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Today's write-up is a little different from our usual array of new and magical places to visit because it is actually a return to an old favourite, but in beautiful festive garb. That's right, the National Trust have dressed up Attingham in Christmas trimmings for you to explore at your leisure, and it definitely went a long way to getting me in the Christmas spirit! Combined with all of the wonders already on offer at Attingham Park, I think there is a great day out where you could arrive early, see the deer and walk the grounds before taking in the Christmas treatments all around the place.
I'm not going to retread old ground too much, but as a quick getting-there summary: Attingham Park is just east of Shrewsbury and a short hop west of Telford. The roads around here are pretty easygoing, just hop off the M54/A5 at your earliest convenience and follow the B-roads all the way here - no country lanes required, unless your sat-nav decides to lead you astray. It is important to note that the National Trust have made this one a pre-booked event, with entrance to the mansion being limited to those who have reserved tickets, but the grounds are still accessible to all.
Once you arrive at Attingham Park the festivities can begin, I would recommend (as we did) a mid-to-late afternoon slot for the house and, if you wish to do everything then arriving around lunch (and grabbing some food at the always-excellent National Trust café) would be ideal. Take a lap while the sun is (hopefully) shining to see the deer and to view the grounds in the light. Then, as the day moves on you can head into your booked house slot and take a tour around the beautifully decorated house - not only is the house a stunner in its own regard, with many stunning rooms offering a glance into the history of the spot, but each room on the tour has a themed Christmas tree to enjoy. With more than 20 unique trees to enjoy, plus additional decor lining fireplaces, this is a wonderful festive tour with many stunning ideas you can take as ideas for your own home (although, perhaps on a smaller scale).
Once you've completed your tour of Attingham House after seeing all the stunning trees and adding a wish onto the wishing tree at the end, it is time to do the dusk walk. Good shoes and maybe a flashlight are recommended, although on our visit we managed fine without the flashlights, the boots were a must though. The walk is a lap of the Walled Gardens and along the "Mile Walk", a nice circular walk that takes you along the River Tern and back to the house - about 1.3 miles all in. You will mostly be walking along with the chain lights to keep you company, with the occasional well-appointed tree to keep you company - the best part of the loop is the greenhouse at the walled garden, with its magical decoration of dragons and potions (and on our visit, Scrap the cat was waiting for us too!) it was a great little addition to the Christmas theming.
Round out your Christmas visit to Attingham Park with a stop at their pop-up Christmas takeaway drinks and treats, things like mulled wine and a minced pie await you as you make your way back out of the grounds - the perfect way to round up your visit here. That about covers the festivities at Attingham Park, naturally, we already recommended Attingham at any time of year, an amazing National Trust gem that I would visit to see the deer alone, but the Christmas theming is a cherry atop an already exceptional cake and this is something I recommend whole-heartedly as a family day out - I think the photos speak for themselves!
