Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
SPEND THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS AT A NEW LIFESTYLE DESTINATION
.jpg)
This summer, families across the North East can enjoy a new visitor destination at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens.
Opening just over a month ago these magnificent new spaces offer families an all-day experience with acres of unexpected elegance, complete with heritage buildings, remodelled gardens, stylish shopping and local food that’s as fresh as it gets.
The development known as ‘The Rising’ has been the largest restoration project in decades with an extensive renovation of existing historic buildings and the sympathetic addition of two impressive new buildings, all thoughtfully tied together with newly landscaped and meandering walkways.
Visitors can now enjoy The Vinery Café Restaurant, The Coach House shop and exhibition, remodelled walled gardens and magnificent historic event spaces.
There is so much for families to explore and things are about to get ‘curiouser and curiouser’ at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens this summer with a series of new fantasy themed trails.
Raby Castle’s woodland adventure playground, The Plotters’ Forest is offering a new Alice in Wonderland trail that’s woven amongst the trees in the Christmas tree plantation. Little explorers will need to find all the items misplaced by The Mad Hatter throughout the ground-level forest trails, high walkways and towers and treetop tunnels.
%20-%20credit%20wonderfully_wild_wilson%20(1).jpg)
The magical wonderland trail is included in the admission price and complimentary trail sheets can be picked up upon arrival. Tickets also include access to the Deer Park and the recently remodelled Walled Gardens between 10am and 4pm, where a magical maze awaits to be discovered. Plus, children go free to Raby Castle with a valid Plotters’ Forest Ticket, from Tuesday to Sunday and an additional complimentary activity booklet for the Castle, Park and Gardens will also be available.
Magic and mystery continue over at High Force Waterfall, which is part of the Raby Estate, with a folk and fairy tale trail in the beautiful setting. In a land not so far away, fairy tale creatures have come out to play and are waiting for families to spot them on an enchanting walk this summer.
Sophie Brown, sales and events manager at Raby Estates said: “Following the opening of our new lifestyle destination and embracing our ‘eat, see and shop’ ethos, we are now able to provide families and visitors with so much more to see and do this summer.
“In addition to our new trails, we have lots of extra offerings including our popular harvest seasonal market, which will be held in the newly renovated Dutch Barn, as well as a painting workshop, open air theatre and a wood craft workshop. We will also be providing additional free activities throughout the school holidays, from talks in the Walled Garden to workshops in the castle, so keep an eye out on our website for further details.”
High Force Hotel, located amidst the stunning natural beauty of the County Durham countryside, also has two special summer offers on bed and breakfast or dinner, bed and breakfast stays.
Using the code SE24 when booking a bed and breakfast stay before 30th September, guests will receive a 15% discount on their stay. The summer escape package also includes breakfast each morning, luxury Temple Spa toiletries, free parking, exclusive access to High Force Waterfall plus tickets to Raby Castle, Park and Gardens.
Alternatively, three for the price of two offer includes three nights of luxurious accommodation while only paying for two, as well as a Teesdale breakfast each day and complimentary tickets to both Raby Castle, Park and Gardens and High Force Waterfall. If choosing the dinner, bed and breakfast option, guests can also enjoy a three-course meal each evening in the cozy hotel restaurant.
Tickets to The Plotters’ Forest, Park and Gardens cost £13 for adults and £10 for children (aged 4-15 years). A family ticket (two adults and three children) can also be purchased for £45 and children under four go free.
Additional ticket options include access to Raby Castle, Park and Gardens (an adult ticket is £18, a child ticket is £10 and a family ticket is £55) or access to just the Park and Gardens (an adult ticket is £12, a child ticket is £7.50 and a family ticket is £38).
The folk and fairy tale trail at High Force Waterfall is also open daily between 10am and 4pm and is included in standard waterfall admission. A family ticket (two adults and three children) costs £11. A couple's ticket for two adults is also available for £7.
Tickets can be purchased online in advance and more information can be found on the website www.raby.co.uk/whats-on/