One of north Norfolk's stately homes will be hosting a traditional 'Christmas Fayre' for three weekends in December, beginning this Saturday.

Characters from the past will be present at Blickling Hall, which will be beautifully decorated for the festive season and offering an array of gift ideas.

Visitors are invited to wander through the house and into the garden, where a trail of decorated lit Christmas trees will take them to a temple filled with mulled wine and mince pies.

The 'Christmas Courtyard' will be home to a marquee full of Christmas gift ideas as well as festive snacks and drinks. Christmas trees, wreaths and greenery will also be on sale along with garden gifts, hot chestnuts and other seasonal items.

Father Christmas will be in his grotto each day and there will be traditional Christmas lunches served in a decorated Lord Lothian's study and Hobarts. There will also be music and carols.

This weekend the marquee in the Christmas Courtyard will be filled with Christmas crafts and gifts.

The following weekend, December 8 and 9, there will be toys and games for sale, including a Christmas trail and additional activities for children.

And for the final weekend, December 15 and 16, the marquee will be adorned with a Christmas Food Fayre, which will include a selection of local food and drink.

Doors open from 11am to 5pm and access to the Christmas Courtyard, the shop and restaurant is free. Entry to the house and gardens is free for National Trust members, with a special price of �9 for adults and �4.50 for children.

? For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk.