Waddesdon

Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild built Waddesdon Manor between 1874 and 1885 as a summer house. It is not, however, a small shed at the bottom of a garden; it's a French chateaux-style building on enormous grounds. We were there for the Christmas at Waddesdon event, entrance to which was part of the hotel package.

We started in the stables with some food (pasty and a portion of chips) before looking at some awe-inspiring artwork from school children on the theme of fairytales. Some adults must have had a hand in the models, but we left pleased we'd taken a look: it was terrific.

Then, inside the main house. I have never been before and have no idea what it is usually like. For Christmas, a walkthrough tour has been created loosely based on the Sleeping Beauty story. The house has been home to some paintings by Russian designer Léon Bakst based on the story, so the idea was not simply imported for the season. Each room is immaculately presented as part of the story, with rich, colourful theming, most with impressive light or video displays. There are more Christmas trees than I have ever seen in a single house. Stunning.

Later, while we were drinking the first mulled wine of the year, it was dark enough for the projection to start. The house is transformed into a giant screen, telling the Sleeping Beauty story in impressive graphics set to music. I loved it all and would happily have watched the presentation all night.

But, we needed to walk the Waddesdon light trail, where the gardens are illuminated and music plays. Many places do a light walk at this time of year, and this one is very well done. Spending a sensible amount of time taking in the different scenes was possible even with the crowds.