Christmas at Cragside: A Journey Through Fairyland
Whether you're exploring an enchanted world inside the House, making memories beneath a record-breaking Christmas tree, or enjoying crisp winter days in the grounds, there's festive fun waiting around every corner.
Essential information
A Journey Through Fairyland
Cragside House
Saturday 28 November to Sunday 3 January
11am-5pm (last entry 4pm)
Lulled by the steady chug of a train engine, William Armstrong falls asleep. He drifts into Fairyland, a strange and wonderful world where mountains loom, caves glisten with crystals, and hot air balloons soar on wild winds. Every twist and turn leads to a new adventure.
Inspired by a charming tale written by the inventor himself, this year's A Journey Through Fairyland invites you to explore a mysterious dreamscape filled with magical discoveries, curious encounters, and a daring quest to escape.
Will William find his way home in time for Christmas? There's only one way to find out...
The World’s Tallest Bedded Christmas Tree
Experience Cragside's record-breaking Christmas Tree
Stand at the foot of a Cragside's living giant redwood, dressed in multi-coloured lights.
This video is hosted by YouTube
Near the House
Saturday 28 November to Sunday 3 January
10am-5pm
Merry adventures continue at the foot of Cragside’s record-breaking Christmas tree. The magnificent living Giant Redwood tree is dressed in more than 1,300 lights creating a dazzling showstopper. Standing at an impressive 44.7 metre tall, it’s more than twice the height of the Angel of the North!
With opening times everyday* until 5pm, you can experience this towering spectacle illuminated against the backdrop of the winter sunset.
A giant thank you
Presenting the World's Tallest Bedded Christmas Tree would not be possible without support from:
A1 Access Limited have provided us with the use of a 51 metre cherry-picker to help us reach the top of the tree which is in excess of 44 metres.
Stihl and Gustharts have provided us with the portable power packs needed to light the tree efficiently and sustainably throughout the festive season.
Festive 5-miler
Starts and ends at Crozier car park
Saturday 28 November to Sunday 3 January
10am-5pm
Shake off the Christmas cobwebs on a refreshing walk through the grounds. On this waymarked hike through the grounds, you’ll discover rugged trails, sparkling lakes, and towering trees, all set against a frost-covered winter backdrop. Don’t forget to strike a pose at the selfie station to celebrate.
This walk takes up to 3 hours to complete, if you are planning to set off after 1.30pm, we recommended bringing torches to help return you to your car.
Escape from Fairyland trail
Formal Garden
Saturday 28 November to Sunday 3 January
10am-4pm
William Armstrong is stranded in Fairyland and needs brave explorers to help him escape. Go on a quest through the Formal Garden on a search for supplies for his kit bag so he can make it back home in time for Christmas.
Eat, shop and be merry
The tea room, visitor centre
Get into the Christmas spirit at the tea room. Elevate your hot chocolate with a splash of mince pie syrup and a slice of cinnamon-scented cake on the side. You could even tuck into a heart-warming turkey sandwich with all the trimmings.
Shop, visitor centre
Tick off everyone on your Christmas gift list at the shop. The shelves are bursting with cosy homewares, stylish jewellery and accessories, tasty treats, books and toys. With festive cards and beautiful gift paper, you’ll have your Christmas wrapped up in no time.
Frequently asked questions
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Family fun at Cragside
Bring the kids to Cragside for a big day of adventures. Climb to dizzy heights at the play area and let their imagination run wild at den building. With miles of paths and twists and turns to discover, the grounds feel like a giant maze for nature explorers. Follow a waymarked walk where you'll uncover routes along lakesides, stone steps to climb, paths through rocky caverns, giant trees and resident wildlife.
Walking Cragside
Cragside is a great place to begin your walking adventure. With a detailed map, clear waymarkers and well‑signed routes, you can explore with confidence and enjoy the freedom to set your own pace. From exhilarating trails that feel like you're conquering a summit to peaceful pathways steeped in history, Cragside offers unforgettable walks for every kind of explorer.
Things to do in the gardens at Cragside
Explore the ultimate landscaped garden in Northumberland. With spectacular vision, Victorians William and Margaret Armstrong transformed the grounds from a bare moorside into a fantasy mountain landscape. Created for beauty and function you’ll discover towering trees, overflowing flower beds, trickling burns, dramatic water cascades and engineered lakes that were created to harness the power of water.
Christmas in the North East
Enjoy magical days out with the kids and events and activities for all the family in the North East this festive season. Discover towering trees, decorations and sparkle indoors and out, woodland fairy trails, twilight lantern walks and so much more.
Family-friendly places to visit
Looking for a family day out that'll keep everyone entertained? Find things to do with the kids at the places we care for near you.
Family-friendly places in the Lake District
Plan your next family day out in the Lake District – seek out natural play areas, scramble over rocks and spot wildlife on your way. Make the most of your membership and visit somewhere new.
‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’
Plan fresh-air activities, discover facts about nature and wildlife or learn a new skill with our suggestions for ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’.
