Christmas two ways
This year I’ve experienced the Christmas offering of two stately homes: Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire and Sizergh Castle in Cumbria. The houses themselves couldn’t be more different and so perhaps it is fitting that the way they ‘did’ Christmas was very different too.
Blenheim Palace was built by Sir John Vanbrugh for John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough. The land had been given to him by Queen Anne on behalf of the nation in grateful thanks for winning the Battle of Blenheim (amongst others) in 1704 during the War of the Spanish Succession. There are many adjectives you could use to describe the Palace - understated isn’t one of them.
During a visit in ‘normal times’ you will see Vanbrugh’s Baroque interior to great effect, highlighted by the paintings, the tapestries, the furniture etc etc. In short, all the things you would normally expect to see in a stately home - and then some.
However, at Christmas, they decorate the house in a manner which is entirely fitting of all this extravagance! There is always a theme - this year it was Peter Pan and Neverland. Every room has a Christmas tree and decorations but also scenes appropriate to the theme. The staff are also in costume and, thankfully, just as knowledgeable as ever. In fact, it’s probably quite nice for them when someone asks about a painting rather than just taking selfies with the props.
Children of course totally adore it and, provided you can harness your inner child and ‘go with the magic’ it is very much an experience for all ages. There is so much to see that I went round twice - it takes around 40 minutes each time.
My second visit was to Sizergh Castle, on the edge of the Lake District National Park in Cumbria. The oldest part of the castle is Medieval and it was extended in Elizabethan times and again during the Georgian period towards the end of the 18th century. It was the home of the Strickland family from the 13th century until it was given into the care of the National Trust in 1950. However, it retains its family ties and so it was ‘Lord & Lady Strickland’ of Christmases Past who extended the invitation which you can see below.
It’s a lovely house and one I very much enjoy visiting. It has a homely feel but, during the day it always feels very dark. This is due mostly to many of the walls being clad in dark wood and neither the rooms nor the windows being particularly large. However, this was perfect for the ‘cosy winter vibe’ they were clearly going for. Low lighting, Christmas lights and mock candles all made you feel like all you needed was a cup of cocoa to complete the experience.
The rooms of the main floor had been decorated to represent different periods in the castle’s history. We began in 1561 when a turkey was introduced to the Christmas feast for the first time and went up to the 1960s.
There was of course less to see but there were also fewer people and therefore it was easier to spend time actually looking at things and not being overwhelmed. As a returning visitor it was nice to see new items put out on display, making the whole castle feel fresh and interesting. We also got to see in the chapel which is normally closed to the public as it’s still in use.
Comparing the two doesn’t feel fair - it’s a bit like comparing your old childhood friend who holds few surprises but has turned up with a new dress - to the glamorous ‘life and soul of the party’ person you’ve just met and is dazzling everyone they meet. Actually it was my third time at Blenheim for Christmas and I must admit that I wasn’t as bowled over as I was the first time. I knew what to expect and so it took a bit more effort to ‘engage with the magic’. ‘Winter at Sizergh’ was a fresh take on a familiar friend and I very much enjoyed it. It was homely and festive - rather like pulling on a favourite old jumper, snuggling up on a squashy sofa and reading a new book by the fireside.
There is room for both in my life….
