Blickling Hall and estate, near Aylsham, opened late last weekend so that people could experience the house and gardens, which are decorated and lit for Christmas. On Friday night we had been to see the lights and projections in Norwich city and were feeling rather festive and in the mood for more lights. We're National Trust members so it was a cheap trip out to experience Blickling at night for the first time.
We weren't disappointed. This was the scene that greeted us as we made our way down the driveway towards the house.
As we stepped into the house we were greeted by a friendly volunteer who explained to the children that they could take some baubles from a basket and whenever they saw a 'bauble stop' tree they could decorate it. Such a lovely idea!
The house was beautifully decorated throughout-all done by volunteers. It was the first time hubby had been inside as he's not one for stately homes, but he quite enjoyed it, particularly the dinner place instructions in the butler's servery. He thought our children were fussy until reading the list of do's and don'ts for a dinner party!
We loved all of the handmade reindeer placed around the gardens. Each one was different. This one, with it's colour-changing nose, was our favourite.
I love this view. The children were amazed at all of the lights. It was just beautiful.
Harry was messing around in front of some of the trees. After a week of not being able to go far from home it was good for him to get outdoors and run around.
The path to the temple was lit by 20+ trees. I tried to get a photo further down the path but there were too many people in the way!
Back in the warm.
It was a lovely way to spend a couple of hours in the evening and beats sitting in front of the tv all night.
The hall and garden are also open late (until 8pm) 2nd, 3rd and 4th December 2016. It's definitely worth going to if you're close by.
Oh my goodness I so want to visit there at Christmas #CountryKids
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful at any time of year but extra special at Christmas. Hopefully it will become a new family tradition.
DeleteWhat a lovely idea about decorating the trees as you go, very fun. And those lights are magical, such a lovely trip. #countrykids
ReplyDeleteIt was nice for the children to join in and to be able to say that they'd help to decorate the hall for Christmas.
DeleteWhat a lovely place to explore with the kids, I bet it really put you all in the Christmas Spirit. I love the idea of placing the baubles on the trees as you explore, a new treasure hunt idea for here on the farm maybe! I love all the different wooden reindeer they have there too, we have our own little family of them greeting the guests here on the farm.
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up with me on #CountryKids.
It was a great way to start the festive season. The children loved decorating the trees as they went around the hall. The reindeer are so cute. I want some in my garden!
DeleteI'm feeling really envious now. Lots of beautiful stately homes looking so festive. Must visit soon! Looks like your kids had a lovely time too :) #countrykids
ReplyDeleteI know-there are loads around but we'd only heard about them this year. Hopefully it'll be a new family tradition.
DeleteOh wow I'm so envious on all this post filled with magical light shows! Definitely going on my must do list for next years Christmas when the little guy is older! Thanks for sharing xx #countrykids
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful lights! So pretty. And, I love the idea of decorating the trees as you go! #countrykids
ReplyDeleteIt looks beautiful. I love the bauble decorating idea. #countrykids
ReplyDeleteWhat gorgeous lights - love all the different colours and the reindeer around the gardens. Decorating the trees along the way sounds like fun too :-) #countrykids
ReplyDeleteYour photos of the lights are amazing - LOVE the opening shot, it's so well framed. The gardens look stunning all lit up. There have been a lot of Christmas lights this week, but it's what's needed to kickstart Christmas!
ReplyDelete#CountryKids