Chatsworth Garden at Christmas

At this time of year I'd normally be trying to get into the festive mood by visiting the various local stately homes decorated for Christmas. Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall (both privately owned) always have wonderful displays, and the local National Trust properties - Kedleston Hall, Hardwick Hall, and Calke Abbey - all have something going on. Not this year though, or at least not yet. There's a possibility that some may open once Tier 3 restrictions end, but meanwhile there are illuminated gardens to explore.

So, on the one sunny day this week, we headed to Chatsworth, early enough to walk round the wider garden in daylight.

Careful planning and planting means that there are flowers and shrubs in blossom to be found even in December.

Then, as the sun set, we headed back nearer to the house, where rows of ground-level lights led from one illuminated feature to the next.

My photos aren't good but hopefully give an inkling of the atmosphere

The Emperor Fountain was transformed into a giant flame.

The Ring Pond's surrounding hedges completely covered in a net of lights, creating a magical luminous setting for the yews which encircle the pond like witches turned to stone, or tree in this case, for dancing on the Sabbath.

In the distance we'd heard carols being played, and a short tunnel lit with fairy lights led to its source - a grotto of Victorian silhouettes

This was my favourite display - a tree  decorated with huge baubles; simple but so beautiful. 

Because we'd approached the trail from inside the garden rather than outside, this fireplace scene in Flora's Temple was the last display for us rather than the first, but having left the grounds we thought it worth a walk down to see the gateway which  guard the entrance to the house. 

I may not get to see the decorated House this year (it will be the first time in many years) but the gardens were lovely.