If you’re planning a festive getaway at Bowood this winter, you’re probably wondering what there is to see and do during your stay. And you’re in luck!
There are so many things to see in Wiltshire this winter, from festive markets to magical winter wonderlands. Here are 5 of the top festive treats waiting for you over the festive season.
Longleat is a fantastic attraction throughout the year. But the most magical time to visit is during the winter when it holds its annual Festival of Light.
This is a real treat for the eyes. During the Festival of Light, Longleat is decorated with hundreds of beautiful lanterns that illuminate the whole area. Go on a journey through the lights and explore myths and legends, magical creatures and incredible structures, all of which are brought to vivid life by light in the darkness. It is not to be missed!
This year, the Festival of Light is running from November 9th 2019 to January 6th 2020, but it only runs on certain dates, so you’ll want to plan your trip and book ahead rather than just turning up.
You’ll find several Christmas markets popping up in the area over the festive season, but the best of the lot is Bath Christmas Market.
Over a few weeks in November and December, dozens of beautiful chalets will arrive in the Georgian streets of Bath, all lit up with festive lights and welcoming you in to take a look at their goods.
You’ll find festive gifts, decorations and artisan products from local designers, along with delicious food including hog roasts, mulled wine and all your festive favourites.
It will be held from November 28th to December 15th, and it is open daily from 10am. The fair closes at 6pm on Sundays, 7pm on Mondays to Wednesdays, and 8pm on Thursdays to Saturdays.
Another top attraction this festive season is the Enchanted Christmas at the wonderful Westonbirt Arboretum. Again, this is a fantastic attraction throughout the year, but you really don’t want to miss it if you’re in the area over the winter.
The beautiful garden is home to thousands of species of trees from all over the world, and during the Enchanted Christmas, you will be able to explore the woodland trail. This illuminated trail will take you through the enchanted wood where you can admire the beautiful lights illuminating the trees and discover some creatures along the way.
Enjoy some arts and crafts while you’re here, and visit the Christmas market too. And don’t forget to warm up with some mulled wine or hot chocolate.
The Enchanted Christmas will be held from November 29th to December 22nd on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 4pm until 9pm.
The National Trust has some truly spectacular buildings, and Mompesson House is one of the best in the area. This year, visit over the festive season to discover a Victorian Christmas.
It’s a great place to visit at any time of the year, but over the festive period this beautiful townhouse will be decorated for Christmas in Victorian style on the ground floor, taking inspiration from the diaries of Jinny Townsend. Enjoy Christmas trees, festive food displays, gifts and more.
It is open from November 23rd to December 22nd on Thursdays to Sundays from 11am to 3.30pm, and standard admission charges apply.
If you’re prepared to go a little bit further, Salisbury is about an hour’s drive away. There is lots going on here over Christmas, but one of the best events will be the switching on of the Christmas lights.
The event will take place on November 21st from 6pm until 8pm, and you will enjoy fireworks, music, entertainment, food on sale and lots of fun and festivity. It’s the best way to get the Christmas season off to a great start.
Also, don’t miss the Christmas Fayre in Salisbury from November 30th until December 24th in Guildhall Square.
There is lots more to see and do in the surrounding area during your winter trip (here are just a few of the festive things to do in Salisbury).
Finally, you won’t want to miss the nearby Hartley Farm Christmas Market. Located just a short journey from Bowood, this one-off event on November 30th is held from 10am until 4pm and you will find festive music, carols and lots of tasty food including mince pies and mulled wine.
Whatever you do during your visit, we look forward to seeing you over the festive season!
Stay with us this December…
Speak to one of our team about your trip…
Explore our menus this Festive Season…
Are you planning a pre-Christmas festive adventure? If so, why not rest your head here at Bowood…
Christmas is coming! And with that, so is mulled wine, mince pies, Santa hats, presents, Christmas trees and more.
There are so many traditions associated with Christmas and if we’re not making the most of them, we’re a Baa Humbug.
But as we order our Christmas turkey and put the lights on the tree, it’s interesting to think about some facts of Christmas that we don’t know.
In fact, we’ve collected 12 interesting Christmas facts (12 being the number of the 12 days of Christmas!) for you to indulge in.
