“This is quite the season indeed for friendly meetings. At Christmas everybody invites their friends about them, and people think little of even the worst weather. I was snowed up at a friend’s house once for a week. Nothing could be pleasanter.” – Jane Austen, Emma
Experience warmth, welcome and the magic of that festive feeling
That festive feeling is ramping up and this year’s Christmas show is careering towards its grand finale. With just over four weeks until the big day, now’s the time to book workshops, secure festive tables and carve out some ‘me’ time – our new first class afternoon tea is just the ticket!
We adore the anticipatory lead up to Christmas. Visitors can expect nostalgic festive flavours infused into menus and treats, seasonal tastings, mulled cyder, wine and hot chocolate pop-ups, towering apple sights, twinkling lights and plenty of good old fashioned fun! Join us as we celebrate the season, Somerset style.
Weekend pop-ups are perfect for ticking off your gift lists
What’s on in December
1 December
Luxury Christmas Wreath Making, 9.30am – 12pm or 2.30pm – 4.30pm / £100
Create a luxury wreath for your home with Deborah from Bruton-based Lunaria. She’ll be on hand to guide guests to make a beautiful bespoke wreath in a choice of two sizes, finished with premium ribbon and jingle bells!
3 December
Dried Flower Wreath Making, 9.30am – 3pm / £150
Summer’s blooms were picked, dried and perfectly preserved, ready for this moment. Floriculturist Maiko Ishida will lead you through how to read the flowers and arrange a beautiful wreath to adorn the home. Includes lunch in the Garden Café.
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4 December
Craft a Christmas Tree, 9.30am – 3pm / £150
A perfect opportunity to pause for some festive creativity with our floriculturist Maiko. Using natural materials gathered from the gardens and woodland, you’ll craft a willow structure adorned with estate blooms in chic winter hues. Culminates with a lovely lunch.
4 December
Gather & Grow: Astrophotography, 5pm / £5 members, £7 non-members
A rare evening of celestial exploration with astrophotographer Hannah Rochford. Through storytelling and pictures, Hannah will share her passion for the night sky and offer a snapshot of the cosmic wonders above Somerset this season. Treats and bar available.
5 December
Pressed Flower Candles, 10am -12pm & 1 – 3pm / £60
Decorate a trio of dinner candles perfect for your Christmas table with our expert host, Beth Kendall of Wilder & Wren. You’ll learn how to transform simple wax candles into works of art, with an array of beautiful botanicals.
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5, 12, 19 December
Yin Yoga & Breathwork, 9.30am – 10.45am / £30
Steal away for 75 minutes of meditative morning yoga and breathwork on a Friday morning session connecting mind, body and breath with slow, sequenced, floor-based poses. A holistic approach to health and happiness, tailored to students of all abilities.
Book onto a festive workshop with Biscuiteers
6 December
Festive Biscuit Decorating with Biscuiteers, 12.45 – 1.30pm & 2.30pm – 3.15pm / £35
Learn how to ice like a pro with the original purveyors of hand-iced biscuits, Biscuiteers. You’ll master icing tips and tricks to put into use with upcoming bakes and create a trio of festive biscuits to gift or enjoy at home.
6 December
Family Festive Biscuit Decorating with Biscuiteers, 11.30 – 12.15pm / £35
If you’ve got a budding baker on your hands, this family workshop is the perfect festive activity in the run up to Christmas. They’ll have an expert on hand to guide throughout and create a trio of festive biscuits to bring home. Accompanying grown-up goes free.
6 December – 4 January
Enchanted Christmas Trail, 9am – 3.30pm daily, included in membership
Inspired by a kindly badger who keeps watch over the woodland creatures each winter, children will hunt for his hidden treats across the estate, following a map and clues to secret doors, to complete Badger’s banquet table. Simply ask at the Threshing Barn for your map and stickers!
9, 10 December
Foraged Christmas Decorations, 9.30am – 3pm / £150
Join our Floriculturist and Heritage Garden Manager, Maiko, as she guides you through creating your own designs with natural materials foraged from the gardens and woodland. A wonderful creative and mindful activity to make decorations to treasure for years to come.
11 December
Introduction to Calligraphy, 10am – 12.30pm & 1.30pm – 4pm / £65
Master the art of calligraphy to craft elegant, handwritten festive wishes. You’ll learn the basics of the craft in this 2.5 hour workshop and bring home a calligraphy kit with ink, nibs, labels and more to continue your practice at home.
17 December
Mindful Candle Making with Self Care Co, 10am – 11.30am & 2pm – 3.30pm / £80
Make your own scented candle using all natural ingredients with Somerset locals Self Care Co. You’ll learn about essential oils and discover the power of aromatherapy in this mindful workshop to create a wonderfully uplifting treat to gift or keep.
18 December
Christmas Table Styling, 10am – 12pm & 1.30pm – 3.30pm / £50
Create showstopping Christmas tablescapes that look like something out of a magazine with renowned interior stylist Lucy Gough. She’ll be sharing insider tips for styling your home for festive get-togethers and, of course, the big day itself.
Learn the art of tablescaping with stylist Lucy Gough
20, 21 December
St Nicholas’ Enchanted Crafting, 10am – 3.30pm (45-minute slots) / £8
A magical mini workshop for your Newtlings to craft Newt-inspired charms to guide St Nicholas on his epic Christmas journey. Perfect for making your Christmas visit even more enchanting. All ages welcome, accompanied by a (free of charge) grown up.
Yule Love…
Our first class Afternoon Tea aboard the Maid of Somerset gets the yuletide touch this month. Book in from 1 – 31 December to feast on the flavours of the season (with a Newt twist) or be among the first to try our new Tea & Garden experience – a sure-fire hit of a Christmas gift.
Weekend Pop-Ups
6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 December
Weekends in December are set to get busy as St Nic flies in and nostalgic treats pop-up. Expect live music and heartwarming carols with plenty of mulled drinks to keep you fine spirits for ticking off gift (and festive food) lists.
