Perk yourself up with a festive break

Aug. 3, 2012 - PRLog -- One of the great things about Britain is that if you have time to explore the country there are thousands of little gems waiting to be discovered.

Many of these destinations have something to offer all year round rather than just during the summer.

If you find yourself spending Christmas in Hertfordshire for example, take time out to visit Knebworth house.

Although the main house, gardens and park are only open between the end of March and the end of September, there are special events all year round and Christmas is a magical time.

One of England's most loved stately homes, Knebworth House, is famous for its rock concerts but less well known for its other events.

The beautiful gothic mansion at Stevenage dates back to 1490 and is still a family home.

In the days before rock concerts Knebworth House was known as the home of the Victorian novelist, playwright and politician, Edward Bulwer Lytton.

Music, literature and politics have featured throughout Knebworth's history. The house boasts an extraordinary guest book that stretches all the way from Queen Elizabeth I to Queen Elizabeth II.

The first of Knebworth’s annual Christmas events will happen this year between Friday 16th - Sunday 18th November. The Knebworth Christmas Fair features seasonal crafts as well as food and drink, not to mention a visit from some reindeer!

For the past 15 years Colin Greenslade has brought Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol to life with his renowned fireside readings. 2012 will be the last year for this event which will take place six times over two weekends; Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th, and Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th December.

As the festive spirit really starts to kick in Knebworth will be offering slightly less high-brow entertainment on the two Sundays before Christmas when Santa Claus will be visiting for lunch – what would Elizabeth l have said?

If Knebworth doesn’t appeal to you as an out-of-season destination this Christmas go to the Visit Britain website to find thousands of other locations which offer great ways to get into the festive spirit.

There are atmospheric Christmas markets, concerts in cathedrals and small village churches and even Santa Trains across Wales.

Many rural communities have special events and traditions for Christmas and the Winter Festival so it is worth doing a little research on the internet.

You can search for hotels offering bargain breaks on the run up to Christmas. An end-of-year treat is often a great tonic to set you up for the start of the New Year and thanks to Britain’s hidden gems there is plenty of choice of what to do.

Visit: http://www.downhall.co.uk