Catch that Festive Feeling in Northumberland return to blog

12th Dec 2018

At Northumbria Coast & Country Cottages we're definitely getting into the festive mood.  The Christmas decorations are out of storage and are gleefully glittering in each of our sales offices, the staff are baking home-made mince pies to go with our mid-morning cuppa and there's an air of expectation that our waistlines are going to be expanding (again!).

During December, Northumberland has much to offer and it's a great time to get away and soak up the festivities.  Whether it's a stroll along the beach during the day, a visit to a Christmas Market for a spot of pre-Christmas shopping  or a spot of ice-skating at Alnwick Garden - there's bound to be something to put you in a festive mood.  

And once daylight fades, a warm cosiness descends upon our beautiful county.  The sparkling Christmas light displays are switched on in our bustling towns and quaint villages and the log fires are aglow in many of our charming pubs and restaurants - creating a bonhomie that's hard to beat.  And if you look up into a clear Northumberland night sky, you’ll be greeted by a carpet of twinkling stars and maybe even a glimpse of the aurora borealis (aka Northern lights)!

Check out our top five ideas for great things to do in Northumberland this December:

1.  Visit a Christmas Market

Browse for unique and hand-made gifts and soak up the atmosphere at one of our region's best Christmas Markets at:

The Alnwick Garden, Alnwick - 15th/16th & 22nd/23rd December

2.  Take a breath of fresh sea air

Quite often at this time of year we get some beautiful, crisp, clear and sunny days - just ideal to stretch your legs along our Heritage Coastline.  The beaches, although never usually packed at anytime of the year, are quieter than normal and it has been known to have a whole beach just to yourself!

3.  A spot of star-gazing

Much of Northumberland lies within the International Dark Skies Park, so when dusk descends the night sky lights up with thousands of stars.  Pick a clear, cloudless night; wrap up warm and grab a pair of binoculars and head away from any light pollution and behold the magic of our amazing solar system.  

4.  Ice-skating

The glint of the white ice and the feel of blades beneath your feet surely epitomises that Christmas feeling.  Test your skating skills and have some fun on the ice at:

The Alnwick Garden, Alnwick

The Centre for Life, Newcastle

5.  An audience with Santa

Of course Santa is very busy at this time of year but he has an amazing ability to get to many places across our region to entertain and enthrall young and old alike.  But as he's so busy, we would recommend booking an appointment to see him to avoid disappointment.  Catch Santa at:

Wallingon Hall, Cambo

Whitehouse Farm, Nr Morpeth

Northumberland Country Zoo, Morpeth

NB: please check availability and timings for all the above events before setting off, as pre-booked tickets may be required and times/dates may change ....

We do hope you'll join us in Northumberland this December to create some happy festive memories!

Click here to book and stay in Northumberland this December and catch that festive feeling