Festive Fun at Nostell Priory

I wasn’t feeling particularly festive in all honesty, until yesterday, that is, when we visited Nostell Priory, a National Trust Georgian treasure house in West Yorkshire with their twinkly decorations and sweet Santa.

Built by the Winn family in the 18th century, as an ambitious statement (or what my kids would call a ‘flex’ today), the house showcases interiors by Robert Adam, a world-class Thomas Chippendale collection, a rare 18th century dolls’ house, an exquisite painting of Sir Thomas More and his family, one of the first longcase clocks made by the famous inventor, John Harrison and the intricately decorated Hongs punch bowl.

It’s enveloped by 300 acres of breathtaking ancient woodland and wildflower meadows, as well as landscaped gardens and a nature trail (I can’t wait to retun in the summer when their rose garden blooms).

There’s also a playground of dreams and courtyard stables with al fresco dining connected to a cafe featuring a delicious, local menu (I recommend the warming parsnip and apple soup followed by a perfectly baked potato with a filling of your choice and tangy coleslaw).

There’s also a wood-fired pizza van by the house entrance the boys ate from with tasty pizzas and various toppings (including vegan options) and a gift shop we just had to buy snuggly socks from (because nothing beats National Trust socks, don’t you know).

What a perfect day.

Huge thanks to my friend Joanna, PR Manager for Nostell for the invite.