Festive spectacle and sparkle at National Trust's Basildon Park

Perk up a dreary winter's day with a sparkling visit to Basildon Park. "You shall go to the ball this Christmas" it is calling to all Cinderella-lovers over the festive season.

Recreating all the romance and opulence of historic parties past, the National Trust property in Lower Basildon is decorated on the theme 'A Winter Ball' - from Saturday (November 19) to January 6.

Picture the entrance hall of the 18th-century Palladian-style mansion bedecked with peacock feather decorations, hanging bird cages and extravagant floral arrangements and the dining room transformed into a ballroom.

Visitors can decorate their own masquerade mask and dance around the champagne glass tower.

The rest of the house exudes classic glamour with huge Christmas trees and rich decorations, dripping with baubles and jewels, and sparkling with lights.

Children can get in on the excitement with an activity trail through trees hanging with clocks and fairy lights. The anticipation builds as they’re urged to get to the ball before the clocks strike midnight.

For those who just need an uplifting escape into fresh air and nature, the 400-acre park has four waymarked walks, from half a mile to three miles long. There’s a little natural play area near the Stableyard and then lots of den-building and hide-and-seek playing opportunities in the woodland. As you weave in and out of the trees, you get regular views across the parkland back to the house, so it’s easy to orient yourself.

On a winter walk the evergreens come into their own with yew trees and cedars providing much-needed splashes of green. You might see robins and wrens and even a tawny owl sweeping on silent wings across the parkland.

Normal admission (free to members). Suitable for off-roader buggies if it’s dry. Dogs are welcome and there's a café on site.

Get together with family and friends for a Christmassy catch-up.