking fillers for children, to a wide selection of motor related items, traditional gifts and Beaulieu’s own wine and festive fare.  There is free parking and free entry to the extensive Gift Shop, conveniently located in the Visitor Reception Hall.

The Beaulieu attraction is open from 10am to 5pm daily, except Christmas Day. For further information visit: www.beaulieu.co.uk

Christmas At The Treasure Houses Of England

Expect a fabulous feast of festive entertainment and events this Christmas at the magnificent Treasure Houses of England.  Shop in style with magical Christmas markets and discover beautifully and stylishly decorated Treasure Houses for a unique and inspired day out, not to mention the opportunity to pick up some beautifully bespoke presents for your nearest and dearest.

Beaulieu's Victorian Christmas

The beautiful Blenheim Palace

Beaulieu’s Christmas Fair (16 November) in support of the Estate’s Countryside Educational Trust includes an array of quality items from food and drink to jewellery, antiques and plants.  In addition, their Christmas Celebrations (15 December-6 January) will feature carol singing in festively decorated Palace House and Victorian characters who will be on show-stopping hand to divulge fascinating details on life in a Victorian country house 

Blenheim Palace’s The Palace will be telling the story of The Three Kings (10 November-14 December) through spectacular themed decorations, with the State Rooms decorated in glittering gold and festooned in exotic silk.

Castle Howard at Christmas

Celebrate and sample local produce at Burghley House’s free fine food market (1 December) where cheeses, meats and cupcakes are just some of the drool-worthy delights on offer.

The NSPCC Christmas Shopping Fair will be hosted by Castle Howard, which also presents its captivating Christmas Craft & Produce Market (2-4 December & 9-10 December). Relish some seasonal finery throughout the castle and grounds with family decorations, festive music, seasonal menus and weekend audiences with Father Christmas (24 November-16 December).
 

Chatsworth

Harewood

Holkham

For something decidedly different, visit Chatsworth for their Christmas themed evenings at the farm shop ( 5th & 12th December). Browse their various gifts, treats and Christmas produce while enjoying live demonstrations and a top seasonal tipple of mulled wine.  Chatsworth also presents a host of workshops and making events, from their floral workshop (29 & 30 November) to wreath making (5 & 6 December) sessions.   And don’t forget to bring the entire family to Chatsworth’s nativity performances, featuring adorable real animals from their farmyard (evening nativities 1, 8, 15 and 22 December at 6pm and daytime nativities 1-2, 8-9, 15-16 and 22-23 December).

Festive food, a crackling fire in the grate and a house dressed for a family Christmas; Harewood celebrates all that is good about the festive season with their much-anticipated Christmas Weekends (1 December-23 December).   Immerse yourself in the magic of the house and take a tour of glorious grounds, feel the true spirit of a Harewood Christmas.

Get in the festive spirit with Music for Christmas at Hatfield (9 December).  Staged in the Old Palace, Hertfordshire Chorus - one of the UK's leading symphonic choirs - present an evening of seasonal favourites as mulled wine, coffee and mince pies will be doing the delicious rounds prior to the performance.

Catch awe-inspiring splendour at Holkham Hall for their resplendent Christmas Celebrations (1, 2, 8 & 9 December). With the staterooms decorated in stunning Victorian style and cast in oh-so romantic candlelight, it promises to be a magnificent sight to behold.   Watch the cooks in the Old Kitchen as they prepare the Christmas feast and meet the traditionally clothed Victorian characters who will be filling the hall with storytelling, dancing, carol singing and tales from Christmas past; while Father Christmas welcomes children each with their own special gift.  Visit the Victorian traders selling Christmas gifts and crafts in the Bygones Museum and courtyard and indulge in tasty refreshments at The Stables Café, with mulled wine and tempting festive treats. 

