ON Friday afternoon my wife and I decided to visit Kingston Lacy for an afternoon walk.

We expected the garden and grounds to close at 4pm and to our surprise we were informed that the garden, gift shop and restaurant would be open until 7pm as it was the start of a floodlit garden evening that would be on every evening until December 21.

Apparently this was the first time Kingston Lacy had floodlit the garden in this manner, therefore we did not know what to expect.

However we were delighted with the outcome. As the evening light began to fade we experienced the trees and garden floodlit in colours of green, blue, red, lilac, gold, silver and white. The effect was very colourful and enjoyable.

There was a Father Christmas in a shepherd’s hut for children to visit and craft activities were also organised. We sampled sherry and shortbread in the laundry area, which had been festively decorated. Hot soup and bread was available in the restaurant, together with other food and drink.

We have heard of so much disappointment by many people in the past when so-called winter wonderland events have not fulfilled people’s expectations and have also proved to be very costly.

I would recommend a visit to Kingston Lacy as a very enjoyable experience and value for money for a pleasant and enjoyable evening.

NIGEL SIBLEY, Barn Road, Broadstone