The pleasure is ours. ‘Tis the season of giving, after all.
If you want to be the winner of your dinner table trivia, read on for our 12 interesting dinner table trivia facts about the (oh so magical!)…Christmas.
Let’s start with the most iconic Christmas tree in the UK…the Christmas tree of Trafalgar Square.
Most of us have had the honour of seeing this Christmas tree in its full glory in the centre of London and have probably made a special visit to see it in December.
The interesting fact about this significant tree is that it is donated every year by the people of Oslo in Norway to the UK for the country’s support in World War II.
And it is not just any old Norwegian tree…
It is a 50 to 60 year old Norway spruce that is HUGE at over 20 metre tall.
It has been displayed in Trafalgar Square since 1947 and is put up at the beginning of December and taken down on 6th January.
So, yes, we do have our incredible ancestors to thank for this generous gift from Norway. The ultimate Christmas gift of remembrance…
Does your home become tinseltastic at Christmas? Or are you a fan of a subtle smattering on your Christmas tree?
Whatever your answer, it appears that tinsel is a legendary Christmas decoration. And it has been around since 1610!
It was initially made in Nuremberg in Germany of actual shredded silver.
How glam!
Santa was first used in a promotional advert by Coca-Cola.
And this advert shaped the appearance of the “Santa” we’re familiar with today.
Before Coca-Cola started using Santa in their advertisements in the 1920s and 30s (Most significantly, their advert in 1931). Santa was depicted in a number of ways.
In 2001, Coca Cola animated Santa for their advert too.
The alternative name for a Christmas Tree is a Yule-Tree.
We’re not sure we’re going to be using the alternative version though…
Hallmark cards have to be one of the most well-known Christmas cards and they have, in fact, been around since 1915.
The company was founded only 5 years before by Joyce Hall and is located in Kansas City, Missouri in the US.
Hallmark cards weren’t the first Christmas cards though. The first Christmas card was, in fact, sent in 1843 by John Calcott Horsley for a friend.
When we refer to “Christmas” as “Xmas”, apparently the “X” comes from the Greek meaning of “X” of Christ.
X-ceptional.
The first Christmas stamp was introduced by the US in 1962. It was green and red and apparently featured a wreath and candles.
This fact is one about Japan and takes us from the interesting… to the downright weird.
Apparently, for Japanese people it is a tradition to spend Christmas Eve at KFC. And this is so popular, they need to book their seats a couple of months in advance.
Over 3 and a half million Japanese people flock to KFC over Christmas to indulge in the brand’s fried chicken.
Wow. And there we were thinking the Victorian Bird was a festive treat.
Want to know the best-selling Christmas song of all time?
Well, here it is.
“White Christmas” by Bing Crosby.
Well, it is a few years ahead of Carey’s “All I want for Christmas” after all.
Sales of “White Christmas” have reached over 50 million.
A King was crowned on Christmas Day in 1066!
Said King, being King William I of England.
Now if that fact doesn’t win your Dinner table Trivia, we’ll eat our (Santa) hats…
HOH OHO is the actual postal (zip) code of Santa. And it is based in Canada.
Many children will get a reply too!
In 2012, over 1 million children sent a letter to HOH OHO.
The first Christmas was celebrated in 1539 in America.
And it most certainly wasn’t a white Christmas. In fact, it happened on the sandy beaches of Florida!
It was not full of the festive traditions we’re used to nowadays, it was more of a religious service or gathering.
Most like a Christmas Mass that can be attended nowadays.
No Christmas Trees. No presents.
We’re glad a bit of festive cheer has been thrown into the occasion!
In fact, we love festivities here at Bowood and go the extra-mile when it comes to the most wonderful time of the year!
We are proud of our luxury Christmas breaks, festive dining and Christmas Party Nights.
And, of course, we don’t do things by half!
Whether you are looking for a Pre-Christmas break, a Twixmas getaway or a New Years Eve party, you’ll find the perfect Christmas celebration for you at Bowood.
From relaxing in our infinity pool and Xmas food indulgence, to late-night dancing and Champagne bubbles, we’ve got Christmas cheer for all tastes.
