What's On Nearby
🎃 Summer’s waving goodbye… and spooky season is creeping in! 👻
As the long sunny days begin to wind down here in Etherley, we’re getting ready to swap sandals for skeletons and sunshine for spiderwebs! Gardenside Lodge is gearing up for one of our favourite times of year, Halloween! 🕸️
We’ve already dusted off the pumpkins —see photo for proof!) and we’re brewing up some frightfully fun decorations to welcome guests with a touch of seasonal magic.
Whether you're popping by for a peaceful autumn break or just love a bit of spooky charm, we promise a warm welcome and maybe a cheeky ghost or two.
See what's coming close to Gardenside Lodge, use code SPOOKY5 you’ll receive a 5% discount code valid until 24th December 2025. Just our little treat… no tricks!
Stay cosy,
Glad & Kenny 🧡
What's On Near Gardenside Lodge
1. Bishop Auckland's Christmas Town – 4th – 7th December 2025
The town centre absolutely comes alive with twinkling lights, a proper Christmas market, live music, and Santa's Grotto for the little ones. There's ice skating, a vintage carousel, and some lovely local stalls where you can pick up something unique. It's a real treat, and the atmosphere is just magical.
2. AGLOW at Auckland Palace (21st November-31st December 2025)
If you've not seen it, you're in for something special. It's one of the biggest light displays in the country .A mile and a half of beautiful illuminations through the palace grounds, including the longest outdoor light tunnel in the region and a 30 metre Christmas tree that'll take your breath away. Perfect for a winter evening stroll
3. Christmas at Auckland Palace
(21st November - 31st December 2025)
The palace itself gets dressed up beautifully for Christmas, with all the historical rooms decked out in their festive best. It's lovely to wander through and imagine how they celebrated Christmas in times gone by.
4. Santa Express at Weardale Railway (21st November - 24th December 2025)
This one's lovely for families. A proper steam train journey through the Weardale countryside to meet Father Christmas himself. The bairns absolutely love it, and it's a memory they'll treasure.
5. The Bowes Museum Winter Market (12th 13th &14th December 2025)
Just a short drive over, and well worth it. This beautiful French-style château puts on a wonderful Christmas display, and the famous Silver Swan is always worth seeing. Their shop stocks those special gifts you can't get anywhere else.
Their Christmas Market is in the museum grounds, it’s a firm favourite in the regions calendar, with entrance to the museum and traditional fairground rides included.
6. Raby Castle. Christmas in the castle
(November 2025 - January 2026)
Raby Castle is particularly special, it's a medieval castle that looks absolutely magical dressed up for Christmas
They also have a Christmas Market on 2nd and 3rd December with over 50 local stalls, food vendors, Christmas tree sales, and live music Plus they offer festive wreath workshops in the castle grounds.
Santa visits more than one venue in Barnard Castle this Christmas, and parking is free after 3pm at all Durham County Council car parks in December.
7. Durham Christmas Festival (5-7 December 2025)
Durham City's annual festive festival features fabulous Christmas shopping, carol services, live music, and street performers.
There's a huge heated Craft and Gift market, a Regional Food and Drink Producers' Market in the Cathedral Cloisters with more than 30 traders, and a Festive Outdoor Market in Durham Market Place.
The Cathedral itself puts on special carol services, absolutely magical in a stunning setting.
Stargazing in the Durham Dales( From 6th October 2025)
Nestled beside Grassholme Reservoir, this purpose-built observatory offers unforgettable views of the night sky in one of England’s darkest locations. From guided telescope sessions to family-friendly astronomy talks, it’s a brilliant way to experience the magic of the cosmos—just 30 minutes from Gardenside Lodge.
9. Hamsterley Forest Woodland Walks & Stargazing & Danny Harts Descend Bike Park
Just a short drive from Gardenside Lodge, Hamsterley Forest offers peaceful trails, cycling routes, and wildlife spotting in the heart of the Durham Dales. By day, it’s perfect for a crisp winter walk among towering pines; by night, it transforms into a stunning stargazing spot thanks to its Dark Sky Discovery Site status.
10. Find a friendly place to eat
The Copper Mine – Crook
One of our favourites! The Copper Mine is a stylish, independent restaurant just up the road in Crook. It’s known for generous portions, beautifully presented dishes, and a menu that mixes pub classics with a creative twist. Whether you fancy fillet steak, Moroccan chicken, or something seasonal, the food’s always spot on and the team are lovely too. It's always advisable to pre-book as they get really busy!
