Head to Levens Hall for ‘Silhouettes and Song’

Head to glorious Lake District visitor attraction, Levens Hall and Gardens, for Silhouettes and Song - an event focusing on the essence of a quintessential British Christmas and the opportunity to tick something off your must-do travel list.

On six weekend days between December 2 and December 17, the stunning Elizabethan house and gardens is laying on an experience that allows visitors to enjoy the Hall’s unique ambience and also tour one part of the gardens – the Guinness World Record-holding Topiary Garden. Opening hours will be 11am to 4pm, giving visitors plenty of time to explore.  

The Topiary Garden – the world’s oldest and dating back to 1694 – will be displaying over 100 topiary trees at their stunning best, after their annual clipping.  This will provide a visually fantastic spectacle when silhouetted against a winter sky, allowing the Great Umbrella trees, different forms and geometric shapes and characters such as Queen Elizabeth I, Homer Simpson and Darth Vader, to be appreciated to the full.

Stepping inside Levens Hall itself will allow visitors to view many of the features and items on display that have made the house one of England’s most cherished heritage gems.   From Napoleon’s saddle to Spanish Cordova leather wallpaper, there will be much to soak in.  The Hall will also have all of its Elizabethan beauty exhibited to the full, thanks to atmospheric festive décor, roaring fire and stunning Christmas tree. 

These seasonal additions to historic spaces that already wow with their stunning craftmanship, conveyed in a variety of materials including wood, plaster and stained glass, will be the backdrop for music played by a changing programme of artists, throughout the festive event.

These will include South Lakes Acappella and Levens Choir, with the programme intended to present a variety of different music and song, from choral to brass.  Music played in this unique and historic setting should create memories for a lifetime and convey the true essence of the festive season.

Whilst visiting there will be the option for visitors to enjoy a festive menu in Levens Kitchen, with dishes and treats including Norfolk Bronze turkey with trimmings or Pithivier of hay-baked celeriac with trimmings.  Levens Bakery, which opened in the summer, will also be offering festive bakes and cakes for sale, whilst the Levens gift shop will have lots of inspiration for those seeking Christmas gifts.

Visitors can pay on the  gate, at an event that costs just £5.50 for adults and £2 for children, with pricing having been set to assist families struggling to make heritage visits during the cost of living crisis.  Last entry is at 3.30pm.

Details of how to find Levens Hall and Gardens for this event are at www.levenshall.co.uk

Ends

Editors notes

Levens Hall & Gardens is a historic house in the South Lakes, Cumbria, close to Kendal and home to the world's oldest topiary gardens, dating from 1694, created by French garden designer, Guillaume Beaumont. The Hall is a stunning Elizabethan house built around a 13th century pele tower and has close links to the Duke of Wellington, as well as various items which once belonged to him and Napoleon Bonaparte. Levens Park is home to the rare Bagot goats gifted to the Bagot family and a place in which to stroll and enjoy nature. Levens Kitchen is the contemporary new cafe, full of delights for cake lovers and foodies alike.