We get it—it’s still autumn, and the last thing on your mind might be mince pies and fairy lights. But Christmas at Waddesdon Manor (running 22 November 2025 to 4 January 2026) is no ordinary festive event. It’s an immersive, artful celebration of light, music, European charm and seasonal joy—all set in one of Buckinghamshire’s most stunning locations.

If you love Christmas and crave experiences that go beyond the usual markets and mulled wine, Waddesdon Manor’s Grand Festive Tour is calling your name.

Explore Europe in Lights at Waddesdon Manor’s Grand Festive Tour

The theme for 2025 is inspired by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild’s European travels—and his beloved dog, Poupon. With cutting-edge projection mapping lighting up the Manor’s historic façade, you’ll be transported across Europe in a visual journey featuring Paris, Vienna, Venice and more.

The show unfolds on the North Front with a continuous 25-minute immersive display that bathes the landscape in colour, music, and wonder. This is one for your camera roll—and your memory bank.

Step Into a Christmas Fantasy Inside Waddesdon Manor

Inside the house, selected rooms have been transformed into lavish tributes to Baron Ferdinand’s favourite European cities. Each space blends the Manor’s historic decor with bespoke Christmas styling and immersive storytelling:

• Venice in the East Gallery

• Paris in the Dining Room

• Geneva in the White Drawing Room

• Bavaria in the Billiard Room

• Vienna in the Breakfast Room

The experience wraps up with a giant snow globe installation, offering a magical finale to an already spectacular journey.

Discover the Best Christmas Light Trail in Buckinghamshire

Outside, Waddesdon’s light trail winds through illuminated woodland with new installations and returning favourites. It’s designed to surprise, delight, and immerse you in Christmas magic.

Look out for:

• A tunnel of lights

• An 8-metre tall Pole Tree glowing with festive patterns

• Interactive displays that respond to sound and movement

• Giant golden gift boxes made for festive selfies

• The return of the shooting star installation, a fan favourite from 2023

It’s a perfect evening stroll for couples, families and anyone looking for a dose of winter enchantment.

Shop Unique Christmas Gifts at Waddesdon’s Artisan Market

From 22 November to 14 December, Waddesdon’s popular Christmas Market takes over the South Front of the Manor. This is your go-to spot for discovering handmade gifts, local produce, and festive foodie treats.

Complete your visit with a stop at the Wine and Gift Shop, or explore the Christmas Shop in the Powerhouse for decorations, tableware, toys, and stocking fillers.

Christmas Fun for Children at the Coach House

One of the most charming parts of Christmas at Waddesdon is the Coach House display at the Stables. Created by local school children, this year’s theme is ‘Sounds of the Season’, exploring festive music and carols through imaginative, heartwarming installations.

It’s an unmissable stop for families, filled with creativity and holiday cheer.

Enjoy Festive Afternoon Tea or a Five-Course Christmas Feast

Dining at Waddesdon is just as spectacular as the decorations. Treat yourself to a Festive Afternoon Tea in the Manor Restaurant, or go all in with a five-course Festive Feast Dinner on select December dates (5, 12, and 19). Each dinner starts with canapés and sparkling wine in the wine cellar, followed by seasonal dishes paired with Rothschild wines.

If you want to extend the experience, book a stay at The Five Arrows Hotel (packages from £175 include event tickets), or head to The Bow for a cosy drink, hearty winter menu, and four-course Christmas Day lunch (£90pp).

Host a Stylish Private Christmas Event at Waddesdon

Planning a festive gathering or end-of-year celebration? Waddesdon offers unique venues across the estate, from the historic Manor and Dairy to the contemporary Windmill Hill. Whether it’s an elegant dinner, private hire, or lively Christmas party, these spaces bring festive flair and sophistication in equal measure.

Plan Your Visit to Waddesdon Manor’s Christmas Experience

Event Dates: 22 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
Location: Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire
Tickets: From £13 (adults) / £6 (children) – must be booked online in advance
Opening Times: Grounds: 12noon–7pm / House: 12.30pm–7pm
Late Night Openings: Saturdays – 22 & 29 Nov, 6, 13 & 20 Dec (Grounds until 8pm)
Book now at: www.waddesdon.org.uk/christmas

Don’t Wait for December – Book Your Christmas Experience Now

If you’re looking for a festive day out that blends history, art, luxury and seasonal charm, look no further than Waddesdon Manor’s Christmas celebration. It’s not just an event—it’s a destination. And it sells out fast.

Start planning now, beat the December crowds, and experience Christmas at its most magical—right here in the heart of Buckinghamshire.

The Stable Bar Opens at Tewinbury Farm Hotel in Hertfordshire

Just 30 minutes from London, Tewinbury Farm Hotel — Hertfordshire’s hidden gem — is now home to The Stable Bar, a striking new wine and events space that blends countryside charm with a touch of London cool.

Set on Tewinbury’s 700-acre working farm, The Stable Bar is more than a place to drink — it’s a destination. From the handpicked art adorning exposed brick walls (curated in collaboration with Common Room Projects) to its exclusive wine list from Humble Grape, every detail has been crafted to offer an experience that’s as stylish as it is soulful.

