Sparkling Snow Queen fairy tale photos to celebrate Christmas at Killerton

A spell has been cast over Killerton this Christmas as volunteers and staff at Killerton, near Exeter, have worked together to create magical photos to reflect the story of Hans Christian Anderson’s The Snow Queen.

Each year, to sprinkle a little extra Christmas magic and celebrate the start of the festive season, Killerton staff and volunteers team up with photographer Steve Haywood to create magical images of the story to celebrate the start of Christmas. This year the stars of the photos were Freckle, a 12-year old Irish draught horse from Tiverton and Gabi a 6-year-old snowy owl.  Both made great companions to veterinary nurse, Alice May Hunt from Newton Abbot, who’s skill with animals and modelling background was a perfect blend for her to take on the role of the Snow Queen.

The story of the Snow Queen is a tale of two friends, Gerda and Kay and their adventures in the world of the queen.  Senior House Steward, Tom Coombe and Food and Beverage Team Leader April Nickles, who works in the restaurant at Killerton, took on the parts of the two friends and can be seen in the images surrounded by magical mist and snow. You might spot them in their usual roles as National Trust staff on a visit to Killerton house over Christmas.

Behind the scenes long-term volunteer Denver and Visitor Services Manager Tim Harris were in charge of special effects, whilst visitor experience team Mary James and Wendy Aldis worked hard setting up the event and arranging the costumes and make-up artist Millie Reynolds.

Now open for all to see the story of the Snow Queen, the house at Killerton has been transformed by staff and volunteers to transport visitors into the realms of Hans Christian Andersen’s mystical world of The Snow Queen. The story will take place throughout the house, with the rooms in the Georgian mansion transformed into scenes from this much-loved tale of friendship and adventure.

The magic will continue outside with a Snow Queen themed activity trail set under twinkling festive lights. Taking place in the parkland and Chapel grounds, the trail will feature lots of fun activities, perfect for both the young and young at heart.  To help keep you warm on the trail visit the dairy café at the start; where you can treat everyone to a warming hot chocolate.

The Killerton Kitchen restaurant will be serving a festive menu, including all your Christmas favourites and their delicious roast turkey. The shop will have an array of toys, gifts and treats, perfect for Christmas shopping and where you can pick up your locally grown Christmas tree.

Booking for The Snow Queen and Father Christmas is essential. To book your timed tickets for The Snow Queen or visit to Father Christmas, please visit the website, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/killerton. Visits to Father Christmas cost £6 per child and includes a gift.