Leeds Castle

The lovely fellows at Leeds Castle are proud to present Christmas Past (12 -23 Dec) - a glorious celebration of the Victorian Christmas.  Come and see the incredible illuminated Woodland Walk and prepare to be amazed!  Glorious food, shops, stalls, fabulous gifts, Christmas carols, a Victorian train, Santa Claus and more.
   
 
Treasure Houses of England

• The Treasure Houses of England are 10 of the most magnificent palaces, houses and castles in England today. Together they attract in excess of 2.8 million visitors annually.
• Members are Beaulieu, Blenheim Palace, Burghley House, Castle Howard, Chatsworth, Harewood, Hatfield House, Holkham Hall, Leeds Castle and Woburn Abbey.
• One of the most compelling features of the Treasure Houses of England is that they all offer the visitor a living history. Most are still homes to the great families who have owned them for generations. Others keep their heritage alive by re-creating scenes and events that have dominated and shaped England from the 9th century to the present day.
• Between them they house some of the most important art collections in the world with famous works from artists such as Van Dyck and Gainsborough. The connoisseur of fine furniture, porcelain and china will find priceless examples of Chippendale, Wedgwood and Meissen.
• Each house is an architectural masterpiece surrounded by beautiful parklands and gardens.

Simply Super Simply Smart

A colourful collection of Smart cars brightened up the Beaulieu Arena in the grounds of the National Motor Museum on Remembrance Sunday for the second ever Simply Smart rally.

All Smart car owners were invited to drive their quirky motors to Beaulieu, display their vehicles in its picturesque parkland, and enjoy all the delights of the attraction, whilst getting the chance to meet other like-minded enthusiasts and admire their vehicles.

A wonderful variety of models were on show, from the more everyday Fortwos and City-Coupés to the sportier looking Roadsters and Crossblades, decorated with all sorts of colourful graphics and designs.

Decorated Smart Car dashboard

This event was again well supported by owners’ club, SmartManiacs, with a large number of their members attending. At the club’s request, the event is always held around the time of Remembrance Sunday, with this year’s rally taking place on the day itself. As a fitting tribute and a mark of respect, Sue and Peter Taylor brought along their ‘Poppy’ Smart car, decorated with red poppy graphics, to display in the Front Hall of the National Motor Museum for the day.

The whole Beaulieu attraction also took part in a two minute silence at 11am, which visitors were invited to join.
 

People's Choice winner Sue Toogood
with her pink Smart Fortwo

Throughout the day, visitors to Beaulieu were given the opportunity to vote for their favourite Smart car on display in the People’s Choice Award. The winner was Sue Toogood from Bargoed, South Wales with her striking Smart Fortwo Passion in an eye-catching pearlescent pink. Sue, who has owned the vehicle for seven years, was presented with a special 60th anniversary edition Beaulieu Trophy by Beaulieu’s Events Co-ordinator, Thomas Reinhold. Sue uses the vehicle to help raise money for charity and has participated in the annual Pink Car Rally five times to raise funds for the Little Princess Trust, a charity devoted to helping young cancer sufferers cope with hair loss.

Sue and four finalists drove in a cavalcade through the grounds of the Beaulieu attraction, to Lord Montagu’s family home, Palace House, where they displayed their cars for a unique photo opportunity.

Simply Smart is part of a growing calendar of Simply rallies which has expanded to include a wide variety of themes covering many makes and models. All Simply rallies are run and organised by Beaulieu and take place in the grounds of the National Motor Museum.

This event was sponsored by specialist motor insurance broker Adrian Flux. The next Simply Smart rally is scheduled for Sunday 10th November 2013. Further information will be available from www.beaulieuevents.co.uk nearer the time.

Tuck in to a Burghley Christmas

England’s greatest Elizabethan house will play host to a seasonal spectacle featuring festive favourites including country crafts, Christmas floral arranging and fine food.

Burghley House in Lincolnshire provides the spectacular backdrop for a festive celebration including a stately food market, crafts pavilion and Christmas parties in an historic location.

While the House closed at the end of October, Burghley at Christmas offers visitors a chance to experience traditional seasonal treats in a striking heritage setting. 

