Ad Gefrin – the Anglo-Saxon museum and whisky distillery in Northumberland – has been a revelation since it opened, and their Christmas programme is packing real heat.

Why not kick fusty old Dickens into touch this Christmas and instead grab yourself a huge slice of Anglo-Saxon Yule. The wonderful Ad Gefrin attraction is currently running an alternative take on seasonal festivities with a programme that is pure balm for your tattered soul. Among the good things they’re doing throughout December are special Twilight Tour, Dining and Tasting sessions. Marking the new late opening of the Bistro on Friday evenings, this package includes drinks on arrival, a distillery tour, dinner, and an alchemist-led spirit tasting alongside your dessert. (If you prefer, you can just opt for the Dinner & Tasting sessions.) They also have Meet The Anglo Saxons: Yule Edition (join Wulfthryth and Saethryth as they explore the importance of Yule to the Anglo Saxons – 14 & 15 December); Mid-Winter Celebrations (join the celebrations in The Great Hall – 21 & 22 December); and Old Year’s Night Dining Experience (five-course dinner, music and dancing – New Year’s Eve). Ad Gefrin, of course, is also a noted whisky distillery and they’ve just launched their latest tipple Corengyst Blend. Details on this – and all of the above events – from their website, below. GM

Ad Gefrin, South Road, Wooler, Northumberland, adgefrin.co.uk