Russet leaves for a russet lady!
My first surprise of the day. Lisa swept towards me- “Mum, I’m here!” The flowing locks were a dazzling tangerine orange. “It was just time for a change. I was tired of the red!” And it suited her. She looked radiant and happy- a look I love to see.
The venue? Chatsworth House in the beautiful Peak District. Every year this glorious home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire is themed for Christmas. This year it’s “Narnia”and totally irresistible. My daughter has been a lifelong fan of the book by C.S. Lewis and the numerous films, so I planned a Christmas treat, for both of us. It’s quite a distance from home and I’ve never been inside the house before. For Lisa it was about an hour’s drive from Nottingham. Me- I hopped on the coach! After the hugs and kisses it was off to see the spectacular grounds.
Sumptuous afternoon tea next, then the best bit! Come with me to “Narnia”.
There were dressing-up clothes for children in some areas, and of course, Lisa couldn’t resist! A Christmas Trail, finding cuddly Aslans and clues along the way, was also meant to keep the children happy. Guess who else enjoyed it?
Are you ready to be scared yet? It’s time for the witch!
I was joking- she’s much too pretty to be scarey!
Note the small Aslan, keeping her company. Another clue for the Christmas Trail. But now for the really sad part!
He’s still breathing! It’s going to be ok.
Time for a celebratory feast!
All’s well that ends well!
I hope you enjoyed my little trip to Narnia. It was the best Christmas present I could ever have asked for. And now, I really must get on with my Christmas preparations. I haven’t even bought the tree yet! But I’ve made a list.
Chatsworth House is the most delightful setting and I will be posting more about the house and gardens. If you are anywhere in the vicinity, “Narnia” will be available till 23rd December. The link will give you directions. I can absolutely recommend it.
restlessjo 
Her hair is a beautiful colour.
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Yes, it is! Thank you very much 🙂 It was a magical day.
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Dark atmosphere at Christmas: fascinating!
Renzo (Bologna)
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Glad you like it 🙂 It’s a beautiful house! Merry Christmas to you.
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Yes, Beautiful House: a dream for Christmas!
It will say to every child:”Hurry Up, W’re Dreaming’i”
Mary Cristmas:-) and pardon my English 😦
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Don’t worry- I’m grateful for your effort. My Italian doesn’t go much beyond “mille grazie” 🙂
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you would never get me out of there…never
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It WAS a bit that way 🙂
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That was one amazing tour Jo! I can imagine the fun your had with Lisa. And oh yes, I love her new hair colour! Classy lass indeed 🙂
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Glad you enjoyed it, Madhu. The photos bring a smile to my face every time I look at them. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve been “through the wardrobe”! 🙂
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When I was 10, I spent a year in Australia with my family, while my Dad was an exchange pastor with a man from there. While there, I discovered “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.” I fell in love with the book! A couple of years later, I discovered that there was a whole series. Imagine my delight! To see it portrayed in that setting must have been spectacular. As usual, thanks for sharing.
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I really loved it, Mlissabeth. Chatsworth is the most beautiful setting 🙂
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Wow! I believe I’ll cross the pond and pay Chatsworth House a Christmas visit. What a delightful treat for you and Lisa.
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Oh, please do, Lynne! I’ll get back on the coach and see you there 🙂
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I really must get myself a new wardrobe, I want to go to Narnia 🙂
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You must really need a little fur cape, Sam 🙂
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Faux fur please Jo 🙂
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I’d love to visit Chatsworth some day and I feel I’ve had a magical visit through your post. Lisa looks stunning with her new hair and beautifully tailored outfit. She’s a classy lass and no mistake.
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Thanks, Lorna 🙂 I think so, but I’m biased. Glad you enjoyed the visit.
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Jo, your daughter reminds me of my best friend, she rocks the best hair colors! Also where did she get her outfit? I love having mom and daughter time with my mom too. Those grounds look amazing!
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Hi Julia 🙂 Thanks for the nice comments- yes, it’s a beautiful place. Lisa makes her own clothes. At 6′ tall it’s the easiest option and she started young. You must not have seen the post about her wedding in February? She made her Victorian dress and the groom’s jacket.
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It looks amazing, I never realised they did a themed open day. How lovely it was/is Lisa’s favourite story.
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It’s on from early December all the way through till the 23rd, Vicky. Well worth the trip! Parking is free if you book online 🙂 Christmas with Mum this year?
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I might have visited if it was closer, but I don’t think I could face a 200 mile round trip on the a British motorway system at the moment. I’ve seen enough of the M42/M1 this year to last me a lifetime 😦
Did you go there and back in a day?
Mum has just been transferred to Ripon for rehab, but, yes, we will be popping up again soon, not sure whether for Christmas though.
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Maybe not! Wasn’t sure where you were at present. Yes, it was 3 and a half hours by coach each way, but worth it from my point of view. The big bonus was my daughter 🙂
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Stunning place … and a stunning young woman, your daughter … I remember when they filmed the Narnia films in Belfast – never heard about the books before. They used the studios .. not fare from the Titanic Center.
What a fantastic adventure you to had together – just fantastic. Love the photo of the sleeping lion. And the top one with your daughter – that handbags of her’s are so fantastic. Colorful young woman in many ways.
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She is, Vivi 🙂 Thank you for coming to Narnia with me. Still very sore? 😦
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wow! beautiful and inspiring photoshoot!
xx Vera & Rony
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Glad you liked it, girls 🙂 Thank you!
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What a lovely day out with your beautiful daughter. I can see how much fun the two of you must have shared.
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It really got me in Christmas mode, Karen 🙂 (at last!)
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Josh Garnett! Sorry, I didn’t get to find the closet for me to get there. I could’ve ruin your time with your daughter. 😀
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Never! 🙂 Always room for a fellow-blogger, Rommel.
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How fantastic! I would absolutely love this wonderful trip to Narnia! And the photo of Lisa and Aslan is wonderful! She’s a lovely young lady, Jo. I love her fiery hair color. I love her confidence. I’m so glad you share this lovely day with us. It is an amazing place!
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Thanks, Debbie 🙂 Yes, the setting is superb, and being there with Lisa made it all the more magical for me.
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I’ve never seen anything like it, Jo. What a wonderful thing to share with your daughter, and I love her flaming locks! She looks great! Thanks for taking us along.
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You would have loved it, Naomi! The opportunity to step through that wardrobe- like all your Christmases come together! Thanks, hon. Have a wonderful Christmas 🙂
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Thank you, Jo. I know I would have loved it! But the next best thing is to tag along with you. A very merry Christmas to you and your family!
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Narnia is just naturally a favourite with most children Jo. I can remember staying up half the night once, with a torch under the sheets. I was reading “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.” Of course knew I’d be in trouble if mum had spotted me so hence my little undercover strategy…but I just could not put the book down that night (around 8 years at the time I guess). If I was there I would most certainly love to go along.
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Once we saw that wardrobe and stepped through we were hooked! 🙂
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That was awesome 🙂 as my Mom’s health fails more and more I miss days such as you shared glad you had a wonderful time OH how I wish I could pull off ORANGE oh wait it was the color I started life with 🙂 maybe just maybe 🙂
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I never did those kind of days with my Mum, Eunice. Maybe that’s why I love them so.
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I am so glad you have them with her HUGS
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