There are winter walks through the Capability Brown-designed parkland, home to a herd of fallow deer, and seasonal shopping at Burghley’s own gift shop.

And Burghley’s ever-popular Orangery Restaurant - run by prestigious caterers Absolute Taste - is also open Wednesday through to Sunday in December serving tasty treats as well as traditional Christmas lunches.

Launching Burghley’s festive season will be the popular Crafts for Christmas from the Rural Crafts Association, which returns to Burghley 29th November - 2nd December 2012.

A marquee in the picturesque parkland provides a festive space for talented makers and designers from all over the UK producing top quality products all under one roof. (For ticket prices, visit www.ruralcraftsassociation.co.uk or call 01428 684494).

While over the weekend, Saturday 1st December and Sunday 2nd December, join in a celebration of local produce at the free-to-enter Christmas Fine Food Market.

Within the cobbled courtyard against the backdrop of the Elizabethan house, stall holders will be selling everything from local cheese and meats to cupcakes and Burghley venison.

Special Festive Floral Workshops, will also be staged on both days with Burghley's head gardener John Burrows. He will reveal how to make either a beautiful table centre or festive garland that visitors can take home with them, with all materials and refreshments provided (booking is essential for the workshops).

But there is plenty more Christmas cheer on offer throughout December at the historic house, which has been the home of the Cecil family for more than 400 years.

Unusually for such a historic house, you can park and visit the restaurant or walk through the parkland with no charge throughout the year. Offering sweeping vistas down to the spires of the Georgian stone town of Stamford, Burghley’s parkland creates the perfect canvas for a winter stroll. 

Christmas also brings a truly seasonal flavour to the menu at the recently refurbished Orangery restaurant. Boasting huge windows flooding the area with natural light, the Orangery – also designed by Capability Brown – will be serving homemade food right through the day as well as Christmas lunch in December.

And as well as the elegant Orangery restaurant, Burghley’s awe inspiring Great Hall offers a chance for a Christmas Party with a difference, whether choosing one of the special festive packages or creating your own special event.

Caterers Absolute Taste offer a selection of delicious mains to choose from, including truffle-basted ballotine of turkey with a chestnut and wild mushroom stuffing and classic beef Wellington, followed by mouthwatering desserts such as a trio of Christmas treats.

The gift shop and the restaurant are both are open during the winter period, from Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm (shop 11am to 4pm). 

For details of Christmas Lunch menus and bespoke dinner parties at The Orangery at Burghley, visit www.burghley.co.uk/venue/christmas

For full details of all events at Burghley, visit www.burghley.co.uk or telephone 01780 752451.

Outstanding Anniversary Year For Beaulieu

Aston Martin DB5 and Rolls-Royce Phantom III

In its 60th anniversary year, more than 400,000 visitors from all over the world have visited the Beaulieu attraction, giving it its best visitor numbers in over 15 years.  A big part of this success has been the opening of BOND IN MOTION, an exclusive exhibition, the largest of its kind staged anywhere in the world, featuring 50 original vehicles from the James Bond films, including some of the best loved and most iconic. 
Beaulieu’s Commercial Director, Stephen Munn said: “Beaulieu was one of the first stately homes in England to open its doors to visitors in the early 1950s and I am delighted that in its 60th anniversary year it continues to flourish. The attraction endeavours to offer something for all ages and tastes and its latest exhibition BOND IN MOTION has brought a whole new audience to the attraction since its opening at the beginning of the year.”

Record breakers

It has recently been announced that BOND IN MOTION, originally scheduled to run for just one year, has been extended and will be continuing throughout 2013. The exhibition has been brought right up to date with four vehicles from the 23rd and latest Bond film SKYFALL; the Land Rover Defender 110 and two Honda CRF250R motorcycles that feature in the opening sequence as well as the most iconic of all Bond cars, the Aston Martin DB5.

