Christmas

Bolesworth Castle is preparing to light up Cheshire and North Wales with a sensational festive celebration.

The 6,000-acre estate, based in Tattenhall near Wrexham and Chester, will welcome thousands of visitors for its biggest ever Christmas spectacular.

Running from Friday December 1 to Sunday December 31, the packed winter programme includes an iconic enchanted lights trail – complete with seasonal effects, projections, lasers, and interactive installations – and an incredible 240 sqm ice rink.

There’s a fairground all the family can enjoy, a breathtaking Alpine Lodge, and most importantly, the chance to visit Santa – a close friend of the team at Bolesworth – to tell him what you want for Christmas and have a photo taken.

If you’ve been good, he may even present you with a gift before the big day arrives.

And if you’re feeling a little snowed under you can recharge the batteries at Rudolph’s Rest and enjoy some mulled wine, hot chocolate or roasted marshmallows while saying hello to Santa’s reindeer.

Bolesworth’s managing director Nina Barbour says this year’s yuletide extravaganza – which is completely dog friendly – will be their biggest and best yet, with attractions unmatched anywhere else in the region.

“We want this to be the number one Christmas event in North Wales and Cheshire, and with this packed programme I think we’ve achieved that,” she said.

“We’ve gone really big this year because we know what a challenging 12 months it’s been for everyone; the plan is to spread as much festive cheer as we can, deliver an amazing experience for children and people of all ages, and really showcase the incredible surroundings here at Bolesworth.”

Nina added: “We encourage people to book tickets and parking as early as possible and be sure not to miss out on our spectacular winter wonderland because spaces are filling fast.

“And for anyone wanting to get out and enjoy the beautiful scenery and fresh air between Christmas and New Year it’s a great opportunity to finish 2023 on a high – there will be plenty to do, including some visiting festive tractors, and even a combine harvester, from the Liverpool Tractor Run.

“There will also be firework displays on the opening and closing nights at around 7pm, so we hope people step into Christmas at Bolesworth with us this December.”

For more information and to book your tickets, visit the website and follow @Bolesworth on social media. Alternatively email info@bolesworth.com.

There’s no better way to glide into feeling festive than Christmas Ice Skating at Bolesworth Castle near Chester this year!

For 2023, our dazzling Christmas at Bolesworth lights trail has added a spectacular 240sqm real outdoor ice-skating rink to our stunning venue in the heart of the Cheshire countryside on select dates from December 1 to 31.

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It’s the quintessential Christmas day out experience so we invite you to get your skates on and try our rink, unparalleled anywhere in Wrexham, Chester, Liverpool, Whitchurch, Nantwich or beyond! Whether you’re a confident skater or prefer to hang onto the side, there’s no better way to soak up the seasonal surroundings!

The Magic of Christmas Ice Skating

As we lace up our skates and take to the sparkling rinks, it’s worth reflecting on the centuries-old history of ice skating. This winter pastime has deep roots, tracing back to the frozen waterways of Scandinavia and the Netherlands. Over the years, it has evolved into a beloved tradition that ushers in the holiday season with grace and elegance.

What truly sets ice skating apart during Christmas is the enchanting ambiance it creates. As you glide across the ice beneath the twinkling lights and festive decorations, the air is filled with the sweet melodies of holiday songs. It’s a moment when the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the act of skating becomes a journey through a winter wonderland.

Why is Christmas Ice Skating Fun?

It’s impossible not to marvel at the exhilaration and joy that ice skating brings. The sensation of effortlessly gliding on the ice is a unique thrill, an experience that people of all ages eagerly anticipate each year. Bolesworth’s Christmas ice skating event isn’t just for the seasoned skaters; it’s a destination for everyone. Whether you’re a child experiencing the magic of skating for the first time or an adult reliving cherished memories, Bolesworth offers a warm and inviting atmosphere for all. For young skaters, special aids are available to provide balance and confidence as they take their first steps on the ice.

