FOOD AND DRINK

CHRISTMAS FEASTS

See how the Victorian kitchen of Audley End, Essex, prepared Christmas dinner, with recipes for treats such as gingerbread and Nesselrode pudding. Learn how Christmas dinner was once caught by watching a festive falconry display at Framlingham Castle in Suffolk.

A Victorian Christmas £14.30 (child £8.60), falconry £11 (child £6.60), weekends Nov 30-Dec 22, falconry Dec 28-29; english-heritage.org.uk

FOODIES FESTIVAL

Top chefs will be at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre with recipe tips and samples. Along with festive street food from around the world and an artisanal Christmas market, the drinks theatre will have champagne and wine experts revealing their top picks for this Christmas, as well as cocktail, gin and whisky masterclasses. From £10 (child free), Nov 22-24; foodiesfestival.com

HAY WINTER WEEKEND

The best of Welsh food and drink will be on show, with more than 45 local producers exhibiting their craft beer, venison, honey, whiskey and chocolates. Free; Nov 28-Dec 1, Winter Food Nov 30; hayfestival.com

HAMPTON COURT PALACE FESTIVE FAYRE

Michel Roux Jr and other chefs cook up a seasonal storm to inspire home cooks. More than 130 artisan food and drink producers will offer Christmas pantry-fillers that also work perfectly as gifts. Vintage furniture, cushions, throws and festive tableware will be available in the courtyard and there will be singalongs from the bandstand.

Entry to palace and fayre £21.30 (child £10.70), Dec 6-8; hrpfoodfestivals.com

PADSTOW FESTIVAL

Celebrity chefs Paul Ainsworth, Rick Stein and Nathan Outlaw head up this popular Christmas market and food festival. Also providing cooking demonstrations and talks are Angela Hartnett and Atul Kochhar. The stallholders include craft makers, as well as independent food and drink producers. Expect fireworks on Friday evening, a lantern parade and a Santa’s grotto, too. Free with some ticketed events, Dec 5-8; padstowchristmasfestival.co.uk