Beaulieu International Autojumble

Beaulieu’s achievements during 2012 have been recognised with nominations for a number of industry awards.  It is a finalist in four categories of the Beautiful South Awards for Excellence; Large Attraction, Access for All Tourism, Tourism Event of the Year, for the International Autojumble, and its in-house caterers, Leith’s, for Business Tourism. In the Hudson’s Heritage Awards Beaulieu has been nominated in the Best Attraction category and Best Event category for Supercar Showdown.
In addition, Beaulieu has been shortlisted in the Museum or Collection of the Year category for the National Motor Museum and Motoring Event of the Year for the International Autojumble in the annual Octane magazine International Historic Motoring Awards.

The results will be announced at awards ceremonies at the end of November.

Hammond’s Budget Bond Submarine Car At Beaulieu’s World Of Top Gear

Following the airing of Top Gear’s 50 Years of Bond Cars special, fans of the show visiting Beaulieu’s World of Top Gear can now see the actual Top Gear Lotus Excel Submarine driven by Richard Hammond into a lake.

In honour of the 50th anniversary of the James Bond film franchise and the release of the 23rd Bond film Skyfall, Richard Hammond paid tribute to some of 007’s greatest moments on wheels with an hour-long Top Gear special, looking at some of the famous, and not so famous, cars used by the world’s favourite spy. Carried along on a heady wave of nostalgia, Hammond even decided to make a couple of amazing real-life Bond cars on a budget.
 
One of these budget creations was based on the unforgettable Lotus Esprit S1 ‘submarine’ car used by Roger Moore’s James Bond in The Spy Who Loved Me. The Top Gear version of this iconic aquatic vehicle uses the never-popular Excel model (because 007-style Esprits were too expensive) and features extendable rear dive planes, electrically-powered rear thrusters, a double skinned passenger compartment, a roof hatch for access and a cunning ballast system which involved filling the tyres with concrete.

Amazingly, this is one of the few cut-price Top Gear projects which actually worked, and this ingenious creation can truly claim to be the world’s first fully functioning submarine car. Although perhaps its biggest achievement is that it has made it to World of Top Gear at Beaulieu, and isn’t lying at the bottom of the lake in which it was tested!

The Lotus Excel Submarine joins a growing collection of cars at Beaulieu created by the Top Gear presenters for some of their most ambitious challenges. Latest additions include the mobility scooters which the presenters raced against wounded servicemen, the cars which they drove through India in the Christmas Special 2011 and Jeremy Clarkson’s TGV12 sports train.

Regular features from the programme including the Cool Wall and the Celebrity ‘Lap Times’ boards are kept up to date in line with the show. Visitors can also watch behind-the-scenes footage of the Top Gear production zone and clips of some of the best Top Gear moments in the ‘Enormodrome’ which recreates the feel of the Top Gear studio, where the TV show is filmed in front of a live audience.

Visitors to Beaulieu can also see the original James Bond Lotus Esprit S1 ‘submarine’ car, the inspiration for this Top Gear challenge, currently displayed in BOND IN MOTION, the National Motor Museum’s exhibition of 50 genuine James Bond cars. This is the largest official collection of Bond vehicles displayed anywhere in the world and showcases all 007’s modes of transportation, including cars, trikes, bikes, sleds, boats and many more.

World of Top Gear and BOND IN MOTION can be viewed as part of a visit to the whole Beaulieu attraction which also includes the National Motor Museum, Palace House and Beaulieu Abbey.

Beaulieu is open every day, except Christmas Day, from 10am. For more information telephone 01590 612345 or visit www.beaulieu.co.uk

Christmas at Harewood - Indulge in the magic of Christmas.

Enjoy a traditional Christmas at Harewood this year - open weekends from 24th November to 16th December. Harewood House, between Leeds and Harrogate, has pulled out all the stops for a truly traditional Christmas, with seasonal crafts, activities and merry events for all the family.

