Wintry views across the lake to Hampton Court

HAMPTON COURT in Herefordshire is being decorated for Christmas and welcoming visitors for its new Christmas Fair from 7 to 10 December. There'll be stalls crammed with unusual and beautiful gifts and seasonal favourites including Liz's Mince Pies and winter Pimms.

Hampton Court sits in a 1,000-acre estate in the meadows beside the River Lugg, between Leominster and Hereford, and both the house and the gardens are open to visitors during the year. Its history goes back to 1427 when a quadrangular courtyard house was built here by Sir Rowland Lenthall, on an estate granted to him by King Henry IV. There have been many alterations since then but the house has stayed that basic shape. Sir Rowland's daughter married the Baron of Burford and their grandson sold the house to Sir Humphrey Coningsby in 1510. The estate remained in the Coningsby family through to the 19th century, then subsequent owners included the Arkwright family (of the famous inventor), and Viscountess Hereford. The house was remodelled in the 1830s and 1840s to give it more of a castle air and the 12-acres of gardens you can explore now include the original Victorian walled kitchen garden, a maze with a Gothic tower and secret tunnel, and a conservatory designed by Joseph Paxton that houses the Orangery Cafe.

The Christmas Fair is open 11am-4pm and until 9pm on Thursday evening. Entry is £3, under 5s free. Further information on the Christmas Fair, tel: (01568) 797777.