STEP into a Narnia-inspired world at Mottisfont this winter, with scenes and a family trail inspired by C. S. Lewis’s much-loved story, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
The magic begins from the moment you enter the gardens, where Narnia’s famous black lamp post illuminates your way to the house, transformed for a 1940s Christmas.
Inside, follow wartime evacuees Edmund, Lucy, Susan and Peter into the kingdom of the White Witch – a landscape of snow and Turkish Delight.
READ MORE: Five great autumn walks in the New Forest and Hampshire
There are plenty of ‘wow’ moments, from walking through the wardrobe into Narnia, and sitting in the White Witch’s sleigh, to seeing Aslan at the crowning of the young kings and queens.
Upstairs in the gallery is a display of exquisite watercolours by the original illustrator for The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Pauline Baynes. 2022 marks the centenary of the artist’s birth and this is the first time these artworks from the book have ever been exhibited together in the UK. Look out for such delights as Lucy having tea with Mr Tumnus the fawn, and the children meeting Father Christmas.
Outside, families can collect their Narnia-style map to continue the adventure. Life-size wardrobes frame iconic scenes, there are story-themed activities, and loads of great ‘selfie’ opportunities as you enter the Beavers’ cottage on the riverbank, discover the White Witch’s palace, and sit in the throne room at Cair Paravel.
Christmas at Mottisfont gets underway on Saturday and runs until Sunday January 8 2023.
Other National Trust properties in Hampshire promise a season of winter experiences that will bring joy and sprinkles of magic.
Celebrate Christmas with Winchester City Mill and go back to Tudor times, when Queen Mary I gifted the Mill to the City of Winchester. This ancient building is set for a royal feast, with festive decorations, costumes to dress up in, and a throne to sit on for a unique Tudor ‘selfie’.
The much-loved world of The Wind in the Willows comes to Hinton Ampner, near Alresford, this Christmas. Inside the house follow Mole, Rat and Badger as they leave their sheltered lives in the woods and along the riverbank to rescue incorrigible friend Toad from his wild adventures.
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