Lords are leaping at Buckland Abbey

The doors to Buckland Abbey’s medieval Great Barn swing open today to unveil a unique interpretation of the Twelve Days of Christmas.

Using natural materials, props and a lot of creativity, local groups from the National Association of Flower Arranging Societies have been busy creating impressive floral displays which will fill the barn with colour, festive aromas and plenty of seasonal cheer.

Sally Whitfield, Head Gardener at Buckland Abbey, said: ‘Over the last few months the local groups have been busy working behind closed doors to develop and install this floral celebration of Christmas, which visitors can enjoy daily until 20 December.’

Visitors can also experience the magic of Christmas at the Abbey by coming along to one of the Wednesday late night openings. As well as looking around the Great Barn, they can also shop for gifts, treat themselves to a meal in the restaurant or complete the Twelve Days of Christmas trail by torchlight. The Ox Yard Restaurant will be running a festive menu throughout December, including mince pies and warming mulled cider or a home-cooked Christmas lunch. Pop into the shop to find the perfect gift, including cards, decorations, books, homeware and more. Entry between 6pm and 9pm on these evenings is free.

The festivities continue inside the Abbey, as the ground floor is transformed into an Elizabethan home. Carol Murrin, General Manager, said: ‘Imagine the pots and pans in the kitchen bubbling away with delicious winter feasts, enjoy a moment of peace in the chapel and immerse yourself in the magic of the season in the great hall, where a certain someone may be visiting at the weekends.’

She continued: ‘As a charity, all the money raised during the Christmas period is reinvested into on-going conservation work to keep Buckland open for many years to come. So not only will visitors enjoy a festive day out, they will also help us to look after Drake’s former home forever, for everyone.’

During the festive season events at the property include:

• A Christmas performance by the Sterts Singers on 2 December from 6pm underneath the tree in the Great Barn.

• Meet the Tudor cooks hard at work as they cook up a festive feast in the Elizabethan kitchen on 1, 8 and 15 December.

• After hours opening of the 12 days of Christmas, late night shopping, trails by torchlight and festive treats in the Ox Yard Restaurant on 2, 9 and 16 December from 6pm.

• Meet the jolly chap himself as Olde Father Christmas visits on 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 December.

• It wouldn’t be Christmas without a handmade gift or decoration, join in with our series of family friendly craft workshops on 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 December.

• Enjoy a festive dining experience in the Ox Yard Restaurant on 2, 9 and 16 December, call 01822 856041 to book.

• Walk off the Christmas over-indulgence with a family walk around the Buckland estate from 27 December – 3 January (closed New Year’s Day).