- Christmas
- 27th Nov 2024
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Be the first to see the UK’s tallest living Christmas tree at Cragside this weekend
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This winter, Cragside in Northumberland is all set for a spectacular festive display featuring the UK’s tallest living Christmas tree.
The National Trust has announced that Cragside’s majestic giant redwood will make history as it’s transformed into a dazzling centrepiece as part of its unmissable Spirits of the Forest event.
Standing an impressive 42 meters tall – towering as high as the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and more than twice the height of the Angel of the North – this enormous Christmas tree will be decorated with over 2,000 sparkling lights.
Preparing this iconic tree for the season is no small task. A team of five, including a crane operator and two crew members in a cherry-picker, will use over 1,000 meters of lights to dress its branches. Their skilled teamwork is key to making the tree shine in all its glory.
The best part? You can be among the first to witness this incredible display when it launches this Saturday (30th November).
ABOUT THE ICONIC TREE
Let’s take a step back in time to explore the remarkable story of Cragside. Lord William and Lady Margaret Armstrong transformed what was once a humble hunting lodge into their dream home, set amidst the rugged moorland of Northumberland. When they first arrived, the landscape was barren, but the Armstrongs had a grand vision.
Over the years, they planted millions of trees, including what is now the UK’s tallest living Christmas tree and meticulously designed an extraordinary garden. They even created a fantasy mountain landscape, complete with rhododendrons, a Rock Garden and engineered lakes that powered hydraulic machinery and generated hydroelectricity. Their efforts not only turned Cragside into a marvel of Victorian ingenuity but also cemented its place in history as the birthplace of green energy.
Cragside is truly a land of giants, home to towering trees such as the Douglas fir, western hemlock and noble fir, all standing as a tribute to the Armstrongs’ deep love for nature.
Honouring that legacy of sustainability, the team at Cragside is mindful of the environment in their festive preparations. To illuminate the gigantic Christmas tree, they’ll be using portable power stations – quiet, sustainable and emission-free rechargeable battery packs – ensuring that the magic of the season remains eco-friendly.
CHRISTMAS AT CRAGISDE HOUSE
And that’s not all. The House is open and decked out for the festive season. Spirits of the Forest promises a whimsical adventure through the House, where the carefully cultivated landscape has gone a bit wild. Expect rooms overflowing with trees, plants and even some woodland creatures. The Drawing Room fireplace is transformed into a cosy cave, providing a magical backdrop for holiday memories.
The outdoor team and volunteers have gathered branches, pinecones and greenery from the grounds to create stunning displays inside the House. While they might not have Christmas trees growing on the grounds, they’ve sourced trees from Northumberland to keep their carbon footprint small.
Outside, you can enjoy a delightful Twilight Lantern Walk. You’ll receive a lantern as you go on a magical trail through the Debdon Valley, illuminated by sparkling lights. Don’t forget to stop for photo ops along the way. The best part? The walk will finish at the foot of the magnificent UK’s tallest living Christmas tree, making it the perfect ending to a magical evening.
WHAT’S ON AT CRAGSIDE THIS CHRISTMAS
Spirits of the Forest: Cragside House
Saturday 30th November 2024 to Sunday 5th January 2025 from 11am-3pm*
Christmas at Cragside is pure magic, with the Spirits of the Forest getting into all sorts of mischief. Imagine the Armstrongs’ servants have beautifully decorated for the festivities, but as night falls, the House comes alive. Trees burst through the rooms, woodland animals wander the halls and the grand marble fireplace turns into a cosy cave.
*Open daily (except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
Spirits of the Forest: Twilight Lantern Walk at Cragside
Every weekend from 30th November – Sunday 29th and Monday 23rd, Thursday 26th & Friday 27th December 2024 from 3.10pm – 5pm
Price: adults – £11.50, children – £6.50 & children under five – free
As the sun sets, Cragside’s forest spirits awaken and sprinkle their magic. This Christmas, go on a twilight adventure through the enchanted Debdon Valley. Grab a lantern and follow a sparkling path lined with glowing trees. Spot cheeky woodland creatures, admire shimmering cascades and climb the stone steps to the Iron Bridge for stunning family photos with the illuminated House. Finish at the foot of the giant Christmas tree, twinkling with over 2,000 lights.
*excludes Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Cragside, Rothbury, Morpeth, Northumberland NE65 7PX
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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