List of North East events cancelled and venues closed this weekend due to winter weather

Catherine Addison-Swan

11 January 2025 at 3:20 am·3-min read

Snow last weekend has led to dangerous icy conditions across the region — -Credit:Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle

A number of attractions and events across the North East have been closed or cancelled on Friday, January 10 and over the weekend due to the winter weather.

Popular venues in the region including Beamish Museum and the National Trust sites of Cragside and Wallington have been forced to close their doors as a result of dangerous icy conditions in their grounds. Several Parkrun events across Newcastle, North Tyneside and County Durham have also been called off after organisers ruled the courses unsafe.

See the full details of which places will not be opening and which planned events will not be going ahead below. This list will be updated as more closures and cancellations are announced.

Closed venues

Wallington

The National Trust attraction will be closed on Saturday, January 11 and Sunday, January 12 due to an "extensive build-up of ice" on the grounds, particularly in the car park. The historical Morpeth site saw heavy snowfall last weekend, which has now compacted into dangerous ice.

The latest update on the Wallington Facebook page read: "There is light at the end of the tunnel with warmer temperatures on the way. Hurrah! We will therefore be reopening on Monday 13 January. Let's all have a scone to celebrate!"

Cragside

Cragside will also remain closed on Saturday, January 11. "Unfortunately, the recent snowfall hasn't melted due to this week's freezing temperatures. We're hoping to re-open as the weather gets a little warmer over the next few days," the National Trust attraction announced on Facebook. Anyone planning a visit is advised to check the Cragside website for the latest.

Vindolanda

The Vindolanda Trust have confirmed that the Hadrian's Wall site will be closed this weekend and will reopen on Monday, January 13. The trust said on Facebook: "The freezing temperatures have meant there has been little movement in the now frozen snow and our car park and archaeological site are beautiful to look at but very difficult to access!

"We'll let you know as soon as we are able to get back open. Thank you for understanding." Check the announcements section on the home page of the Vindolanda website for the latest updates.

Beamish Museum - now planning to open

SATURDAY UPDATE: Beamish Museum has said that it is currently planning to open on Saturday, January 11 at the later time of 10.30am.

The museum said on Facebook: "While our staff and volunteers have been working extremely hard to clear the site, a build-up of ice in the main entrance car park means that parking will be restricted, please follow the advice of our car parking attendants.

"If you're visiting tomorrow, we advise that you wear sturdy shoes and take care when walking around the museum as some areas may still be icy."

The County Durham museum previously notified visitors that it would be closed on, Friday January 10, due to icy conditions in its car park. Anyone planning to visit over the weekend should be sure to visit the Beamish Museum website or social media pages to check that it will be open as usual.

Cancelled events

Parkrun

A number of Parkrun events around the North East have been cancelled for Saturday, January 11 due to icy winter weather making the courses unsafe. Check the Parkrun website for the latest updates - the full list of cancellations in our region at the time of writing are as follows:

Leazes Park Parkrun
Denton Dene Parkrun
Tyne Green Parkrun
Town Moor Parkrun
Windy Nook Parkrun
Newbiggin-by-the-Sea Parkrun
Jesmond Dene Parkrun
Whitley Bay Parkrun
Chopwell Wood Parkrun
Blackhill Parkrun
Hackworth Parkrun
Sedgefield Parkrun
Darlington South Park Parkrun
Hamsterley Forest Parkrun
The Pastures Parkrun
Carlisle Park Parkrun
Ashington Community Woodland Parkrun
Blyth Links Parkrun
Prudhoe Riverside Parkrun
Durham Parkrun

Durham Schools Cross Country Championships

The Durham County Schools' Athletic Association said in a Facebook post: "The County Durham Schools Cross Country championships which were due to be held on Saturday January 11 at Farringdon have been cancelled. This is due to advice from the course organisers Sunderland Harriers about the ice on the course."

Do you know of any events that have been cancelled or venues that have been closed in the North East due to the weather? Email catherine.addisonswan@reachplc.com.

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