A number of attractions and events across the North East have been closed or cancelled today (Friday, January 11) 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
Beamish Museum
The County Durham museum notified visitors that it would be closed today, 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.
Wallington
The National Trust attraction will be closed today, Friday January 10, and Saturday, January 11, 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.
An update on the Wallington Facebook page read: “We will make a decision on whether we can reopen on Sunday in due course but will only open when it is safe to do so. Please check the website and social media for updates before you travel. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”
Cragside
Cragside will also remain closed on Friday, January 10 and 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 confirmed that the Hadrian’s Wall site will be closed on Friday, January 10. 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.
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:
- Whitley Bay Parkrun
- Jesmond Dene Parkrun
- Chopwell Wood Parkrun
- Blackhill Parkrun
- Hackworth Parkrun
- Sedgefield Parkrun
- Darlington South Park Parkrun
- Hamsterley Forest 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.