Somerleyton Hall Gardens will be opening its gates for the first ever Christmas Cracker Fayre on Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13.

It will also be the first time the estate has opened its gardens to the public in the winter, as the gardens and maze are usually closed from the end of September to Easter.

After dark the grounds and hall will be floodlit making for, organisers predict, a unique and magical winter experience.

Lord Somerleyton said: “Now my wife Lara and I have a young family, the time seemed perfect to hold an event for visitors to come and explore the gardens in winter, whilst getting to enjoy a traditional festive fayre to celebrate Christmas.

“There will be lots for families to experience throughout the weekend and I myself am hoping to pick up some stocking fillers for friends and family.”

There will also be a demonstration tent, children performing carols and music, Christmas trees for sale, beers from a local brewer and wine tasting, plus the tea rooms will be serving tasty treats.

The event will support East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices as its chosen charity.

The admission price will include complimentary mulled wine and a mince pie for adults and hot chocolate with marshmallows for children on arrival. There will be children’s activities, an opportunity to visit Father Christmas dressed in traditional old style green robes within his magical woodland themed grotto, a Christmas market, the opportunity to sample the award winning Hot Chip food, plus Somerleyton Estate produce will be available to buy.

Tickets cost £5 per person with children under four free. Tickets are selling fast and can be bought online at www.somerleyton.co.uk

Limited tickets are available to see Father Christmas in his grotto at an additional price of £5 per child. Children will visit Father Christmas in groups of 20 and one adult may accompany each child.

Somerleyton Hall Gardens is located on the B1074 Blundeston Road on the Norfolk/Suffolk border.