FORGET the gaudy tinsel, tacky garlands and brightly coloured lights this Christmas and take a trip back in time to indulge and experience a traditional yuletide at a historic venue.

Julia Chapman, owner of the recently-restored 15th-century medieval hall house, together with Laura Gabell of Love Little Cakes, are working in partnership to create a two-week Traditional Christmas Festival, from December 3-14.

It will include a number of vintage tea parties with carols and a series of Christmas workshops.

The venue will brought back to life and decorated in an old-style Christmas theme by Saggers of Newport. Mistletoe, ivy wreaths and garlands, with cinnamon sticks, fir cones, lemons and oranges, will adorn the magnificent beams.

A traditional Christmas tree will stand in the spacious timber-framed reception room and a cosy festive grotto will be constructed to provide a special place for a traditional Father Christmas who will visit the family vintage tea party on December 9.

Mrs Chapman said: “I want to open up the house this Christmas and draw people into the festive spirit by enabling them to immerse themselves in the nostalgia of Christmases of old.

“Working with Love Little Cakes, we want to create a warm and festive feel in the house, bringing it back to life albeit it a step back in time.”

In addition to the family tea party, there will be two more vintage tea parties taking place on December 7 and 14. Visitors will be able to indulge in a traditional afternoon tea to the sound of carols being sung by Radwinter’s Holly Haines and the children’s choir, Youthful Noise.

There will also be a series of workshops for adults and children hosted by local businesses during the two-week festival, including home-made hampers, festive florals, wreath-making, sweetie tree creating and Christmas cakes in miniature.

Moonlit guided tours of the house will take place on December 3 and 10.

Booking is required for all events and tickets are on sale. Call 01799 516111.