Tourism and travel

Looking for the perfect post Christmas outing? Well look no further! We invite you to join us in celebrating Twelfth Night and first footing at Pockerley Old Hall and the Waggonway from the 26th December to 3rd January (closed 28th December, 1st & 4th January).

Each day there will be the chance to sample traditional celebratory food at Pockerley Hall from apple puffs to bread pudding! There will also be games in the parlour and the chance to join in with craft activities.

Enjoy some seasonal festive singing in the Library at Belsay. Please dress warmly the Hall is unheated.

Souter's ever popular Christmas Craft Fair offers visitors a more relaxed way of shopping and avoiding the hassle of the High Street. Hand made crafts, gifts, cards, jewellery and more!

To find out more about Souter Lighthouse and The Leas visit the National Trust website.

Belsay’s own Mrs Beeton will show you the ropes in the kitchen, giving you hints and tips for Christmas. Our costumed performer will delight audiences in the library with Victorian recipes and food you can even try yourself!

Handcrafted items from over 25 crafters. Face painting, Bran Tub, Tombola and more!

Come and have fun as well as purchase your Christmas gifts.

Refreshments, sandwiches, handmade cakes and scones, tea/coffee and more are all available in the Victorian Tea Room within the museum. 

All welcome - Free entry.

Join a Gibside Ranger on a ramble to track down Gibside's illusive winter wildlife, learn the tell-tale signs they leave behind and how to spot them.

Beat the Christmas rush and enjoy a far more leisurely and pleasurable Christmas Shopping experience at Belsay Hall with a great variety of specialist crafts and unique gifts on sale throughout the weekend.

Be enchanted by Christmas at Beamish. Discover the amazing sights, sounds and delicious tastes of truly traditional festive celebrations. 

Step back into Christmas past and join the celebrations as you explore 1820s Pockerley Old Hall, the 1900s Town and Pit Village and 1940s Farm.

Visit Father Christmas in his magical Grotto** and meet his wonderful reindeer. Glide on our real ice rink **, savour mouth-watering festive food, enjoy a steam train ride and browse the traditional stalls to find those perfect gifts.

** Small extra charge applies.

Father Christmas' Grotto £4 per child (1-16 years), includes gift. 

Christmas Weekdays

HALF PRICE ADMISSION - every Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday*

Enjoy half price midweek admission, as you discover the festive delights of an Edwardian Christmas.

Explore the delightfully decorated 1900s Town and Pit Village; visit Father Christmas in his magical Grotto** and meet his reindeer; indulge in delicious festive food and take a fun-filled ride on the Steam Gallopers**.

Open weekends - The Town, Pit Village & Tramway.

* Half price midweek admission is valid on day tickets only for adults, seniors/students and children. Excludes 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 26th December 2015.

** Small extra charge applies. 

Ice Skating at Beamish

Weekends and school holidays from 14th November 2015 to 28th February 2016

Don't miss the chance to get your skates on and enjoy a spin on our very own, real ice rink every weekend.

Whether you're a novice skater or fancy yourself as an Edwardian expert, we would love to see your skills on our outdoor ice rink in the 1900s Pit Village.

Admission including skate hire is £4 for children and £5 for adults, for at least a 20 minute session. For every full paying adult, one child skates free of charge.

The annual Saltwell Park Firework display returns for another year on the 5th of November to celebrate Bonfire Night in style. The display, which usually attracts over 30,000 people from the local area will be kicking off on East Park Road from 5.30pm onwards. The spectacular fireworks display will be lit at 7.30pm to illuminate the Victorian-built Saltwell Park located in the heart of Gateshead for a breath-taking display of sparkle and colour.  

Metro Radio are organising the ever-popular display this year and wristbands to access the event can be purchased in advance from intu Eldon Square or Metro Centre Customer service desks for just £2 each as well as picked up from Saltwell Towers and Gateshead Leisure Centre.

There is sure to be plenty of festive fun for all ages with live music and entertainment from Metro Radio’s Steve and Karen as well as a stage area with large digital screen to keep all the family entertained. Popular local acts such as Abi Garrido, The Waiters and North Road will also be taking the stage with food and drink available to purchase on site.

Whilst there is no public parking at this event with the exception of Blue Badge Holders, limited parking will be available on the nearby streets as well as a regular Park and Ride service provided by GoNorthEast. Wheelchair access is available with ample stewards located around the park to provide assistance where needed alongside St. John’s ambulance and medical staff. For safety reasons pets must be left at home and guests should be aware that they are not permitted to bring alcohol, sparklers or any other handheld fireworks into the event.

Saltwell Park is one of Britain’s finest examples of a traditional Victorian park which has been transformed for the 21st century to welcome everyone from couples and families to both local guests and tourists. Here you will find 55 acres of landscape and ornamental gardens, sports facilities, Saltwell Tower and an education centre among a number of other attractions and activities. Beautiful to view whether it’s Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter, Saltwell Tower now also hosts a café and visitor centre so you can enjoy the park in all its splendour. 

Blue Flames Leisure Centre will once again be holding a fireworks display this year, and are keeping with tradition by hosting it on 5th November. This venue is renowned for their impressive displays, which are held every year.

Gates to the event will open at 5.30pm, with the display itself commencing at 7pm. As well as the fireworks themselves, visitors can look forward to a whole host of stalls and fairground rides, as well as hot food and a bar. Entry costs just £3.50 for adults and £2.50 for children. Tickets are available in advance from the Blue Flames reception, or on the gates on the night itself.

The event will take place in Whitley Park, behind the Blue Flames Leisure Centre, just off Whitley Road in Benton. Limited parking is available at the leisure centre, but Blue Flames is easily accessible by bus, and is just a 5 minute walk from Benton Metro station.  

Although best known for providing sports and leisure facilities, Blue Flames doubles up as a conferencing and events centre, hosting a wide range of functions for the community in Benton. Their annual calendar of events includes everything from conferences and training events to weddings and family parties, and of course their magnificent annual fireworks!