Last updated at 16:30, Friday, 07 December 2012

YULETIDE cheer is set to be given a Victorian twist at a top tourist attraction this Christmas.

HISTORIC: Staff at Muncaster Castle in Victorian attire ready for the festive tours set to take visitors back to Christmas of yesteryear

Muncaster Castle is set to open its doors giving an insight into life ‘below the stairs’ at the historic home.

Tours will take place throughout December revealing how the festive period was celebrated in 1885.

Candlelight and log fires are set to illuminate the castle while staff, garbed as Victorian servants, lead the tours.

Peter Frost-Pennington, whose family owns Muncaster Castle, said: “For many people the festive period conjures romantic images of the Victorian past.

“Muncaster is particularly atmospheric at this time of year and we are giving people the chance to come and experience what Christmas would have been like at the castle back at the height of the Victorian era.

“The tours, and the Darkest Muncaster lighting displays, prove to be exceedingly popular and it gives us great pleasure to see families enjoying our entertainments at the castle.”

At the end of the tour, guests will be able to enjoy mulled wine, mince pies and Victorian entertainment in Muncaster’s splendid dining room.

Ulverston-based LED specialist Marl International has installed a striking lighting display which is set to illuminate the castle gardens.

The Victorian Christmas Tours and Darkest Muncaster lighting displays are on December 9, 16, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28 and 29 and run from 4pm.

Entry to the gardens and Owl Centre each day including the Darkest Muncaster lighting displays after dusk costs £6.50 for adults and £3.50 for children, under fives are free.

First published at 16:29, Friday, 07 December 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk