Heritage Cheer for Christmas and New Year

English Heritage is giving visitors a far from frosty welcome this winter with doors remaining firmly open at many sites across the region.

A number of the properties will stay open throughout December and New Year, providing visitors with a winter wonderland of castles, forts and historic houses, without the distraction of high season crowds.

Nicola Bexon, marketing manager for North East England said: “Steeped in history, the North East region is home to some of the most magnificent English Heritage sites. The breathtaking coastline is peppered with the haunting remains of the once imposing castles at Dunstanburgh, Warkworth and Tynemouth. The winter visiting experience offers a very different feel to summer time – a more intimate and personal experience.”

Visitors can step back in time and enjoy lively and imaginative exhibitions for adults and children alike at English Heritage sites.

Spanning nearly 2,000 years of history, Hadrian’s Wall slices through 73 miles of countryside, standing testament to a bloody and restless past. Visitors can explore the Roman forts at Chesters and Birdoswald, where Hadrian’s soldiers lived while defending England’s northernmost frontier.

If that wasn’t enough, 14 miles north west of Newcastle lies the once seen, never forgotten Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens. One of the region’s top attractions, Belsay has something for everyone – a magical place with a fascinating history, spectacular buildings and 30 acres of unique gardens for all seasons.

At Belsay Hall in Northumberland, various festive delights are coming up, including a Victorian Father Christmas visiting the hall to tell tales of Christmas past and recite famous stories and poems on November 24 and November 25; Mr. Adams - a regency butler explaining the traditions, customs and practices associated with Christmas during his era on December 1 and 2; and an opportunity to listen to Georgian Christmas music on December 8 and 9.

The following English Heritage sites will be open daily 10am – 4pm throughout the winter months (excluding December 24-26 and January 1).

Lindisfarne Priory (till Jan 31, Sat-Mon only) 10am-2pm      Tel: 01289 389200
Warkworth Castle (Sat-Mon only)     Tel: 01665 711423
Dunstanburgh Castle (Thu-Mon only)     Tel: 01665 576231
Tynemouth Priory & Castle (Thu-Mon only)    Tel: 0191 257 1090
Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens      Tel: 01661 881636

For a full list of English Heritage sites, admission prices and opening times, visit www.english-heritage.org.uk or for more details about Christmas events see www.english-heritage.org.uk/xmas