CHRISTMAS AS IT SHOULD BE!
There’s only one place to be this Christmas and that’s at Holden Clough, where a giant polar bear awaits and the magic begins! Photography: Vanessa Fry
For a truly magical Christmas experience, unlike anywhere else, take a trip through the country lanes of the Ribble Valley to discover the mystical festive backdrop that is Holden Clough – where in the Glasshouse a giant polar bear roams and where visitors are greeted by a vintage wooden sleigh laden with an array of beautiful, festive gifts.
Flickering candles and hurricane lanterns add to the magic along with twinkling lights illuminating gorgeous glassware, cosy cushions and comfy throws – all individually sourced from faraway lands!
Huge pine-cone wreaths, traditional Christmas tree decorations, antique-style pots and vintage gardening curious are also on display in the Glasshouse, which has a roaring log fire to welcome festive visitors.
A visit to Holden Clough will make your Christmas truly memorable! This is a winter wonderland of glittering gifts, seasonal plants, traditional trees and natural wreaths.
As the festive scene unfolds visitors will see the arrival of a selection of British-grown spruce and Nordman non-drop trees of varying sizes, available from 21st November when fittingly, Holden Clough will hold its annual Christmas tree lights switch-on.
On 23rd and 24th November, during the daytime, is Holden Clough’s enchanting Christmas Market, which will be filled with local artisan suppliers including Holden Clough’s Garden Kitchen, Candle in the Round, Moorhouse Interiors, Bowland Chocolate and Feathery Pheasant to name but a few. The nursery will abound with unusual produce to sample and buy, along with some truly unique gifts.
There will be Christmas wreath-making afternoons and evenings in the Glasshouse on 28th November and 3rd December and on those dates Holden Clough along with the Glasshouse will be open for a touch of late-night Christmas shopping along with deliciously festive food and fizz available in the Garden Kitchen!
Similarly on 13th December when a table-centre decoration workshop is taking place Holden Clough and the Garden Kitchen will also be open.
In the week running up to Christmas the nursery will be open each evening until 6.30pm for those last-minute gifts!
And when you’re visiting Holden Clough or the Glasshouse in the run-up to Christmas a visit to the Garden Kitchen is a must, as there are new seasonal dishes including a festive platter and winter salads.
Not forgetting the renowned Christmas afternoon tea served on a festive mini picnic bench and featuring ham hock terrine and cranberries, turkey meatballs with roast pepper and broccoli chestnut and Stilton soup served in a cup with a Jerusalem artichoke crisp. There are lots of mouth-watering mini dishes including goat’s cheese, slow roast tomatoes and caramelised onion filo as well as delicious oak roasted salmon pate on rye crostini.
The festive picnic also features Christmas-themed desserts including a coconut and white chocolate bauble, Christmas tree gingerbread, spiced berry welly, red velvet sponge, Viennese whirl and a mince pie with a twist in the form of cupcake with cream cheese frosting – all served with speciality teas and coffee and a glass of Prosecco. Perfect to get visitors in a celebratory mood!
On New Year’s Day there’s a special three-course menu too so expect to bring in 2020 with some deliciously heart-warming dishes.
Alongside the Glasshouse and Garden Kitchen is the nursery itself featuring a selection of home-grown plants, shrubs and herbs – and looking forward to 2020 there will be more exciting developments with the Potting Shed nursery shop and library along with a new orchard and wildflower meadow.
Whatever the season, Holden Clough is a great place to be – but at Christmas time it’s the only place to be!
LET CHRISTMAS BEGIN!
21st November
4pm for 4.30pm
Christmas tree lights switch-on
23rd & 24th November
9.30am – 5.30pm
Magical festive market!
28th November & 3rd December 2pm and 6pm | £60 per person
Christmas wreath-making workshops – tickets available
13th December
6pm | £80 per person
Christmas table centre decoration workshop
For more information call: 01200 447615
Holden Clough Nurseries
Holden, Bolton-by-Bowland BB7 4PF
www.holdencloughnursery.com
Nursery: 01200 447615
Garden Kitchen: 01200 447447
Open seven days: 9am-5pm
