The countdown to Christmas has officially begun at The Runhead, and this year we’re taking on our biggest festive challenge yet.

From 12 October, our team will be embarking on an ambitious mission to help bring Santa all the way from the North Pole to Ryton by walking an incredible five million steps.

The challenge represents the 2,420-mile journey Santa makes each Christmas and we’re inviting our customers, friends and local community to join us on the adventure.

Walking the Distance to Bring Santa to Ryton

Over the coming weeks, members of The Runhead team will be logging every step as we attempt to cover the equivalent distance from the North Pole to our doorstep.

Our progress will be tracked using a dedicated app, and visitors to the pub will be able to follow Santa’s journey on a special in-house progress tracker. Every mile walked will bring him one step closer to Ryton.

But we can’t do it alone.

Whether you’d like to join us for a walk, get involved in fundraising or simply cheer us on from the sidelines, we’d love your support as we work towards our goal.

Raising Money for Children’s Cancer North

While the challenge is all about festive fun, it’s also designed to make a real difference.

We’re raising funds for Children’s Cancer North, the nominated charity of Malhotra Group plc. Every penny donated through our JustGiving page will help support children and families across the North East who are affected by childhood cancer.

Runhead Business Manager Mark Johnson said:

“Although our staff are front and centre of this challenge to cover the same distance that Santa does when he travels from the North Pole to Ryton, I’m sure we would welcome a little help.

If anyone would like to join our team then do get in touch and, obviously, if you would like to help us help children in our region affected by cancer, then do please dig deep and support us.

The pub will be packed when he crosses the finish line and we switch on the Christmas lights and I’m sure that thought will keep us going as we complete the challenge.”

Join Us for Our Christmas Light Switch-On

The challenge will culminate on Wednesday 26 November when, hopefully, Santa reaches The Runhead just in time for our Big Christmas Light Switch-On at 5pm.

We’re planning a magical evening for the whole family, including:

• Live music from the Ryton Singers
• Free mulled wine and hot chocolate
• Face painting for children
• Local festive stalls
• A special visit from Santa himself

Children are also encouraged to bring along their letters to Santa and hand them over in person before he heads off to prepare for Christmas Eve.

How You Can Help

There are plenty of ways to support our challenge:

• Make a donation to Children’s Cancer North
• Join us for a walk and contribute some steps
• Follow our progress in the pub
• Attend our Christmas Light Switch-On event on 26 November
• Share the challenge with family and friends

Together, we can help Santa reach The Runhead in time for Christmas while raising vital funds for an important local cause.

To support the challenge, visit our JustGiving page: Donate to Get Santa to The Runhead

We can’t wait to welcome Santa to Ryton. Let the countdown begin! 🎅✨

The post Get Santa To The Runhead… appeared first on The Runhead.

If you’re looking for things to do in Ryton or near Gateshead this autumn, we’ve put together some of our favourite local days out, including woodland walks, pumpkin picking, Halloween adventures, and fireworks displays. 

And, of course, after all that exploring, there’s nothing better than heading back to the Runhead for a well-deserved bite to eat and a nice cold pint! 

Go on an autumnal walk in Chopwell Woods

If you’re searching for autumn walks near Newcastle or Gateshead, Chopwell Wood should be high on your list. Just a short drive from The Runhead, Chopwell Wood has miles of paths and trails to explore! 

Autumn is a particularly beautiful time to visit, when the woodland takes on its seasonal colours and the trees become a mixture of reds, oranges, yellows and golds.

There are walking trails to suit different abilities, as well as opportunities for cycling, running, horse riding, and simply enjoying the peaceful woodland surroundings.

Pick a pumpkin at Brockbushes

Nothing says autumn quite like a pumpkin patch! 

Brocksbushes Farm is a great choice if you’re looking for pumpkin picking near Newcastle or a fun autumn day out with the family.

Head to the farm to choose your perfect pumpkin, explore the seasonal attractions and enjoy the atmosphere of the pumpkin patch.

It’s a particularly good option for families looking for things to do with kids in autumn, with plenty to see and do beyond simply choosing a pumpkin.

And, of course, once you’ve picked your pumpkin, you’ll have the perfect decoration ready for Halloween.

Top tip: Book ahead where required and check the latest event information before travelling, as pumpkin-picking sessions and activities can vary throughout the season.

Get spooky at Gibside

Autumn is a fantastic time to visit Gibside, particularly if you’re looking for a combination of beautiful scenery, walking trails and seasonal activities.

Set within the Derwent Valley, Gibside offers woodland, gardens, historic buildings and miles of walking routes. There are four marked walks, ranging from shorter family-friendly routes to longer walks through the estate.

It’s also a great place for wildlife spotting, with the estate home to species including red kites, roe deer, badgers, bats and kingfishers.

Gibside gets a little spooky in October…

The Stranger Folk Halloween Trail runs from 8 October to 8 November 2026, with an interactive trail featuring goblins and other mysterious creatures around the estate.

Enjoy fireworks at Saltwell Park

This historic park is a lovely place to visit throughout the year, with woodland, gardens, a lake, children’s play areas and plenty of open space to explore. 

And of course, Saltwell Park is famous for its large fireworks display on Bonfire Night! Wrap up warm, head to the park, and enjoy a spectacular display lighting up the November sky. 

Get your fright on at Psychopath

Fancy something a little scarier?

If you’re searching for Halloween events near Newcastle, Psycho Path at Lintz Hall Farm in Burnopfield is one for the brave.

With a selection of horror attractions, mazes, and immersive experiences, it’s definitely not your average autumn night out.

This is one for those who like their Halloween loud, dark and seriously scary…so maybe don’t bring the little ones!

Afterwards, why not come back to The Runhead, grab a drink and swap stories about who was the biggest scaredycat?

Finish up at The Runhead

After exploring the local area, there’s no better way to round off an autumn day than with good food, drinks and a warm welcome.

Whether you’ve spent the afternoon walking through the autumn colours at Chopwell Wood, picking pumpkins at Brocksbushes or braving a Halloween trail at Gibside, The Runhead in Ryton is the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat and a drink afterwards.

So, if you’re searching for things to do near Newcastle, Gateshead or Ryton this autumn, why not make a day of it?

Explore somewhere new. Make some autumn memories. Then join us at The Runhead.

See you soon! 

The post Autumn Adventures Near The Runhead appeared first on The Runhead.

BE READY. BE SMART. THINK QUICK.

Registration from 7:45pm / £1 Entry per person.

Cash prizes to be won! Stay up to date for the next quiz date on our social media.

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If all that talking about walking is making you thirsty, check out the Runhead’s amazing drinks menu today and get in touch with our friendly team to book a post-walk table!

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