10 Christmas Tree Farms to Visit in the Uk – and Everything You Need to Know Before You Do

Like mince pies and mulled wine, putting up the Christmas tree is a long-held tradition that marks the start of the festive season. While artificial Christmas trees certainly have their charms, they aren’t so great for the planet. There’s also something special about selecting a real Christmas tree yourself and wrangling it home after a day out at one of the UK’s best Christmas tree farms.

There are plenty of festive farms to visit in the UK, whose perks range from modest cafes to full-blown Christmas fairs, complete with Santa’s grotto, reindeer, market stalls and mulled cider.

To get your 2024 Christmas tree adventure off to a good start, here our guide to Christmas tree farms.

Jo, from the The British Christmas Tree Growers’ Association (BCTGA), recommends taking measurements of your designated tree area before heading to the farm. “Work out the size of the tree you require before heading to your local grower to buy. Trees always look smaller on the farm than they will in your home.”

You should also consider the species of tree you want to buy, “a good grower will give advice on this,” Jo adds. “The trees’ location, if you have young kids that want to decorate it, how long you want the tree to last and your budget will all play into the right species of tree for you.”

Real Christmas trees can come pre-cut (by your fair hand if you’re up for it), cut fresh by a wood cutter or potted. Think about the shape you prefer: full and bushy or slender and elegant?

Consider the needle type too, as different varieties have unique characteristics. For example, the Nordmann Fir is a popular choice as it boasts excellent needle retention.

Ever wondered what makes each variety special? Here's a quick rundown:

• Nordmann Fir –The Nordmann Fir boasts great symmetry and has soft, non-drop needles in a rich, deep green colour, the perfect backdrop for your sparkly baubles.
• Norway Spruce – This Christmas tree classic has a great fragrance but you’ll need to keep on top of watering to prevent it shedding its needles.
• Blue Spruce – For something a little different, opt for this sturdy tree with a striking pale blue hue.
• Fraser Fir – Ideal for more compact spaces, the Fraser Fir has dark green foliage with silvery-blue undertones, a pleasant scent and great needle retention. It has slightly upward facing branches – ideal dangling material for tinsel or lights.
• Serbian Spruce – An elegant tree sporting great needle retention and dark green needles with a silvery underside laid out on thickly layered branches - perfect for the maximalist with an endless supply of decorations to hang.