Christmas at Burton Agnes Hall

Burton Agnes Hall is a beautiful Elizabethan house well worth a visit if you are in the Bridlington area.  Decorated in readiness for Christmas it has the "Wow" factor. Unlike some large houses it has a warm, friendly and welcoming feel to it.

 Approached through the Gatehouse you walk up a driveway flanked by carefully shaped fir trees covered with Chistmas lights. These lead you to the house but give you no real inkling as to the delightful Christmas arrangements inside the house.

Jim (my husband) and I were met at the door by a fluffy grey cat (Chairman Mao. Or is it Chairman Miaow?) which is almost identical to a much loved cat I had for many years. Of course puss was waiting for the door to open but was evicted shortly after. It was a shame as "Chairman"added to the homely feeling of the house as it lay on the carpet in the Great Hall. No doubt there was a very good reason for the eviction.

I have to say "Thank you" to the lady guides for giving me permission to take some photos on behalf of Bridlington.net and I hope the results are approved off. My camera is rather temperamental but I think the pictures give a glimpse of the grandeur of Burton Agnes Hall. I will put some in the Bridlington YouTube gallery but I won't be spoiling the surprises.

The house opens at eleven in the morning and closes at five o'clock. Jim and I spent most of that time first exploring the many rooms, each with its own "Wow" factor. Many of the decorations have been made from natural materials found in the gardens. I particularly liked the ones in the "White Drawing Room" and the "Long Gallery". On our way out we were advised to return after three o'clock when the light was beginning to fade which we did.

This was very good advice, the house was transformed as the Christmas lights came into their own. The candles were lit and the fire was glowing the scene completed by the tall Christmas tree. The Long Gallery decorations are simply beautiful and I would love to be in the White Drawing room as it is now but with snow falling outside.

We spent the rest of our time having lunch in the Coach house cafe, taking a walk round the maze to the Dove cote and briefly popping into the "London bus"  to enjoy the Christmas scene and music. Added to that we looked in on the shops selling Christmas goods and another selling produce from the gardens. There are lots of colourful Cyclamens on sale as well.

St Martins Church is also worth a visit although it is in the middle of renovation. I found the arch of Yew trees up to the entrance inspiring, the atmosphere made me think of a possible mystery story in the making.

Burton Agnes Hall is full of interest. A Nativity scene by the Burton Agnes Primary School in the Library, displays of paintings and even a tapestry made by Kaffe Fasset (famous for colourful knitwear and needlework).

Parking is easy and there are regular buses passing through the village. The Cunliffe-Lister family have to be congratulated on their welcoming home. If like me you enjoy the Christmas season then Burton Agnes Hall  is well worth a visit.

Marion