Real-life Narnia to open in UK this Christmas complete with a visit from Santa

21 November 2023 , 13:58

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Visitors to the castle can meet their favourite characters from Narnia (Image: Leeds Castle)

One of the UK's finest castles is being transformed into a wintery wonderland this Christmas.

Leeds Castle has unveiled its enchanting Christmas experience, bringing the beloved story of ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ to life inside its crenelated walls. Young and old are invited to embark on a magical journey through the wardrobe as they take in the wonder of Christmas in Narnia.

Visitors will immerse themselves in the world of C.S. Lewis's timeless tale as they step through the wardrobe and into a tundra where an icy spell has rendered the land in an eternal always winter. Will the spirit of Christmas be restored, and warmth and joy return, or will the icy fingers of Mr Frost stay clenched around the creatures of Narnia?

Leeds Castle's ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ Christmas experience brings the heart-warming story to life through captivating storytelling and installations played out within the Castle’s sparkling and festively decorated 1930s interiors.

The castle has undergone a wintery transformation (Leeds Castle)

Visitors will encounter the beloved inhabitants of Narnia, including the fawn, Mr Tumnus and Aslan the Great Lion. They will also wander through the snowy landscapes and witness scenes from the book come to life.

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Alongside the enchanting Narnia experience, Leeds Castle is hosting various festivities and activities to enjoy during the Christmas season. Visitors can explore the illuminated Castle and grounds in the outdoors Christmas Lights at Leeds Castle and enjoy a ride on a vintage fairground carousel.

Leeds Castle’s Narnia Christmas event is included in admission tickets. Online prices, which include unlimited visits for a year, cost from £30 for adults and £22.50 for children. Leeds Castle is located near Maidstone in Kent just off Junction 8 of the M20, and only a one-hour drive from London. It is not in Leeds, North Yorkshire.

Situated five miles southeast of Maidstone in Kent, Leeds Castle’s rich history, includes serving six of England’s medieval queens, before being elaborately transformed into a glamorous 1930s country house by Anglo-American heiress, Lady Olive Baillie.

For those who like to combine a festive outing with taking in a historical building other than Leeds Castle, then happily stately homes across the country are putting on special events this Christmas. Many of them cost no more than the typical entry price, or ask for a small fee for some time with Santa.

Promising a trip into his grotto is a great way to convince kids to soak up a little history and spend some time in part of Britain's lovely architectural heritage. You can search for a grotto near you on the National Trust and English Heritage website, or check out our list of ten of the best for some inspiration.

At Clumber Park in Worksop, Nottinghamshire guests can visit Father Christmas in his cosy grotto, located in the historic parsonage of this National Trust property. Entry is £10 for one adult and one child. Or families heading to Arlington Court in Barnstaple, Devon can check out a large manor house decorated in the style of a Victorian Christmas, including the Staircase Hall which will have a 16ft real Christmas tree and decorated balustrades. As was tradition back then, Father Christmas will be decked in green when he takes visitors.

Milo Boyd