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Maidstone: Beatrix Potter's magical world and characters come to Leeds Castle for A Tale of Christmas

Cheeky Peter Rabbit and his friends will be popping up all over Leeds Castle this Christmas.

Beatrix Potter’s much-loved characters will be bringing their magical world to the castle from this weekend and staying throughout the festive period for A Tale of Christmas.

From loveable but pesky Peter Rabbit and his friend and partner in crime Benjamin Bunny, to bustling Mrs Tiggy-Winkle and laidback, long-legged Jeremy Fisher, they’ll all be at the castle to delight visitors of all generations, as they have done through the pages of Beatrix’s books for more than 100 years.

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Beatrix Potter characters are at Leeds Castle. Picture: Frederik Warne & Co
Beatrix Potter characters are at Leeds Castle. Picture: Frederik Warne & Co

Marking the 150th anniversary of the author's birth this year, her stories will be re-created in full size scenes, which give an insight into her magical world.

Joining forces with Frederick Warne & Co., the owners of the Beatrix Potter brand, highlights at Leeds will include Mr McGregor’s Shed, right down to his muddy boots and packed shelves – not to mention evidence of Peter Rabbit and his friends’ mischief!

Beatrix Potter’s study will be crammed with her sketch books, paint brushes, diaries, fossils and feathers that she used to craft her stories, with the woodland noises which inspired her in the Lake District.

Peter Rabbit will be at Leeds Castle near Maidstone
Peter Rabbit will be at Leeds Castle near Maidstone

In each room there will be a sparkling Christmas tree, with clues for a Beatrix Potter trail which takes visitors around the castle. Children will be able to spot miniature displays in the hallways and on window ledges and fireplaces.

Young visitors can write their Christmas wishes on themed postcards and post them so they are delivered to her study in the evening.

Thomas Merrington, Beatrix Potter brand guardian at Frederick Warne & Co., which is part of Penguin Random House UK said: “The 150th anniversary has allowed us to celebrate and re-imagine the wonderful works of Beatrix Potter with fans of all generations up and down the country.

The Tailor of Gloucester scene at Leeds Castle
The Tailor of Gloucester scene at Leeds Castle

“What better way to end this year of celebration than with this stunning and immersive Christmas installation at Leeds Castle, bringing together incredibly creative floral artists, prop makers and admired set designers to interpret Potter’s beloved characters in a truly unique and magical way.”

Alysha Sargent from the castle added: “So many people have grown up with Beatrix Potter. We are especially looking forward to watching parents and grandparents sharing their childhood memories with their own children and grandchildren at this nostalgic trip down memory lane.”

THE TALE OF KITTY-IN-BOOTS

A newly-discovered story by Beatrix Potter, published this year but written more than 100 years ago, will be read aloud for the first time by Patricia Routledge, right, actress and official Beatrix Potter ambassador.

The Tale of Kitty-in-Boots was rediscovered but Beatrix had only completed a single drawing with the manuscript.

The Tale of Kitty in Boots Picture: Frederick Warne & Co
The Tale of Kitty in Boots Picture: Frederick Warne & Co

World renowned Kent illustrator Quentin Blake, best known for his work with Roald Dahl, illustrated the story, which was published in September.

Patricia Routledge will read to groups of lucky prize-winning schoolchildren on Wednesday, December 7. The winning pupils, who entered a competition earlier this year, will sit down to storytelling by the fireside in the castle library with Patricia.

MARKET MATTERS

The annual Christmas market returns this weekend.

More than 60 stalls will be packed with seasonal gifts, toys, decorations and specialist food and drink, plus there will be festive live music. The centrepiece will be a nostalgic fairground with a Victorian carousel, high-flying chair-o-planes and a big wheel which has spectacular views of the castle. Visitors will be able to meet reindeer and birds of prey.

The market will be open from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 4; Saturday, December 10 and Sunday, December 11; Saturday, December 17 and Sunday, December 18 and Thursday, December 22 and Friday, December 23. Entry to the castle, gardens, Christmas market and to see the Beatrix Potter scenes are included in the standard admission price.

DETAILS

Celebrate Beatrix Potter’s 150th anniversary at Leeds Castle, Maidstone, with themed trails, installations and decorations in the castle and the Christmas market, from Saturday, December 3 until Monday, January 2. For details and to book visit leeds-castle.com or call 01622 765400.

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