What to Wear for Christmas Ice Skating?

Before you venture onto the ice, it’s essential to dress for the occasion… layers are your friends!

A warm, waterproof jacket, gloves and a cosy hat will keep you comfortable as you enjoy the brisk winter Cheshire air. Don’t forget to wear thick socks to keep your feet warm inside your skates.

Real vs Artificial Ice Rinks

While some may opt for artificial ice rinks, there’s something undeniably special about skating on a real ice rink and that’s exactly what we have this Christmas at Bolesworth. The natural ice surface offers a genuine and traditional experience, ensuring that each glide on the ice is as authentic as it is delightful.

One of the charms of ice skating during Christmas is the allure of the great outdoors. The crisp, cold air and the open sky create an atmosphere that’s unparalleled. The sound of blades cutting through the ice and the laughter of fellow skaters all contribute to an atmosphere that’s rich with festive cheer.

Ice skating isn’t just an activity; it’s a gateway to the holiday spirit. The moment you step onto the ice, you’ll feel the joy and wonder of the season wash over you. It’s a magical experience that can transport you back to the excitement of childhood, where every snowflake and twinkle light held a hint of magic.

While gliding on the ice is the main attraction, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy. Skate hand-in-hand with a loved one, engage in a friendly race, or simply take a leisurely spin around the rink. For those looking to make the most of their time, there’s always a game of ice hockey or a spirited game of ice bumper cars to join.

Christmas Ice Skating Tips

If you’re new to ice skating, fear not. Starting is as simple as taking one step at a time. Begin by finding your balance on the ice, using the rink’s barrier if needed. Gradually, you’ll gain confidence and start gliding with ease.

• Staying Upright: How Not to Fall
  To avoid falls, maintain a slight forward posture, bend your knees, and keep your weight centered over your feet. Take slow, deliberate steps and keep your arms out to the sides for balance
• Dealing with Falls: Does It Hurt?
  Falling is a part of learning to skate, and while it may sting for a moment, the joy of skating far outweighs any brief discomfort. Protective gear like knee and elbow pads can provide added confidence
• Safety First for Christmas Ice Skating
  As with any physical activity, safety should be a top priority. Always follow the rink’s rules and guidelines. Wear a helmet if you’re concerned about falls, and be mindful of other skaters around you and ask for a support if you need help.

In conclusion, Christmas ice skating is a delightful holiday tradition that brings joy to people of all ages. Bolesworth’s Christmas ice skating event in Tattenhall, Cheshire, is a testament to the magic of the season, offering an authentic, outdoor ice skating experience that will fill your heart with warmth and wonder. So, lace up your skates, embrace the festive spirit, and make cherished memories this Christmas season at Bolesworth’s enchanting ice skating rink.

We invite you to join us in celebrating the most wonderful time of the year!

Please note to go ice skating this Christmas at Bolesworth you must purchase a general admission ticket first. Get your ticket and Christmas ice skating upgrade by clicking here.

Christmas at Bolesworth opened with a fanfare last Friday, the 2nd of December, when thousands of visitors took to the all-new Christmas Lights Trail at the Cheshire based venue.

A walk through the dazzling Lights Tunnel signalled the start of the festive fun for families and friends who went on to enjoy the 1.2-mile Lights Trail, and gaze in wonder at the stunning light pyramids and ground orbs, lasers and strobes, twinkling lights in the trees, and dancing fountains on the ornamental lake.

Twisting through Rudolph’s Rest, complete with Santa’s reindeer, the winter wonderland snaked through Champagne Island and across the Rainbow Bridge before leading back to a sizable fairground, sited alongside food stands and bars. Santa’s Grotto with friendly elves in the Alpine Lodge proved to be a big hit with boys and girls, their parents and grandparents too.

The opening day closed with a spectacular Fireworks Display in front of the historic Bolesworth Castle.

