KINGSTON Lacy have been working in conjunction with The National Trust staff and volunteers to create an enchanting Christmas experience for all visitors.

The house has been lavishly decorated to celebrate the importance of Christmastime memories and to bring the Christmas traditions of Kingston Lacy's past to life.

Displays in the house have been inspired by the childhood memories of Viola Bankes, one of three children of of Walter Ralph Bankes, owner of the Kingston Lacy and Corfe Castle estates in Dorset.

The displays show the games she played and stories she created with her sister Daphne and brother Ralph.

Additionally, Henrietta Bankes’ Christmas lists, letters describing handmade gifts and the stories/plays from the children’s homemade story book, 'Gleanings from Schoolroomland', have been brought out of the archive and into the house for visitors to see.

In order for this vision to come to life, the Kingston Lacy team worked closely with a local paper artist, illustrator and puppeteer on some contemporary installations.

These will sit alongside the traditional Christmas decorations, creating a new experience for visitors.

Visitor Experience Manager, Gabby Hyman explained the intriguing Christmas theme of the house: "This year we are celebrating the importance of Christmas memories. The house will brim with traditional decorations and sparkling trees alongside some new and exciting modern installations."

She added: "This year we have more on offer for families than ever before with traditional games in the house, festive crafts in the Laundry and a daytime Christmas family trail through the magical winter woodland at Kingston Lacy."

The importance of Christmas memories at Kingston Lacy doesn't stop indoors.

The garden will be transformed by enchanting winter illuminations as darkness falls.

This will take place on select evenings from December 4 to January 5.

This year’s light display takes inspiration from the stories of several members of the Bankes family.

Visitors can also enjoy an interactive light experience by bathing each tree in a bold colour at the touch of a button.

There are new spectacles to look forward to this year, which includes the addition of music.

Music adds to the Christmas magic along parts of the trail, creating an unforgettable experience.

There is also animated display lights up the Fernery, and in the Rose Garden lights take inspiration from the many roses that bloom at Kingston Lacy in the early summer.

Full event details can be found at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kingston-lacy/features/christmas-at-kingston-lacy.