STEP BACK IN TIME
Do you know the stories behind everyone’s favourite Christmas carols? This season, Hever Castle and Gardens in Kent will be looking into the lyrics of traditional Christmas songs to shed new light on their meanings. The castle will also be set up for festivities, with roaring log fires and plenty of decorations and you can wander through the illuminated gardens at dusk. Father Christmas will put in an appearance, too. The Castle will be open Wed-Sun, Nov 25 and daily from Dec 11-24. Twilight evenings on Dec 9, 15, 21 and 22 must be pre-booked. Tickets cost £16.90 adults, £9.50 children 5+. Father Christmas visits on Dec 16, 17, 21, 22 and 23; tickets available on the day for £11.50 per child. Call 01732 865224 or visit www.hevercastle.co.uk Experience a simpler time with Christmas on the Home Front at Dover Castle, Kent. Make do and mend with the family of the house and help them support the war effort. Enjoy singing from the servicewomen of Dover, take part in a vintage tea dance or explore the underground tunnels. Nov 25-Dec 17. Tickets £19.40 adults, £11.60 children. Call 0370 333 1181 or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/ places/dover-castle
Experience a Medieval Christmas in Lincoln as you browse stalls selling traditional goods and gifts. Chat to traders dressed in costumes and listen to period music at the medieval Bishops’ Palace. Dec 7-10, tickets cost £1 adults, free for children Beautiful Chatsworth house is having a festive makeover with a gothic twist, for the Oh Dickens! It’s Christmas event. You will see Dickens characters including Scrooge, Fagin, Miss Havisham and others wandering the rooms in period costume. Look for scenes from the books, as well as other lavish decorations and hundreds of metres of ribbon. You’ll also be able to enjoy Dickensian items from the Chatsworth collection. Until Jan 7 (excluding Dec 24, 25, Jan 1) with a Christmas market in the garden until Dec 5. Prices vary, starting from £19.90 adults, £12 children. Call 01246 565300 or visit www. chatsworth.org