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."
