A world-record Christmas tree at a historic UK estate proved so popular that it led to overflowing car parks and visitors being turned away, the National Trust has confirmed.
Unprecedented Crowds for a Record-Breaking Giant
The attraction causing the stir is a magnificent 44.7-metre (147ft) giant redwood, located at the National Trust's Cragside property in Northumberland. This towering tree, meticulously decorated with over 1,300 lights, has officially been recognised by Guinness World Records as the "World's Tallest Bedded Christmas Tree."
The sheer scale and festive spectacle of the illuminated redwood drew what the Trust described as "unprecedented numbers" of visitors hoping to see it. The influx was so significant over the weekend of Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 November that the estate's car parks reached full capacity.
Traffic Management and Safety Measures Enacted
Faced with overwhelming demand and concerns for public safety and local traffic flow, staff at Cragside were compelled to take decisive action. Despite opening the property earlier to accommodate more people, the situation reached a point where visitors arriving by car had to be turned away.
A spokesperson for the National Trust explained that closing the car parks was a last resort, implemented solely for safety and effective traffic management in the face of the extraordinary visitor numbers.
Planning Your Visit to See the Spectacle
For those still hoping to witness the record-breaking festive giant, the National Trust has issued clear advice. Prospective visitors are strongly urged to check the official Cragside website and its social media channels for real-time updates before embarking on their journey.
To help manage the ongoing high demand and reduce congestion, the Trust is actively encouraging people to consider car-sharing or using public transport where possible. With the Christmas season in full swing, similar crowd levels are expected to continue, making advance planning essential for a smooth visit.
