While there is plenty of festive fun on offer with Christmas events and attractions, here are some top ideas for blowing away the cobwebs and enjoying some seasonal splendour during Twixmas, those days between Christmas and New Year. As ever, please check individual websites for the full details and any pre-booking requirements.
Let off some seasonal steam
There’s still time to enjoy some ‘pop-tastic’ Steam Illuminations in Hampshire. The Watercress Line heritage railway’s spectacular steam train experience, featuring a train covered in thousands of LEDs, runs until 6 January 2024, and this year there’s pop-tastic sound as well as light. From 27 December celebrate the New Year with a Pop Anthems Journey on a musical meander from the 1960s to the present day of dance floor singalong anthems, all hosted by the legendary ‘Voiceover Man’ (as heard on Britain’s Got Talent and X-Factor). Tickets cost from £59 seating for two, £250 for compartment for up to six people. Photo: Andy Goss.
Roam one of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown’s finest Parkland
The free-to-enter parkland surrounding one of England’s greatest Elizabethan houses offers a chance to stroll through the Deer Park landscaped by Capability Brown. While Burghley House and Gardens may be closed, the free car park and parkland remain open throughout the year. Along with views of the House itself, there are also sweeping vistas down to the spires of Stamford, said to be England’s finest stone town, just a mile-and-a-half walk through the park.
Play all day… naturally
Set on the edge of the Yorkshire Wolds, William’s Den offers a chance for kids to let their imaginations run wild and burn off energy in indoor and outdoor adventure play areas with nature at its heart. From 28 December 2023 until 7 January 2024, All Day Adventure Play gives access to both the indoor and outdoor play areas, with all the equipment made from natural materials. The Indoor Play Den brings the outside inside, with streams, rainfall, rope bridges and a huge real treehouse, while outdoor areas include den building, tyre swings and zip wires. Tickets cost from £4.25 adults and from £9.25 children, plus booking fee.
Stroll from frosty Italy to winter woodlands…and meet a fairy or two
Visitors to The Trentham Estate, a parkland oasis on the edge of Stoke-on-Trent, can explore the award-winning Italian Gardens, take a frosty stroll through the Rivers of Grass or enjoy a winter woodland walk following the lakeside path. There are also wheelchair accessible entries and pathways around the gardens and lakeside walks, a dog-friendly environment, and free parking in the Shopping Village. Trentham is recognised as one of the UK’s best winter gardens, thanks to its contemporary planting in a historical setting, as well as popular sculptures, including the Fairy Trail. Admission costs £11 adults, £7.50 children (3-15 years).
Fishy festive fun… for free
Explore Yorkshire’s only maritime city on Hull’s popular Fish Trail by following a pavement of fish. This A- Z tour of the historic Old Town, with a free downloadable map, offers a different way to explore the city, which includes the River Hull and Humber estuary. There are 41 pieces of sculpture with each representing the actual size of fish, from a tiny anchovy to a 10ft ray. For an extra treat, head along to The Deep, one of the most spectacular aquariums in the world and home to 5,000 animals including sharks and rays, as well as the UK’s only pair of green sawfish and a colony of Gentoo penguins. Admission costs £19.75 adults and £15.50 children (3-15 years), booking required.
‘Twixmas Walks’
Blow away the cobwebs, escape the wrapping paper, and enjoy a walk around Capability Brown’s spectacular parkland in all its seasonal glory, at Weston Park, Staffordshire. From Boxing Day to New Year’s Day, the Park and Gardens will be open to explore Weston’s 1,000 acres of glorious landscapes, and for long winter walks through Temple Wood. The Granary Restaurant will also be open, serving up soul warming food, winter warming cocktails and hot chocolates with all the trimmings. Admission to the parkland costs £6 per person.
Pop into the pop-up tipi
THOR’S Tipi Bar is back in Lincoln for the season, and the pop-up bar will be serving up a menu of Lincolnshire craft ales, festive hot chocolates, and street food right through until 1 January 2024. Roaring log fires, twinkling fairy lights and Nordic spruce will keep the festive spirit going after the Big Day, while there will also be live music on Thursday 28 December, from 7pm.
