Victorian Christmas Celebrations at Beaulieu - 21st December to 5th January 2014

Beaulieu

Visit Beaulieu this Festive Season, between 21st December and 5th January 2014, 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.

Victorian Christmas

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.

Don’t miss your last chance to see the museum’s exciting BOND IN MOTION exhibition (closing on the 5th January), showcasing 50 original vehicles from the James Bond films. 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

Christmas at Beaulieu is a time of magic with fun, activities and entertainment for all.  Beaulieu’s festive celebrations (21 December – 5 January) will feature carol singing around the Grand Piano in the decorated Palace House complete with a magnificent Christmas tree.  Victorian characters will be on show- to divulge fascinating details on life – upstairs and downstairs at Christmas time.

Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace’s will be decorated for a ‘Dickensian’ Christmas (9 November – 13 December) with plenty to see and do, from late night shopping, storytelling, carol singers, Santa’s grotto and more. The renowned Living Crafts for Christmas (15 - 17 November) will also take place showcasing a series of high quality and contemporary creations from over 150 British designer-makers. For festive fun and splendor visit Britain’s Greatest Palace this Christmas.

Burghley House

Burghley House’s Crafts for Christmas - (28 November –1st December) will be the perfect place to pick up some very special presents featuring a wide range of new products and ideas. Graham Pickett Antiques will also be at Burghley in their usual Old Kitchen location with fabulous furniture and divine collectables.

Castle Howard

Enjoy Castle Howard in all its festive glory and take in the magical Christmas atmosphere of the candlelit house.  There will be yuletide entertainment, festive foods and gifts from 23 November to 22 December, plus a late night Carols and Candlelight event on 19 December will include a late night market, Christmas parade and carols in front of the house as dusk falls.

Chatsworth

From 9 Nov until the 23 Dec, Chatsworth will be magically transformed for the Christmas season, with the lower floors of the house decorated in the theme of 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.  With events such as twilight evenings, Christmas markets and nativities starring real farmyard animals, as well as beautiful festive displays, there is something for everyone at Chatsworth this winter.

Hatfield House

Don’t miss Hatfield’s Frost Fair (22 – 24 November) held in Marquees on Palace Green, childhood home of Elizabeth 1 you’ll find wonderful original and unusual crafts and gifts for the family and home alongside exclusive ranges from The Hatfield Gift Shop.  Plus drop in to workshops, including creative Christmas decorating using fresh flowers and greenery.

Holkham Hall

Catch awe-inspiring Holkham Hall on two weekends (7/ 8 and 14/15 Dec) and get festive with a traditional Christmas in true Holkham style! See the magnificent state rooms beautifully decorated, complete with handmade decorations. Or walk through the snowy winter wonderland, where there’s a chance for children to see Father Christmas in his magical grotto.

Leeds Castle

Christmas is growing at Leeds Castle this year. Nature has crept into the magnificent castle rooms to create a glittering Twelve Days of Christmas from 7 to 24 Dec. Meet real reindeer on the castle island and children will love our new husky sleigh rides. Our first Christmas Market with German style chalets and traditional carousel rides is here from 7 – 22 Dec, open daily from 11am to 6pm with late night shopping until 9pm on 12, 13, 19 and 20 Dec.

Woburn Abbey

Book now for Woburn Abbey’s Luminaries Woburnensis on Saturday 7th December. Explore the magical gardens illuminated after dark and discover the trail ice and fire sculptures. Visit the gift hall to pick out that perfect present and snuggle up with a hot drink to listen to the live band.


www.treasurehouses.co.uk

Bluebird Cn7’S Original Nose Panel Loaned To The National Motor Museum For New Land Speed Record Breakers Display

Original nose panel with the Bluebird CN7

The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu has become the proud custodian of the original front nose panel from Donald Campbell’s famous World Land Speed Record Breaker, the Bluebird CN7.
The Malcolm Campbell Heritage Trust has offered the item on loan to the museum following its donation to the Trust by Stadco Ltd Coventry, formerly Motor Panels Ltd – the original manufacturing company that worked on the CN7.

In a presentation in the museum, in front of the Bluebird CN7 itself, two nephews of Donald Campbell, Don Wales and Peter Hulme, handed the panel over to the Chief Executive of the National Motor Museum Trust (NMMT), Russell Bowman. Two representatives from Stadco, Paul Jaggers and Neil Holloway, were also present to witness the handover.

