A Dickensian Christmas at Kentwell Hall
On Sunday we were kindly invited to Kentwell Hall to experience the Dickensian Christmas event!
As readers of the blog will probably know, I’m a history nerd, so I was VERY excited to visit the Hall.
The Dickensian Christmas event runs on the 7th & 8th and 14th & 15th December 2019 and sees Kentwell Hall transported back to 1869 for a Victorian celebration. The Hall and its grounds are transformed into a winter wonderland with re-enactors inhabiting the rooms and gardens.
This family-friendly festive experience also has an Elf Training School, Father Christmas, Victorian Music Hall, Tavern and a retelling of A Christmas Carol by Dickens himself.
We started our day by walking around the grounds of the Hall, exploring the walled garden and discovering the history of Kentwell. The house is still a family home and was built between 1500 and 1550.
Then we went inside the Hall and back in time to 1869! During that time Capt. and Mrs Bence lived in the Hall with their children. On this day they were hosting a big festive feast and the Hall was full of activity. The kitchen was the first stop where Cook was making pies and lots of sweet treats.
The servants were polishing silver in the next room and we were asked to help fold napkins for the guests. It was great fun to be pulled into the action and interact with the ‘staff.’ We then saw the Bence family gathered in the living room, reading and getting ready for the evening’s festivities. As you explore each part of the house, different characters are around to chat and bring the time period to life.
Next, we visited the stables to see the farm animals. Here there’s a Storybook Room that children will love and a living photobooth.
We then stopped for tea and cake (which was delicious) before making a table decoration in the big top craft tent. I thought this was a fantastic idea for all the family. There were lots of pieces of foliage and decorations to create your crafts, as well as plenty of glitter!
The Victorian Music Hall and Tavern was in full swing when we visited. People were enjoying traditional drinks and entertainment. We then managed to catch the Christmas Carol told by Dickens in a magical barn setting.
Feeling thoroughly festive we headed home. Families will love this day out – there’s so much to see and do. I just wish I wasn’t too old for Elf Training School!
Disclaimer: This was not a paid post. We were gifted our tickets to the Dickensian Christmas at Kentwell Hall but did not receive payment for my blog post or social media work.
This is an account of what I experienced and I am not in any way responsible for what you experience. For my full disclaimer policy, please click here.