Every weekend little ones can meet Father Christmas by the Fireside in the Servants Hall (from 11:00am - 3:30pm). They can snuggle up and enjoy a festive tale and receive an early Christmas gift made especially in the Elves workshop. (£12.50 pre-booked half hour session, includes entry to the grounds.) Historically, Below Stairs is where Christmas was created for guests on the State Floor, you can get in the spirit with cookery demonstrations in the   Old Kitchen and sample some delectable treats. Or, enjoy some retail therapy in our festive Gourmet Shop filled with irresistible goodies in our transformed Pastry Room.  Then you can visit the grandest rooms on the State Floor which will be sumptuously dressed for Christmas (open 12 – 3pm) giving you a sneak peek of how the family celebrate.

 
Music has long played a part in Christmas at Harewood and you can experience a magical ‘Carols by Candlelight’ service by St Aidan’s Choir and Brass Band on 6th December in Harewood’s All Saints’ Church. Enjoy warming festive refreshments and treats in the unique atmosphere of this Medieval Church. During your visit, explore the award-winning Harewood Grounds and Gardens for an adventurous walk in your woollies and pay a visit to Father Christmas’s faithful friends in the penguin pool, feeding at 2pm.

Try your hand at creating your own Christmas decorations this year with Wreath Making or Table Centre Floristry workshops (11th December/18th December) with Harewood’s award winning House Florist Gillian Gill (pre-book only, visit www.harewood.org/winter for more details).

Meanwhile in the Courtyard, get some Christmas shopping done and treat your nearest and dearest in Harewood’s recently refurbished Courtyard shop, stocking designer homeware and gifts seldom available outside of London and refuel with some seasonal treats at Harewood’s Courtyard Restaurant. 

To be a member at Harewood and enjoy exclusive benefits, visit www.harewood.org/membership – membership also makes a great Christmas gift.

Extended Run Announce for the Bond In Motion Exhibition at The National Motor Museum

The National Motor Museum, Beaulieu is proud to announce that BOND IN MOTION, the exclusive official exhibition of 50 original James Bond vehicles, will be continuing throughout 2013.

The exhibition, is the largest of its kind staged anywhere in the world and features 50 original vehicles from the James Bond films, including some of the best loved and most iconic.

The exhibition, staged to celebrate 50 years of this enduring film franchise is brought right up to date with four vehicles from the 23rd and latest Bond film SKYFALL which premiered last month; the Land Rover Defender 110 and two Honda CRF250R motorcycles that feature in the opening sequence as well as the vehicle most recently added to the exhibition, the Aston Martin DB5.

Beaulieu’s Commercial Director, Stephen Munn said: “Since its opening, BOND IN MOTION has been an outstanding success, attracting over 400,000 visitors from all over the world. This critically acclaimed exhibition has been a fantastic addition to the National Motor Museum and we are delighted to have the opportunity to extend its run and welcome even more Bond fans throughout 2013.”

BOND IN MOTION features a whole range of vehicles which have appeared in Bond films over the years including cars, boats, motorbikes, jets and many more. This collection of iconic movie vehicles includes the Phantom lll Rolls-Royce from GOLDFINGER, the Lotus Esprit S1 affectionately nicknamed ‘Wet Nellie’ from THE SPY WHO LOVED ME, the Bede Acrostar jet famously flown in OCTOPUSSY, the original SFX Cello Case Ski famously navigated by Timothy Dalton in THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS the original villain Parahawk featured in THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH and the Aston Martin DBS from CASINO ROYALE

BOND IN MOTION will run to 5^th January 2014 and can be seen as part of a visit to the whole Beaulieu attraction.  Advance tickets, at a special rate, are available to buy online at www.beaulieushop.co.uk.

For further information on the exhibition visit www.bondinmotion.co.uk

Celebrate The Traditional Spirit Of Christmas At Holkham

Enjoy a historic and heart-warming Christmas at Holkham this December, with three magical weekends of traditional family entertainment complete with real reindeer to add that special festive feel.

