Classical Music & Festive Fun this Christmas at Lodge Park in the Cotswolds

Christmas Concert: Saturday 5 December, 7pm-9pm
Father Christmas, Trails and Cheer: Saturday 12 - Sunday 13 December, 11am-4pm

If you want to experience a truly exceptional Christmas in the Cotswolds this year, then head for Lodge Park near Sherborne village. This 17th-century grandstand is yet an undiscovered gem for many National Trust visitors, but for Father Christmas it is his favourite stop on his festive tour. And why? Although he might not admit it himself, the Lodge has six great chimney flues and two magnificent fireplaces for his favourite entrance into the house!

He loves chatting to families who visit the Lodge, and rewards every child who completes a Christmas trail with a present. While the children are busy searching for the clues and answers to the trail, parents can have a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie, admire the 20-foot tall Christmas tree and the 17th- century halls decorated with traditional greenery. The gift shop is also open for stocking up with Christmas gifts.
Children can have a go at making their own Christmas decorations. If you want to indulge yourself, the little tea room is going to serve special spiced hot-chocolate.

‘The atmosphere in the Lodge at Christmas is absolutely wonderful’, says Sigute Barniskyte, Assistant Visitor Services Manager for the National Trust. ‘We decorate the halls with traditional greenery: ivy, holly, mistletoe; oranges, satsumas, candles, bells and ribbons, and, of course – the giant Christmas tree. With the Christmas music in the background it makes you feel really cosy and cheerful.

This year, to enhance the festive spirit, we have planned a Christmas Concert at the Lodge, with music from Christmas past, performed on historical instruments by the Galliarda ensemble. I heard them play last year and decided straight away that the Great Hall at the Lodge would be a perfect setting for their concert.’

So get into the festive spirit, listen to the Christmas concert ‘As It Fell on the Holie Eve’ music at the Lodge on Saturday 5 December at 7pm. £18/ticket includes mulled wine and mince pies. Booking essential due to limited places.

Follow the Christmas trail and receive your prize from Father Christmas when he visits Lodge Park on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 December, 11am – 4pm. £2/trail, normal admission cost £12.50 for a family or £5 per adult and £2.80 per child applies.NT members free.

Lodge Park is situated near Sherborne village, 16 miles from Cheltenham, GL54 3PP.

Explore Gloucestershire
13 November 2009

• Contact phone : 01451 844130
• Also see : Lodge Park
• Also see : Galliard Ensemble

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