Explore magical secret gardens at Doddington Hall this Christmas

Claire Birch, whose family has owned and lived in Doddington Hall for 190 years said: “2020 has been quite the year for many of us, so it’s important that as the festive season approaches, we all find comfort in a bit of Christmas sparkle.

“Christmas is looking a bit uncertain for many of us, but what we can be certain of is that Doddington Hall is going to open its doors wide to welcome families from across the area so they can enjoy a truly magical experience safely. Christmas at Doddington has been a wonderful tradition for families over the last 50 years, so we want to play our part in helping people to create special memories.

“Whether you want to come into the warmth of our Cafes, Tea Room or Farm Shop to enjoy some local seasonal produce, find the perfect present or decoration in the Bauble Barn or in our retail outlets, or immerse yourself in the hall’s secret gardens, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

“We have the trees and the trimmings to help you make the most of Christmas. 2020 has been challenging but that’s all the more reason to find a little bit of magic where we can, so we can’t wait to welcome you and your family to our very safe, and very special corner of Lincolnshire.”

Visitors will explore Doddington Hall’s magical Secret Gardens using a one way system. Face coverings must be worn at all times, social distancing must be adhered to and hand sanitiser will be available throughout.

Each room will have a different theme; the Great Hall will be adorned with natural materials from Doddington’s gardens by Rachel Petheram of Catkin Flowers to create a forgotten secret garden. The Drawing Room will feature a magnificent butterfly garden, designed by Claire Birch, filled with hundreds of handmade origami butterflies and flowers made from wallpaper, newspaper and magazines by volunteers during lockdown.

The Brown Parlour will be a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory inspired garden, featuring a magical chocolate river and decorated with giant sweets – all created by local set designer and builder, James Richards, of Sets Role.

Visitors can also discover a magical water garden filled with glowing goldfish and a Mr McGregor inspired vegetable garden handcrafted by Michelle Kelsey, as well as a breathtaking moonlit garden in the Long Gallery by Howell Thomas and students from Lincoln College. Look out for some wonderful wildlife throughout the hall, including birds, butterflies, fish and more.

Doddington Hall & Gardens is a not-for-profit organisation, so every penny generated through the shops, cafes, Christmas tree sales and house opening goes towards the conservation and upkeep of the hall and gardens for future generations to enjoy.

Built in 1595-1600, it is one of the few untouched examples of the work of Robert Smythson who is famed for his work on Longleat and Hardwick Hall, and has been owned and inhabited by the Jarvis/Birch family since 1829.

Preparations for Doddington Hall & Gardens Christmas season began in January with natural materials gathered and dried from the estate especially for the ‘Secret Gardens’ theme.

Meanwhile, decorations have been painstakingly crafted, the estate’s team of chefs have been perfecting their menus and the Farm Shop team have sourced a tantalising selection of produce from the local area and from further afield.

Every effort is made to source materials and produce from the estate grounds and decorations from the Secret Gardens will be recycled where possible to ensure that Christmas at Doddington is as sustainable as possible.

Get your tickets

Christmas at Doddington Hall & Gardens begins on Saturday 21st November 2020 and will be celebrated until 23rd December 2020. Admission to the hall is £15 for adults and £7 for children, with free entry for children under four. Family tickets (two adults and two children) can also be purchased for £43.

Booking is essential and entry is by pre-booked, timed tickets only. Please visit the Doddington Hall & Gardens website for terms and conditions as well as essential booking information.

The Bauble Barn will be open daily 9am-5pm and 10am-4pm on Sunday, while the Christmas Tree Yard will open from November 27th.

To book tickets for the hall or to find out more about Christmas at Doddington Hall & Gardens, visit doddingtonhall.com