Could This Be Cornwall’s Most Magical Victorian Christmas?

The Story of Emily near St Ive in Liskeard is preparing to transport visitors back in time this December, turning The Rectory into a Victorian winter scene filled with traditional paper chains, seasoned garlands and ribboned boughs.

A Victorian Christmas Experience

Across the whole month, guests can explore Victorian parlour crafts, follow a Piskie Trail through lantern lit gardens and woodland dens, and join bauble making workshops suitable for all ages. It’s also a chance to discover The Story of Emily’s state of the art War Rooms experience and South African heritage restaurant.

The gift shop will be stocked for the season, offering curated hampers, Cornish folklore books, illustrated cards and gift vouchers.

A Rare Cornish Tradition Returns

Head Chef Karen has brought back the half and half pasty, a little known Cornish tradition. This reimagined version combines rich venison on one side and sweet mincemeat with apple on the other. Each pasty is crimped by Rose from the restaurant team, using an authentic family technique passed down through generations.

Two Festive Days in December

The first weekend of festivities takes place on 6th and 7th December.

Saturday 6th December features Victorian Christmas in Motion: from Puppets to Pictures, including:

• The Treetop Circus, a marionette show by Flying with Strings Marionette Theatre
• A performance from the award winning 4tissimo String Quartet
• A Christmas themed early black and white silent film screening
• Restaurant favourites, warm popcorn and mulled wine
• A hands on marionette workshop with the Flying with Strings team, where families can make a card puppet in a 45 minute to 1 hour session

On Sunday 7th December, the Rectory Drawing Room will host classical readings by voice actress Frances Butt, featuring A Christmas Carol, Little Women and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

Booking Information

To attend the special events, visitors will need a day pass, annual pass or neighbour pass, plus an additional event ticket costing £10 per person.

Bookings are open now at thestoryofemily.com/christmas