A look at the delights in store for visitors to the county’s great houses and stately homes
Bolsover Castle
The castle will be open at weekends in December, from 10am-4pm. The site will be closed 24th, 25th, 26th, 31st and 1st Jan. For more information call 01246 822844 or go to www.english-heritage.org.uk
Calke Abbey
Christmas Lights and Labyrinths – 6th-7th, 13th-14th, 20th-21st December, 12-6.30pm. Explore the twinkling tunnel and the glittering grotto. Catch a glimpse of the house and explore the grounds as you wander up to the candlelit church. Visit Father Christmas in his stable grotto. Also 6-7th Christmas Craft Show; 21st Christmas Fine Food Fair.
For details call 01332 863822 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Casterne Hall
Ancestral home of the Hurt family for 500 years. Open by appointment only from 16th–19th December, 2.30pm. Roaring fires, Christmas tea and mulled wine with a tour by the Hurt family. Tickets cost £12 per person. For details or to book call 01335 310489 or see www.casterne.co.uk
Chatsworth
Alice’s Wonderland: 8th November–4th January (closed 24-26th December and 1st January). Travel down the rabbit hole to find a vivid and fantastical world inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic book with the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, Game of Croquet and your favourite characters along the way. For details call 01246 565300 or go to www.chatsworth.org
Eyam Hall
Deck the Hall – various dates between 3rd–21st December, 10.30am. The Wright family have been celebrating Christmas at Eyam Hall for 11 generations since the house was completed. With many traditions kept and stories to tell, take a step back and visit members of the family over the years. The hall will be decked with evergreens, festive music playing and the cook in need of help with hectic preparations for Christmas dinner. Call 01433 639565 or go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Haddon Hall
‘A Manners Family Christmas’, 6th–17th December, 10.30am–4pm. Lord and Lady Edward Manners and their young family are welcoming guests to join them in festivities at their historic home near Bakewell. Guests can enjoy the beautifully decorated hall with an assortment of family-focused events and traditional Christmas pastimes, including an artisan food market in the Tudor kitchens, St Nicholas in the Parlour, storytelling for all ages beside roaring fires, music, carols, and special candlelit tours. For details call 01629 812 855 or see www.haddonhall.co.uk
Hardwick Hall
29th November–21st December (the House is open Wed-Sun). The theme for decorations is drawn from Evelyn, Duchess of Devonshire’s family stories and visitors’ recollections. The house will be lit and decorated, the old kitchen echoing with the sights and sounds of Christmas and there will be family trails and craft activities. Shop and restaurant open daily (except Christmas day). For details call 01246 858400 or see www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Kedleston Hall
Christmas at Kedleston Hall – various events between 6th–21st December. Celebrate both old and new at Kedleston Hall with contemporary lighting bathing the state floor, partially opened for Christmas. Discover where the Edwardian servants celebrated while the family were away. Children can enjoy crafts and visit Santa.
For information call 01332 842191 or see www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Lyme Park
Roaring Twenties Christmas, 13th–14th December, 11–3pm. In keeping with the Roaring Twenties winter exhibition, each weekend has a themed event. Behind the scenes of the BBC’s ‘The Village’ with stunning costumes, vintage motor cars and the sounds of the Jazz Age. 6th-20th visits from Father Christmas in Main Hall. Call 01663 762023 or view www.nationaltrust.org.uk for details.
Sudbury Hall
Homemade Christmas Traditions – various dates from 6th–21st December. Be inspired to create your own decorations while enjoying a special trip around Sudbury Hall’s homemade Christmas. Each weekend Father Christmas will be in his grotto and stories read in the Museum. Follow the bird trail and make a bird decoration and feeder.
Call 01283 586800, email sudburyhall@nationaltrust.org.uk or see www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Renishaw Hall
The historic hall - home to the Sitwell family for almost 400 years - will be open for public tours on Wednesday 10th and 17th December. There will be guided tours of the hall, which will be dressed for a traditional family Christmas, plus hot refreshments on offer in the old kitchen. The on-site gift shop will be selling festive gifts and treats. Public tours available at 1pm and 2.30pm on 10th and 17th December. Group tours of the hall are available on various dates in December for parties of up to 50 people. Call 01246 432310 or visit www.renishaw-hall.co.uk
Tissington Hall & village
The Spirit of Christmas, 6th December, 11am–7pm. Funfair, artisan crafts, Christmas cuisine at the tearooms, pony-and-trap rides and fine gifts at the Hall. The hall is open for guided tours and village businesses will stay open until 7pm for Christmas shopping. Contact 01335 352200 or view www.tissingtonhall.co.uk
