Now the garden is settling down for its winter sleep and revealing the bones of its structure.

Three hard frosts this week have released nature's carpet from the trees to reveal a new vista down The Ride as shown above.

There will be fresh aspects of the garden to explore next month in our weekly Garden Walks, every Thursday during the Christmas Fair at 11am. It comprises a 45 minute guided tour, followed by a warming lunch.

£15 including lunch. Advanced booking essential.

Our extended space is up, the tables are arranged and we're opening the boxes of goodies ready for the opening of our Christmas Fair on Wednesday, 16th November at 11 am.

The pictures give a sneak peek of just a fraction of the tempting gifts, homewares and other treats on offer this year.

The Christmas trees arrived on Saturday and the final task in our preparations is to dress them from the boxes of glittering ornaments we've just opened. Look out for their finery in our extended shopping and Tea Room areas.

Many of you will remember how wonderful the Tea Room looked last Christmas. We think it looks even more spectaular for 2016.

We are open from 11am until 4pm for teas and lunch. There is no need to pre-book. Our Christmas menu will be on our website shortly.

Then from December 1st the hours are extended until 7pm for the Illuminated Garden. 

Some of you have asked what we have planned for the Christmas tea served between 4 and 6.30pm during the Illuminated Garden extravaganza. It is:

Fruit scone with cream/jam
Cheese scone with cheese/chutney
Mince pie
Christmas tea loaf
Tea, coffee, or hot chocolate

Bubbles/mulled wine may be purchased at extra cost. Pre-booking for the Christmas tea is essential.

The Illuminated Garden lights up on December 1st at 4pm and runs daily until December 21st. Places are limited, so please please pre-book to avoid disappointment.

Full details of all our Christmas events and our inaugural Winter Festival can be found on our website.