2-for-1 Gardens - Festive events

This winter the team at Leeds Castle, Kent, are bringing the world of Narnia to life. Visit on weekends and school holidays in December and explore Narnia’s snowy woodlands, spot Mr Tumnus and grab a seat on the White Witch’s sleigh. Father Christmas and Mrs Beaver will also be in attendance! Even though “it is very foolish to shut oneself into any wardrobe”, we definitely recommend giving this one a try.

• Disabled access: Full access
• Dogs: Not permitted
• Single visitor discount: No
• Refreshments: Hot food and light refreshments

Find out more about Leeds Castle in our 2-for-1 Gardens scheme

Visit the Leeds Castle website for further details

Castle Ward

Castle Ward is the perfect place to visit for a perfect bracing winter walk; inside, however, is a much cosier scene, with the mansion wreathed in garlands and the air filled with the scents of Christmas. See the grand rooms with atmospheric lighting, and learn how the Georgians celebrated Christmas, both upstairs and downstairs.

• Disabled access: Partial access
• Dogs: Permitted on the lead
• Single visitor discount: No
• Refreshments: Hot food and light refreshments

Find out more about Castle Ward in our 2-for-1 Gardens scheme

Visit the Castle Ward website for further details

Biddulph Grange

Winter is the perfect time to admire the gardens at Biddulph Grange in Staffordshire, with its grand yew hedges. The Italianate terraces also house a Chinese garden and unique Egyptian area, complete with ornamental sphinxes and a secret tunnel disguised as a tomb. This winter, you can also take a walk on the wildside, as you follow the woodland trail and stumpery, there is plenty of interest year round, even in the deepest depths of winter.

• Disabled access: Partial access
• Dogs: Not permitted
• Single visitor discount: No
• Refreshments: Hot food and light refreshments

Find out more about Biddulph Grange in our 2-for-1 Gardens scheme

Visit the Biddulph Grange website for further details

Cotehele

Visit Cotehele, in Cornwall, to find the halls decked for the season. Each year, the Great Hall at Cotehele is adorned with a 18-metre garland, made from dried flowers collected from the garden over the year. Staff and volunteers begin picking the blooms as early as April, in a winter tradition which has been ongoing since 1956. Not only is the garland spectacular in its own right, it also gives a sneak peek into what to look out for in the garden in the new year.

• Disabled access: Partial access
• Dogs: Not permitted
• Single visitor discount: Yes
• Refreshments: Hot food and light refreshments

Find out more about Cotehele our 2-for-1 Gardens scheme

Visit the Cotehele website for further details

Chawton House

Jane Austen often visited Chawton House, in Hampshire, home of her brother. In 1813, she wrote “Edward is very well and enjoys himself as well as any Hampshire born Austen can desire. He talks of making a new Garden”. Chawton House is the garden he created. Complete with sweeping parkland and tranquil walled garden, it’s worth a visit year round. From December 18th, it will be transformed with glimmering illuminations. Enjoy a walk under festooned lights, and enjoy undisturbed views of the night sky.

• Disabled access: Partial access
• Dogs: Permitted on the lead
• Single visitor discount: Yes
• Refreshments: Hot food and light refreshments

Find out more about Chawton House our 2-for-1 Gardens scheme

Visit the Chawton House website for further details