The panel, displaying the Union Jack and US flags alongside the Bluebird insignia, is the original nose panel from the Bluebird CN7, damaged during the world’s fastest ever survived car crash at the Bonneville Salt Flats in 1960 in a land speed attempt prior to Donald Campbell’s 403.1mph record set in the car in 1964 at Lake Eyre, Australia.
Following the crash, the CN7 returned to Motor Panels for a redesign, including the addition of a tail fin to stabilise the vehicle at speed, and during the repairs the panel was removed and replaced. The old, damaged nose panel spent the next 50 years in various places on the Coventry site at Stadco before its recent donation to the Malcolm Campbell Heritage Trust.

Since receiving Stadco’s donation, the Malcolm Campbell Heritage Trust has loaned the panel to the National Motor Museum, which has housed the Bluebird CN7 since the late 1960s, for a brand new Land Speed Record Breakers display.

Don Wales, nephew of Donald Campbell, said: “We are very grateful to Stadco for returning this special panel to the family. It is an iconic piece of land speed motoring history and we are delighted to be able to loan it to Beaulieu for the new Land Speed Record Breakers display being unveiled next year.”

Expected to launch in Spring 2014, the museum’s new display will feature four iconic World Land Speed Record cars, including the Bluebird CN7, Sir Malcolm Campbell’s Blue Bird 350hp, Major Henry Segrave’s Sunbeam 1000hp and Golden Arrow, accompanied by new high definition images and archive film footage.

The panel will join a number of other rare land speed artefacts that will be showcased alongside the record breakers themselves.

NMMT Chief Executive, Russell Bowman, said: “We are delighted that visitors to Beaulieu will be able to see the original panel alongside the car itself, helping us to illustrate the determination exhibited by Donald Campbell and his team to overcome major setbacks and achieve his 1964 record. We are very grateful to Stadco and the Campbell Family for this loan.”

A ‘Dickensian Christmas’ at Blenheim Palace 9th November – 13th December 2013

Blenheim Palace

A ‘Dickensian Christmas’ at Blenheim Palace 9^th November – 13^th December 2013

This year Christmas at Britain’s Greatest Palace will be more magical than ever with the Palace beautifully decorated for a traditional ‘Dickensian Christmas’. Step into a festive wonderland full of grand Christmas trees adorned with twinkling lights and exquisite decorations. Dickensian scenes will be brought to life as you tour the Palace to transport you back in time.

The grand Saloon table will be set for a Christmas feast inspired by the classic Dickens story ‘A Christmas Carol’, with some familiar Christmas scenes including the Victorian feast for ‘Tiny Tim’ and the Cratchit family. Grand trees in the Long Library will be decorated with lanterns and candles, along with displays of giant replica Victorian Christmas cards, excerpts from Dickens stories in the Long Library. At weekends Victorian carol singers and Dickens story telling will bring the magic of a Dickensian Christmas to life in the Palace.

Christmas Entertainment Guide

There is also plenty more festive fun to be had by all this season that includes:

Living Statues in the Palace - 30^th November – 1^st December

Living statue Dickensian characters Marley and Scrooge will be lurking in the Palace, surprising unsuspecting visitors as they explore the ‘Dickensian’ decorations. 

Late night Christmas Shopping – 5^th December

Enjoy Christmas shopping in the wonderful East Courtyard Shop, whilst enjoying live carol singing, port and liqueur tastings, and interesting demonstrations. Mulled wine and Winter Pimms will be available from The Oxfordshire Pantry. Blenheim Estate Christmas trees will be on sale next to the Information Kiosk outside the Palace.

Festive Family Fun and Santa's Grotto – 7^th - 8^th December / 14^th – 15^th December

Families will be able to enjoy a festive ride on the miniature train to the Pleasure Gardens to visit Santa’s Grotto on 7th, 8th, 14th and 15th December. The Children's Shop will be open providing pocket-money toys, treats and fancy dress costumes, and our ‘Pottering About’ craft studio where children can make their own handmade crafts for Christmas presents.

Christmas Carols and Storytelling – 23^rd – 24^th November / 7^th – 8^th December  

On selected weekends throughout the Christmas season the Palace will be filled with the sounds of festive singing from local school choirs and the Bletchingdon Brass Band, whilst the spirit of Christmas will come to life with Dickensian story readings for everyone to enjoy.

