Santa nostalgia at Brodsworth Hall

FATHER Christmas is taking a weekend break  from his Christmas preparations to drop in at Brodsworth Hall, near Doncaster, this weekend and next.

English Heritage's Victorian Father Christmas will taking up residence in the grand entrance of Brodsworth Hall to meet families and share stories of Christmases past in what English Heritage say will be a “wonderfully festive and nostalgic presentation.”

"Brodsworth Hall would have been positively buzzing at Christmas time when the Thellusson family lived here in the late 19th century - it was a great time for owners of prestigious properties to show off the latest fashions, including the Christmas tree which was popularised by Prince Albert, and to dazzle their guests with lavish hospitality," comments visitor operations site supervisor, Maddie Hawkins.

"Families can join our Victorian Father Christmas for traditional tales of the festive season, and each child will receive a small gift, just as their great, great, great grandparents would - maybe some nuts, an orange or a coin."

Father Christmas will appearing tomorrow and next Saturday (December 17).

four presentations each day, at 11.00am, 12.30pm, 2.00pm and 3.30pm, with each session lasting around 40 minutes. There will also be an opportunity for parents to take photographs of their children with Father Christmas.

Admission prices are £5.50 for adults and children, and £5.00 for concessions, which also includes entry into the servants' wing and the gardens. Prebooking is strongly recommended as places are limited - please call 0870 333 1183 to book.