CHIRK Castle will be getting into the festive spirit by allowing guests to ‘enter a world of make-believe’ this Christmas.

From the end of this month until early January, the castle will be turned into a magical world of theatre and fairytales as guests will be able to follow in the footsteps of the six children of Lord Howard de Walden, who lived in the castle during the 1920s.

Guests will be encouraged to imagine growing up in their own fantasy castle. This is exactly what the six children, John, Bronwen, Elisabeth, Priscilla, Gaenor and Rosemary did as they grew up playing make-believe, putting on Christmas pantomimes, and playing dress-up in a castle full of imaginary dragons and knights, princesses, and stories.

From 1923 to 1931 Lord Walden wrote six pantomimes, based on popular tales, for his children and their friends to perform at Chirk Castle.

Inspired by these pantomimes, and the photographs Chirk Castle has of them being performed, volunteers and staff have spent hundreds of hours hand-making decorations, costumes and props for a fun family Christmas.

The State Rooms at the National Trust property will be decked out with beautiful decorations based on the theme of the De Walden family pantomimes.

Guests will be able to follow the fairytale trail in the castle’s many gardens, and see how many traditional fairytales they can name.

Visitors will also be able to watch the family cinefilm, dress-up and enjoy music, games and storytelling to get everybody in the Christmas spirit.

They can also try some festive favourites in the cafe, or pick up a special present for someone from the gift shop.

During the weekends, there will be special storytelling with local storyteller Andy Harrop-Smith, and on Sunday afternoons, festive music from the Chirk Handbell Ringers.

The castle’s Christmas opening times will be 10am until 4pm every day until January 5 – excluding Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

The State Rooms and the many pantomime-themed decorations will be on display from 11am to 4pm – with last entry 3.30pm.

The shop and cafe – complete with a special Christmas menu – will be open as normal.

Admission is free to National Trust members, or see admission prices on www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chirk-castle

Father Christmas will also be in his traditional grotto each weekend. For more details on the grotto please check the website or call 01691 777701.