Everyone is invited this Christmas, as Polesden Lacey near Dorking celebrates the festive season in style. The extravagant house is elaborately dressed as if for a Christmas masquerade ball, inspired by Margaret Greville’s attendance at the Devonshire House Ball in 1897. Visitors can admire the beautifully decorated 20ft Christmas tree in the Hall and enjoy immersive scenes through the house, open from 10.30am to 3pm daily until 5 January (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).
Quiet hours will run inside the house every Thursday (except Boxing Day) between 10.30am and 11.30am for visitors who would prefer to see the decorated rooms at a more relaxed pace with fewer people, no music and altered lighting.
Outside in the grounds, visitors can ride on a vintage carousel on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Monday 23 December and then daily from Boxing Day until 5 January.
Grizwald the Griffin makes a welcome return too, with his own family trail around the grounds. Children can help Grizwald choose what to wear, practise his dance steps and get ready to attend the society event of the year.
For those seeking time away from the frantic run-up to Christmas, or somewhere to walk off the excess calories in the final week of the year, Polesden Lacey is open for walks in the gardens and wider estate. Visitors can enjoy delicious cakes and bakes in the café and browse the shop for Christmas gifts, decorations and treats. Festive bargains also await at the second-hand bookshop for lovers of reading and recycled gifts.
Naomi Kulasingham, House and Collections Manager at Polesden Lacey says, “In 1897, Polesden Lacey’s previous owner, Margaret Greville, attended the glamourous Devonshire House Ball. This Christmas, we warmly invite people to come and experience the glamour of a similarly extravagant masquerade ball, with lavishly decorated rooms and plenty of festive sparkle.”
Polesden Lacey opens daily throughout the festive season except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Please check the website for opening times.
