GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST

PERIOD PARTIES, UK-WIDE

Many historic houses offer the chance to experience Christmases past. In Northern Ireland, you can see a Georgian party at Castle Ward in County Down; in Attingham Park, Shropshire, visitors will witness the mansion celebrating as if it were the Forties. Buckland Abbey in Devon will depict a Tudor Christmas, while Fountains Abbey, in North Yorkshire, has stories about the boys it helped during the Great Depression. Entry from £8.60; various dates; nationaltrust.org.uk

SS GREAT BRITAIN, BRISTOL

Brunel’s 1843 ship celebrates a Victorian Christmas over a single weekend. Costumed characters, including Charles Dickens and Brunel, will chat to visitors out on the dockyard, which will have been specially decorated and covered in recently fallen snow. Children can design a Victorian Christmas card, and brave over-10s can climb the rigging. Entry £16.50 (five to 16-yearolds £9.50); Dec 8-9; ssgreatbritain.org

MISCHIEF-MAKING AT CORFE CASTLE, DORSET

Follow the 17th-century Lord of Misrule as he instigates games and mischief about Corfe Castle (left). The lord presided over festivities in late medieval times, arranging balls, plays and feasts. The ruined hilltop castle makes a striking picture at Christmas time, when its beacons and braziers can be seen for miles. Wishes can be left on Christmas trees, and craft sessions take place at weekends.

WARWICK CASTLE SCAVENGER HUNT, WARWICKSHIRE

The foul history of Warwick Castle will be laid bare for children, who can also learn about the stranger side of Christmas on a hunt based on the Horrible Histories books. Clues about the castle’s past will be hidden about the grounds, with children encouraged to wrap up warm and discover them. Father Christmas will also be telling stories at weekends (above). Entry £16.50 including a Santa story; various dates; warwick-castle.com