Step back in time and recapture the magic of Christmas. Swap the frenzy of the festive season for the glimpse of a bygone era with a visit to some of England�s most beautiful historic homes. Shop for gifts made by local artisans in one of the country�s biggest Christmas markets and sample locally produced food and drink specialities that have graced many a royal table.

Fun for all the family Experience some of the traditions of Christmas that have been celebrated since Elizabethan times at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire www.chatsworth-house.co.uk. Enjoy one of Britain�s most acclaimed stately homes with its spectacular rooms that are specially dressed for the festive season with decorations, candles and costumed figures. Hear choirs as they perform seasonal favourites in the stable yard. Visit the farm shop for local delicacies that are guaranteed to make your Christmas feast a memorable occasion. Take your children to the farmyard and playground where they can get involved in daily craft activities or watch nativity performances. And to round off your visit experience the winter wonderland of the house�s gardens and take in the dramatic landscapes of the Peak District National Park. Stay at The Peacock at Rowsley www.thepeacockatrowsley.com (�145 B&B per room at weekends)

Shopping in style If you are struggling for present ideas you�re sure to find inspiration at the Althorp Christmas Fair in Northamptonshire on the 27th and 28th November. Set in the beautiful grounds and house of the Althorp Estate, the ancestral home of the Spencer�s and the final resting place of Princess Diana, this fair is perfect for those looking for festive treats and gifts. And even if you come away empty handed the atmosphere of children singing carols beside open fires, the twinkling of Christmas lights and the mulled wine are sure to get your festive season off to a good start. www.althorp.com/event. Stay at the Falcon Hotel in nearby Castle Ashby, which welcomes children and well behaved dogs (double rooms start from �125) or the Broomhill Hotel in Spratton, which was built in 1872 and is a stunning example of Victorian architecture (B&B start from �95 for a double)

Medieval madness Head to historic Lincoln for its famous Christmas Market and combine shopping with sightseeing. The city�s medieval castle and cathedral provide a striking backdrop to over 300 stalls featuring local craftspeople and artisans from all over the world. A visit to the market at night has the added reward of seeing these imposing buildings illuminated. Treat yourself to a glass of mulled wine and stop and listen to carols singers and bell ringers. Or head down the steep hill into the city and swap your boots for a pair of skates and enjoy the Christmas lights from the open air ice rink which will be in the city from the 17th November to the 8th January. Stay at the White Hart Hotel located between the Cathedral and the Castle, which recently played host to Tom Hanks and other stars from the forthcoming film of the Da Vinci Code www.whitehart-lincoln.co.uk (rooms start from �55)

Winter romance Experience the romance and mystery of Christmas at Newstead Abbey in Nottinghamshire. The ancestral home of the famous poet Lord Byron comes into its own in winter with decorations, beautiful floral displays and musicians. The illuminated West Front strikes a dramatic pose against the skyline whilst inside the abbey it is possible to view the great hall and library, which houses valuable first editions of the poet�s work. Surrounding the house are over 300 acres of gardens and parkland with a number of special features, such as the Eagle Pond which is thought to date back to the 17th century. Admission to the house costs �6 for adults/�4 for children. www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk. Stay at Bestwood Lodge, a former hunting lodge built in1865 and is set in the 700 Acre Bestwood Park, perfect for exploring Robin Hood country (doubles start from �77 www.bw-bestwoodlodge.co.uk

Taste sensation Soak up the atmosphere of Christmases of old in the historic market town of Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire with a visit to its Victorian Christmas Fayre on the 4th December. Join in the fun by dressing up and become a lord, lady, coachman or parlour maid for the day or sample some of the local delicacies. Try your hand at the Pork Pie workshops or enjoy a Stilton Cheese tasting in the home of this famous cheese. Visit stalls offering a tantalising range of locally produced meats and traditionally prepared Christmas foods www.goleicestershire.co.uk. Stay in the Edwardian Sysonby Knoll Hotel on the edge of this market town (rooms start from �31 pppn).

Ends

For more information contact: Bernadette McAndrew, east midlands tourism on 0115 988 8365 email bernadettemcandrew@emd.org.uk Ian Weightman, Peak District & Derbyshire DMP on 01782 680963 email ian.wms@virgin.net Mark Hibbert, Lincolnshire Tourism on 01522 526450 email mark.hibbert@lincolnshiretourism.com Simon Gribbon, Leicester Shire Promotions on 0116 2254001 email simon.gribbon@l-p-l.com Tara de Cozar, Experience Nottinghamshire on 0115 962 8314 email tara.decozar@experiencenottinghamshire.com Rachael Dewis, Explore Northamptonshire on 01604 686 567 email rachael.dewis@explorenorthamptonshire.com

Notes to editors: The East Midlands comprises six counties: Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire and Rutland. For more information visit www.englandseastmidland.com