The trouble with doing anything fun and festive (that doesn't involve eating or drinking) is that it's so darn cold. Winter Wonderland in Old Market Square and the Christmas lights trail in Wollaton Park are two of my favourite ways of getting in the spirit of the season but it's a case of 'been there, done that' and now I'm looking for something indoors - and warm.
The Cinderella-themed display at Belvoir Castle, less than 20 miles from Nottingham city centre, offered just that. A steepish hill leads to the Regency castle - a proper castle with turrets and towers. Oh, to have a gem like this in Nottinghamshire.
The Christmas magic begins straight away with a towering fir tree at the grand entrance, and more with twinkling lights flanking the vestibule which opens out into a majestic room with log fires at either end - very welcome on a freezing December day. We're greeted by a guide in the imposing Guard Room who tells us "you're in for a treat."
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At the same time she warns us this is not based on the sugar-coated Disney version of Cinderella but the original 19th century tale by the Brothers Grimm, which turns out to be a whole lot darker in one scene.
There's no mistaking which end of the room belongs to the wealthy Lady Tremaine family and her 'horrid' daughters Druscilla and Anastasia - at no point are they referred to as the ugly sisters. One side is decked out with richly coloured baubles and presents under the tree. Cinderella's side of the manor has a simple wildlife theme to show how her life differs.
It sets the scene for what is a fairytale journey through the castle - there's no mistaking we're in a castle, with a cannon on the stairs. The state dining room, the ballroom and galleries' stunning displays have been designed by interior designer Charlotte Lloyd-Webber, whose design skills clearly match the composing skills of her famous father-in-law Andrew.
Young and old alike are spellbound by the extravagantly decorated Christmas trees with quirky touches such as ice cream cone baubles and glittery fish, and a lavishly decorated table overlooked by the Fairy Godmother. But there's nothing more impressive than than the life-size golden carriage and Cinderella herself.
The belle of the ball's turquoise gown is crafted out of peacock feathers - a nod to the emblem of the Duke of Rutland's family who reside at the castle and a feature of the crest since the 15th century. Peacocks are also woven into the carpet on the staircase.
The fairytale is played out amongst the regular features of the castle, such as the oil paintings of kings, lords and ladies and family photos, a constant reminder of hundreds of years of history. Story boards give an outline of each scene.
It's full of colour and romance until the tale takes a dark twist when Anastasia uses a kitchen knife to help make the glass slipper fit by cutting off a toe (thankfully not depicted) but a world away from the Disney charm.
How that must have hurt, it says, on the board next to a cushion with three sharp-looking implements. The tale moves onto the slipper fitting the heroine and the wedding in the Regent's Gallery, this time with the bride wearing a magnificent white peacock feather dress.
The story ends with a Just Married sleigh, and as in all good wedding traditions, a number of tin cans are tied to it. A happy ending and no more gruesomeness.
It's a blinging display, full of magic and sparkle, making it an ideal way to kick off the festive season, certainly for adults. Little ones may be keener to visit Santa's Grotto at the Engine Yard opposite.
One word of advice, if you're fancying a stop-off in the castle's tea room it's important to book in advance or you won't get a table. We missed out although we did have a very enjoyable lunch in the nearby Fuel Tank after picking up some unusual Christmas presents in the castle gift shop.
Cinderella runs until January 1. Castle tickets cost adult £24, child £10, and family £60.
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