Levens Hall and Gardens’ new feature for 2025 – a visit to Father Christmas – has one more opportunity to sprinkle some festive joy amongst little ones.
The Hall’s former children’s nursery has become a stop-off for the jolly fellow, as he spends time planning his Christmas Eve route from the North Pole and warms up in Elizabethan comfort.
In a charming departure, and with a true Downton Abbey feel, during December weekends, families have been making their way to the Hall’s children’s nursery for a secret chat with the loveable chap, on a pre-booked, ticketed basis. Their route has been through the grand doors to Levens Hall, through the awe-inspiring Great Hall, up the stairs and into the Hotspur Room.
There, the child and an accompanying adult have waited to see Father Christmas with one of Santa elves or a Christmas fairy. When the bearded chap has been ready for them, they have found him beside a Christmas tree, ready to hear what they might have written on the letter that they can bring along for him.
Now, December 19 and 20 are the last dates on which children can have this magical experience, in a stunning historic house.
Adults will not miss out this weekend either. On Friday December 19, Levens Hall will open for guided tours. Visitors can experience the hall with roaring log fires, exquisite Christmas decorations and impressively tall Christmas tree and hear all about its unique story.
Then, on Saturday December 20, Kendal Concert Band and Sedbergh Town Band will both be performing in Levens Hall. This will be followed, on Sunday December 21, by performances by South Lakes Acappella Choir.
On all three days, entry will also include a chance to visit the World Record-holding Topiary Garden and experience it in its newly cut and sharp form. It is arguably one of the best times of year to appreciate the various quirky ‘characters’ and shapes formed out of yew and beech.
Tickets are on sale for the Father Christmas experience and other activities are paid for at the gate.
Owner Richard Bagot says, “Levens Hall and Gardens is still a privately run family home that extends a warm welcome to visitors who also wish to experience it. This coming weekend is our last opportunity to share the festive spirit of the Hall with other families and visitors. It is also the last opportunity to see the world’s oldest topiary garden at its most dramatic, with precisely cut trees silhouetted against a wintry sky and, of course, to visit Father Christmas.”
To book, head to www.levenshall.co.uk
Photo credit: Sheenah Alcock
