Twinkling lights and seasonal sounds await visitors to a new festive attraction that has launched this winter at a popular County Durham venue.
Running from mid-November through to early January, the Enchanted Christmas Trail in The Plotters' Forest at Raby Castle hosts a mix of woodland adventures, seasonal atmosphere and illuminated nighttime displays, all within the estate's historic grounds.
Built on the popularity of The Plotter's Forest exhibition, the area is being transformed for the winter season with 'twinkling lights' and festive music when night falls - creating a 'truly magical' atmosphere under the stars.
Children will also receive a small festive treat or gift as they explore through the illuminated trail experience.
This comes after Raby Castle recently announced it would be opening their doors during the festive season, welcoming visitors inside the grand historic building for the first time to explore the festive decorations hung throughout and to engage in Christmas celebrations.
During the daytime, families can wander through the forest on foot, making their way through the play structures and natural scenery while discovering the new festive installations created for the event.
Daytime tickets also include full-day access to the estate's walled gardens and the deer park, where the estate's herd of deer are often visible.
Once night falls on the castle, the atmosphere shifts. From early December, the forest trail reopens in late afternoons and early evenings as an illuminated festive walk.
The play equipment will be closed, but the paths will be transformed by lighting and music along the way.
Though the evening sessions are shorter, running in half-an-hour slots, they are designed as a glowing wander through the castle, rather than an adventure playground visit.
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Running on selected dates and times; the daytime enchanted trail and deer park and gardens is open from 10am to 4pm on November 29 and 30, December 6, 7, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, and 31, and January 1, 2, 3 and 4.
The evening enchanted trail is open from 4pm-7pm on December 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 31, and January 2 and 3.
Tickets to meet Father Christmas are not included in the entry, and are sold separately.
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