Inside Belvoir Castle as it opens to visitors during festive period with stunning Christmas display

If you’re particularly pleased with your Christmas decorations this year, just look at what David and Emma Manners have done to their place…

Admittedly, their home – Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire – is somewhat grander than most.

But the couple, better known as the Duke and Duchess of Rutland, have pulled out all the stops to turn it into a festive palace where even Santa himself might feel a little overawed.

Rooms have been lavishly decorated with giant Christmas trees and stunning flower displays.

The 15ft tree in the Regent’s Gallery has not a star or angel atop it but an artificial peacock whose colourful feathers sweep down among the pine needles.

The State Dining Room has also been opulently furnished by designer Charlotte Lloyd Webber, with a bauble-covered tree and place settings likely to put anyone else’s table to shame.

The castle will be open to visitors throughout the Christmas period as a welcome distraction from a turbulent year – with a visit to Santa Claus in his grotto included for children.

The duchess said: ‘Christmas is one of my favourite times of year, where the castle always exudes a sense of magic and feels even more special.

‘Every year we want our visitors to see something unique and feel the magic of Christmas with their loved ones and families, but it feels even more important this year.’

A castle has stood at Belvoir since 1067. The current building, dating from 1801, is known as one of the finest examples of Regency architecture in the country.