Winter events near Headlam
29 October 2024
So many reasons to visit Headlam Hall in November or December this year!
You’d be forgiven for thinking that November and December are quiet months for events at visitor attractions and in local towns and villages in a rural area like Teesdale. But you’d be wrong! There are simply lots of things to do if you’re planning a stay at Headlam Hall in the run-up to Christmas.
First of all has to come speciality shopping for those unique Christmas presents you might wish to buy for friends or relatives. Why head to the Metrocentre or Newcastle City Centre, when you can visit a lovely market town like Barnard Castle and pop in and out of over 60 independent speciality shops, whilst of course stopping off frequently in some of the town’s characterful cafes! One of our favourite shops – especially at Christmas – is Chocolate Fayre, situated centrally on Horsemarket opposite the castle.
Just outside Barnard Castle lies the amazing Bowes Museum, the French-style Chateau which houses arts treasures from around the world. Right now (and until March next year), there’s a landmark exhibition, “Framing Fashion: Art and Inspiration from a Private Collection of Vivienne Westwood”. Featuring some of Vivienne’s most recognisable creations from the ‘80s and ‘90s, this exhibition is the result of a collaboration between the museum and private collector Peter Smithson.
Moving away from art and fashion just a little, we’ve been told that tickets are selling fast for The Bowes Museum's Christmas Market. Thousands of people are expected to attend the three-day event from Friday 13th until Sunday 15th December, with stalls in the Museum's gardens as well as the picture galleries.
Heading out of Barnard Castle, we’ve also heard that Raby Castle’s “The Glittering North” has been going well. Raby is one of England’s most beautiful medieval castles and lies just 5 miles west of Headlam Hall. The Glittering North is a spectacle of live music, dance and captivating puppetry ,which celebrates the region’s Norse and Viking heritage, and which comes alive after dark in the grounds of Raby Castle, Park and Gardens. There are still some dates left when you can enjoy “The Glittering North” in November.
Raby Castle also has a Christmas Market, and this takes place this year on Saturday 30th November and Sunday 1st December. Visitors can wander through the beautifully decorated stalls nestled within the magnificent heritage buildings surrounding the castle, where you’ll find a delightful array of unique gifts, artisan crafts, and delicious festive treats. This year, the market will be in the newly restored event spaces the Dutch Barn and Riding School.
Finally, another historic gem of a building in the area will be putting on a amazing illuminated Christmas Lights trail this year. Auckland Castle has produced “AGLOW at Auckland Castle” and this fantastic evening – claimed to be one of the most spectacular Christmas lights trails in the north east - is open for a five-week period, from 22nd November to 31st December. Visitors will see one of the largest Christmas trees in the North of England, the longest outdoor light tunnel in the country and of course, “Santa’s Village”.
Headlam Hall is one of the best located hotels for all these attractions, and throughout November and December has special Autumn Breaks and Advent Breaks which give you the best chance to join in the festivities whilst also enjoying great food and warm hospitality in the hotel itself. If you would like to check availability or learn more, just telephone the hotel on 01325 730238 or email reception@headlamhall.co.uk.