By GEMMA BROWN gemma.brown@hexham-courant.co.uk

Last updated at 10:06, Friday, 12 March 2010

FAMILIES are being encouraged to visit Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens this weekend to give mums some flowers with a difference for Mother’s Day.

The Grade I listed garden attraction has its own microclimate and a fantastic display of local flora, fauna and wildlife for visitors to see.

Head gardener, Jo Hindhaugh, said: “Our gardens change seasonally so there is a great deal to see year round and the unique microclimate means our wildlife is protected.

“At the moment we’re seeing our famous snowdrops which create a white carpet in the route up to the castle, along with a riot of colour from our spring bulbs – daffodils, spring snowflakes and dog’s tooth violets. Rhododendrons and large magnolias also live in our quarry garden.”

Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens has exceeded industry trends and increased visitor numbers in 2009, according to research by the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA).

The historic site saw a 29 per cent rise in numbers last year from 59,255 in 2008 to 76,648 in 2009 which English Heritage, which manages the site, say is due to its diverse programme of events and the return of Stella McCartney’s crystal horse, Lucky Spot.

English Heritage also saw an overall rise in visitor numbers throughout its UK sites, reporting 5.4 million visitors in total in 2009, compared to 4.8 million in 2008 – a 12 per cent increase.

Visitor operations director for the North, Jeremy Reed, said: “Nationally, historic attractions saw an average increase of 11 per cent in 2009.

“Belsay was well ahead of visitor trends which is fantastic news for North-East tourism.

“It is an extremely popular site with its picturesque landscape and 30 acres of gardens in the beautiful Northumberland countryside and the boost to figures is a true testament of what’s on offer.”

Plans are in place for another year of diverse events for the coming year.

Offering visitors a whole new perspective on contemporary art, Extraordinary Measures, which will be open from May until September, will take visitors of all ages into an Alice in Wonderland world of dark enchantment.

Highlights among the specially commissioned installations – most of which are being seen for the first time in the UK – will include the premiere of new hyper-realistic sculptures by Australian sculptor Ron Mueck in the 19th century rooms of Belsay Hall.

Photographs of tiny day-trippers facing everyday dramas within the gardens of Belsay, as documented by London-based urban artist Slinkachu, will also feature.

Visitors to Belsay Hall before April 18 will have a last chance to see Lucky Spot, the three metre high leaping horse, made with over 8,000 Swarovski crystals.

First published at 09:42, Friday, 12 March 2010
Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk