Often referred to as a hidden gem, Kiplin Hall is all set to shine this Christmas.
The theme for this year’s festive display is Kaleidoscope: A Christmas of Colour.
Rooms in the 400-year-old hall have been decorated to dazzle visitors, each with its own colour theme, including gold in the drawing room, pink in Lady Waterford’s room and even a rainbow theme on the central staircase.
Many of the decorations are handmade by Kiplin volunteers and members of local community groups.
Curator Alice Rose said: “This year we wanted a Christmas display to echo the rich sentiments of family, togetherness, and joy in Kiplin’s past, present and future. The range of colours used symbolises this joyful theme.
“By working with members of the community we’ve been able to rekindle old connections and create new ones. In the past an estate like Kiplin would have played a key role in the local economy. As part of an ongoing National Lottery Heritage Fund project we are working with people from Northdale, in Northallerton, and the Refugee Council.
“They, and residents from local villages, have formed co-curation groups to contribute to the project. It’s been wonderful for them to be involved in our preparations for Christmas. It’s been a lovely display to work on and we can’t wait to share it with visitors when we open on December 1.”
Over the last few weeks Kiplin’s tearoom has been become a hive of activity, serving as the base of operations for the Christmas crafting required for the displays.
With production line precision, adults with learning or physical disabilities from Northdale, a charity in Northallerton, have been cutting tape, unrolling paper and working as a team to wrap hundreds of boxes to become presents in the displays. Women from the Refugee Council were able to visit Kiplin for the first time, spending time making paper poinsettia flowers for the displays. As recent arrivals to the UK it’s hoped spending time at Kiplin will help them to learn more about the area and to feel safe in the tranquil surroundings.
Volunteers who normally spend their days working with visitors on site have also been busy behind the scenes, literally decking the hall.
As well as the decorations in the house, visitors to Kiplin can also enjoy wintery walks in the grounds and festive treats in the tearoom. The gift shop is stocked with homemade chutneys, Christmas cakes and other delights. Kaleidoscope is included with standard admission, so those with valid annual tickets will not need to pay again to see it.
Day and annual tickets can be purchased online or onsite. For those wishing to buy annual tickets this December, they will also cover general entry to Kiplin during opening hours for the next 12 months featuring Snowdrop Strolls in February, Summer family fun days, and Crowes Wood Halloween Trail next October. (Please note Kiplin is normally open Feb – Nov, 6 days a week, closed on Thursdays. Annual tickets are only valid during opening hours.)
Kaleidoscope: A Christmas of Colour at Kiplin is open 10am – 4pm from December 1 to 17. Kiplin is open 6 days a week, closed on Thursdays.
To find out more visit www.kiplinhall.co.uk
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