‘Recession-Proof’ days-out in Durham this Xmas

Durham is hosting a series of ‘Recession-Proof’ events and special-offers to capture the classic and traditional spirit of Christmas for visitors this December.

Major attractions across the county are organising festive events, from World Heritage Site Durham Cathedral to The Bowes Museum, including festivals, markets, carol services, train rides, winter charity walks and treasure hunts.

Special Christmas Deals
County Durham Tourism Partnership has teamed up with leading attractions to provide great value special-offers, including two-for one-entry and children go free this Christmas.

Called ‘Durham Deals,’ the vouchers are downloadable from the official Durham tourism website, visitcountydurham.com/site/durham-deals, and can be printed off and used on the same day at attractions including Beamish Wild – North East England’s only ropes activity course and Bird of Prey conservation centre – The Bowes Museum, Durham Castle, and Tanfield Railway – the world’s oldest existing rail service.

The deals are part of a campaign launched by the partnership to stop the recession killing the joy of Christmas.

The Campaign to Recession-Proof Christmas aims to encourage people not to give up on the idea of enjoying Christmas in the tough economic climate.

The internet campaign hopes to build support for the idea that Christmas is recession-proof and that it’s possible to have a great festive period by spending time with friends and family enjoying events and experiences.

A dedicated website, visitcountydurham.com/site/classic-christmas, has been set up alongside a Facebook group and campaign video on YouTube to spread the message. The campaign aims to encourage bloggers and web surfers to support the idea of finding ways to enjoy Christmas despite the recession.

Some of the events on offer include:

Carol Services in “The Best Cathedral on Planet Earth”
Where better to enjoy a Christmas carol service than the place travel writer Bill Bryson called, “The Best Cathedral on Planet Earth.” The Cathedral holds a series of Christmas carol concerts throughout December, in aid of charity, and featuring choristers from Durham University and local Durham schools. Concerts start on Wednesday December 3 and run through until New Year’s Eve.

For more information - durhamcathedral.co.uk.

Aladdin at The Gala Theatre
The Gala Theatre’s first-ever in-house production of a Christmas pantomime is a must-see. Featuring a superb live band and local Durham actor Donald McBride as Widow Twankey, the show is packed full of North East flavour and excellently designed sets. Written and directed by Simon Stallworthy. Opened December 2 and running through to January 3. Tickets start at £5 for bargain shows with family tickets priced at £40 for a family of four.

For more information - galadurham.co.uk.

Traditional Christmas at Crook Hall & Gardens, Durham City
Classic Christmas fun and events at one of Durham’s real hidden gems. Father Christmas has set up his grotto by the log fire in the Georgian study at Crook Hall to give away presents, and Rudolph is having a treasure hunt in the walled gardens. Elves will be on hand to help the children write a letter to Santa. Other activities include making Christmas cards, Christmas story telling, tree dressing and mock snowball fights.

Selected dates throughout December, from 6 – 21 - From 11 am – check website for details - crookhallgardens.co.uk.

Santa’s Tractor Ride at Hall Hill Farm – Lanchester, Durham
Santa has opted for a different mode of transport to help him deliver his presents this year. On three weekends leading up to Christmas, Santa will be down at Hall Hill Farm offering special Santa tractor rides. Visitors can meet the animals in their winter stables, Bambi, Flower, Whisky, Rudolph the deer and Snowy the Donkey. Robbie and Romulus will also be giving donkey rides. Plus, carol singing in the barn, santa’s grotto and seasonal fayre in the farm shop.

For more information - hallhillfarm.co.uk. Saturdays and Sundays from 10.30am – 4pm, December 6-7, 13-14, 20- 21.

Santa Specials on the Weardale Railway
Weardale Railway is running its Santa Special heritage rail service through the picturesque Durham Dales countryside this Christmas. Families board the train at the charming Durham market town of Wolsingham and travel through the Dales to Stanhope, where Santa has set up his grotto in the town’s heritage train station.

For more information and full timetables, visit weardale-railway.org.uk.

Barnard Castle Christmas Market, Teesdale
Enjoy unique Christmas shopping in this picturesque Durham market town close to the renowned Bowes Museum and England's largest waterfall High Force. Barnard Castle Farmers Market offers an excellent array of local produce complemented by diverse craft stalls, seasonal entertainment and a Santa's grotto. Dates and Times: 21/12/2008 - 10:00am - 16:00pm

Bowes Museum Christmas Market – Barnard Castle
The renowned North East museum of art is transforming its grounds into a winter wonderland for its annual Christmas Market. Traders from the Barnard Castle Farmers’ Markets will be selling locally produced food and drink, complemented by present stalls selling traditional sweets and fudge, jewellery, silk paintings, carvings, beauty products and Christmas puddings. There will also be a Santa’s Grotto and workshops for children to make snow globes, run by the Museum’s education staff.

For more information, see thebowesmuseum.org.uk.

Santa Steamings on The Tanfield Railway – near Beamish, Durham
Enjoy a festive ride on the world’s oldest existing railway this Christmas. The Original North Pole Express is running on December 12-13, 19-20, and 23-24. Pre-booking is essential. For times and timetables, see – tanfield-railway.co.uk.

Durham Deals – Participating Attractions
The Bowes Museum, Durham Castle, North of England Trike Tours, Oriental Museum, Barnard Castle, Beamish Wild, Old Fulling Mill Museum of Archaeology, The Tanfield Railway, Durham Botanic Gardens, and Durham Light Infantry Museum and Art Gallery.