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10 Things to See and Do this Winter at Markshall Estate

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And that couldn’t be truer for Markshall Estate. This festive season everyone can see the winter highlights flourish across the estate, enjoy tasty food and get in the Christmas mood with our fun-filled events. Read on to kick-start your festive plans.

  1. Enjoy a festive dining experience in the Orchard Kitchen
    Book on to a Three-Course Christmas Meal, Festive High Tea or perhaps both… it’s Christmas time after all! Set in the cosy settings of the rustic barn, dressed for the festive period. These catering offers are guaranteed to get you in the festive mood. Haven’t tempted you yet? Here’s some photos…

Discover the changing season in the arboretum
Grab your wellies, cosiest coat and scarf and head out into the 200-acre arboretum for a crisp winter walk. Discover winter flowering plants such as the witch hazel, see mistletoe hanging from the trees and see the structures of the deciduous trees across the estate. Take photos by the Abies numidica and Scots pines to get the best festive photos. Getting outside is great for our mental and physical health.

  1. Dance the night away at the Coach House
    The Coach House is the place to be this Christmas! Our cosy redbrick barn is popular for weddings and now you can experience the stunning setting for Christmas party nights! Put your best sequined Christmas outfit and tuck into a delicious three-course meal before partying the night away with your nearest and dearest with tunes from a top Essex DJ! We can’t wait to party with you.
  1. Purchase a bunch of mistletoe for your home
    Each November the Arboretum Team head into the trees to harvest mistletoe. Then, our fantastic team of volunteers bunch the mistletoe ready for visitors to purchase from the Kiosk. Money made from the sales goes straight into the work we do as a charity.
  1. Get crafty and create your own Christmas Wreath
    On Sunday 4th December you can take part in a unique wreath making workshop set in the canopy of our ancient trees, cosy by a fire. Using foliage gathered from estate, let your imagination run wild as you create the perfect wreath to complete your home decorations. Gather around the fire and enjoy warm drinks in this unique experience.
  1. Wildlife watching
    Take a moment to pause and sit on one of the benches across the estate. Be quiet and listen out for birds which are calling the estate home this winter. Become a winter guardian and check out these tips for caring for birds at home by the RSPB.
  1. Find your perfect Christmas gift
    The Coach House invites you to browse the Christmas Market and shop for unique gifts and crafts that will make the ideal present for that someone special. With lots of local craftspeople and businesses filling the Coach House with their works, you’ll be sure to find unique gifts, tasty tipples and so much more! Our bar will be serving refreshments throughout the event. Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th December, 10am – 4pm, free entry.
  1. Enjoy a puppet show in the Coach House
    See the Rapunzel fairy-tale brought to life with the magic of puppetry and storytelling; at the Coach House welcomes the Theatre of Widdershins on Wednesday 21st December. Adult tickets are free.
  1. Winter woodland walk
    Markshall is home to three woodland walks, taking walkers through acres of ancient woodlands. They’re the perfect trails to enjoy the change in season and spot wildlife. We have plenty of wildlife to be spotted across the woodland walks from deer to birds, there is plenty to discover.
  1. Attend an indoor pantomime or theatre
    The festive season wouldn’t be complete without a pantomime or theatre show this year the Coach House hosts an Aladdin pantomime where attendees can enjoy the festive show and discover whether Aladdin can defeat Abanazar and win the Princess’s heart. For younger children there is a Search for Santa theatre with nursery rhymes, action songs and Christmas favourites in this gentle introduction to live theatre.

We hope to see you this festive season. If you can’t make it be sure to check out our social media pages so that you can see updates from the estate as we head into the cooler months.

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