LOCAL: A Christmas Delight at Blackthorpe Barn
Visitors are really enjoying being back at Blackthorpe Barn, from the amazing country Christmas shop and craft weekends to the famous Rougham Estate Christmas trees, not forgetting the Courtyard café...
Open every day until 22nd December, the Country Christmas Shop is an absolute delight, absolutely full of everything you need this Christmas, from decorations in all shapes and styles, wreaths, aromatics and wrap to wonderful gifts for family and friends.
The craft weekends continue until 12th December. The weekends showcase items from talented artists and craft-makers. Each craft-maker has been carefully chosen to offer an amazing and eclectic mix of high-quality pieces. Plus, the craft-makers will be available to chat to the visitors and share the inspiration behind their items. This year, there are beautiful pieces such as woven and knitwear designs and textiles, ceramics, glassware, metalware, wood creations, natural beauty products, leather items, jewellery, books, baskets, tasty treats and so much more. Many of the craft-makers change each weekend so there are new items to explore each time you visit.
Numbers into the crafts at any one time are being limited and monitored. Single or season tickets can be purchased online with dates and entry time slots allocated, or you can buy tickets at the door, however you may incur a small wait depending on visitor numbers at the time. Full details are on the website (www.blackthorpebarn.com/crafts).
For those wishing to explore their own creativity there are a number of craft-led workshops providing a perfect opportunity to create your own festive masterpieces. Choose from willow workshops where attendees gain an insight into some traditional weaving techniques to make their own decorations, and Christmas wreath making, where natural foliage is used to create wonderful festive displays. Workshops can be booked online.
Famous Rougham Estate Christmas trees are available until 23 December. Known for their quality and longevity, the trees are carefully nurtured all year round in plantations close to Blackthorpe Barn. Being members of The British Christmas Tree Growers Association means Rougham Estate must adhere to strict codes of practice to ensure the trees are grown to meet their environmental and sustainable guidelines. Visitors can choose from freshly cut and pot grown trees all with their own unique characteristics, plus miniature trees, perfect for windowsills and table displays. Simon Eddell, Estate Manager, ensures the trees are in the best possible condition. The most popular is the Nordman Fir, from Scandinavia, it retains its needles better than most and therefore has greater longevity. The Norway Spruce is more traditional with a lovely scent and requires watering to stay fresh. Each tree comes with a handy care guide to ensure owners get the very best out of their tree over the festive period.
Blackthorpe Barn is just three miles east of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, off the A14 at junction 45 (Sat Nav IP30 9HZ).
For more information and opening times for the various events see www.blackthorpebarn.com.
