On Our Travels – Narnia

A Magical Day in Narnia: Debbie & Heather’s Adventure

We embarked on a special journey together to celebrate great days out and the importance of self-care. We knew this was more than just a fun day—it was an opportunity to nurture our well-being and embrace wellness with friends.

We started the day with a simple yet powerful affirmation:
“I create a safe and secure space for myself wherever I am.”
“I give myself permission to do what is right for me.”

The build-up to our magical Narnia experience at Castle Howard had been filled with excitement. As we counted down the days, we couldn’t help but imagine what awaited us in this enchanted world. Finally, the day arrived. Heather and I set off on what felt like a long journey, but our anticipation grew as we neared the castle. The road to Castle Howard was stunning, with sunlight casting beautiful shadows across the tree-lined avenue, filling us with wonder for the day ahead.

A Warm Welcome at Castle Howard

As we approached the magnificent grounds, the sprawling gardens greeted us along the serene tree-lined lake and the breathtaking countryside. We arrived at the castle, ready for a much-needed warm coffee and a delicious sausage roll in the visitors’ café before we stepped into the magical world of Narnia.

The warmth of the café gave us a moment to relax, but the real adventure began once we entered the Narnia experience. Walking through rooms adorned with splendour, we were welcomed into an atmosphere that felt both grand and homely—a true invitation to explore the wonders ahead.

We couldn’t help but imagine how Lucy, Edmund, Susan, and Peter must have felt when they were evacuated from London to the countryside home of Professor Kirke in the 1950s. The excitement and wonder of being in a new world were palpable, just as we felt in that moment.

Entering Narnia

As we wandered through the corridors, we ascended the stairs toward the Pevensie children’s luxurious bedrooms decorated with twinkling lights, toys, and ornaments—a dream for any child. We could feel the magic in the air.

Our hearts raced as we found a huge wardrobe tucked away in one of the rooms, filled with fur coats. Just like Lucy, we couldn’t resist the feel and smell of the fur, and we imagined walking through into the winter wonderland beyond. It was a moment we’ll never forget.

As we stepped into this enchanting world, we were transported to a land where the icy chill of winter filled the corridors. Soft snowflakes drifted in the air, and the coldness of the surroundings wrapped us in its magic. It felt like we had entered a true winter wonderland, much like Lucy did in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

The Forest of Narnia

We journeyed deeper into Narnia, walking through a forest where mythical creatures roamed and talking animals filled the air with excitement. The entire space captured the atmosphere of the woodland, from the lamppost to the distant castle of Cair Paravel by the sea. The beauty of the environment reminded us of the magical world created by C.S. Lewis, where adventure and wonder await around every corner.

The Throne Room

At the end of our journey, we arrived at the Throne Room in Cair Paravel, the majestic heart of Narnia. It was here where kings and queens were crowned, and we couldn’t resist sitting on the throne ourselves. It felt like living out our childhood dreams as we both wore our newly printed “Art for Wellness” T-shirts, feeling like royalty in this magical world.

A Childhood Dream Come True

As we reflected on the day, we both agreed this was more than just a visit to an exhibit—it was an opportunity to live out our childhood dreams as adults. Being transported to Narnia allowed us to reconnect with the magic of our imagination and the joy of self-expression. We had the freedom to dream, explore, and celebrate wellness together.

We highly recommend visiting Narnia at Castle Howard if you’re a fan of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe or The Chronicles of Narnia. It’s a truly special experience that brings the magic of childhood stories to life in a way that resonates with both kids and adults alike.

Reliving the Magic of Lucy’s Discovery

If you’d like to relive the moment when Lucy first discovers Narnia in the wardrobe, here’s a wonderful YouTube clip to watch:
“Lucy liked the feel and smell of fur” – Watch it here.

The Story Behind Narnia – Our Retelling

During World War II, the Pevensie children—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy—were evacuated from London to the countryside home of Professor Kirke. One day, while playing hide-and-seek, Lucy stumbled upon a wardrobe in the back of an old room and hid inside. But instead of staying in the wardrobe, she found herself in a magical land filled with snow, a lamppost, and strange creatures.

There, she met Mr. Tumnus, a faun who explained that she had entered Narnia, a world cursed by the White Witch, where it was always winter and never Christmas. He also revealed that any humans found in Narnia were meant to be brought to the White Witch. Despite this, Mr. Tumnus let Lucy return home, but when she arrived, no time had passed at all.

Later, Edmund followed Lucy into Narnia and met the White Witch. She offered him Turkish delight and promised him kingship if he brought his siblings to her castle. Edmund, lured by the Witch’s promises, betrayed his family. But when the Pevensies later entered Narnia, they learned of Edmund’s treachery and were joined by talking beavers who revealed that Aslan, the noble lion, was returning to Narnia. There was a prophecy that the Witch’s reign would end when two sons of Adam and two daughters of Eve sat on the thrones of Cair Paravel.

After many adventures, including battles with wolves and an emotional confrontation with the White Witch, the Pevensies fulfilled the prophecy and were crowned kings and queens. Their reign marked the end of the Witch’s power, and Narnia was freed from her curse.

Our Final Thoughts

This magical experience at Castle Howard was a dream come true for both of us. We not only got to relive the magic of Narnia but also shared a moment of wellness, creativity, and joy together. It was a truly special day—a journey that allowed us to reconnect with our childhood wonder and imagination while also nurturing our wellbeing as adults.

We hope our story inspires you to find magic in the every day and to always give yourself permission to explore, dream, and care for yourself.

With love,
Debbie & Heather on Our Travels

Posted in Behind the Scenes, Public Blog