Chatsworth transformed into a storybook wonderland for Christmas

The lower floors of the house have been turned into scenes based on Kenneth Grahame’s Wind in the Willows.

The Painted Hall serves as Toad Hall dressed with sumptuous garlands and a magnificent Christmas tree, while the house itself is decorated with festive flowers and giant Christmas trees throughout.

Christmas at Chatsworth with Mr Toad takes visitors through the adventures of the best of animal friends as Mole, Ratty, Badger and Toad get ready to celebrate Christmas.

The enchantment continues with scenes of the riverside folk at Toad Hall.

Visitors will discover Mole helping to dress Ratty’s Christmas tree before loading up his little boat with gifts to take to Toad Hall. This year, Chatsworth is also transforming the Great Chamber and the Guest Bedrooms into the scenes from the story to extend the festive route throughout more of the house.

Children will enjoy discovering the hiding places of little mice all along the route, placing their wish on the Wishes Trees and dressing up in the costumes made especially for Christmas with Mr Toad.

A Chatsworth spokesman said: “Once again, it’s been a huge effort from the talented Chatsworth in- house team with staff from textiles, housekeeping, joinery and gardening coming together to create the costumes for characters and guides, painting backdrops, making scene-setting items such as Ratty’s jetty and Badger’s house and putting together the garlands and other festive flower displays.”

Christmas at Chatsworth with Mr Toad is open now. There is a timed ticketing system for the house during the festive period in order to reduce queuing times and visitors are advised to book online in advance.