Festive family events and feasts are on the timetable at an historic Broads house better-known for hosting school trips.
In the lead-up to Christmas educational stays by students at How Hill traditionally dry up as they get involved with seasonal fun back in the classroom.
But the environmental studies centre is building on its location, skills, country house vibe and new en-suite bedrooms to provide a growing range of activities for other visitors.
School day trips continue, with an emphasis build on “buddy building” – making friends through fun sessions such as thatching, den building and orienteering.
Family days focus on sustainable Christmas crafts such as making wooden tree decorations, home-made wrapping paper and biscuit decorating – plus a garden trail with festive pictures hidden in the house grounds.
A series of Christmas meals always sell out thanks to home-cooked locally sourced food is cooked and served by staff in a lavishly trimmed dining room.
How Hill director Simon Partridge said: “At one time the house used to shut down for December when the school trips stopped. But we are keen to use our facilities to serve up festive educational treats and events for everyone – which also produces vital income for our charity to support its educational work.”
The house, which has grandstand views over the Broads, used to be the holiday, then family, home of renowned Norwich architect Edward Boardman, and Mr Partridge said the venue aimed to embrace the true family spirit of a welcoming home at Christmas.
Next year there will be a new special How Hill at Christmas event, offering four days exploring the history of Christmas and its traditions, with crafts, excursions, food and accommodation which has already attracted some early bookings.
Next month the house, will host a Burns Night with traditional Scottish food and whisky (Friday January 27, 6.30 for 7, tickets £30 per head via www.howhilltrust.org.uk or 01692 678555.
