Every Christmas Waddesdon Manor, the National Trust property near Aylesbury, is extravagantly transformed into a magical festive experience. The 2015 theme is Lights and Legends – stories, myths and rituals from around the world which celebrate light in different ways.
The House
Stories Myths and legends are portrayed in many different ways. Some of the references are more obvious than others and its fun walking around the house spotting the elements from Ancient Greece to the Northern Lights. We particularly liked the Garrick themed room with its top hat, gloves and old Theatre programmes.
This year the house has been bathed in light, gently scrolling through a selection of various rather garish colours. But then as anybody who has been to Waddesdon knows, it does garish ostentation rather well.
The Gardens
International artist Bruce Munro has created a magical light art show installations in the grounds. The single installation entitled SOS takes visitors on a tour around the garden. As you walk among illuminated tents, the colours change as the sound track scrolls through an eclectic mix of radios stations.
Click here for more on Bruce Munro’s Light Art
Shop and eat
If you aren’t visiting the House you can still eat, shop and write to Santa at The Stables. The two restaurants on site offer a selection of set lunches, cakes and pastries and hot drinks . A beautifully lit outdoor tent with reindeer hide seating serves warming drinks. A Christmas fair runs until Sunday 6th December.
Waddesdon Christmas Season
Until Sunday 3 January ( closed 24 – 26 December )