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Lanterns of Hope: North East in Blossom 2026

A festival of handmade Lumiere lanterns with live music and spoken word, celebrating wellbeing through our connections with nature.

  • Booking essential
  • Free event

In darkness, hope and light will come again.

The glow of beautiful handmade paper lanterns leads you around the gardens, accompanied by the sounds of live music and spoken word performances. Experience a celebration of nature, celebrating the positive impact of spring blossom on wellbeing.

This is a free event, but tickets are limited so booking is essential. Last entry 6.30pm.

In partnership with RTMinds, a grassroots mental health and suicide prevention charity operating in County Durham. The lanterns were created by local community groups at workshops with RTMinds.

Times

The basics

Booking details

Call 0344 249 1895

Suitability

Suitable for children of all ages. Must be accompanied by an adult.

Meeting point

Start at the admissions hut. Last entry 6.30pm.

What to bring and wear

This is an outdoor event. Please wear warm clothing and sensible shoes. Feel free to bring a torch to find your way around more easily in the dark.

Accessibility

Some slopes, steps and uneven surfaces. Please note, paths may be trickier to follow in the dark.

Other

If our car park is full, Sidegate pay and display car park is approximately 150 yards from Crook Hall Gardens.

Upcoming events

World Book Day trail 

Embark on the ultimate World Book Day quest.

Event summary

on
5 Mar to 8 Mar 2026
at 10:00 to 16:00+ 3 other dates or times

Guided walk: Crook Hall Gardens to the Oriental Museum 

Explore the city's history on a spring ramble.

Event summary

on
7 Mar to 12 Apr 2026
at 13:00 to 15:15+ 1 other date or time

History of Durham city walk 

A guided walk from Crook Hall Gardens delving into the history of Durham.

Event summary

on
10 Mar to 27 Oct 2026
at 13:00 to 15:00+ 33 other dates or times

Crook Hall Gardens tour: history and literary links 

Step into Crook Hall Gardens' past on a guided tour.

Event summary

on
11 Mar to 28 Oct 2026
at 11:00 to 12:00+ 33 other dates or times