Once Upon a Time

After our visit to the Christmas Tree Festival in Bakewell we drove the short distance to Haddon Hall.

We usually visit in Spring or Summer, especially when the Tudor Group are there, but have been once before to their Christmas events.

The sun was shining as we made our way to the entrance.

Inside the fairy tale trail began.

Inside the greenery and toadstool decorations led us into another world.

In the banqueting hall the soft colours of the silk and paper flowers contrasted well with the darker wood of the floor and ceiling.

Lights and the minstrels' gallery were decorated too.

In the Great Chamber we found the story of Cinderella.  Her blue glass slipper was on the table....

.....and her ball gown, constructed from leaves, in the window.

Upstairs in the long gallery we found an enchanted woodland in which Sleeping Beauty slumbered.

The spinning wheel upon which the Princess pricked her finger.

I loved all the little woodland creatures

The Princess slumbers in her flowery bower.

Next door in the parlour we found the story of the Shoemaker and the Elves.

Whilst in the State bedroom Little Red Riding Hood was visiting Grandma for tea.

But who is lurking behind the door?

The Big Bad Wolf dressed in Grandma's clothes

Back downstairs in the kitchens the Three Bears eat breakfast

Baby Bear looks as if he has finished his bowl of porridge.

By the hearth Cinderella's ordinary clothes are left behind whilst she wears the beautiful ball gown made of leaves.

Meanwhile out in the courtyard Rapunzel lets down her hair.

I loved all the extra details around the hall, especially in the kitchens.

I've added a few more photos below of the things that caught my eye.  Apologies in advance for the many photos.

 There were some beautiful festive wreaths

 Lots of trees full of pretty decorations

 I loved these two little birds

 The Christmas Tree in the Banqueting Hall was decorated with dried oranges and lemons.

 Views from the gardens.....

 ...and in the chapel.

 I saw these narcissus in a tub outside the gardeners cottage where we had tea and cake before we set out for home.

 

A little promise of Spring amongst the festive greenery.