AN Essex attraction has announced it is hosting a weekend of festive cheer as it puts on a Christmas market and open weekend.

The Markshall Estate will open to the public for a Christmas shopping experience and free arboretum entry for one weekend only this month.

The estate, near Coggeshall, is to kick-start the most magical time of the year with a weekend of Christmas shopping, free entry to the grounds and a special Christmas trail for all to enjoy.

This will be the charity’s first open weekend, and in the heart of it will be the Christmas market, set in the Coach House.

There will be more than 30 stall-holders across the weekend with an amazing range of unique gifts, tasty tipples and more.

It will be free to enter the market, which will be open from 10am to 4pm on both days.

As a conservation charity, Markshall is delighted to welcome many eco-friendly businesses from the area to the Coach House.

Among some of the items available will be eco-friendly wax melts, artwork, handmade gifts and delicious confectionery.  

As well as enjoying arts, crafts and food and drink stalls, families are invited to take part in the Christmas trail set in the 200-acre arboretum by searching for wooden Christmas icons hidden among the trees and plants.

The arboretum will also be open free of charge for anyone wanting to go for a winter’s walk.

Marketing coordinator Becky Stone said: “Being outside in green spaces is so important for people’s mental and physical well-being, more now than ever.

“We’re really happy to be able to welcome the community, free of charge, on December 3 and 4.

“It really is in keeping with our charitable aims of ensuring the arboretum can be enjoyed by everyone.”

As well as the upcoming Christmas market and open weekend, Markshall has numerous other Christmas events coming up, including a Rapunzel puppet show, search for Santa theatre, Aladdin Pantomime, festive high tea and Christmas three-course meal.

For more information visit markshall.org.uk.