Top Spots For a Festive Day Out

Christmas is a time for togetherness so gather your loved ones and step in from the cold as you enjoy plenty of festive cheer with National Trust Cymru.

Bodnant Garden, Conwy: Blow away the winter cobwebs with a festive stroll through the accessible winter garden with its sensational display of foliage, flower and scent, or follow the longer route around Furnace

Hill. Both will leave you hungry for some delicious festive treats from the tea rooms.

Chirk Castle, Wrexham: This magnificent medieval fortress is bursting

with extravagant decorations and ornate Christmas trees that are guaranteed to add some sparkle your festivities. Outside, wrap up warm and enjoy a wintery walk through the 480-acre parkland – it’s spectacular with a fine dusting of winter frost.

Erddig, Wrexham: Admire wreaths, garlands and natural decorations created by a talented team of volunteers or visit the garden where a new ‘advent window’ will shine out from the mansion each day. With an outdoor trail that’s perfect for little explorers, there’s something for everyone at Erddig this Christmas.

Penrhyn Castle and Garden, Bangor: Celebrate all the traditions that bring us together over the festive period as you head into this dramatic castle that’s bursting with ornate decorations. Try your hand at popular holiday pastimes and hobbies and don’t miss the Victorian Kitchen

‘Tis the season for giving:

where the smell of festive baked treats fills the air.

Plas Newydd House and Garden, Anglesey: At weekends, wrap up warm and explore the beautiful grounds at Plas Newydd with their breath-taking views out to Snowdonia. Enjoy the winter decorations throughout the garden before warming up with a festive treat in the café. Enjoy the gift of giving by donating to the Wrexham or Oswestry Borders foodbanks this Christmas. Chirk Castle and Erddig will be taking food donations daily throughout December, but Father Christmas will be there to thank you at weekends from 3rd December. What better way is there to make the nice list?

Powis Castle and Garden, Welshpool: Taking inspiration from its treasures within, Powis Castle’s spectacular State Rooms are bursting with over-the-top Christmas trees and festive fireplaces which will

transport you to magical locations across the globe. Outside, the Hawys the Hedgehog trail is perfect for younger visitors. n

@NTWales

For further information, dates and opening times, please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/christmas-in-wales

As funeral directors in Llandudno, North Wales Chris Lord-Brown and Jonathen Harty have over fifty years of combined experience. Serving both local and neighbouring communities, their expertise and knowledge combined with their extensive contacts have led to numerous families entrusting them to arrange and conduct the funeral services of their loved ones.

Together they run Lord-Brown & Harty Ltd. This independent, privately owned and professionally qualified funeral directors and monumental masons is situated in the heart of Llandudno on the North Wales coast.

They are proud member of The National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD), undergo regular inspections of premises and paperwork to ensure compliance, and abide by the NAFD's Code of Practice.

CHRIS LORD-BROWN B.Ed(Hons) DipFD

chris@lbandh.co.uk JONATHEN HARTY B.Ed(Hons) DipHE FRAS

jonathen@lbandh.co.uk