Hillsborough Castle will open its doors this December, allowing visitors to discover festive traditions through the ages, with a series of new and interactive tours designed to immerse guests with the spirit of Christmas in the Victorian era.
Christmas in 1850 at Hillsborough Castle saw the Hill family and their staff preparing for the Grand Twelfth Night Ball and the Earl of Hillsborough’s 5th birthday celebrations, alongside the family’s annual festive traditions.
Throughout designated days in December, visitors will find household staff preparing for festivities on arrival, and with the help of costumed, character guides, will discover the origin of some of Hillsborough Castle & Gardens’ long-standing Christmas traditions and the festive feast.
Learning Producer for Schools and Families, Maria Magill who has developed the tours with the team at Hillsborough Castle says they have been designed to delve into the past and understand what Christmas was like in the Castle over 170 years ago.
Maria commented; “Christmas has always been a grand and wonderful event at Hillsborough Castle and we’re so excited to be opening it up for families this festive season.
“Back in 1850, the Hill family were getting ready to celebrate the fifth birthday of the Earl of Hillsborough. Our records tell us that during celebrations that year, the Earl was treated to a performance of Tom Thumb in the dining room – the star of the show was a real cow which had been brought in from the estate farm for the occasion! Our guests will be invited to explore the origins of panto with a short extract from the story of Tom Thumb, while also learning about the parlour games that would have been played in the Drawing Room.
“The tours are a fascinating look back at life in the Castle in the 1800s, and really help us explore the origins of our favourite Christmas traditions today, from the food we eat, to the cards we send, and how we decorate our homes.”
Father Christmas will also be in attendance at the Castle, and at the end of the tours, children can meet the man himself and receive a sweet treat to take home.
Crafters can also enjoy a weekend of Christmas wreath making on Friday 09 and Saturday 10 December, where ivy, holly berries and festive foliage will be plucked from the royal gardens and weaved together to handmake a wreath for the season. Participants will be guided by the talented and experienced hands of Lorna Brownlee, Hillsborough Castle and Garden’s resident florist, who will share skills that can be used for years to come.
Hillsborough Castle is also home to the Christmas at Hillsborough light trail which returns for its second year on Thursday 01 December. The spectacular trail will provide an enchanting walk throughout the royal gardens, with over a million twinkling lights and seasonal sounds creating festive magic for the whole family. For the first time, Hillsborough Castle itself will be illuminated, signifying the mid-point of the trail between enchanted forests, a meadow of light, the heart tunnel and snowflake reflections lighting up the paths.
Butterfly Effect, by Masamichi Shimada, courtesy of Light Art Collection is an exclusive installation for Hillsborough Castle at this year’s trail, whichportrays how something as delicate as a butterfly can hold a huge amount of power. The beautiful butterflies can be spotted illuminating the pond at the foot of Yew Tree Walk in a mesmerising blue glow.
Christmas Tours of Hillsborough Castle run throughout the day on 04, 10-11, 17-18 and 21-23 December. Booking is essential and available viahrp.org.uk/Hillsborough-Castle.
The Christmas Wreath Workshop on 09 December run from 10am – 12pm, and 1pm – 3pm and on 10 December at 10am – 12pm, and 1:30pm – 3:30pm. Booking is essential and available via hrp.org.uk/Hillsborough-Castle.
Christmas at Hillsborough Light Trail runs from 01 December – 01 January, and can be booked via MyChristmasTrails.co.uk.
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