- Play Hard
- 4th Sep 2024
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- 4 minutes
Celebrate Autumn with these unique events at Ad Gefrin in Northumberland
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Whether you’re a history buff, whisky lover, or just looking to make memories with the family – there’s something on offer for everyone at Ad Gefrin.
Ad Gefrin Anglo-Saxon Museum and Whisky Distillery is the perfect place to enjoy the riches of Northumbria past and present.
Ad Gefrin celebrates its unique heritage and ancient hospitality whilst re-awakening the Northumbrian tradition of whisky distilling that has slept for over 200 years.
Step back in time to the Royal Court of the 7th-century Northumbrian Royalty and experience the ancient spirit of hospitality and belonging.
The whisky distillery provides visitors with an incredible experience that will linger long in the memory as they can join intimate guided tours. Follow the journey of some of the finest locally grown barley as it is distilled into the first Northumbrian English Single Malt Whisky to multi-sensory tastings of the spirits themselves.
Finish a visit with a glass of something special on the terrace or around the fire or by sharing a meal from a choice of menus from their bistro – which serves some of the very best produce that Northumbria and the Borderlands has to offer.
Celebrating Lammas with Ad Gefrin
Drawing on the ancient traditions that followed nature’s rhythm, Ad Gefrin will be celebrating Lammas from the beginning of August.
Lammas is the Anglo-Saxon celebration of harvest: a time of thanksgiving and communal feasting.
The first grains were gathered – primarily barley and rye, which were the main staples of the Royal Court – ensuring sustenance and prosperity for the months ahead. These crops were also cut for straw, which was stored for the upcoming Yule celebrations and the all-important Straw Goats!
In addition to self-guided tours of the Great Hall and Museum, and timed tours of the Distillery and Tasting Room; there are a number of other activities as highlights in the weeks to come adding even greater flavour and texture to the rich stories behind Ad Gefrin.
WHAT’S ON
Meet the Anglo-Saxons
Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd September
Wulfthryth and Saethryth are back! Join them as they discuss the importance of Harvest time to the Anglo-Saxons and the early preparations for the winter season.
Songstreams with Margaret Watchorn: Harvest Home
Saturday 21st September, 10.30am – 12.30pm
A relaxed and enjoyable morning workshop sharing old songs of harvesting, ploughing, reaping and celebrating the fruits of the season. Suitable for all singers, whether you can read music or not. Refreshments are included.
Myths & Monsters
Later this year, in October Half Term, explore the myths and monsters of Anglo-Saxon Northumbria. Within the 7th-century palace of King Edwin at Ad Gefrin, songs would have been sung of great heroes who battled against a wondrous mythological world of gods and monsters, of elves and dwarves and fire-breathing dragons!
Throughout this October Half Term, join Ad Gefrin’s Anglo-Saxon storytellers as they bring these stories to life for visitors of all ages and explore the background of some of the greatest stories in their history.
Image credit: Sally Ann Norman Photography
Rachael Ellis
Creative Solutions Manager
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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