Muncaster Castle in the western Lake District will be celebrating the festive season this year with a Victorian Christmas extravaganza.

Visitors can sample a taste of life at Muncaster in 1885 with Victorian Christmas Tours.

The castle will be decorated in all its festive glory, and atmospherically lit by candlelight and log fires.

The tours will be guided by servants from the Victorian era, who will share gossip about life below stairs, before serving visitors with mulled wine in the oak-lined dining room.

The tour will also include a chance to see areas of the castle not normally open to the public, and guests will enjoy some special Victorian entertainment.

In the evenings, Darkest Muncaster will transform the Castle and Gardens as they are illuminated by hundreds of coloured lights, which along with music, sound and special effects create a beautiful spectacle.

Before Christmas, children will be able to visit Santa in his grotto, and the whole family can try out husky sled dog or horse and carriage rides.

There will also be walkabout entertainment and storytelling with Ian Douglas and festive food, drink and music from “Sing Owt”, the Holborn Hill Brass Band and The Judith Jones Choir.

The Owl Centre, which is home to over 200 birds, will also be open for visitors.

The Victorian Tours and Darkest Muncaster take place on December 21, 22, 23, 27 and 28. The Castle grounds are open from 11am each day and the Castle from noon.

Tickets for entry to the grounds are £5 for adults and £2 for children; the castle and the Victorian Tours are extra.

Advance booking is essential for the tours.

To book visit www.muncaster.co.uk or call 01229 717614.