HISTORIC properties will be opening up their doors for the first time to welcome visitors on Boxing Day.
Sites open across Northumberland include Birdoswald Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall, Warkworth Castle and Hermitage, Dunstanburgh Castle, Housesteads Roman Fort and Belsay Hall, Castle and Grounds, where guests can spend the holiday taking a picturesque stroll back through time.
The new opening hours are part of a national move from English Heritage, which will also unlock 20 properties in total across England, including Elizabeth I’s favourite Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire or the art deco splendour of Eltham Palace and Gardens in London.
The charity has called the day, ‘Christmas Box’, in a nod to a Victorian tradition which took place on Boxing Day, when servants and tradesmen would receive their Christmas box tips from their employers.
Liz Page, English Heritage’s historic properties director, said: “We hope that by opening a number of beautiful historic properties this Boxing Day we’ll be giving visitors an opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy the calm after the storm of Christmas Day where they can unwind and explore with their families.”
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