Thas A Fact?

I think I may have said previously that Blickling Hall near Aylsham in Norfolk is one of my favourite stately homes/estates. Not only is it stunningly beautiful inside and out but it has that connection to the ill-fated Anne Boleyn, whose relationship with Henry VIII has been romantisiced as one of all-consuming love and, ultimately, tragedy. I personally, find the whole era captivating, so a visit here is right up my street, historically speaking. Of course, the rich history of the hall does not start and end there. Much later, during the Second World War, for example, Blickling Hall was requisitioned and used as an Officers Mess for nearby RAF Oulton. The small on-site RAF museum, full of photographs and artifacts from those days is equally as fascinating as the magnificent portraits, tapestries and architecture.

One nice thing about Blickling Hall is that, unlike some similar ‘visitor attractions’, it is not precious or stuffy and, in the main, seems to encourage visits from families with children. You can walk round freely at your own pace and while, obviously, a lot on display is off limits to sticky mitts, there is a good deal about that is accessible and sometimes even interactive to the younger audience.

Christmas at Blickling is one such event – a combination of delightful festive touches across the hall and gardens, which offers something for all ages. We went along on Sunday to experience A Blickling Christmas for ourselves.

Christmas at Blickling Hall Banner.

Lights have been strung outside from various hedges and trees. While we did not actually see the full effect of them being on (it being daylight and all), I would imagine that the whole place looks absolutely wonderful after dark.

Christmas lights decorate the approach to Blickling Hall.

Inside we were greeted by a huge Christmas tree (not literally – you know what I mean), while and bows and enticingly wrapped parcels are almost everywhere. Throughout the Hall are lovely floral displays by local flower arranging groups and Christmas trees decorated to different styles and themes (my favourites were the silvery ones with the bright feathers – very contemporary and kitsch). In most of the rooms, displays reflecting and aspect of Tudor life or Tudor Christmas were set up, complete with very friendly volunteers dressed in period costume.

Huge Christmas tree in the entrance hall of Blickling Hall.

Floral displays throughout a festive Blickling Hall.

In one room was dancing, music and singing (its what people did before Christmas telly), while in another was an authentic medieval feast made up of real food. I chatted at length to one lady in very fine Tudor garb, who told me all about the sweet stuffs one might have enjoyed in such times. To be honest, most of it sounded quite tasty even by today’s standards, with Rosewater and Milk Jellies, Sugar Paste Tudor Roses and, of course, variations on Gingerbread.

Tudor music and dancing.

Authentic festive fare at Blickling Hall.

Decorated table in the Long Gallery at Blickling Hall.

My favourite exhibit was the ‘Physik’ table, flanked by a ‘Tudor Physician’ and his apprentice with ‘alchemist-leanings’. I found it fascinating to hear about the sort of remedies and methods of assessment that one might have endured… sorry, experienced, in Tudor times. Give me Resolve for festive excess rather than the ‘leeching’ device they showed me any day…

ER, Tudor-style...

In the famous ‘long gallery’, a library room that houses the most important book collection in the National Trust, artistic displays of popular Christmas carols, songs and stories, from ‘The Snowman’ to the ‘Holly and the Ivy’ lead down towards where young singers from Aylsham High were singing songs from Annie (the musical they’re performing in March 2012 – tickets on sale now). It was such a brilliant contrast to hear ‘It’s a hard knock life’ being belted out among books and furnishings dating back hundreds of years. Who said stately homes were stuffy?!

Below stairs, two cooks were busy in the kitchen making all sorts of wonderful gingerbread shapes (with edible glitter – its authentic. honest. ahem…) for children that passed through. Little Man managed to bag an angel, with which he was delighted. I was gutted that Mummies didn’t qualify as well. Sigh.

Two cooks a-baking...

A sparkly gingerbread angel for Little Man.

Beyond the house were real ‘Norfolk’ Reindeer, and their large Elf handlers, supplied by Melsop Farm Park, and a craft marquee, which had some really novel stalls inside. Perfect for last minute, but good quality, Christmas gifts for everyone from babies to the dog.

While the restaurant did smell pretty good, and was a perfect foil to the chilly December day, we bypassed it this time and opted for some hot chestnuts before heading off. Certainly though, if you wanted to make a really full day of Blickling Hall, a scone or some warming seasonal fodder would fit very nicely.

A wonderfully different take on Christmas activities, Blickling Hall have really made the effort to offer something different to mark this time of year. After going on Sunday, I’d say that if you haven’t been before, this time is probably one of the best times to visit. The exhibits and well-informed volunteers make the whole experience much more ‘real’, and there is plenty to captivate children beyond the regular displays.

A Blickling Christmas continues this coming weekend (17th & 18th December, 11am-5pm; Adults £9, Children £4.50, National Trust members Free).

Christmas wishes tied to a tree.