My humans decided to go and visit the Fairytale Christmas trail at Tyntesfield on a quiet Monday morning in early December 2025. Along the winding path heading towards the gardens were lots of scenes from Red Riding Hood. all of the installations were created by various community groups in North Somerset.

In the rose garden we discovered a pumpkin

I found Cinderella’s shoe, but she must be a giant!

After passing two lions wearing glitzy party hats, I headed towards the house…

As I walked along the path towards the house I wondered what delights there would be inside.

Before reaching the house I found the workshop of Rumpelstiltskin who had been busy turning straw into gold.

Rapunzel had let down her hair from one of the turrets.

A beautiful wild swan was at the entrance to the house.

More swans were surrounding the Christmas Tree. The giant baubles on the tree had all been knitted or crocheted.

After going into the house I came across a bag of magic beans.

Jack had planted a bean and it was growing up through the stairs. I was glad the giant wasn’t around.

The Library was decorated with an Alice in Wonderland theme with many interesting items to see, but a tad dark to photograph.

Sometimes a bear’s legs can get a bit tired so a chair that I was allowed to sit on was very welcome.

My favourite installation was in the drawing room. I squeezed between some old coats and entered a winter wonderland (which I think may have been inspired by Narnia).

The Christmas trees looked really lovely altogether with lights twinkling. Because I am so small it really seemed to me like I was outside in a wood somewhere.

A street light added to the atmosphere.

Of course I wasn’t outside, a splendid ceiling was above me and paintings hung on the walls.

The way out was back through the coats!

I came across Puss in Boots, a very strange character.

Cinderella’s dress was ready for her to wear to the ball. It was made from dried flowers and looked amazing.

Three Bears were somewhere around, not just any bear, but ‘The Three Bears’!

The table was set up for them with bowls of porridge but they must have been out exploring the woods!

Back outside in the courtyard a little village had been set up with mulled wine being sold.

I went on down to the Orangery to see the Hansel & Gretal installation and found Christmas trees decorated with doughnuts…

…and a gingerbread house with two giant gingerbread people.

Finally I discovered Father’s Christmas’s grotto, but he had gone out!

All in all visiting the Tyntesfield ‘Once upon a Christmas Time’ was a lovely experience. It is running from 1 December 2025 until 4th January 2026.

More information here:https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/bath-bristol/tyntesfield/christmas-at-tyntesfield

Horace the Alresford Bear 12/12/2025