Christmas Comes To Dyrham Park!

“Fancy a break from the hustle and bustle of the modern Christmas experience? Why not take some time out with us to encounter some 17th-Century winter traditions? Dyrham Park's Christmas experience will provide a step away from the tinsel, baubles and trees of today. Coming here is a chance to learn about some of traditions enjoyed back in the 17th Century as well as giving you a chance to stretch your legs, take stock and reconnect with nature.” National Trust

Up to Dyrham Park, on the edge of the Cotswolds, on a bitterly cold morning, only 3 degrees. Spent a lovely couple of hours enjoying carols in St Peter’s Church, and a visit to the house which was decorated for Christmas 17th century style, with carefully crafted festive foliage and the scent of orange and spices, cinnamon, pine cones and lavender. Dried flowers including hydrangea and statice brought natural colour to the decorations. A big change from the usual tinsel and baubles!

My first extra shows a worm’s eye view of the amazing floral chandelier hanging in the hall, which you can see in my second extra, a collage of the rest of today’s sights. Back home, it took me the rest of the afternoon to defrost and for the feeling to come back into my fingers, aided by a warming Mince Pie!

And soon it’ll be time for Strictly. Keeeep dancing!