FESTIVE days out are on offer at a National Trust site near Wotton-under-Edge this weekend.

Newark Park, in Ozleworth, is open this Saturday and Sunday for its annual Christmas fair featuring traditional decorations, craft and food stalls and merry making choirs.

Aside from special seasonal events, the house is now closed for winter so this is a rare opportunity to see the site at this special time of year.

The historic Tudor-hunting lodge will be decorated by staff and volunteers using greenery collected from the estate, with open fires burning Newark logs to keep visitors warm.

Stalls around the house and estate will be offering a range of Gloucestershire gifts for family and friends and treats to keep for yourself ranging from soap and jewellery to mosaic, knitwear and cupcakes.

Many of the stallholders produce their craft items locally using artisan techniques.

Jenny Rogers, house and visitor experience manager said: “Newark Park welcomes everyone at this time of the year.

“We would love visitors to enjoy a festive day out with us here, enjoying a hot drink in front of the crackling fire in the Tudor sitting room while a local choir get us all in the mood for Christmas.”

The expansive grounds will also be open for visitors to explore; walking through the wintery gardens to the lake and summerhouse or climbing the Cotswold Hills of the estate.

Newark Park is open this Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8 from 11am to 4pm. Last entry is at 3.30pm and normal admission prices apply. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/newark-park