Review: What I thought of Raby Castle at Christmas
A North East castle has opened its doors to the public this festive season for the first time in five decades to give visitors an insight into how Christmas was celebrated in times gone by.
Raby Castle, in Staindrop, near Darlington, has opened its doors to the public at Christmastime for the first time in 50 years for a brand new festive experience.
Visitors both young and old are invited to take a look around a host of rooms that tell the story of Christmas Day at the castle in the early 1900s.
My journey through the castle started with an introductory film in the house keeper’s sitting room, detailing the comings and goings of staff and residents at the castle, based on the much-loved poem, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.
Moving on from this cosy Christmas classic, I started to explore the castle’s ground floor rooms that just sparkled with Christmas magic.
Many decorations had been handmade, using foliage foraged for in the castle’s grounds, with a number of Christmas trees glistening in the candlelight as I made my way from room to room.
Lady Barnard, custodian of Raby Castle and creative director of Raby Castle at Christmas, had been collecting timekeeps from Christmases past and present in preparation for the season, and has succeeded in bringing to life the stories of her ancestors.
The amount of care and attention given to each room is breathtaking – from the sights down to the smells, nothing is left untouched.
From the early morning thrill of opening Christmas presents to an evening of elegant dining and Christmas games, there is plenty to see at Raby Castle’s Christmas event.
Available on selected dates from Saturday, November 22, to Sunday, January 4, this special Christmas experience is open from 10am until 4pm, with two candlelit events taking place on December 13 and December 20.
Tickets cost £22 for adults and £7 for children. Those under four go free.