Head to Levens Hall and Gardens to see some unique ‘Christmas trees’ this December, differing from anything you have ever seen before and well worth ticking off your bucket-list.
The Cumbrian heritage house and family home opens its doors for December weekends, despite being officially closed for the season, to allow visitors to experience the unique sight of the world’s oldest topiary garden in winter.
With over 100 quirkily shaped trees in this Guinness World Record-holding garden, including two huge Umbrella Trees, there is so much to enjoy. At this time of year, the topiary is gloriously sharp and dramatically set against a wintry sky, whether your favourite is Homer Simpson, Elizabeth I and her Maids of Honour, or the Toppling Wedding Cake. You can marvel at the artistry, capture a variety of amazing views of the differently shaped topiary trees and their individual characters, and ponder the longevity of a garden dating from 1694.
Although the Topiary Garden is the only part of the gardens to which there is access during the December days of opening, visitors can also take advantage of some brilliant must-do activities inside Levens Hall.
On Friday 12 and Friday 19 December, those arriving at the Hall on a first-come, first-served basis can take part is special tours of the Elizabethan mansion. Things to see include extraordinary items owned by Napoleon Bonaparte and the Duke of Wellington, exquisite overmantels over fireplaces, unique designs in Cordova leather wallpaper, the earliest example of English patchwork, and glorious plasterwork, furniture and furnishings.
Then, for a true feel of Christmas, there are choral and band performances on Saturday 13 and 20 December and Sunday 14 and 21. With different local bands and musicians performing, from handbell maestros to brass bands, visitors will enjoy a festive and atmospheric experience in the stunning Great Hall, in front of a roaring log fire.
Those children who are booked in to see Father Christmas, who has taken a seat in the Levens Hall Nursery this year, will also have the thrill of telling him what they would love to see in their Christmas sack. This is a first this year and a not-to-be-missed treat for the little ones.
The Friday tour experience, with a guide narrating all about the festively decorated Hall, costs £8.50 per adult and £2 per child aged 5-16. Opening times are 11am to 3.30pm, with last entry at 3pm.
Saturdays’ and Sundays’ musical experiences are available at an entry price of £9.50 per adult and £2 per child aged 5-16 and entry times are 10.30am to 4pm, with last entry at 3.30pm.
All of these experiences can be paid for at the gate.
Tickets for a visit to Father Christmas are bookable in advance and cost £20 per child visiting Santa. This includes the opportunity for one accompanying adult to join them and children will receive a small present. Other adults can buy entrance tickets at the kiosk on the day and be in the Hall, awaiting the return of the excited child following their chat with Father Christmas.
Head to www.levenshall.co.uk to discover more and book tickets for Santa.