Tickets

Do I need to pre-book tickets?

Yes, tickets are limited for each time slot so must be pre-booked to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment.

How will my tickets arrive? 

Your ticket will be emailed to you at the time of booking. Please note the email will be sent from “Universe” rather than English Heritage so if this doesn’t arrive in your inbox please check your junk / spam folder.

Is there a member's discount? 

Yes, English Heritage members will receive a discounted ticket price. If you are a member please remember to bring your English Heritage Membership card with you.

Is there a concessions or senior citizen’s price? 

Sorry, we do not offer a concession price or senior citizen’s price for our Enchanted events.

Do children need to pay? 

All children must book a ticket. Children under the age of 5 are free of charge but must still book a ticket. There is a charge for children age 5-15 years. Children 16 and over pay the adult price.

Can my tickets be changed?

Unfortunately, Due to high demand we are unable to change the day of your ticket. We may be able to change your arrival time depending on availability. Please contact us at bookevents@english-heritage.org.uk 

What happens if I cannot attend?

Unfortunately due to the high demand for tickets, they are non-refundable and not interchangeable.

Will refunds be offered if the event is cancelled due to poor weather conditions?

If English Heritage has to cancel the event before the advertised start time then full refunds will be offered. You can then rebook for an alternative date, subject to availability.

Parking and Accessibility

Will there be plenty of free parking?

In a change to previous years, parking will be available at Belsay Hall. Please go directly to Belsay on the evening you have booked, aiming to arrive 15 minutes before your allocated time slot and you will be directed to a parking space. If you plan to use a Sat Nav please use the postcode for the Blacksmiths Cottage - NE20 0DU. An onsite one-way way system will be in operation during the event. This will allow traffic to move freely in and out of the site at all times. Exit from the event will be at West Belsay a short distance from the main site entrance (via an estate road.) All routes will be clearly signed. 

How far is the walk around the Enchanted trail?

The Enchanted trail is approximately 0.8 – 1 mile in length. There is no restriction as to how many times you can enjoy the trail. You are very welcome to enjoy the trail as many times as you wish.

Is site re-entry allowed? What do I do if I need to pop back to the car for something I've forgotten?

Yes you will be able to re-enter the event, please keep your ticket(s) with you and show them to the admissions team on re-entry.

Is it wheelchair/pushchair friendly?

All trails make use of the paths around the properties; however these may be gravel in places and have a slight incline/decline at times. It can get muddy on site in poor weather. 

Can we book a wheelchair/mobility scooter?

Unfortunately, there is no opportunity to pre-book a wheelchair for use during the event. There are wheelchairs available on site; however these are on a first come, first served basis.

Are dogs allowed into the event?

Dogs are allowed in the grounds on a short lead. No dogs allowed in the hall or castle. Assistance dogs are welcome.

Opening Times / General

What is the start/end time of the event?

All events will run from 4:30pm – 9pm with timed arrival slots.

Our timed ticket is for 4.30pm, can we stay all evening?

Yes, you are welcome to stay for as long as you like. We do however ask that you do not arrive before the time on your ticket. We believe that the estimated average time spent at Enchanted Belsay will be 1.5 – 2hrs

Can we arrive earlier in the day for the event?

No. Enchanted Belsay is a special event outside of our normal admission times. You are welcome to visit Belsay Hall earlier in the day but standard daytime admission charges apply. Please note that Belsay Hall will close to the general public before Enchanted Belsay begins. Any visitors on site will be asked to leave the property and re-enter for the event.

How do the time ticket slots work? 

We have arrival time slots of 4.30pm, 5.30pm, 6.30pm and 7.30pm, and the event will end at 9pm – you are then welcome to stay as long as you like. We do however ask that you arrive within your ticket's hour window and do not arrive before the time on your ticket.

What can I see and do at Enchanted Belsay?

Enchanted Belsay is a night time outdoor event consisting of various static and interactive lighting installations throughout the gardens. There is a set trail to follow which takes you through the gardens. As you explore the route you will find a delightful moment around every corner. See Belsay in a new light as the gardens come alive with colour, light and sound. 

Does the trail include access to the inside of the hall and castle?

No. Enchanted Belsay does not take you inside the hall or castle. Enchanted Belsay is an outdoor trail through the gardens and grounds and the hall and castle will not be open to visitors. Refreshments and toilet facilities will be available along the route. Please dress appropriately for the outdoors and the winter weather. 

Are rides and games included in the ticket price?

No, the fairground rides and games are not included in the ticket price; however charges will be kept to a minimum at £2 per ride and £3 per game.

Is food and drink inclued in the ticket price?

No, the food and drink (such as marshmallows, mulled wine and mince pies) are not included in the ticket price. 

Will Father Christmas be at Enchanted?

No, Father Christmas is unable to visit Enchanted Belsay due to his busy schedule. Father Christmas will be at Belsay Hall’s Festive Gift Fayre on Saturday 16th and 17th November.  See our events page for more details.

Will there be a Christmas Market/Stalls?

The English Heritage shop will be open, selling plenty of festive delights including Christmas cards, decorations, foodie treats and gifts.

Will the restaurant be open?

The tea room will not be open during the event; however there will be plenty of refreshments on offer as part of the event at the castle and in the courtyard.

Weather

What happens if it is raining or snowing? 

Please come prepared! We recommend that you bring warm clothing and footwear for the outdoors and winter weather. Unless the weather presents a safety issue, the event will go ahead as normal.

If the rain or any extreme weather conditions present a safety issue, notification of cancellation will be made on Belsay Hall’s website www.english-heritage.org.uk/belsay as well as Belsay Hall’s Facebook and Twitter. Please see your ticket terms and conditions for the refund policy.

Please note

Due to the nature of the event, there will be limited lighting in places around the site. Please keep to the lit paths and keep track of younger visitors. Paths are uneven in places and may be slippery under foot in poor weather, so please wear suitable footwear. We advise visitors to wrap up warm as the event takes place throughout the grounds with no indoor shelter. Please be aware there is a small pond along the route at Belsay, so please keep an eye on small children.