Use your 2 for 1 Gardens entry card this December to discover some of the most exciting winter events taking place throughout the festive season
Step through the wardrobe
With frosts setting in, it may be beginning to feel like it’s “always winter, but never Christmas”. The team at Leeds Castle, in Kent, have set out to change this by bringing the world of Narnia to life on weekends and school holidays this December. You can explore Narnia’s snowy woodlands, see Mr Tumnus and even sneak a seat on the White Witch’s sleigh. Father Christmas and Mrs Beaver will even be on hand. Although “it is very foolish to shut oneself into any wardrobe”, we heartily recommend giving this one a try.
ENTRY OFFER Castle and estate: 2 for 1 £35 (booking on the door only). Children £22.50.
Open all year
Star of the County Down
Castle Ward offers the 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.
ENTRY OFFER Mansion and estate: 2 for 1 £12. Children £6. Garden open all year except 25-26 Dec. Mansion open 1-3, 8-10, 16-17 Dec – see nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-ward
The winter’s trail
Winter is the perfect time to appreciate the structure and beauty of Biddulph Grange Garden in Staffordshire, with its grand yew hedges. The Italianate terraces are complemented by a Chinese garden and an intriguing Egyptian area, complete with ornamental sphynxes and tomb-like secret tunnel. You can also take a winter walk on the wild side with the woodland trail and stumpery, where there is still plenty to see, even in the darkest depths of winter.
ENTRY OFFER Garden: 2 for 1 £12. Children £6. Open all year except Fridays in November and 25-26 Dec – see nationaltrust. org.uk/biddulph-grange-garden
Glitterary lights
Jane Austen was a frequent visitor to Chawton House in Hampshire, home to 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”. This is the garden he created. With sweeping parkland and the tranquillity