Beautiful Victorian decorations, sparkling entertainment, seasonal food and a visit from Father Christmas himself are highlights of Holkham’s Christmas Celebrations on the first two weekends of December - 1, 2, 8 and 9. 
 
Holkham Hall will be open from 11am to 5pm each day and visitors will be able to see the magnificently decorated grand state rooms of the north Norfolk property and meet Victorian characters dressed in splendid costumes. There will be story-telling, dancing, carol singing and tales from Christmas past, while Father Christmas will welcome children to collect a gift and leave him their special, secret Christmas wishes. There will also be a unique chance for visitors to see Father Christmas’s reindeer enjoying a welcome short break at Holkham before their hectic schedule of present deliveries begins on Christmas Eve.

In the Old Kitchen visitors can watch the bustling cooks prepare a traditional Christmas feast and visit the Stables Café for tempting treats and winter warmers. There will be an opportunity to source a variety of seasonal gifts from Victorian traders’ stalls in the Bygones Museum and Holkham’s own Gift Shop will be well-stocked to find that perfect Christmas present.

On the third weekend of December the spectacular setting of the Marble Hall at Holkham will provide the perfect venue for two magical theatre productions; ‘Mole’s Christmas Wind in The Willows’ on Saturday 15 and ‘A Christmas Carol’ on Sunday 16 with a matinee and evening performance on each day.

Tickets for the two weekends of Christmas Celebrations are £12 for adults, £8 for children (2 to 16 years) and £36 for families (two adults and two children).

Tickets for the Christmas Theatre are £16 for adults and £12 for children (2-16 year) for the Auditorium and £12 and £8 for the Gallery.

For further information on these events or to book tickets contact 01328 713111, email ticketoffice@holkham.co.uk or visit www.holkham.co.uk

‘Lunch for less’ as an autumnal stately treat at Burghley

England’s greatest Elizabethan house might have closed for the season at the end of October, but Burghley’s popular Orangery Restaurant will continue to serve up stately foodie treats this autumn - and with two special seasonal money-saving offers too.

During November 2012 ‘Friends Fridays’ offer even more value to a Friends of Burghley House membership, while from January to March anyone who visits the Orangery can tuck in to a special ‘Lunch for Less’ menu.

Run by prestigious caterer Absolute Taste, the bright and relaxing Orangery is open even when the House is closed and serves a full range of menu options from breakfast to dinner, all using locally sourced, fresh ingredients.

Designed by 'Capability' Brown to provide space for the family's love of horticulture in the eighteenth century, the Orangery’s huge windows provide natural light for lunches and social events, while it becomes a more intimate and elegant space in the evening.

And for the month of November, Friends of Burghley House members will be able to take advantage of an extra discount on food during ‘Friends Fridays’.

Becoming a Friend of Burghley entitles holders to free admission to Burghley House and Gardens for the whole of that season, half-price admission for up to three guests per visit and priority tickets and discounted rates on most special Burghley events.

Membership also offers a 10% discount throughout the year in the Orangery restaurant, Burghley gift shop and garden shop. But for November, Friends of Burghley members will receive a 15% discount off food and drink in the Orangery every Friday.

Individual, joint and family Friendship membership are available, starting from around £45 for the year, with money raised boosting the on-going conservation work at Burghley.

And to welcome in the New Year, The Orangery will once again be serving up yet another opportunity to enjoy local food in glorious surroundings - a chance to ‘Lunch for Less’! From 9th January 2013, the popular lunchtime treat will offer diners two courses for £12.95 from the Orangery menu, Wednesday to Saturday until 9th March.

The Orangery is open from 10am until 4pm Wednesday to Sunday, although will close on 4th November when there are functions taking place at the House. Unusually for such a historic house, you can park and visit the restaurant with no charge throughout the year.

For more details about Friends of Burghley membership as well as The Orangery opening times and menus, visit www.burghley.co.uk or telephone 01780 752451.