This was a complimentary experience in exchange for a blog review. All opinions are honest, and entirely my own.
After a busy October doing all things Halloween, we’ve had a quieter November. We’ve celebrated both mine and Jessicas birthday. But spent most weekends at home with the odd Sunday carvery. But now it’s December, our tree is up and we’re starting the build up to Christmas festivities. We had tickets to the Festival of Light Saturday night, but gave them to a friend as unfortunately we were unable to go. So kicked off our run up to Christmas on Sunday instead, with a visit to Woodhorn for some Festive Tales with Father Christmas.
We like to visit Woodhorn Museum at least once a year, and always for their Summer Invasion events. When the museum and grounds are taken over by characters from classic Sci-Fi movies and TV shows. For anyone who hasn’t been to Woodhorn, the museum depicts the lives of miners and features original buildings and equipment from the former Ashington Colliery.
The museum starts around 1918 and takes you right through to the Pitmans Strike of the 80s. My Dad was a miner so I vaguely remember living through the 1984-1985 strike. But being so young at that time, I hadn’t understood the full extent of the affect it had upon families. So, I always find the 1980s style living room with news footage from that time, particularly interesting. No matter how many times we visit.
On this occasion our visit began by being shown into a beautiful room filled with decorated Christmas trees either side of Father Christmas sat on a comfy chair ready to read to the children. And a cosy log fire in the corner. As the children walked through the curtain, they excitedly ran and sat on the mat on the floor in front of Santa. And adults on chairs or beside our children on the mats.
Father Christmas then asked the children their names, and if they were excited for Christmas. Then began to tell the tale of ‘The Snowman’. Once the story was finished the children then took it in turns to tell Santa what they’d like for Christmas. Followed by photo opportunities, then each child was handed a wrapped gift off Mrs Claus.
We then headed over to the skating rink situated in the Pit Yard. Admittedly, I’ve never been one for skating. And with Andrews dodgy ankle from a football injury, we both sat this one out. But Jessica has been skating with school and is very confident on the ice. Emily had never skated before. But was very impressive, using one of the Penguins at first to build her confidence. Booking for these sessions is recommended. We hadn’t been given a time slot, but the rink was quite when we went over at around 1.00 and at one point the girls were the only ones on the ice. But from 1.30 onwards it did get busier. So if you want a quieter skate, I’d book for before 1.00.
We then finished off the afternoon listening to a Choir Singing Christmas Carols, then with Cake and a Cremebrulatte in the Cafe. It’s one of the 4 drinks from the hot drinks festive menu and one I’d definitely recommend.
We had a walk around the museum. Jess is very into how we lived between 1950s – 1990s at the minute, so this was a great time to visit. The girls then had a play in the park before heading for home.
Festive Tales with Father Christmas was the perfect experience to start our Christmas Festivities. The weather was quite icy, but mild. There was lots of other families there, but it didn’t at any point feel busy or crowded.
Booking Information and Prices
Booking for the Festive Tales and Pit Yard Skating is in addition to entry to Woodhorn.
Entry for Under 16s is Free
Adults £7. These passes are valid for a year so you can return as many times as you like.
Festive Tales is £6.50 per child, and includes under Five Fridays, BSL and Relaxed Autism-friendly sessions.
Pit Yard Skating is £5 adult, and £4 child (inclulding a Relaxed Autism-Friendly Session).
Parking at the museum is free.
Both events are running until 24th December.
To find out more or book for these events click here
Thank you Woodhorn for a fantastic festive day.