A CHRISTMAS market and Santa’s grotto, festive afternoon teas, and a Dickensian murder mystery are all part of a Christmas season of events at a historic house.

People are being invited to visit Michelham Priory House and Gardens which is hosting a series of family-friendly, festive events throughout November and December.

The medieval house in Upper Dicker, near Hailsham, dates from 1229 and visitors are being invited to experience how its former residents celebrated Christmas, with rooms decorated in traditional décor.

A popular Christmas market will also be returning from Saturday, November 13, to Sunday, November 14, with dozens of stalls offering a variety of festive treats.

Children will have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus in his grotto and there will be a range of hand-crafted gifts and artisan produce from local makers.

​Property manager Lindsay Lawrence said: “Our colourful Christmas market is always a lovely way to kick off the festive season and an opportunity to get some early Christmas shopping done.

“Entry to the market includes admission to Michelham Priory House too, and of course our gift shop and café will be open for mince pies and Christmas cake.

"As winter sets in and the first frosts come, the whole site looks like a Christmas card. We love decorating the house to evoke different periods in history as it really brings it to life and gets us feeling festive.

“We’re also really excited for our Dickensian murder mystery, which is a fun evening out and ideal for Christmas parties.”

Tickets will also be available for the house’s murder mystery event.

Eccentric Victorian characters from Charles Dickens’ novels will fill the Elizabethan Great Barn for Mr Fezziwig’s Christmas Murder Mystery on December 4.

Guests are being encouraged to dress up for the occasion, which includes a Christmas meal and Victorian parlour games.

The Elizabethan Great Barn will be decked out with twinkling lights for festive afternoon teas, where guests can enjoy mince pieces, sandwiches and Christmas cake.

For more information and ticket prices, visit: https://sussexpast.co.uk

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