MAKE the National Trust part of your family’s Christmas tradition this year.
Houses in Hampshire are set in some of the country’s most picturesque locations, and they’re hosting an imaginative programme of delights for all ages, mixing festive favourites with new experiences that are unique to the charity’s properties.
Here are some of the Hampshire highlights:
The Vyne, Sherborne St John
This former Tudor palace is richly decorated for a vintage country house family Christmas. See beautiful rooms filled with the scent of winter foliage, flowers and spices.
The Vyne’s elves are still hard at work with their preparations for Christmas and children are invited to help them out in the bustling Cracker Factory, where they can make their own crackers - with a bang - to take home.
A Country House Christmas: December 1 – January 6, 12 – 3pm, normal admission charge only (closed December 24 & 25).
Cracker Factory: December 13, 14, 22, 23, 12 – 3pm, £3, pre-booking only on 01256 883858.
Hinton Ampner
Inside the house, the ground floor rooms will be transformed into beautiful scenes that tell the full story of the Nutcracker from December 6 - 14. Look out for the Land of Snow and Ice, the home of the Sugar Plum Fairy, and the evil Mouse King.
In the courtyard, there’s mulled wine to enjoy, local artisans’ stalls and chestnut sellers (December 6,7,13,14), and a pop-up Sugar Plum Sweet Shop.
December 7 - local bell ringers bring festive cheer into the house.
December 12 - the glamorous Spitfire Sisters and their band will fill Hinton Ampner with swinging festive jazz sounds from the past. 12pm and 1pm.
December 13 and 14 - Father Christmas will read the Nutcracker story to younger visitors between 11am and 2pm, and distribute themed gifts. Normal admission charge plus £5 per child (includes gift).
December 14 – Hedge End music makers will fill the Entrance Hall with the sound of Christmas carols. 11am-3pm.
Call 01962 771305 to find out more.
Mottisfont, near Romsey
Mottisfont’s magical Christmas experience is inspired by the famous Nutcracker story. Explore an interactive family trail indoors and around the grounds, as the story unfolds through mechanical toys and puppets, lantern theatres, moving silhouettes, sound and film.
There are plenty of themed activities for youngsters to enjoy, and on selected dates, there’s even a chance to meet the Sugar Plum Fairy.
The Nutcracker with a twist: Until January 4, 10am – 4pm, normal admission charge only (closed December 24 & 25).
Sugar Plum Fairy visits: December 6, 7, 12 at 4pm.
For more information call 01794 340757.
Winchester City Mill
Come along to this medieval Mill’s festive baking demonstrations to find out how its freshly milled flour can be combined with locally sourced Hampshire produce to make delicious treats for you to sample.
Buy a bag of fresh wholemeal flour, collect free recipe cards and bake your very own seasonal goodies.
December 20, 11am – 3pm, normal admission charge only For more information call 01962 870057.
For more information on National Trust events, log on to nationaltrust.org.uk/events.
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