Erddig Launches New ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ Trail

Visitors to Erddig are invited to create magical memories with family this Christmas and join a host of festive activities with a new ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ trail.

Local Wrexham artist, Josie Rayworth has been commissioned to interpret the traditional carol, ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ using Erddig’s iconic Grade 1 listed garden and outbuildings as a backdrop.

Josie said: “It’s been wonderful to work on such a big scale with such a unique landscape. I wasn’t sure how some of my quirky ideas would be received, but the team has embraced the challenge and had a lot of fun along the way. I hope visitors to Erddig enjoy it!”

Over 20 volunteers have been enlisted to help set up the trail from decorating the ‘pear’ trees, helping to launch the swans on the canal or sewing metres of red fabric.

From giant birds (that Wrexham.com saw at a recent visit!) to five individual golden ring displays and an interactive fairground game involving eggs, this unforgettable trail will delight both young and old. The parterre has been transformed with the installation of huge drums and laurel bushes converted into pear trees, but will guests spot the partridge? Visitors are guaranteed to see Erddig – and the carol – in a new light.

General Manager, Jamie Watson said: “We wanted to give people an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle and share a unique experience with family and friends.

“Our 18th-century walled garden is the perfect setting to wrap up warm and enjoy a healthy winter walk.”

The Twelve Days of Christmas outdoor display has inspired Erddig’s house team to enlist the support of Holt Flower Club and Malpas Flower Club to create some beautiful themed floral displays indoors. As visitors enjoy each floral display, festive scents from pomanders in the servants’ hall and mulled wine on the lit stove in the kitchen will transport them back in time for the real Downton experience.

In the Dairy, the fire will be lit and the artist behind our garden trail, Josie Rayworth and resident artist and illustrator, Sue Jones will lead eleven mid-week Christmas craft workshops.

From creating advent calendars and Christmas pudding doorstops to papercraft wreaths and felted soaps, visitors can enjoy making a host of gifts for all the family.

Workshops run from 24 November to 17 December and start at 10am. Prices start at £20 and include all materials and plenty of tea, coffee, hot chocolate and biscuits.