Whether you're after a fir, pine, or spruce, there's nothing quite like picking a Christmas tree to get the whole family in a festive mood. Check out our round-up of the best Christmas tree farms to find a location that suits you...
The reason why we have Christmas trees dates back to Pagan times, but now they've become one of many family favourite Christmas traditions. And heading to a Christmas tree farm is all part of the experience - because why go for a fake tree when you can have the real deal filling your home with the festive scent of fresh pine? Even if you're looking to rent a Christmas tree this year, some suppliers still allow you to go the the farm to pick it out, which is sure to be a fun-filled family afternoon.
There’s no doubt that the little ones will love picking out the tallest, bushiest, or tiniest Christmas tree, which they can decorate in time for Christmas and make the most of before the annual debate about when to take the Christmas tree down. But where is the best Christmas tree farm local to you? Take a look at our round-up of the best sites across England, Scotland and Wales.
Christmas tree farms in the South East
1. Badger Hill Christmas Tree Farm, Bedfordshire
This site is a family-owned farm with over 10,000 trees growing across six acres, where the Humphries family has been growing Christmas trees for nearly 100 years. Each year, Badger Hill Farm hosts special open days where you can view the Christmas trees before you purchase. Tag your tree with your family name, then let the farm know when you want to collect it.
The farm is open 9am-4pm until Saturday 16 December, and 9am-1pm on Sunday 17 December.
2. Dane End Christmas Tree Farm, Hertfordshire
Find your perfect Christmas tree at Dane End Farm, which offers both Norway Spruce trees and Nordman Fir trees of different varieties, heights, shapes, and sizes. The farm also sells a range of Christmas tree stands and handmade Christmas wreaths and, upon request, the workers can drill a hole up into every tree trunk so the tree fits firmly onto the stands provided.
Once Christmas is (sadly) over, you can return your tree to the farm to be recycled in an eco-friendly way.
The farm is open 9am-7.30pm on weekdays and 9am-5pm on weekends up until Christmas.
3. South London Christmas Tree Farm, Kent
This Christmas tree farm has taken a magical approach to choosing trees. You can either pick from the sales area with very little effort, or choose a tree in the plantation (from the ground), and dig or cut the tree yourself. But remember, you can only dig your tree up if you bring your tools.
The South London Christmas Tree Farm is open until Sunday 10 December from 9am-4.30pm.
4. Alice Holt Woodland Park, Farnham, Surrey
This Christmas tree farm cuts its trees throughout December, so yours will be amongst the freshest on Christmas Day, and offers three different types of Fir: Norway Spruce, Nordman Fir, and Frasier Fir. If you have a pet pooch, dogs are welcome so they won't miss out on the festive cheer. Just remember your wellies!
Alice Holt Forest also holds walking and cycling trails for the whole family, and has kids' play areas, wooden animal play structures, and the ever-popular Gruffalo sculptures.
Alice Holt Christmas Trees will be open once again this year from Tuesday 19th December 7 days a week from 9am-5pm daily.
Christmas tree farms in South West
5. White Christmas Tree Farm Frenchay, Bristol
Choose why not cut a Christmas tree that is still growing in the ground at White Christmas Tree Farm! Alternatively, you can reserve a Christmas tree for later cutting and collect it any time up until Christmas Eve.
Dogs are welcome (as long as they stay on a lead) and while you're picking your tree why not check out the collection of Christmas wreaths and Christmas tree stands - all locally made?
Pick-your-own Christmas tree will be open until Saturday 23 December from 9am-5pm.
6. Rainbow Wood Farm, Bath
Christmas trees are available to buy from Rainbow Wood Farm in Bath once again this year, so wrap up warm and spend a day walking through this magical spot with your family. Choose from Nordman Needle Retentive variety, a Traditional Norwegian Spruce, or take home a potted version for a longer-life tree.
There's a festive shop too, supplying Christmas wreaths Christmas cakes, gifts, delicious treats, and festive scents.
Rainbow Wood Farm is open six days a week Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30am-4.30pm.
7. Tregothnan Farm, Cornwall
At Tregothan you can sip on homemade Christmas tea while you search for your perfect tree. Choose from a wide variety of trees grown here in 10 acres of beautiful grounds, including Norway Spruce trees, Nordmann Fir trees, plus a special super scented tree called a Californian native.
The farm supplies stocking fillers, gift sets, and hampers too, so you can do some Christmas shopping while you're there.
Book a slot to select your tree up until Friday 22 December, with one-hour slots available throughout the day.
Christmas tree farms in the Midlands
8. Crocker's Christmas Tree Farm, Warwickshire
Choose a Christmas tree from Crocker's farm while enjoying a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie to get you in the festive spirit. Crocker's Farm is a small, family-run business in Warwickshire and have been growing trees in the field next to their family home for over 17 years, and they provide free net and twine when you're ready to take your Christmas tree home.
Opening hours are from 9am-7pm Monday to Saturday, 9am-5.30pm on Sunday and 9am-2.30pm on Christmas Eve.
9. Leaton Forest, Shrewsbury
Leaton Forest has a huge variety of Christmas trees, both ready-cut or out on the farm where you can dig up your own. If you prefer, a member of staff can come and cut your chosen tree down for you for £10. Remember, you can only cut your tree down if you bring your tools.
Leaton Forest is also offering wreath-making workshops and Christmas craft stalls, so you can get some extra Christmas shopping done while you select your perfect tree!
You can head to the forest to select your tree between 10am and 5pm Monday to Wednesday, between 10am and 6pm on Thursdays and Fridays, or between 9am and 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
10. Keele Christmas Tree Farm, Staffordshire
Keele Farm is a family-run business where you can choose your ideal tree from the variety on offer, which includes Nordmann Fir, Fraser Fir, and Norway Spruce trees. After you’ve chosen your perfect tree, you can enjoy a range of snacks and warm drinks at the cafe.
