The Christmas Experience

We visit various events at Lotherton throughout the year but one thing we never miss is The Christmas Experience when all areas of the house and estate are decorated for the festive season.

There's certain things which are there every year but they do try and change it up a bit so that each time you visit is that bit different.

As you can see from the map, there's lots of things to do and see. It's especially magical for children as they're able to visit Santa or decorate gingerbread people with Mrs Claus in the Hall.

We didn't go inside the house on this occasion as we had Archie with us but you can see a little of what it's like in my Christmas At Lotherton post from last year. Instead, we opted to take the Festive Woodland Walk and wander through the formal gardens.

It was a cold but bright wintry day when we visited last week and Archie definitely needed his coat.

As you walk around the grounds you discover various installations which have a little information about how they play a part in the Christmas celebrations. Most of them are interactive which is great for little ones.

I must admit that it's not only children who enjoy having a go at things though, some of the installations can cause much hilarity in those of us who are young at heart too.

The Reindeer Race is a favourite.

You have to turn a wheel to make your reindeer move and the quickest one wins the race. One of us is very competitive and it's not me!

Turn the wheel and the carolers will sing We Wish You a Merry Christmas.

A gingerbread house in the woods. Perhaps the witch from Hansel and Gretel lives here.

We had lots of laughs as we stood in front of these Christmas presents, a hall of mirrors.

We came to the Lotherton advent calendar.

Archie had his obligatory annual photo and looked just about as impressed as he has done in previous years.

The fun continues into the formal gardens where you'll find this Christmas cracker. If you pull the ends you'll hear a joke.

The pond was frozen solid but it had been decorated. I bet it looks amazing in the dark. I should just say here that you are able to visit after dark and from what I've seen, the house and grounds look fabulous all lit up. We've always visited the Christmas event during daylight hours but perhaps we'll make the effort to see it after dusk next year.

The Fairy Dell is always a favourite. As you walk through you can hear the fairies whispering and giggling.

The little houses have so much detail. You can see more in The Fairy Dell post which I wrote a couple of years ago.

We walked past the house which is suitably decorated.

I'm sure it all looks different again when the lights are illuminated at night.

Before we left I popped into the Elf Village to have a quick look around. Dogs aren't allowed here so Mick had to wait outside with Archie and we daren't disobey the rules as this guardsman was keeping watch (one of the twelve drummers drumming).

You can get refreshments in the Elf Village or do a little shopping for baubles and decorations. Little ones are able to make reindeer food to sprinkle outdoors on Christmas Eve.

Another enjoyable time at The Christmas Experience. It was very quiet when we were there but I should imagine it's much busier after school and on weekends. A great place to go with little ones.