Popular Irchester attraction welcomes first ever skating rink this Christmas
11th Nov 2024
We at the Chester House Estate are urging visitors to ‘get their skates on’ this festive period as we introduce our first ever ice rink, part of our Winter Wonderland experience starting on Saturday 23 November and running through until Tuesday 24 December (Christmas Eve).
The skating rink will be located at the front of the 17th century historic farmhouse, with festive huts serving hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts lining the edges of the rink. Skate collection and skating aids for children and inexperienced skaters can be collected at the event marquee.
Alongside skating, the Estate’s popular Father Christmas experience is returning. Designed as a festive journey led by our friendly elves, guests can visit Mrs Christmas’ kitchen to create a Christmas card, make reindeer food and visit Father Christmas in his grotto and of course, receive a gift. Last year, the Father Christmas experience sold out within a few weeks, so we have expanded our offering and incorporated the popular family favourites alongside new features, making it our largest Christmas event to date.
Cllr Helen Howell, North Northamptonshire Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Sport, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said:
“Following on from our previously popular Christmas events, we are going even bigger this year with an skating rink on site run by professional health and safety experts. We have a wonderful array of festive treats for the whole family. As well as the fantastic businesses we already have on site, we are also running a series of festive markets - perfect for those unique Christmas gifts for all your loved one.
“Due to high demand, we have now opened exclusive evening ice-skating slots to make special memories with your family this festive period, or maybe you have a special birthday and would like to do something a little bit different. These slots are also expected to be extremely popular, so I would encourage you to book early to avoid disappointment. We look forward to welcoming you to the estate this Christmas period and don’t forget to pop along to the farmhouse cafe for even more festive treats.”
Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council, added:
“The Estate is well established, and this is reflected in the offering on site. Christmas is all about families coming together to celebrate and at the Chester House Estate there is a whole month of celebrations - with Christmas markets running every weekend from 23 November with stalls from a wide range of suppliers, showcasing the wonderful small businesses we have locally.”
Christmas markets will be running every weekend from Saturday 23 November, with a host of local craft, food and drink and market stalls available to explore, and secure the perfect stocking fillers. And for festive foodies, tuck into a Festive Afternoon Tea, winter Ploughman’s and festive burgers - all part of the new Winter menu launching on Tuesday 5 November.
The artisan shopping courtyard will be open Tuesday - Sunday throughout November and December, with a florist, dog shop, dressmaker and pottery studio open to explore for Christmas shopping.
Winter Wonderland tickets are now on sale, with slot available from Saturday 23 November until Tuesday 24 December. Tickets are selling quickly so the Estate team are urging people to pre-book their tickets in advance to avoid missing out.
This project is part funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