Christmas at Bolesworth reopens with Christmas Jumper Day, for visitors and their four-legged friends, from 4pm this Thursday, the 8th of December and runs through to 9.30pm on Sunday the 11th of December. It then returns on Wednesday the 14th of December, remaining open right the way through to Christmas Eve.

Football fans will be well catered for as all England games will be shown on a big screen in the Bolesworth Alpine Lodge.

Online tickets, from £18.00, offering a saving of 20 per cent over on-the-gate costs, will be bookable daily until 2pm, subject to availability.

Visit www.bolesworth.com/christmas for information.

Running alongside its all-new 2022 Christmas Lights Trail, the Bolesworth Estate in Cheshire will host its inaugural Bolesworth Santa Dash, in aid of Hope House and Ty Gobaith Children’s Hospices, this December.

Hope House Children’s Hospices is a registered charity dedicated to the provision of hospice and community care for life limited children and their families from Shropshire, Cheshire, North and Mid Wales. It has been Bolesworth’s appointed charity for just over a year now, with almost £40,000 raised so far.

The Bolesworth Santa Dash will be held on Sunday December 11, starting at 3pm (with arrival from 2.30pm). Participants will have the opportunity to run, or walk, a 2km circuit which will wind around the impressive Bolesworth Castle, with incredible views of Cheshire, north Wales, Wirral, and Merseyside along the way.

What’s more, it’s dog-friendly too so pooches are welcome to join the fun.

Contestants are encouraged to dress up and will receive a Santa Dash medal and goody bag at the finish line. They will also be offered a 25 per cent discount per booking of four tickets to the Bolesworth Christmas Lights Trail, which will be matched by a further 25 per cent donation by Bolesworth to the chosen charity.

All entry fees – £5 per child and £10 for adults – will be donated to the Hope House Children’s Hospice charity. Admission is free for spectators.

For further information and to join up for the 2022 Bolesworth Santa Dash, visit www.bolesworth.com/santa-dash

The team behind the Bolesworth Estate in Cheshire has decided to spread the yuletide cheer and give younger visitors the chance to visit Santa’s magical grotto for free this year.

People who book a general admission ticket to the event before the 31st of October 2022, can also book two slots for their children to enjoy complimentary admission to Bolesworth’s Santa Christmas Experience.*

Visits to Santa will include the chance for children to tell him what they would like for Christmas and whether they’ve been nice (or naughty…), have a picture taken with him and, of course, receive a special seasonal gift.

Christmas at Bolesworth Castle is an exceptional time as the vast grounds are transformed into a festive paradise, adorned in seasonal sparkle for a month of winter magic.

The 1.2-mile accessible Bolesworth Christmas Lights Trail, featuring an all-new extended route, will be illuminated by more than 40,000 lights. It winds through ‘enchanted’ woods, where Santa’s reindeer roam freely, runs beside the extensive lake, complete with new-for-2022 water features, before crossing over a brilliantly illuminated pontoon bridge. And, saving the best until last will be contemporary light Son et Lumiere light show projections on the Castle.

Christmas markets, sited alongside a large fairground and huge indoor Alpine Lodge, with Xmas gift shopping and mouth-watering food stands serving up a selection of indulgent goodies, from hog roast and roasted chestnuts to delicious, sweet treats, all add to the grin-inducing atmosphere of the event.

“We want families to have the best possible experience at our Christmas event this year,” said Matt Bates, Managing Director of Bolesworth Events. “A visit to Santa is a must-do on most children’s Christmas wish-list, so we decided to make it free to book, while keeping the same very-special one-to-one Santa experience, complete with free gift.”

Christmas at Bolesworth runs from the 2nd to 4th, 8th to 11th, and 14th to 24th of December 2022.

Simply put, a trip to Bolesworth could well be a perfect family way to celebrate Christmas this year.

For more information and to book tickets, visit www.bolesworth.com/christmas

*Two free Santa slots per Transaction with accompanying general admission tickets.