Keele Farm also offers a novel way to dispose of your tree once Christmas is over, by hosting the first-ever UK Christmas Tree Throwing Championships!
You can visit the farm between 8am and 6pm Monday to Saturday or between 8am and 5pm on Sundays.
Christmas tree farms in North East
11. East Grange Farm, Durham
East Grange Farm sells all sizes of trees, stands, festive wreaths, and other Christmas bits - you won't be disappointed when visiting for a festive family day out. It sells popular Nordman Firs alongside a range of other Christmassy decorations and accessories and has been since 2015.
If you live in the area, it's worth bearing East Grange Farm in mind all year round, as they also offer pumpkin and sunflower picking!
Tickets are free but you'll need to book online, and the opening hours are 10am-6pm Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 5pm on Sundays.
12. Meldon Park, Morpeth
Explore the countryside while picking your perfect tree at Meldon Park, where you'll find a wide range of Christmas trees and the Christmas shop, which stocks beautiful baubles, natural handmade wreaths, festive decorations, and more.
There will also be hot drinks and tasty treats from the Christmas Cabin, lit up with fairy lights for a Christmassy feel.
There are a limited number of cut-your-own trees available and it's first come first served, so make sure you're prepared if you live near Morpeth.
You can visit the site up until Saturday 23 December, and opening hours are Thursday to Sunday from 10am-3pm.
Christmas tree farms in North West
13. Ivy Cottage Tree Farm, Cheshire
Choose a growing tree at Ivy Cottage. While you can't cut it down yourself, you can reserve it early and collect it nearer Christmas, ensuring it is as fresh as possible for the special day. After choosing your tree, visit the Christmas shop on site for Christmas baubles, lights, stands, and handmade door wreaths.
Visit The Great Little Red Bus Tea Room while you're on site too, where you can sample Cheshire-based produce with a Caribbean-inspired twist. Bacon rolls, homemade cakes, and local beers are just some of the tasty treats available.
Open 9am-5pm seven days a week until Christmas Eve.
14. Mead Croft, Grange Farm, Croft-on-Tees
Head to Grange Farm and pick the right Christmas tree for you and your family. Don't leave without visiting the Christmas shop, where a fabulous selection of Christmas decorations, fairy lights, handmade wreaths, and beautiful garlands are on offer to complete your freshly bought tree.
There are a handful of festive events taking place over the holidays too, including a nativity and Christmas carols, perfect for getting the family in the festive spirit.
Croft Christmas Trees is open until Wednesday 20 December and opening times vary. Check the website below for further details.
Christmas tree farms in Wales
15. Clearwell Farm, Michaelston y fedw, Cardiff
Stroll through Clearwell Christmas Tree Farm and choose your tree from the plantation of over 7000 trees growing in the field. Clearwell family-run farm offers a wide range of trees to choose from, including Lodgepole Pine, Noble Fir, Nordman Fir, Norway Spruce, and Scotch Pine. Visitors are advised to bring their wellies, as the fields can get wet and muddy. Have a pet pooch? Dogs are welcome too.
You can choose your Christmas tree at the farm only on weekends, from 10am-4pm.
16. North Hills Christmas Tree Farm, Graianrhyd
North Hills Farm is a kid's Christmas dream, and while you choose your perfect pine tree you can enjoy a delicious fudge hot chocolate and homemade mince pies too.
The farm also cares for a herd of Welsh reindeer on site, so if you're really lucky you may get a glimpse of Rudolf and his crew before Santa is due in town.
Open daily from 10am-6pm until Christmas Eve.
17. Salem Farm, Llandeilo
Select your perfect Christmas tree from the thousands on offer at the gorgeous Welsh plantation. Wellies, saws, and spades are available if you'd like to dig your own - but it can get muddy!
After you find your ideal Christmas tree, stop by Salem Farm's traditional Christmas activities, including a visit to Santa's grotto for the kids, while mum and dad can tuck into sherry, mulled wine, tea, coffee, and homemade mince pies. The whole family can also join in with a Christmas carol song sing-along to experience pure Christmas fun.
This farm is open daily from 10am until dusk, with the last day to shop for trees on Saturday 23 December.
Christmas tree farms in Scotland
18. Edenmill Farm, Blanefield, Glasgow
Picking a tree is just the beginning at Edenmill Farm. This family business allows you to pick your own gorgeous Fir tree and take it away with you (if you can fit it in your car), or you can have it delivered. To get you into the festive spirit, take a woodland walk up Candy Cane Lane to Santa's Frosty Farm, where you'll be greeted by Santa and Mrs Claus and their farm animals, and post a letter to Santa too.
The site offers slots from 9am until 3pm for their 'cut your own' experience. You'll need to book a slot, but remember it's one slot per tree, not per person!
19. Templeton Farm, Tayside Forestry, Dundee
For 30 years families have visited Templeton Farm to find the tree of their dreams. And this Christmas tree family spreads joy all year round, with the Pinecone Café and cute gift shop open daily - there are so many yummy reasons to visit, including slices of Victoria Sponge and slabs of chocolatey tray bakes, tasty soups, sausage rolls, and delicious paninis too.
The last day to buy a tree is Friday 22 December, and the farm is open 9am-6pm Mondays to Fridays, and 9am until 5pm on Sundays. On 22 December, the farm will close an hour earlier, at 5pm.
In other news, check out these Christmas tree hacks, and these tips on how to have a sustainable Christmas. You might want to check out these B&M Christmas tree decorations too - they're a White Company dupe!
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