Waddesdon Manor

Waddesdon Manor in Aylesbury has revealed details of its festivities for this winter, which include an animal-themed light display.

The festive events will begin this November and will include everything from a house trail to a willow lantern walk, and illuminated animals.

New: The Enchanted Menagerie

A new addition to the manor this Christmas is the Enchanted Menagerie which will involve the inside of the house being decorated with animal themes and festive decorations. As you go around you’ll find an elephant parade inspired by an 18th-century musical automaton, a life-sized zebra decoration, and trees decorated with colourful birds and mythical beasts.

The Enchanted Menagerie will be open from 11th November to 2nd January 2018 and pre-booking is essential.

Outdoor light displays

Visitors will get to watch as the gardens of Waddesdon Manor are illuminated by two new light-based displays. The first is called Waddesdon Imaginarium and is a light and sound show projected onto the manor.

The second light display is again, animal themed, and called Electric Menagerie and is created by artist Lauren Booth. For this display, Booth has used inspiration from Waddesdon’s animals and changed them into light, placing them around the grounds. You can expect to see a giant illuminated dragon, neon goats and parrots and even a flea circus as you explore the aviary, stables and grounds.

The two light displays will take place between 11th November and 2nd January 2018 and advance booking is required.

Other festivities

Also taking place this winter at Waddesdon is a Christmas Fair which will take place between 15th November and 10th December. The fair will allow visitors to browse more than 80 wooden chalets selling gifts, foods, decorations and crafts.

Visitors can also take a stroll down the woodland walk which will be lit up with willow lanterns, or can indulge in a festive lunch or afternoon tea.

Group rates and packages are available; group organisers should contact groups@waddesdon.org.uk for more details.

For more information, visit www.waddesdon.org.uk.

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