Make memories at Christmas and throughout the year

The magic of Christmas has arrived at Rougham Estate with its annual festive extravaganza now underway at Blackthorpe Barn.

The magic of Christmas has arrived at Rougham Estate with its annual festive extravaganza now underway at Blackthorpe Barn.

Estate owner and organiser, George Agnew, and his partner Ady White, say they have taken the popular Christmas shopping experience to a new level for 2024, with a wide variety of treats on offer, including trees, gifts, arts and crafts fairs, workshops, and themed walks.

Entering the popular seasonal store, visitors will find themselves surrounded by an array of magical displays, each with its own yuletide theme including snow and ice, gingerbread, and The Nutcracker. Among all the gifts and decorations, two giant tree trunks have been sculpted into a woodland wonderland featuring small forest creatures, tiny doors and windows, and toadstools. The charming spectacle was created using fallen trees from the grounds and, once they had been craned into place, it took team of carvers several days to create the scene.

George says: “We have reimagined the Christmas Shop creating another enchanting setting, perfect for visitors to immerse themselves in the festive spirit, find unique gifts for their loved ones, and soak up the atmosphere that truly signals the start of Christmas.

“This year, we’re thrilled to introduce new arts and craft makers who will be showcasing their creations. They are excited to share the passion and inspiration behind their pieces.”

Then and now

As the fourth generation of his family to run the 3,000-acre farming estate, George’s believes that he is simply the current custodian and his role is to keep moving forward and leave a legacy. In the last three decades he has done just that.

When he initially converted the former threshing barn in 1991, it was for use as an art centre with exhibitions, crafts and classical concerts. Since then, it has grown to showcase a wide range of artists and craft-makers, and now it’s home to The Garden Room – a year-round lifestyle shop offering a selection of home decor and garden items. Meanwhile, a new area called The Meadow Room has been refurbished to provide a meeting space where businesses can hold seminars, workshops, and more.

Visitors to the grounds can also enjoy walks around the grounds and refreshments in The Roots café throughout the year, along with the chance to pick sunflowers in the summer and pumpkins for Halloween.

And, of course, in October it transforms into a winter wonderland.

Christmas at Blackthorpe Barn

The Christmas event at Blackthorpe barn is open until December 22 and offers everything you need to celebrate the festive season. Speaking at this year’s launch event on October 21, George said that they strive to offer an experience that is different to anywhere else – where memories are created and families return every year.

On offer in 2024: