This post was published in 2021. After careful consideration, we have decided not to update it for 2022 and won't be promoting events with reindeer in future years.
Before we jump into this post, I want to make you aware of the RSPCA's view on visiting reindeer at events across the UK. The RSPCA have called for reindeer not to be used at events across the UK and have raised concerns about their welfare. They suggest visiting events which do not use live animals.
You can read more about this over on the RSPCA website here. https://www.rspca.org.uk/-/28_11_18_not_such_a_happy_christmas_for_santas_helpers
Visiting reindeer is always on of our Christmas highlights. Here is a quick guide to where you can visit them across North East England this festive season. Feeding will not be available at all venues so please do check this before you visit if it's important to you.
Please let me know if you know of anywhere else - Sam@NorthEastFamilyFun.co.uk This post is a work in progress and will be updated regularly.
Looking for other Christmas content? Check our these posts:
20+ Christmas events for kids across North East England
Please let me know if you know of anywhere else - Sam@NorthEastFamilyFun.co.uk This post is a work in progress and will be updated regularly.
Looking for other Christmas content? Check our these posts:
20+ Christmas events for kids across North East England
Preston Park Museum & Grounds (No Booking Required)
You can visit reindeer at Preston Park Museum & Grounds every day from 27 November - 24 December. There is no need to book, and visits to reindeer are included with regular admission/your annual pass. Reindeer food can be purchased on site for an additional £1. Find out more here.
Bamburgh Castle (Booking Preferred)
Reindeer will be grazing peacefully in the West Yard on the very same turf as their Norse ancestors daily from 18 November. No need to book and included with admission. Find out more here.
The Tan Hill Inn, Richmond
At the Tan Hill Inn, you can dine in insulated / heated snow globes surrounded by reindeer in their stables. There are various packages available including a festive lunch and Santa's Grotto. Find out more and book here. You can contact The Tan Hill via their Facebook page here.
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| Photo Credits | The Tan Hill Inn |
Dalton Park (FREE No Booking Required)
Reindeer will be appearing with Santa on his sleigh at Dalton Park on 13 November as part of their Christmas launch. The parade begins at 12noon and is free to attend with no booking required. Find out more here.
Royal Quays (FREE No Booking Required)
You can visit reindeer at Royal Quays on 11 December. This is a free experience with no need to book. Keep an eye on Royal Quays' Social Media for updates.
Cherry Hill Garden Centre, Middlesbrough
You can book to enjoy a Christmas Walk at Cherry Hill Garden Centre. Tickets are reasonable at £10 per family and include lots of lights, singing Yetis and the chance to see and feed real reindeer. Find out more and book here. Cherry Hill Garden Centre, Middlesbrough
Plantsplus Garden Centre (FREE No Booking Required)
Not reindeer, but donkeys will be taking temporary residence at Plantsplus garden centre from 1-24 December. Free to visit with no booking required. Find out more here.
Kielder Winter Wonderland
You can visit and feed reindeer as part of your day at Kielder Winter Wonderland. Read our review of this experience and book here.
Raby Castle Deer Park
Not reindeer, but you can visit Fallow Deer and Red Deer at Raby Castle Deer Park daily during normal opening hours. Here you can actually walk amongst the deer. Read our guide to visiting here.
Richardson's Garden Centre (FREE No Booking Required)
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| Credit : Richardson Garden Centre |
The reindeer are free to visit here and there is a big Christmas department too. You can purchase food on arrival. Find out more here.
Middlesbrough Reindeer Parade (FREE No Booking Required)
On 28 November, we can enjoy a magical parade with Santa and his Reindeer as part of the Middlesbrough Festive Light Switch On in Centre Square. Find out more here.
Bishop Auckland Christmas Town (FREE No Booking)
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| Credit : Bishop Auckland Christmas Town |
On Saturday 27 November you can meet Santa's Reindeer for FREE in Bishop Auckland Market Place as part of Christmas Town.
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| Reindeer in Training at Bishop Auckland Christmas Town (credit: Bishop Auckland CHristmas Town) |
Newcastle Winter Wonderland at Newcastle Racecourse
Reindeer will be available to visit as part of Newcastle Winter Wonderland at Newcastle Racecourse this year. Visiting is included with admission. Find out more and book here.
Let me know if you know of any others, I am sure Garden Centres will be releasing their information soon.
We're going to Beamish this year, haven't been at Christmas but it looks like it will be brilliant, absolutely can't wait !
ReplyDeleteFantastic guide! I quite fancy going to see some Reindeer this year, may give Azure a go and time it with one of their markets!
ReplyDeleteLooking at this because this is on my Christmas bucket list this year. Lena desperately wants to go feed some reindeer. Role on December!
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