Christmas at Calke - market, house, garden and tunnels!

Next stop on the Christmas Lights trail was Calke Abbey.

It was a visit of several parts. First, because of the last entry time, we went round the house - with several decorated trees and mice (fortunately the stuffed toy variety) playing in the kitchen - and through the tunnels which lead back to the wash house in the stableyard. I'm not one for enclosed spaces but with strings of lights and illuminated displays I didn't really notice any difference to walking along a corridor (though the steep steps at the end were a little troublesome) In the wash house a model choir was waiting to welcome us.

As it was still daylight, our next stop was the Christmas market followed by tea and cake from the cafe.

Then as darkness descended we headed up into the gardens following the illuminated trail

It's always magical to find a path of lights leading through woodland, and this was no exception. Projections of wild animals onto trunks led the way deeper among the trees, and eventually to a tunnel of lights which returned towards the hall.

Calke Abbey itself sits in a dip between stableyard and gardens, with a slight hill in either directio and the route through the tunnels seemed the more gradual gradient to return to the exit.

I'm pleased we chose this way as the lights in the courtyard were mush more impressive in the dark. The steps up to the laundry seemed far steeper though! 

 

Haddon Mercatum

The start of December brings with it a certain sort of shopping frenzy fueled by Christmas's imminent arrival. I'm trying my best to avoid doing all on my present-buying on line which is ample reason to be off out to another Christmas market - this time at Haddon Hall.

This is the first time I've visited but I'd heard good things about it, and it definitely didn't disappoint. 

It's hard at first to appreciate how large the market is - there were stalls situated on the flat ground before the hall, some in the main courtyard, more throughout the hall's rooms and kitchens, and a marquee in the terraced garden.

I'm always drawn to the foodie section first, sampling this and that, picking up some treats to bring home (Infusions apple balsamic vinegar, and cakes for the evening), and getting some lunch (bean chilli from Eat Shoots and Leaves), before facing the climb up to the hall.

Through the main door and into the courtyard filled with mainly outdoorsy stalls - wreaths, plants, woodworking - 

then into the Great Hall dominated by a huge Christmas tree, and on into the smaller rooms beyond before heading into the garden and returning via the Long Chamber. I lost count of the number of vendors  - more cheese, chocolate and flavoured spirits, jewellery, soaps, knitted goods, candles; a list that goes on forever.

I particularly liked the setting. Not traipsing through mud from stall to stall, but going inside and experiencing the atmosphere of such an historic house. Although the rooms weren't fully decorated for Christmas there was a festive atmosphere throughout with lights in the windows, trees and garlands. 

Looking back as we left it's easy to imagine Haddon in its Tudor heyday. 

Back home though for some rather delicious cakes.
 

November

 November started with Diwali lights and decorations at Kedleston,

took me walking through autumn leaves, 

up to Manchester and Dunham Massey where the garden was full of autumnal colour and preparations were underway for Christmas

 

then through days of snow just after mid-month

followed by brilliant sunshine and a chilly evening for Chatsworth Christmas market and their illuminated garden trail. 

Cheers now to the festive season, with a glass of gin jam