Belvoir Castle at Christmas & Nottingham's Winter Wonderland

Christmas is coming to Belvoir Castle, the glorious ancestral home of the Duke & Duchess of Rutland. There'll be plenty of memorable magic in store and you can expect breathtaking sights, twinkling lights and lavishly decorated rooms. Enjoy a visit to bustling Newark during its Christmas Market weekend as well as a day out at Nottingham's Winter Wonderland, a traditional German-style market with all the wonderful Christmas food, mulled wine, handmade gifts and decorations that you would expect. A very festive weekend for 2023 with the added bonus of Nottingham's Winter Wonderland!Action-Packed Festive Fun
Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach, enjoy a scenic drive to the hotel to arrive late afternoon. Welcome tea / coffee and biscuits awaits you in the library. Three nights with breakfast & dinner.

Days 2 - 3 At leisure with 2 included excursions

Christmas at Belvoir Castle & Festive Newark
The castle is one of the finest examples of Regency architecture in England and sits proudly on a hilltop. Its history dates back to 11th century and the name Belvoir - meaning 'beautiful view' in French and pronounced today as 'beaver' - dates back to Norman times. The castle takes a starring role as one of the stunning locations featured in Netflix's The Crown where it doubles for Windsor Castle. For the 2023 festive season, award-winning interior designer Charlotte Lloyd-Webber works her magic to bring the Twelve Days of Christmas to Belvoir Castle. Arrive this morning before the main public entry for tea, coffee & biscuits and then enjoy time to explore the castle itself as well as perhaps taking a stroll through the gardens. You can also browse the fantastic independent shops at the Engine Yard shopping village (located near the main parking). With everything from artisan chocolates to stunning homeware and beautiful toys, you’ll find thoughtful gifts for the whole family.

Onto historic Newark, also known as Newark-on-Trent, is the quintessential English town. Set in the heart of the historic Georgian market place, Newark Christmas Market is scheduled to take place this weekend where stalls brim with traditional local produce and artisan crafts and gifts. With zany street entertainers, delicious street food and mulled wines plus a live music stage showcasing the best local talent, there is festive merriment for everyone to enjoy. Newark is also home to the National Civil War Centre (open on Saturdays til 17.00 entry approx £8), a stunning riverside Castle (entrance applies) dating back to the early 12th Century and The Newark Antiques Centre, one of the largest in the region. Still to be confirmed for 2023, the Newark Christmas Tree Festival is due to take place in St Mary Magdalene this weekend with over 130 trees decorated by local schools, businesses, community groups and charities (small entrance fee applies)

Winter Wonderland, Nottingham
Experience the best of the Christmas markets in Nottinghamshire, known locally as Nottingham Winter Wonderland. It's one of the most popular winter events in the region with an ice-rink trail, observation wheel, market stalls, ice bar and plenty of favourite food & beverages. There is so much to do and see. Located right in the centre of Nottingham there is a wide selection of stalls from all over the world when independent traders take over Old Market Square to offer the best in quality and diversity. There is something for everyone including artisan cheeses, plants, homemade chutneys, mead, jewellery, scents, fashion, retro style, Eco art, Lego art, Fair-trade, Continental food, local homemade stew and home accessories.

Day 4 - After your enjoyable weekend it's time to retrace your steps back to interchange with a stop en route and onward to your home towns mid-evening.The Olde Barn Hotel Marston, Nr Grantham
Located in the heart of the beautiful Lincolnshire countryside, approximately one mile from the A1, this comfortable 3* hotel offers an onsite leisure club with a spa, fitness centre, swimming pool, sauna, steam room and jetted hot tub. The comfortable guestrooms have free high-speed WiFi, spacious desk, ironing facilities, safe, flat screen TV and tea / coffee making facilities. There is a stylish bar and restaurant as well as some outdoor seating area. There is a lift in part of the hotel and there are also ground floor rooms.

Hotels
• The Olde Barn (Marston) - View Information