TWO of Herefordshire’s most popular National Trust attractions offer visitors a choice of activities at the weekend.

Croft Castle near Leominster is preparing for a wartime Christmas with hands-on crafts for children, who can make traditional paper decorations inside the castle. Croft’s theme for the next four years will be the First World War and this year the house will be getting ready for a 1914 style Christmas.

In addition to this the castle is hosting a unique contemporary art exhibition ‘In Another Light’ in partnership with Meadow Arts. The exhibition runs until the end of December on Saturdays from 4pm to 7pm and visitors can see the castle and grounds illuminated as never before, including the lower floor of the house which is open until 7pm.

At nearby Berrington Hall, they’re also taking inspiration from the past but a different era, with comparisons being made between a Victorian and Georgian Christmas. Chef Ian Smith will be demonstrating the preparation of some traditional dishes from a Christmas menu in the Edwardian tea-room. From 12.15pm he will be preparing a game and cranberry pate and from 1.15pm Charlotte Russe will be served up.

Berrington Hall is open from 10am to 4pm with the hall open fully from 11am. Visitors to Berrington will also be able to catch the latest Georgian costume exhibition ‘Classical Cool’, celebrating regency style dress, with stunning items from the Charles Paget Wade collection on display.

Visit nationaltrust.org.uk for further details about both properties.