It’s almost time to hunt for the Christmas tree stand and dust off the baubles, as over the next few weeks households across County Durham will begin putting up their festive decorations for 2023.

Whether you want to give your trusty artificial tree a break after years on show, or you are just looking for somewhere new to pick a freshly cut one, there are plenty of garden centres and farms selling real Christmas trees in the area.

Let’s take a look at some of the best places to buy a real Christmas tree this year in County Durham, from the giant bushy ones to the less messy ones.

Some of the best places to buy a real Christmas tree in County Durham

Whelly Hill Farm

Location: Whelly Hill, Hartlepool, TS27 3BH

You can either collect your Christmas tree from Whelly Hill Farm in Hartlepool or have it delivered straight to your door.

The online store is now open selling various sizes (from 4ft-20ft) of Nordmann Fir Premium, Norway Spruce, Scots Pine and Fraser Fir.

The website adds: “For customers wanting their tree delivered, we have a flat fee of £15 which is within a 20 mile radius of the farm. During the check-out process you will be offered delivery if your postcode falls within the 20 mile radius.”

The Northern Echo: There's a lot of choice when it comes to finding your ideal real Christmas tree in County DurhamThere's a lot of choice when it comes to finding your ideal real Christmas tree in County Durham (Image: Getty)

Whelly Hill Farm will be open to customers who want to choose their Christmas tree in person from November 24. It will then be open from Monday to Sunday, 9am until 7pm after that.

Durham Christmas Trees

Location: Heugh, Hall Farm, Durham, DH6 5NJ

You can now book your slot online and choose a day and time that suits you to pick up your Christmas tree from Durham Christmas Trees.

The website says: “Join us for a unique, festive, family experience, to pick your own tree. Prices start from £25 per tree.

“Freshly cut Nordmann Fir Trees 5-11ft, Pot Grown Trees & Christmas Tree Stands are also available to purchase.”

There will be a festive trail for children to enjoy around the Christmas tree field.

The farm will be open on November 25 and 26 from 10.30am until 3.30pm.

It will also be open on December 1, 2, 3 and 8, from 10.30am until 3.30pm.

No booking is required on December 9 and 10.

Croft Christmas Trees

Location: Grange Farm Cottages, Jolby Lane, Croft-on-Tees, Darlington, DL2 2TF

Christmas trees will be available to buy from November 17 this year.

Just some of the varieties available include Nordmann Fir, Norway Spruce and Blue Spruce.

There will also be festive treats available from Inside the Box, who will be providing an extended range of hot drinks, cakes and confectionary.

In the Christmas shop, there will also be designer Christmas decorations, lights, wreaths, garlands, ribbons, tree stands and local produce.

Raby Castle

Location: Staindrop, Darlington, DL2 3AH

Raby Castle will be open for Christmas tree purchases from November 25 until December 24, 10am until 4pm.

On the Raby Castle website, it says: “We are delighted to announce that we will once again be selling freshly cut Christmas trees to decorate your home for the festive season.

“From Nordman Fir to Norway Spruce, there will be plenty of sizes to choose from.

“Why not make a day of it and enjoy a hot cocoa from the Cafe and a browse around our Christmas Shop?

“No need to pre-book, come and choose your perfect tree and take a piece of Raby home with you this Christmas.”

Blackburn Farm Christmas Trees

Location: Blackburn Farm, Langley Park, DH7 9UA

Blackburn Farm will be open for all your Christmas tree needs from November 25 at 10am.

They are now taking orders for large trees (9ft and over) which can be done via message on their Facebook page.

Please check with each location for accurate opening times and availability before your visit.