Visit Chirk Castle from 8 to 23 December and enjoy a Christmas of make-believe – full of theatre, pantomime, dressing-up, handmade decorations, fun and games.
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Imagine if you grew up in your very own fantasy castle… for the six children of Lord and Lady Howard de Walden at Chirk Castle in the 1920s that was exactly what happened. John, Bronwen, Elisabeth, Priscilla, Margaret and little sister Rosemary grew up playing make-believe, putting on Christmas pantomimes, and dressing up in a castle of imaginary dragons and knights, princesses, and stories.
From 1923 to 1931 Lord Howard de Walden adapted six well-known pantomimes to be performed by his children, and their friends, at Chirk Castle. This year the decorations at Chirk Castle have been inspired by these fantastical stories. So escape the high street and enjoy a traditional family Christmas… with a twist.
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From 8 to 23 December visit Chirk Castle to explore the festive fairy-tale trail, and see how many traditional fairy-tales you can name. See the beautiful decorations inside the State Rooms – themed on the Howard De Walden pantomimes, and handmade by staff and volunteers. Watch the family cinefilm, or dress-up and recreate a scene from the family album in the Chapel. Try some festive food and drink in the cafe, or pick up a special present for someone from the Gift Shop. On weekends there is storytelling, with local storyteller Andy Harrop-Smith, and on Sunday afternoons there is traditional Christmas music from the Chirk Hand-bell Ringers.
The castle is open from 10am to 4pm daily from 8 to 23 December. State Rooms open 11am to 4pm (last entry 3:30pm). Admission is free to National Trust members, or please see admission prices on our website.
