CHRISTMAS through the ages, ghost stories and 'enchanting' light displays will be on show at National Trust properties in Worcestershire this festive season.

The ghost of Christmas past from the Middle Ages, Tudor Times and the 1970s and 80s will return at National Trust properties including Croome, Hanbury Hall and Greyfriars.

Father Christmas, ghost stories and the chance to visit historic properties after dark are some of the activities to enjoy. 

Brockhampton 

Visitors at Brockhampton in Herefordshire can experience Christmas traditions at the manor house.

Between November 16 and January 5 the manor house will be open for guided tours only on weekdays and from 11am until 4pm on weekends.

Families can step back in time and discover how the families would have celebrated the night before Christmas from the Medieval Great Hall through to Mrs Dennett's Edwardian kitchen and the 1950s lounge.

No booking is required. The parkland, café and second-hand bookshop are open every day. The whole site is closed on December 24, 25 and 26.

Croft Castle 

At Croft Castle, Herefordshire is open between November 16 and January 15 for guided tours only on weekdays and from 11am until 4pm on weekends.

The castle will be decorated as it was 100 years ago during the 1920s.

No booking required. The garden and parkland, tea-room and second-hand bookshop are open every day. The whole site is closed on December 24, 25 and 26.

Storytelling with Father Christmas takes place on Saturday, December 14 and and Sunday, December 15. 

Enjoy some festive stories read by Father Christmas in the Dining Room of Croft Castle and receive a small present at the end. These will be group storytelling sessions and each session will last for approximately 30 minutes. Booking is essential as spaces are limited. 

£5 per child. Two adults can accompany each child/group of children for free (normal admission charges apply). 

'Illuminate 2024' is a light display which takes place over eight nights. Illuminate takes place from 6pm until 9pm on 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30 November and December 5, 6 and 7. 

 

Berrington Hall, Herefordshire

Visitors can enjoy an 18th-century (Georgian) style Christmas at Berrington Hall. Between November 16 and January 5, the mansion will be open for guided tours only on weekdays and from 11am until 4pm on weekends.

A spokesperson said: "Discover traditional decorations, atmospheric lighting, fireplaces brimming with dried flowers, magnificent Christmas trees and a unique 'below stairs' experience."

No booking is required. The garden and parkland, tea-room and second-hand bookshop are open every day. The whole site is closed on December 24, 25 and 26.

Hanbury Hall, Worcestershire

A retro style Christmas from the 1970s and 80s is the theme at Hanbury Hall between November 30 and January 5 as organisers promise 'a riot of colour, with bright lights, baubles and tinsel galore'.

Visit a 1970s and 80s fashion exhibition in the Long Gallery and admire a range of fashion pieces that were popular during the period.

After Hours on Friday, December 20 at 7pm, explore Hanbury Hall after dark as part of a one-time special evening experience of 'It’s Christmaaas!'

A National Trust spokesperson said:  "Sip on your welcome drink of Babycham or a Snowball as you reminisce over your favourite games, toys and food from the period, and dance around to all the best number one hits with family and friends. You’ll then be welcomed inside the cosy Courtyard Kitchen restaurant for a three course Christmas dinner. £65pp, booking essential."

Greyfriars House & Garden, Worcester

A Tudor Christmas is the theme at Greyfriars between Tuesday, November 19 and Saturday, December 14.

On Saturday, December 14, join the Lypett Household of reenactors 'for feasting, dancing, and all kinds of revelry as they celebrate Christmas at Greyfriars in raucous Tudor style'.

Ghost stories will be told on Friday, December 6 and Saturday, December 7.

A National Trust spokesperson said: "Experience a traditional winter ghost story in the late-medieval House after dark. Book tickets for a one-man performance by Toby Burchell of M.R. James’ Whistle and I’ll Come to You and A Warning to the Curious."

Croome  

Croome’s festive sensory experience is a specially commissioned, immersive projection in house by Leo & Hyde.

Inspired by Croome’s Pages from Nature theme, which celebrates the 200-year anniversary of the publication of the Hortus Croomensis.

This 'enchanting light and sound experience explores Croome’s remarkable landscape and plant collection, bringing the outside in for our visitors to enjoy over the festive season'. 

It is on between Friday, December 6 and Sunday, December 22, 11am to 5.30pm.