Bid for Christmas Day at Warwick Castle

Celebrate Christmas day at one of Britain's most celebrated castles by placing a bid on eBay. The lucky bidder can make their mark in history by being the first to spend Christmas Day at Warwick Castle since the Earl of Warwick sold the property in 1978, it being the only day that it is closed to the general public.

FESTIVE FEAST

Purchasers with a spare £25k or more can enjoy royal treatment at the 900 year old castle, beginning Christmas day with a champagne breakfast in the library before opening presents around the 25 foot tree in the Great Hall to live festive music. Guests can then take a walk around the 65 acre grounds before sitting down to a seven course festive feast in the State Dining Room - not used on Christmas Day for over 30 years. After dinner, the VIPs can retire to the Drawing Room or Smoking Room to rest before board games in the Music Room - a favourite haunt of Winston Churchill and family in days gone by.

THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS DAY

The ultimate Christmas Day will conclude with a private firework display and a visit from Father Christmas, before guests are taken to by a chauffeur driven car for an overnight stay at a nearby luxury hotel. Sue Kemp, general manager of Warwick Castle, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for someone to enjoy the spectacular surroundings of the Castle on the only day of the year that it is closed to the public. The Castle will provide the perfect backdrop to the ultimate Christmas celebration and I look forward to handing over the keys to the winning bidder."

The minimum bid for the package is £25k, with proceeds going to Merlin Entertainment Group's own charity, Merlin's Magic Wand, a worldwide charity for children aiming to provide magical experiences for those who are seriously ill disabled or disadvantaged.

PRICE INCLUDES

* Unrestricted access to all parts of the castle from 0700 - 2300 - including state rooms, ramparts, dungeons and towers as well as 65 acres of grounds with Pageant Playground, Rose Garden, Peacock Garden, and fantastic views of the River Avon.
* All drinks and food including champagne, wine, beer, soft drinks, sherry and spirits as well as chef prepared champagne breakfast and seven course Christmas Dinner (menu to be developed in conjunction with guests)
* Team of servants to serve and prepare drinks, provide guided tours and cater for your every whim.
* Welcome guests as they arrive and ensure the stay is as comfortable as possible
* Visit from Father Christmas, firework display and two night's hotel accommodation (Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)

To place your bid, visit eBay Christmas Day at Warwick Castle.