Blenheim Estate Christmas Trees – on sale from 30^th November – 23^rd December

Bring the spirit of Christmas home with you with a freshly harvested Christmas tree, grown on the Blenheim Estate. On sale at the Information Kiosk outside the Palace and Combe Saw Mills. To reserve your tree call 01993 813196 or email christmastrees@blenheimpalace.com.

Seasonal Delights

Enjoy a range of locally sourced food to satisfy the taste buds, with a variety of hot and cold meals available at our restaurants and cafes, whether you want to grab a bite for the children or try our seasonal Christmas delights, we have it all. Treat yourself this Christmas and book a delicious Festive Afternoon Tea. To book call 01235 200 965 or visit www.blenheimpalace.com to book online.

Winter Walks

Wrap up warm and take in the beautiful winter scenery within the spectacular landscaped parkland of Blenheim Palace, where an unrivaled combination of unspoilt natural beauty and history awaits you. 

A Burghley Christmas

Deer at Burghley

While the house may be closed for winter, Burghley's sweeping parkland, with its resident herd of deer, remains open with free entry right through the year - perfect for winter walks and a chance to blow away those cobwebs during the Christmas break. 
For a chance to warm up with some seasonal food and drink in the run-up to Christmas, Burghley’s ever-popular Orangery Restaurant, housed in a building that provided space for the family’s love of horticulture and designed by Capability Brown, will be open until 20th December, Wednesday to Sunday, 10am until 4pm. 
Burghley's newly refurbished Courtyard Shop will also be open until 20th December (11am until 4pm) while visitors will also get a chance to do some extra seasonal shopping at the special Christmas Shop in the Brewhouse offering a selection of decorations, festive lighting, winter fragrances, chocolates and cosy winter accessories such as hats, gloves and scarves as well as a large selection of Christmas cards. 
For a taste of Christmas, the end of this month features Crafts for Christmas and a free-to-enter Fine Food Market in the magnificent parklands and courtyard at England’s greatest Elizabethan House. 

A celebration of local produce offers some festive food treats at the Christmas Fine Food Market, Saturday 30th November - Sunday 1st December. Stall holders will be selling local cheese, meats, cupcakes, cider and much more in the cobbled courtyards. 
Special Festive Floral Workshops will also be staged 28th and 29th November 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).

And the popular Crafts for Christmas run by the Rural Crafts Association event returns to Burghley, Thursday 28th November - Sunday 1st December, when 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 brought together under one roof. 
Free entry to Fine Food Market, details of ticket prices and booking for the Festive Floral Workshops and Craft for Christmas event available on Burghley's website.

Richard 'Jaws' Keil and Honor Blachman visit Bond In Motion at Beaulieu

Bond In Motion at Beaulieu until 5th January 2014

Honor Blackman in Goldfinger

Pussy Galore and her flying circus

Richard Kiel in The Spy Who Loved Me

Saturday 30th November & Sunday 1st December

On Saturday 30th November and Sunday 1st December, Richard Kiel and Honor Blackman will be visiting the BOND IN MOTION exhibition at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu between 10.30am and 4.00pm.
Richard Kiel played the formidable Bond villain Jaws, recognisable for his razor sharp steel teeth in THE SPY WHO LOVED ME (1977) and MOONRAKER (1979).  Honor Blackman played Pussy Galore in GOLDFINGER (1964).

Visitors will be able to purchase Richard’s autobiography, Making It Big in the Movies. Both Richard and Honor will sign purchases and be available for photographs.

This opportunity is included in your general admission to Beaulieu, an all inclusive ticket covering the National Motor Museum, BOND IN MOTION, World of Top Gear, Palace House and gardens and Beaulieu Abbey. For information call 01590 612345 or visit www.beaulieu.co.uk

BOND IN MOTION
On display until the 5th January 2014, BOND IN MOTION is the world’s largest official collection of original James Bond vehicles. Celebrating over 50 years of the franchise, the exhibition features 50 vehicles from the films.

To arrange an interview with Richard Kiel or Honor Blackman, please contact Jane Riddiford on 01329 822866, email jane.riddiford@polymedia.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

Christmas at Beaulieu is a time of magic with fun, activities and entertainment for all.  Beaulieu’s festive celebrations (21 December – 5 January) will feature carol singing around the Grand Piano in the decorated Palace House complete with a magnificent Christmas tree.  Victorian characters will be on show- to divulge fascinating details on life – upstairs and downstairs at Christmas time.

Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace’s will be decorated for a ‘Dickensian’ Christmas (9 November – 13 December) with plenty to see and do, from late night shopping, storytelling, carol singers, Santa’s grotto and more. The renowned Living Crafts for Christmas (15 - 17 November) will also take place showcasing a series of high quality and contemporary creations from over 150 British designer-makers. For festive fun and splendor visit Britain’s Greatest Palace this Christmas.

Burghley House

Burghley House’s Crafts for Christmas - (28 November –1st December) will be the perfect place to pick up some very special presents featuring a wide range of new products and ideas. Graham Pickett Antiques will also be at Burghley in their usual Old Kitchen location with fabulous furniture and divine collectables.

Castle Howard

Enjoy Castle Howard in all its festive glory and take in the magical Christmas atmosphere of the candlelit house.  There will be yuletide entertainment, festive foods and gifts from 23 November to 22 December, plus a late night Carols and Candlelight event on 19 December will include a late night market, Christmas parade and carols in front of the house as dusk falls.

Chatsworth

From 9 Nov until the 23 Dec, Chatsworth will be magically transformed for the Christmas season, with the lower floors of the house decorated in the theme of 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.  With events such as twilight evenings, Christmas markets and nativities starring real farmyard animals, as well as beautiful festive displays, there is something for everyone at Chatsworth this winter.

Hatfield House

Don’t miss Hatfield’s Frost Fair (22 – 24 November) held in Marquees on Palace Green, childhood home of Elizabeth 1 you’ll find wonderful original and unusual crafts and gifts for the family and home alongside exclusive ranges from The Hatfield Gift Shop.  Plus drop in to workshops, including creative Christmas decorating using fresh flowers and greenery.

Holkham Hall

Catch awe-inspiring Holkham Hall on two weekends (7/ 8 and 14/15 Dec) and get festive with a traditional Christmas in true Holkham style! See the magnificent state rooms beautifully decorated, complete with handmade decorations. Or walk through the snowy winter wonderland, where there’s a chance for children to see Father Christmas in his magical grotto.

Leeds Castle

Christmas is growing at Leeds Castle this year. Nature has crept into the magnificent castle rooms to create a glittering Twelve Days of Christmas from 7 to 24 Dec. Meet real reindeer on the castle island and children will love our new husky sleigh rides. Our first Christmas Market with German style chalets and traditional carousel rides is here from 7 – 22 Dec, open daily from 11am to 6pm with late night shopping until 9pm on 12, 13, 19 and 20 Dec.

Woburn Abbey

Book now for Woburn Abbey’s Luminaries Woburnensis on Saturday 7th December. Explore the magical gardens illuminated after dark and discover the trail ice and fire sculptures. Visit the gift hall to pick out that perfect present and snuggle up with a hot drink to listen to the live band.


www.treasurehouses.co.uk

Unique Christmas shopping at Living Crafts for Christmas at Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace

Experience a Christmas shopping extravaganza in a majestic setting, as Blenheim Palace hosts around 150 British designer-makers of high quality contemporary craft at Living Crafts for Christmas, from 15th – 17th November. A magical seasonal atmosphere awaits with roasting chestnuts, Dickensian street theatre and a festive duo singing Christmas favourites, while in The Great Court beautiful Christmas trees will be adorned with twinkling lights. 

The inspiring choice of handmade presents from simple stocking fillers to special commissions includes ceramics, studio glass, original works of art, exquisite jewellery and toys. Also designer fashions, soaps, vibrant photography and many more high quality, contemporary crafts, perfect for special Christmas gifts. Choose beautifully designed, handcrafted decorations, cards, garlands and wreaths to complete your festive style ‘At home’.

‘Tastes of Christmas’ features specialist food producers with Christmas treats and foodie gifts, handmade fudges, chocolates, coffees and connoisseur chutneys. Try seasonal preserves, marinades, waxed Cheddar truckles and festive pies or embrace the festive spirit and sample Christmas liqueurs, mulled wines and winter cordials. 

Blenheim Palace will be dressed for the season, celebrating a ‘Dickensian Christmas’ with ornate red, green and gold decorations and Victorian inspired displays.  The parkland and formal gardens in their full winter glory are waiting to be explored with the crisp winter scenery making a stunning backdrop to the Palace and don’t forget a ride on the specially decorated train running to The Pleasure Gardens.

Shop in style this year at Living Crafts for Christmas and enjoy a festive day out with all the family at Britain’s Greatest Palace.

For further event information please visit www.livingcrafts.co.uk