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The Strawberry Thief

The Victorian designer, poet and craftsman William Morris helped shape the look of 19th-century interiors with his beautiful prints taken from the natural world, and his reverence for nature remains a striking call for ecological compassion

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Mistletoe Magic

Festive fairs and markets celebrate many of our rural traditions. Simon Whaley reveals some of his favourites before puckering up for Tenbury Wells’ charming Mistletoe Festival, where druids, drummers and royalty pay homage

Realm of the Snow Queen

Discover a ‘land of snowflakes’ inside 300-year-old Blenheim Palace before exploring the illuminated gardens, where artisan gifts, delicious food and hot drinks await, says Tanya Jackson

Dickensian delights

Walk the fells then step back in time to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of a Victorian festive fair in this atmospheric Yorkshire Dales village, invites Chris Gee

Winterfest in the mountains

After the epic views of this Snowdonia hill walk, return to the fire-lit streets of Conwy for hot chestnuts, mulled wine and a spine-tingling procession of 300 knights, says Julie Brominicks

A Christmas cracker

Start the festive season right with a vibrant late-November street festival in this ancient city on an old Roman road, says Abigail Hamilton-Thompson

Festive fairytale house

Wander rooms sumptuously decorated for the season and visit Santa’s luxurious grotto in this beautiful former royal hunting lodge, says Fergal MacErlean