Stories

In this special cooking column, we spotlight recipes enjoyed by the Royal Family

If you’re looking for somewhere special to escape the hustle and bustle this Christmas, look no further than the National Trust. See historic houses decked out for the season in the style of centuries gone by, or stroll through frosty winter gardens covered in sparkling lights.

Although most of us tend to think of gardens in their spring and summer glory, winter gardens can be quite beautiful in their own way. Here are some NT gardens to check out this season

The tradition of advent calendars began in Germany in the 19th century. Religious families marked the countdown to Christmas in various ways, including hanging devotional pictures on the wall. The first-known advent calendar was made out of wood in 1851. By the early 1900s printed calendars appeared doors were added in the 1920s and chocolates in the 1950s. Advent calendars continue to be popular today and come in all shapes and sizes.

If you’re looking for somewhere special to escape the hustle and bustle this Christmas, look no further than the National Trust. See historic houses decked out for the season in the style of centuries gone by, or stroll through frosty winter gardens covered in sparkling lights.

In a brand new book from the National Trust, Roasts, leading chef Laura Mason gives you all the best techniques for sourcing, preparing, and roasting all kinds of meat: beef, lamb, pork, chicken, turkey, duck, goose, and various game, including partridge, grouse, and woodcock. Read an excerpt here

The splendor of west London’s Osterley Park and House is known to many, but the story of the banking family whose fortune created the estate has not been fully explored. This winter an exhibition will use the works of art and fine furniture the family collected to shed new light on their rapid rise and the world in which they lived.

High above the ancient woodlands of the Teign Gorge stands Castle Drogo. Inspired by the rugged Dartmoor tors that surround it, the castle was designed and built by renowned 20th-century architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. These fun napkin styles an instructions come from the team who takes care of the Castle. We hope you will try them out for your holiday dinners!

Cliveden in Buckinghamshire is a house associated with a long line of strong women who made a distinct impression on British history, from Harriet, Duchess of Sutherland (1806 – 1868) Mistress of the Robes to Queen Victoria to Nancy Astor, politian and literary hostess.

From J.K. Rowling who described September as “crisp and golden as an apple,” to the 17th-century English poet, Andrew Marvell who exclaimed: “What a wondrous life is this I lead! Ripe apples drop about my head,” many think of this season as a season for apples. Try these recipes to mark the occasion.