A medieval castle visitor attraction is extending its Christmas offering for the first few days of the New Year.
Free entry to see the entrance hall decorations, a New Year’s Day charity walk and the writing of letters of thanks are being staged to help families welcome 2025 at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens, near Staindrop, County Durham.
The castle’s Christmas in the Entrance Hall experience, a new offering this year, will be opening its doors until Sunday (January 5), excluding New Year’s Day, so visitors can extend their festive celebrations before the mass return to school and work, next week.
Entry to Christmas in the Entrance Hall will be included at no extra cost in all tickets for the site’s Deer Park and Gardens or The Plotters’ Forest woodland playground.
The castle’s picturesque Deer Park will be open on January 1 for its annual New Year’s Day charity walk.
Sophie Brown, Raby Estates sales and events manager, said: “Here at Raby, we believe it’s important to start the year in a positive manner.
“Getting outdoors, practicing gratitude and raising money for a good cause is an amazing way to spend the first day of 2025.
“A ramble around the Deer Park may also be an enjoyable way to stretch the legs after lots of festive indulgence!”
The Yuletide Yurt in the castle grounds has also been open between Christmas and New Year, giving smaller visitors the chance to give gratitude and send a thank you letter to Father Christmas or family members.
As well as enjoying the sights of the Deer Park, Walled Garden and The Plotters’ Forest visitors can also embark upon the Mischievous Elves Trail at High Force Waterfall.
Ending on Sunday (January 5) the trail takes in the beauty of its natural surroundings with an added festive element for children to continue the celebrations.
Raby Estate’s new lifestyle destination has been open from December 30 during the “Twixmas” and New Year period, with its retail shop and exhibition space and The Vinery Café Restaurant.
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Further information about the annual charity New Year’s Day Walk in support of the Great North Air Ambulance can be found here: www.raby.co.uk/events/charity-opening-new-years-day/.
Tickets for The Plotters’ Forest, Deer Park and Gardens as well as tickets for just the Deer Park and Gardens, all with free entry to the Castle Entrance Hall, can be found via www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle/whats-on/.
Families can book tickets for the New Year’s Day at The Plotter’s Forest special discounted rate here: www.raby.co.uk/events/new-years-day-at-the-plotters-forest-christmas-trail/ and the Mischievous Elves Trail at High Force Waterfall here: www.raby.co.uk/events/the-mischievous-elves-trail/.
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