A Wine Lover’s Escape in the Countryside

The Stable Bar serves a thoughtfully curated collection of sustainable, organic and biodynamic wines from independent, family-run wineries around the world. Expect to find Old World classics from Bordeaux and Veneto alongside adventurous pours from the vineyards of North Macedonia, Bulgaria and beyond. Whether you’re discovering your new favourite orange wine or sipping on a familiar fizz, every bottle tells a story.

Paired with small plates, hand-stretched sourdough pizzas and seasonal sharing boards, the menu offers easy-going luxury in every bite — perfect for slow afternoons or intimate evenings.

Live Music, Riverside Views & Summer Events

The Stable Bar’s riverside terrace offers a scenic setting for every season — heated in the winter and open-air in the summer, with views over the tranquil River Mimram. Inside, deep sofas, ambient lighting and a warm welcome set the tone for weekend nights filled with live jazz and acoustic sets.

July brings a host of exciting events to the calendar:

• Acoustic Thursdays fill the bar with laid-back live music and summer vibes.

• Fizz Fridays invite you to toast the weekend with special sparkling wine offers.

• DJ Saturdays turn up the tempo as day turns to night with curated DJ sets.

• And for the early risers, Farmers Market Sundays feature local produce, artisan goods and fresh coffee to start your day the Tewinbury way.

One to Watch

Whether you’re a wine aficionado or simply looking for a refreshing countryside escape, The Stable Bar offers a unique blend of rustic charm and contemporary flair. With a packed summer schedule and an atmosphere that effortlessly bridges laid-back and luxe, it’s quickly becoming one of Hertfordshire’s most talked-about new openings.

TrendLife Magazine will be visiting The Stable Bar soon — stay tuned for the full review and inside look.

Darkness descends. Shadows flicker. And something deliciously dreadful is stirring in the heart of Oxfordshire.
This October, the magnificent grounds of Blenheim Palace transform into a spine-tingling Halloween wonderland like no other. Running from 23rd October to 2nd November 2025, the fifth edition of this after-dark Halloween trail promises an eerie, immersive experience for brave families, thrill-seeking couples, and daring groups of friends.

Here’s what visitors can expect from the Palace’s most hauntingly brilliant trail yet.

Step into a Haunted World of Light, Shadow and Story

Forget traditional trick-or-treating—Blenheim Palace’s Halloween Trail invites guests to journey through haunted dungeons, twisted tombs, and mysterious mausoleums. Carefully crafted installations, gothic light projections and eerie soundscapes transform the parkland into an interactive experience that blends theatrical storytelling with unexpected thrills.

Visitors will encounter spectral lights dancing across ancient walls, strange characters emerging from the mist, and whispered secrets hidden in every corner.

All-New Frights for 2025

Returning for its fifth year, the trail introduces new installations and attractions designed to shock and surprise. Among this year’s eerie highlights are:

• The Carnivorous Garden, where nature bites back

• The Demon Barber, with a chilling reputation

• Alien Visitors, offering an unsettling twist

• Towering spiderwebs stretched across centuries-old oaks

As dusk deepens, the trail grows more intense. Families with younger children may prefer earlier time slots, while after-dark adventurers can embrace the full theatrical fear factor.

Devilishly Good Food and Wicked Treats

Between frights, guests can pause to indulge in festive food and drink. The trail’s food village offers warming treats and hot seasonal drinks set against the illuminated silhouette of the Palace. From gourmet hot dogs and flame-grilled burgers to devilishly good hot chocolate and mulled toddies, there’s something for every appetite.

A Historic Setting with a Darker Side

Halloween at Blenheim is not just about scares—it’s about storytelling. Dominic Hare, CEO of Blenheim Palace, said:
“Halloween at Blenheim Palace is a wonderful chance to immerse yourself in our beautiful park and gardens as you’ve never seen them before. With exciting surprises and spine-tingling thrills along the way, this is certainly an experience not to be missed.”

Set in the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s vast grounds, this event offers visitors the rare opportunity to experience the estate after dark—transformed into a gothic dreamscape.

Perfect for Families, Friends and First-Time Fright Seekers

Designed for a wide audience, the Halloween trail offers an accessible yet immersive evening for all ages. The experience is tailored to be spooky rather than terrifying, with different zones offering varied levels of intensity. Whether guests are visiting with children or planning an adult escape, there’s something here for everyone.

Timed entry helps manage crowd levels, ensuring a relaxed and safe experience for all. The earlier slots are ideal for younger families, while the later times are perfect for those looking to experience the trail in full nocturnal effect.

Trail Info and Tickets

What: Halloween at Blenheim Palace – Outdoor Illuminated Trail
When: 23rd October to 2nd November 2025
Where: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1UL

Ticket Prices:
Adult tickets from £18.00
Child tickets (ages 3–16 years) from £12.50
Family tickets (2 adults & 2 children) from £57.00
Parking: £10.00

Timed entry applies. Booking in advance is strongly advised due to limited capacity.
Food and drink sold separately.

For full pricing, ticket information and bookings visit:
https://www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/halloween-at-blenheim-palace.html

Tickets:
https://tickets.blenheimpalace.com/shows/show.aspx?sh=BLHALL25