KENTSTAYCATION
A CHRISTMAS COUNTY CONT .
LEEDS CASTLE WHITSTABLE CASTLE
CHRISTMAS AT LEEDS CASTLE
Join Leeds Castle for a glitzy festive party this Christmas where guests are invited to experience the castle dressed in their party season finest . Trees dripping in iridescent silver shimmer and sparkles , extravagant décor covering the roaring fireplaces , and rooms imbued in jewel-like Christmas colour .
Come glide through the doors and experience all the glamour and over-the-top Christmas spirit of a luxurious country home that hosted some of the best parties of the age .
Peep into the private world of Lady Baillie as she throws open her doors to the Christmas party of the season . Imagine what it would have been like as guests arrived with their extravagant Christmas cards , gifts and all that luggage for the weekend in tow . As you walk through the castle , look out for stunning trees decorated in sparkling lametta tinsel , and an explosion of colour from floral displays .
Head into Lady Baillie ’ s Private Dining Room where the party is getting started . Experience guests leaping out of Christmas cards , and get those dancing shoes moving as festive music sets the pace . Feel a sense of nostalgia as the perfect and most scrumptious children ’ s Christmas party takes place with enough sweet and tasty treats .
The Salon has never dazzled so brightly . Let your feet guide the way as you dance as seasonal songs fill the air . Imagine guests swaying to the music and even from a sip too many of the tasty cocktails . Here you will find the perfect opportunity for a Christmas selfie , so make sure you ’ re dressed in your best , as this will be one you will want to remember .
As the party winds down , wander upstairs into Lady Baillie ’ s private quarters . Look out for trees frosted with colour and sparkle , admire the careful wrapping of Christmas presents for the children and spot the remains of her party preparations .
The night after the Christmas party , our dreams are taken over by the Christmas spirit with a dusting of magic . Walk into the Baillie Room and float into one of Lady Baillie ’ s Christmas dreams in a festive forest filled with birds taking flight .
Descend the main staircase and marvel at the traditional Leeds Castle Christmas trees in all their glory . Pose for another portrait before entering the opulent drawing rooms where you can admire the décor remembering Christmases from years gone by before you bid adieu and head back out into the winter ’ s crisp breeze . There are also plenty of Christmas challenges and fun festive activities for families to take part in including a selfie sleigh , the Christmas maze and festive adventure golf .
As well as this , outdoors , guests can enjoy over a million lights , lasers and seasonal soundtracks will fill the air with festive fun in the gardens . Discover sparkling tunnels of light , dancing waterside reflections and trees drenched in jewel-like colour . Pause to reflect at the mesmerising flickering flames in the fire garden , enjoy the larger-than-life light installations and don ’ t forget to wave at Father Christmas along the way .
CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES AT GODINTON HOUSE AND GARDENS , ASHFORD
A remarkable country house nestled in the heart of Kent amongst the pretty countryside that surrounds Ashford . Dating back to the 14th century , the house today reflects the tastes of the last owner , Alan Wyndham Green . Designed to feel comfortable and more informal than other properties , this is a house rather than a museum , so that visitors can imagine what life might have been like here . This season , guests can also experience what Christmas might have been like for those living at Godinton too with tours of the house led by expert guides unravelling the 600 years of history and revealing an excellent country-house collection of furniture , art , porcelain and curios .
As well as this , enjoy the Christmas Arts Fair taking place from 11am to 4pm daily with no extra entry cost to admire and purchase arts and crafts by local artists that might just make the perfect Christmas gifts . Christmas workshops are also taking place this season for £ 45 per person . Enjoy the ambience of the Great Hall while learning how to make festive swags , table decorations and traditional Christmas wreaths to take home and adorn your door .
CHRISTMAS AT WHITSTABLE CASTLE
From 3 - 4 December , Whitstable Castle will be holding a two-day traditional Christmas fair with stalls outside and inside the castle selling Christmas gifts , holly wreaths and other festive treats . The Orangery Tea Rooms will be serving light lunches , mulled wine and mince pies all day giving guests the chance to indulge in all their favourite yuletide snacks while listening to merry Christmas music and soaking up a joyous atmosphere at this charming historic home by the sea . Their magical Santa ’ s Grotto will be open from 10am onwards for little ones to experience a magical meet . After this event , Santa ’ s Grotto will be available on various dates right up until Christmas Eve !
Whitstable Castle are also taking bookings for their fabulous Christmas Afternoon Teas throughout December . All afternoon teas are pre-bookable only ( at least 24 hours in advance , although December does get booked up very quickly ). Group bookings are also available , with which guests will be offered their own private room within the castle . Please note that bookings can only be made over the phone by calling 01227 281726 . A deposit of £ 10 per person will be required to confirm the booking . The Christmas Afternoon Tea is £ 30 per person and you can add a glass of mulled wine for an extra £ 5 per person .
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