We are big fans of days out at National Trust properties and one of our favourites is Mottisfont, in Romsey. We were invited last weekend to their exciting Christmas Carol Family Trail. Having experienced the Charlie and Lola trail back in the summer, we were keen to see what they had in store for us. Baby couldn’t wait to get going!
Mottisfont is a stunning house and Baby loves the river running through the grounds. Armed with her special kid’s map, we set off.
It wasn’t long before we found the first checkpoint.
We headed up to the stable block to admire the stunning Christmas tree and try to count out 12 pennies in Scrooge’s counting house.
After watching a little Punch and Judy, and trying to get Baby to dress up in Victorian costume for a photograph in the old fashioned photobooth, Baby did some colouring and produced a bright bird in a birdcage. We were meant to hang it on the tree, but she was quite attached to it, so we brought it home.
It was then time to stop for lunch in the gorgeous cafe. Yum, yum.
Off again to make some chains to weigh down the ghost of Jacob Marley, after he appeared to tell Scrooge to change his ways.
Next stop was the house and we followed the trail through Scrooge’s bedroom (where the ghost of Christmas past appeared).
Through the dance floor..
and into the modest kitchen of Bob Cratchit,
before venturing to Scrooge’s dining room in time for the Christmas celebrations.
There was also a wonderful exhibition of Christmas themed paintings, with a handy little step allowing the children to see.
We had a wonderful time at the Christmas Carol Family Trail and would highly recommend it if you’re looking for some family fun before Christmas.