Mummy Diaries | Christmas at Waddesdon

Friday 27 December 2019

I meant to post this last week as part of my Christmas series, but time eluded me (as always). I’m hoping to keep up the Tuesday and Thursday schedule this year a little bit better than I have done... just don’t hold me to it! This is my last Christmassy post – I promise!

I found out about Christmas at Waddesdon through Facebook as several friends had expressed an interest in the on-going event and we eventually booked on. Being National Trust members, entry for Ash and I was free, and Alfie was free as an under-five. Parking was also free on-site – although it was a bit of a mission getting parked. The layout wasn’t the best and we found ourselves driving as far away as possible. No worries though, as a free shuttle bus was put on to take us from the car park to the manor and grounds. Let me point out, you could walk it and it was well-lit, but it’s approximately 20-25 minutes, so much warmer and quicker getting the bus – especially with a two-year-old in tow.

Visiting so late in the year, we missed the physical Christmas market. The wooden cabins still lined the path and there was a Christmas shop, but we didn’t go inside. Nor did we go inside the giant lit-up bauble, or take photos. It was all about the woodland walk and light trail. We followed the ‘Winter Light’ sign and were soon on our way.

There’s not much you can say about lights, but Christmas at Waddesdon had it all. Lights of various colours and shapes, lights set to classical music, fireworks (or were they smoke bombs?) lit up by lights, lanterns and more! Alfie loved it and called it “magical”. It was quite busy, but we were always able to see all the lights and even get to the front of some of the displays. Our last light trail proved a bit of a disappointment (largely unhelped by the weather), but this was incredible – there was even a laser show!

There were food & drink cabins and cart scattered around the route. Of course, we stopped for a mulled wine (spiced apple and rum for Ash, and a babyccino for Alfie, who also grabbed a mince pie). After the pit stop, we soon carried on. I think we spent a couple of hours at Waddesdon, but you could quite easily spent all day there – looking around the manor, exploring the grounds more extensively, visiting the shop and cafe or restaurant. As members, there’s no doubt that we’ll return – probably in warmer weather. I can imagine in the height of spring, it’s wonderful with the gardens in full bloom.

We’ve heard good things about Blenheim Palace so will most likely do their Christmas light spectacular this year. But Christmas at Waddesdon Manor was truly beautiful and exceeded my expectations! The event ended on the 5^th so you’ve missed it now – but it will be running again from November. If you’re looking to visit Waddesdon, please note that the gardens will re-open on Saturday 1^st February and the house is currently closed for refurbishment, with the view of re-opening on Saturday 28^th March.

Love, Lucy xx

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