As for castles, tourism spokesman Chibeba says: I m not sure that there are any castles within an easy distance of London for a special Christmas dinner. (But) take a little trip out of London, and I reckon Christmas at Amberley Castle would be very special indeed. The 900-year-old fortification in West Sussex, now a luxury hotel with 19 bedrooms and suites, offers a two-night Christmas package Dec.
24-26 that includes two dinners, bed and breakfast, and a four-course traditional Christmas lunch with wines. Cost runs from $1,989 to $2,728 per room. Details: 011-44-1798-831-992, www.amberleycastle.co.uk ; click on Special Breaks.