What's On In Northumberland This December?
Published: Friday 2nd Dec 2016
Written by: The Grace Darling Holidays Team
Here is a guide to some of the events that are being held throughout the county this festive season that will add that special treat to a cosy cottage holiday in the area.
- Stargazing and Night Sky Tours
Tuesday 6th December – Friday 9th December 2016
Battlesteads Dark Sky Observatory, Wark-on-Tyne, Hexham, Northumberland, NE48 3LS
Come along to an interactive introduction to stargazing into the night skies on Northumberland on the edge of the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park. The team will take you on a journey from the surface of the earth, to the moon, through the solar system and beyond the milky way.
Depending on the weather, there will be an initial laser tour of the night sky, followed by a guided binocular tour of some easy to find objects. You will then get to use the telescopes and delve into the depths of the cosmos.
If the weather is bad, then an introduction to stargazing will take place in the warm and cosy learning room. As the weather is unable to be controlled, observing the skies can only go ahead if it is clear, but you will be pleased to know that all events go ahead in any weather.
Admission: Tickets are £15 per adult, £12 per child and £49 for a family of four.
- Christmas by Twilight
Friday 9th and Friday 16th December 2016
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland, NE61 4AR
Visit Wallington after dark and see the house decorated beautifully for Christmas and illuminated by candles. Soak up the Christmas atmosphere as you enjoy festive music in the Central Hall, make festive things, hear stories with Mrs Christmas and do some Christmas shopping in the Christmas Shop.
Admission: Free to event with normal Wallington admission charges. Time: 5pm -7:30pm.
Saturday 10th, Sunday 11th, Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th December 2016
Ford and Etal Estates, Heatherslaw, Cornhill-on-Tweed, Northumberland, TD12 4TJ
Santa returns to Heatherslaw this December. Join the Heatherslaw Light Railway for a train ride, Santa’s Grotto, teddy bear hunt and refreshments – including mulled wine and mince pies for the grown-ups.
Pre-booking is essential and tickets are £10 per person. Runs on selected dates between 11:00am to 2:00pm.
- Victorian Christmas Kitchen
Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th December 2016
Belsay Hall and Gardens, Belsay, Northumberland, NE20 0DX
Forget Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood’s elaborate sweet creations, Mrs Beeton did it first! From Christmas Puddings and sweet mince pies to the turkey and the goose, see how the Victorians created elaborate festive feasts that would make your mouth water. Take the recipes home to try yourself.
Admission: family ticket (2 +2) £22.80. Time: 10am – 4pm.
- The Paradise Tree
Friday 16th – Friday 23rd December 2016
The Alnwick Garden, Denwick Lane, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1YU
Imagine a seed, curiously shaped and faintly fragrant despite its many centuries of lying forgotten within the pages of a plant hunter’s notebook. What could germinate from such a seed?
Grown in secret and revealed at The Alnwick Garden this Christmas, the Paradise Tree, bearing its magical fruit.
Admission: £12 per ticket. Time: 4:15pm to 8pm.
- Boxing day Dip 2016
26th December 2016
Spittal Beach, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, TD15 1RD
Enjoy a bracing dip in the North Sea in aid of Mayor’s charities (sponsor forms available for Berwick Tourist Centre). Meet at the Pavilion, Spittal Promenade. Spectators Welcome.
Admission: Free but donations are welcome and greatly appreciated.
