CHRISTMAS is now in full swing at the National Trust from enchanted houses and fairy tale stories, to handmade garlands, seasonal food and gifts. Here’s a guide to what’s happening in Dorset...

1. Corfe Castle

Join the Lord of Misrule for a flavour of Christmas in Tudor times in the castle, made magical by contemporary lighting, lanterns, beacons and braziers. Six Christmas wish trees line the gatehouse bridge, where you can share your special memory or wish, and inside a 23ft Christmas tree and Tudor-themed decorations adorn the castle. After dark on selected dates, Tudor storytellers bring the revels of an Elizabethan Christmas to life, and you can see the illuminations at their best. For little ones, there are crafts and a 12 days of Christmas quest to complete.

2. Hardy’s Cottage

From wintry walks through Thorncombe Woods, to crafts in front of a roaring open fire, you can experience the tastes, sights and sounds of a traditional Victorian Christmas at Hardy’s Cottage. The cottage is decked with natural decorations of evergreen collected from the garden and surrounding woodlands. There are treats for you to sample, prepared by volunteers using traditional recipes. On selected dates, music and storytelling bring added warmth to this festive visit.

3. Kingston Lacy

Three local female artists have created contemporary decorations to adorn the house, all inspired by the women of the Bankes family. In the Dining Room, hundreds of handmade paper flowers, created by Isobel Barber, adorn the Christmas tree, alongside a paper Edwardian feast, and in the Saloon, paper fans hang from Christmas tree and presents nestle underneath it.

Using digitally printed fabric inspired by Kingston Lacy’s stained glass windows, textile artist Sarah Appleton has designed a freestanding textile installation for the Spanish Room, along with luxurious soft furnishings. A beautiful floral display up the staircase that leads to the Loggia has been created by Florist Kay Williams, along with an elaborate, Edwardian-style floral display in the Dining Room.

With twinkling Christmas trees in the corner of each room, the contemporary decorations and classic Christmas sparkle create a very festive atmosphere. After darkness, the garden is bathed in light: along the Lime Avenue there’s an interactive experience where you can have fun pushing the buttons to light each tree with a bold colour. This year the Cedar Avenue and the Japanese Garden are lit for the first time.

In the Stables Café, you can get a festive fix from the seasonal menu: Roast Onion Soup, Roast Turkey Dinner and Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce all hit the spot.

4. Max Gate

A festive welcome awaits you in the house, decked out for a Victorian Christmas with traditional decorations. It’s a treat for all the senses in the house; the smell of delicious Yuletide treats cooked in the kitchen greets you, which taste as good as they smell. Craft activities for children as well as musical and theatrical performances on selected dates bring the festivities to life.

5. Studland Bay

You can escape the crowds for a winter walk at Studland Bay; the beach and sand dunes are atmospheric in winter, and the café and fire pit are great places to warm up while you enjoy the views over Studland Bay to Old Harry Rocks. In the café, special Christmas pizzas are served fresh from the wood-fired oven. If you fancy something more traditional, there’s roast turkey followed by Christmas pudding on the menu too.