Winter in Northumberland: What to do and where to visit

Whether you’re preparing for a winter retreat at our beautiful boutique hotel or luxury Stable Suites, or you’re looking for a festive escape this winter, Northumberland is home to endless experiences, guaranteed to ignite your festive spark.

When you’re not enjoying a fresh, locally sourced lunch courtesy of The Dining Room, the views of the surrounding Tyne Valley from our pavilion Spa pool and jacuzzi, or a glimpse of Hadrian’s Wall from your bedroom window, spend your day celebrating the holiday season with an array of festive events, in one of England’s most remarkable counties.

Explore idyllic market towns enriched with glistening fairy lights, navigate through some of the most distinctive landscapes our region has to offer and delight in charming Christmas events all from within reach of our 100-acre estate. To help you plan ahead, we’re outlining our favourite festive experiences, below.

Spectacular Festive Events

Christmas Tours at Vindolanda
Free of charge for your family and full of historic wonder, neighbouring Vindolana & Roman Army Museum hosts ‘Saturnalia’ throughout December. A beautifully alternative celebration, the open air museum pays homage to Hexham’s heritage for a rural day to remember. Along with Christmas Tours of the area, a December visit to Vindolanda is the ideal festive adventure while staying at Chesters Stables.

The 12 Days of Christmas at Bamburgh Castle
This winter, Bamburgh Castle welcomes back its Christmas Kingdom, and it promises to be its most spectacular yet. With dazzling decor, encapsulating floral arrangements and bejewelling Christmas trees, The 12 Days of Christmas celebration runs until Sunday 8th January and is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.

Kielder Forest’s Winter Wonderland
This November and December, Kielder’s magical forest landscape is transforming into an enchanting Winter Wonderland full of surprises for the whole family. Our younger guests can delight in crafting their very own wooden keepsake under the watchful eye of Kielder’s master elf, while the grown-ups drift into the Christmas spirit amid the echoing chorus of carolers as they stroll Kielder’s parkland before joining us for a delicious hot chocolate by the fire in our inviting Drawing Room.

Meet Santa Claus in his Festive Grotto
This December, our boutique country hotel has been transformed into a luxurious winter wonderland that’s filled with enchanting experiences the whole family can enjoy. Watch your child’s eyes widen in amazement and treasure seeing the delight on their face as they meet Santa Claus and receive a gift  exclusively for them. Later, why not indulge in a whimsical selection of treats with a festive-inspired Afternoon Tea?

Winter wanders filled with wonder

Hadrian’s Wall
Wander in the footsteps of the Roman soldiers once positioned along this historic wall. Once commissioned to guard the northwest roman empire nearly 2,000 years ago, Hadrian’s Wall is now a popular attraction for visitors across all corners of the globe and is named as one of National Geographic’s 35 must-see destinations for 2022. Venture off on the famous four-mile circular route – located just fifteen minutes from our estate – and pass some of Northumberland’s best-preserved Roman ruins, a glacial lake, and of course, the iconic Sycamore Gap, before returning to your luxury accommodation on the wall, back at Chesters Stables.

Due to its altitude, Hadrian’s Wall is usually seen cloaked in a blanket of crisp white snow throughout the winter months. Not only does this create a picture-perfect scene, but it also lends to hours of entertainment for younger guests.

Kielder Forest
Hidden in one of England’s most isolated corners lies Kielder Forest. Experiencing this enchanting forest in the depths of winter is truly like stepping into a fairy tale – the landscape is shrouded in a white blanket of snow and there is a beautiful silence about the place. So quiet, the only sounds are footsteps and snow gently falling from the trees above.

After stirring your appetite exploring Kielder’s impressive 250-square miles of stunning remote terrain, join us in The Dining Room where a delicious seasonal meal will be awaiting your return.

Festive Feasts

If you’re looking to have the most magical day of the year taken care of for you, so you can fully relax and soak up the festive atmosphere of being surrounded by family and friends, contact us about enjoying Christmas Day Lunch in The Dining Room. Our menu has been carefully selected to offer you the very best local produce, combined with all the delicious festive favourites you’d expect. With four sensational courses to taste and festive-themed beverages for the adults, the whole family is welcome to join us this Christmas. Please call to book.