Silent Nights and Starry Skies: Your Guide to a Christmas Glamping Adventure in Northumberland
The magic of Christmas shouldn’t be stressful—it should be an escape. This year, trade the tinsel trauma for tranquility by choosing a luxury glamping retreat at Hesleyside Huts, located deep within the breath-taking Northumberland National Park.
Our collection of unique shepherd’s huts, cabins, and treehouses offers a cosy, high-end sanctuary. Our accommodation features a crackling wood-burning stove, luxurious bedding and thoughtful amenities designed for pure escapism. But once you’ve finished soaking in your private outdoor bath, where should you explore? The surrounding area of Northumberland truly comes alive during the winter months, offering a peaceful, festive adventure quite unlike anywhere else.
We have curated five unmissable festive adventures that are easily accessible from your Hesleyside base, perfect for building memorable, stress-free Christmas traditions.
1. The Historic Hexham Christmas Market
While major cities host sprawling, crowded markets, Northumberland’s festive events retain genuine historic charm. Hexham, with its magnificent Abbey and ancient architecture, hosts a lovely Christmas market. This is an ideal destination for a day trip to soak up the seasonal festive atmosphere.
Spend a morning exploring stalls laden with artisan goods, local delicacies, and unique gifts—the perfect place to pick up a truly Northumbrian stocking filler, perhaps a locally made tipple or handmade pottery. The busy, lively atmosphere provides a lovely contrast to the open, private landscapes you’ll find back at Hesleyside. This year, the markets in on Saturday 13th December from 9.30 until late afternoon. For further information visit the Hexham Christmas Market Facebook Page.
Return to your hut with local cheeses, homemade chutneys, and a bottle of festive fizz to enjoy by the gentle glow of your wood-burning stove. The quick transition from busy market to secluded luxury defines the Hesleyside glamping experience.
2. A Winter Walk Along Hadrian’s Wall
The crisp, sharp air of a Northumberland winter is perfect for an invigorating walk. Just a short, scenic drive from Hesleyside, you can meet the historic path of Hadrian’s Wall. The iconic Roman stones, dusted with frost or perhaps even snow, take on incredible drama during December.
Before you set out, it’s well worth stopping at The Sill, the National Landscape Discovery Centre. It’s a brilliant place for a warming cuppa, route inspiration, and a look at its engaging exhibitions, which bring the story of the landscape and its people to life. It’s the ideal springboard for choosing a manageable section of the wall to explore.
We recommend the walk around Housesteads Roman Fort for a refreshing hike. The views across the national park are spectacular and a powerful reminder of the raw, unspoilt beauty of the area. It’s an easy way to combine ancient history with natural splendour during your Christmas break.
After a rewarding day exploring the wall, there’s no need to rough it. Your glamping hut provides instant warmth and comfort. Thaw out with a steaming hot shower in your en-suite bathroom before sinking into your impossibly comfortable king-size bed.
3. Star-Gazing in England’s Darkest Sky Park
The Northumberland International Dark Sky Park which surrounds the Hesleyside Estate, is the largest area of protected night sky in Europe. Christmas nights, especially on a crisp winter evening, are often the clearest and darkest of the year.
Make the most of the lack of light pollution. Bring a blanket onto your private veranda, or use the specialised star-gazing kits provided in select huts (like Bracken), to witness the Milky Way, star clusters and constellations like never before. It’s a truly magical and free Christmas experience you can enjoy right outside your door.
Enhance the experience by booking a hut with an outdoor bath. Imagine viewing the stars from the huge handcrafted wooden bath in Raven or the covered outdoor copper tub in Skylark. You can learn more about our specific huts and their features here.
Festive Feasting at a Traditional Country Pub
A true Northumberland getaway must include a stop at a cosy, historic pub. December is the perfect time to seek out a low-beamed, fire-lit local and enjoy a hearty Christmas menu or simply a pint of local ale. Here are four excellent, highly-rated options near Hesleyside for a festive feast:
The Black Bull Hotel, Bellingham:
Located just a five-minute drive from the estate, this is your most convenient option. It offers a classic pub atmosphere right in the heart of the village.
Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant, Wark:
Situated a short drive from Bellingham, Battlesteads is renowned for its commitment to local produce. Bonus: it hosts an on-site observatory, making it a perfect spot to combine dinner with a stargazing session.
The Holly Bush Inn, Greenhaugh:
A historic, 300-year-old drovers’ inn near Kielder Water, this pub is the epitome of a cosy country retreat, complete with a welcoming log fire.
The Pheasant Inn, Stannersburn (nr Kielder):
Located closer to Kielder, this pub is a “hidden gem” in the National Park, known for its old-world charm, excellent food, and expertise in keeping real ales.
Embracing Hygge at the Hut
Sometimes, the best adventure is staying put. The essence of luxury glamping is escaping the outside world entirely. Dedicate a full day to pure relaxation within the comforting confines of your uniquely designed Hesleyside hut.
Wake up slowly, brew some quality coffee, light the wood-burner, and spend the day reading, playing board games, or simply watching the wildlife from your window. This mindful pace, inspired by the Scandinavian concept of hygge, is the greatest gift of a Christmas retreat—and the ultimate luxury provided by Hesleyside Huts.
Ready for a Stress-Free Christmas?
Hesleyside Huts is where luxury meets the wild, offering a chance to reconnect with nature, loved ones, and yourself. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, this Northumberland retreat promises an experience like no other. Ready to escape the everyday?
Visit www.hesleysidehuts.co.uk or call 01434 220243 to book your stay.
Additional Resources
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