This year (2021) Castle Howard presents Christmas in Narnia. It is brilliant and as always so clever how it takes you on a journey through the rooms with beautiful decorations telling the story of the book, culminating in The Long Gallery with a fantastic projected light show.
The installation was created by Charlotte Lloyd Webber Event Design with the projected light show by The Projection Studio.
We went as a family and thoroughly enjoyed it, different rooms appealing to each of us.
Eliza loved Susan’s room with the make up and the tiara on the bed! Charlie and I thought the Antique passage and the great hall was atmospheric and magical with the noise of the wind – the Ice Queen felt close. Eliza (6) said she found this bit and meeting the Ice Queen a little bit scary!
The Christmas Tree was unique in comparison to previous years but certainly didn’t disappoint. Eliza and I were certainly wowed by it.
The Crimson Dining Room was brilliant and appealed to all animal lovers, who wouldn’t love to share a table with Mr and Mrs Fox.
The Long Gallery was certainly Henry’s favourite, both the light show and the beautiful Aslan! Both Henry and Eliza were so intrigued by how Aslan had been made – keen to have a go?! The light show and the thrones were certainly a highlight for all. We all sat on a throne and put our heads in the crown whilst watching the light show which was amazing – it appealed to all ages from the very small to the grandparents.
Henry aged 9 loves the book and therefore could relate to the theme. It was a big hit with us all.
The visit culminated in the gift shop with some beautiful Christmas decorations to browse and in our case, we may have purchased a couple! Henry gave a massive thumbs up to the millionaire shortbread and believe me he is a connoisseur!
All in all, this is a lovely Christmas event to do as a family, perfect to involve the grandparents too! Maybe tie in with a run in Wray Wood and a visit to Skelf Island. Any time of day, the house will look lovely but it will look particularly special at twilight.
Christmas in Narnia runs until Sunday 2nd January 2022. This year, prices of tickets will vary subject to whether you choose to book on a peak or off peak date. Book Tickets HERE
Hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
*For the purpose of this review, Castle Howard did allow us free entry. Rest assured this is an honest review and no amount of ticket waving would encourage us to lead you astray.
