Step into a country Christmas this December at Dunster Castle and Watermill, in Somerset, and embrace the seasonal traditions of the Luttrell family who owned the castle for more than 600 years.
From Saturday 16 December to Monday 2 January (closed on 24 and 25 December), visitors to the castle will be welcomed by an impressive 11ft Christmas tree and a spectacularly decorated Inner Hall which has been laden with fresh garlands made by volunteers, from foliage cut from the gardens.
The dining table will be laid for a 1930s Luttrell family Christmas lunch while the sumptuous library impresses with decoration in the Victorian style. There is fun to be had for families in the Morning Room, where toys and games with multigenerational appeal have been laid out to play.
Elsewhere, visitors can try their hand at setting places for dinner in the Blue Kitchen. Those young or young at heart can have a go at spotting the knitted robins hiding around the castle.
Outdoors, the subtropical garden at the South Terrace offers panoramic views of the Bristol Channel and surrounding countryside whilst the River Garden and natural play area offer a chance to let off some steam.
Those wanting to explore the local area can enjoy self-guided wintery walks, with routes available on the Dunster Castle website.
The Watermill Tearoom will be offering festive warm drinks and seasonal bakes from mince pies and gingerbread people to a less traditional mint chocolate blondie for those feeling adventurous. The Watermill team will be milling on the 20 December with Dunster flour available to purchase for visitors making Christmas treats at home.
The Stables shop is the perfect spot for gift ideas and to find those special finishing touches for Christmas celebrations.
Find out more about Dunster Castel at the website.
