Croft Christmas Trees, just outside Darlington, is encouraging local people to ditch the artificial trees that end up in landfills, and instead go with a more environmentally-friendly alternative.
The Christmas tree farm in Croft has been going since the 1980s and the tree plantation now spans over 100 acres, but this year things will be a little bit different.
It is an all-year-round process and they aim to grow the perfect tree, whether small, large, bushy, thick or thin, whatever variety it is that customers prefer.
“We have a huge number of repeat customers, some of whom have been coming to us for more than 25 years,” says Steph Braithwaite.
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“We are a firm part of the Christmas tradition for many families and often see three generations visiting us, carefully choosing their trees together. It’s just so lovely to see. We always advise people to water and love their fresh Christmas tree, to take care of it as you would fresh cut flowers, and to invest in a stand that holds water.”
The site is now a Christmas destination for many across the North East due to its famous Christmas shop, along with an alpine outdoor seating area where festive food and drink is served from a horsebox.
“We like to showcase the various collections so people can get ideas to dress their trees in the same way at home," says Steph.
“We have something for everyone; the Woodland collection has a rustic fantasy feel, and features toadstools and wildlife, whereas the Ski Lodge collection has winter whites and soft greens. We also stock Alice in Wonderland characters, which are popular as they have a local link Lewis Carrol lived in the rectory at Croft. That’s why feel it's so important to offer an exclusive range of decorations so people don’t have to travel to London to buy them.”
Varieties on offer include; Nordmann Fir, Norway Spruce, Blue Spruce and pot-grown tress.
Open daily from Friday, November 18 until Saturday, December 24.
Opening times
- Weekdays until 7pm
- Thursday late nights until 8pm
- Weekends until 5pm
Mulled wine and Baileys coffee is served Thursday - Sunday subject to availability.
You can book a slot via Croftchristmastrees.com, booking is not essential.
Read next:
- Darlington's Silent Santa returns to donate Christmas gifts to needy children
- Details revealed for start of Christmas events in North Yorkshire town
- The magical Christmas Market that people just can't wait to flock to
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