This winter, immerse yourself in a Narnia-inspired world in Mottisfont, with scenes and a family trail inspired by CS Lewis’ popular tale The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
The magic begins the moment you enter the gardens, where Narnia’s famous black lamppost lights your way to the house, which has been transformed for a 1940s Christmas.
Inside, follow war evacuees Edmund, Lucy, Susan and Peter into the kingdom of the White Witch – a landscape of snow and Turkish honey.
CONTINUE READING: Five great autumn walks in the New Forest and Hampshire
There are many “wow” moments, from walking through the wardrobe into Narnia, to sitting in the White Witch’s sleigh, to watching Aslan crown the young kings and queens.
Upstairs in the gallery is an exhibition of exquisite watercolors by the original illustrator of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Pauline Baynes. 2022 marks the centenary of the artist’s birthday and this is the first time these artworks from the book have ever been exhibited together in the UK. Keep an eye out for friends like Lucy having tea with Mr. Tumnus the fawn and the kids meeting Santa.
Outside, families can pick up their Narnia-style map to continue the adventure. Life-size wardrobes frame iconic scenes, there are history-themed activities and plenty of great selfie opportunities as you enter the riverside beaver lodge, discover the White Witch’s Palace and sit in the throne room of Cair Paravel.
Christmas in Mottisfont starts on Saturday and lasts until Sunday 8th January 2023.
Other National Trust properties in Hampshire promise a season of winter adventures that bring joy and magic.
Celebrate Christmas with the Winchester City Mill and go back to Tudor times when Queen Mary I gave the mill to the city of Winchester. This ancient building is dressed up for a royal feast, with festive decorations, costumes to dress up and a throne to sit on for a unique Tudor ‘selfie’.
The popular world of The Wind in the Willows is coming to Hinton Ampner near Alresford this Christmas. In the house, follow the mole, rat and badger as they leave their sheltered lives in the woods and along the riverbanks to rescue incorrigible friend Toad from his wild adventures.
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