Mrs Hudson says | Get into the festive spirit!

It feels like autumn has only just started but winter is here and with it all the fun and festivities of the winter season. Whether you celebrate or not, it’s hard to avoid all the bright lights and sweet treats, so here are some of the ways you can combine Britain’s incredible heritage with seasonal fun!

One thing we Hudsons like to do at this time of year is make everything feel as special and magical as possible. It’s not something I’ll be able to do for much longer now the children are getting older. If you’re like us and don’t mind travelling, here are some of our suggestions to get you into the Christmas spirit.

One thing I won’t be able to do with my kids for much longer is go and see Father Christmas in his grotto. At this point, I think they are just humouring me, but they still can’t quite hide the excitement on their faces when it’s their turn, There are a host of chances to meet Father Christmas over the next two months, including at Lamport Hall, which is in Lamport, Northamptonshire.

Their grotto is located within their special winter wonderland, where you can explore a wintery woodland, roast marshmallows on a fire and learn about his reindeer before seeing the big man himself.

If you’re in the south east, you can meet Father Christmas at Ightham Mote in Kent. As a National Trust property, members can go for free and there are no additional fees to go to the grotto. They are also holding separate sessions for anyone with additional access needs. That’s not all that’s on offer either, you can also experience a Tudor Christmas, watch festive shows and take part in workshops that are all themed around the season.

If you want to mix it up a bit, head to Knebworth House in Hertfordshire where you don’t just get to meet Father Christmas, you get to dine with him! Pick from lunchtime or dinner time sessions and enjoy a delightful Christmas meal with the big man himself! This year, they are also hosting their popular Christmas Fair – so make sure to bring bags for your last minute gifts and treats.

Visiting Leeds? Make sure to stop off at Temple Newsam where you won’t just get to visit Father Christmas, but Mrs Claus too! They are holding a series of relaxed sessions too and you can explore the beautifully decorated house where there are craft sessions taking place.

What could be more magical than seeing Father Christmas in a castle? Head to Ludlow Castle to enjoy their grotto in the heart of the castle, with elves on hand to help out and festive treats available. I’m hoping that this one will at least keep the kids young and excited for Christmas for another year!

It isn’t all about meeting Father Christmas, so those of you who don’t celebrate can join in too. There are several places hosting winter themed activities, like wreath making, which you can do at Holkham Hall, along with a couple of other workshops. Another option is Nymans, a National Trust property in West Sussex. They are hosting several workshops, including willow weaving and needle felting, so you can enjoy some crafts without being overwhelmed with Christmas spirit.

For those of you who want something traditional, head to Canterbury Cathedral for their Advent Carol and other services. As England’s first Cathedral and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Canterbury Cathedral is an impressive place to visit, regardless of your religious leanings but at this time of year, it’s quite something.

What will you be doing with your families this winter? Will you be going to any of these events or activities?