If you’re looking for some festive cheer this holiday season, then Raby Castle is just the place you’re looking for.
For the first time in fifty years Raby Castle has opened its doors for the festive season and it is nothing short of spectacular. With many items from the family archives used throughout, it felt a little like being invited into a family home to relive the memory of years gone by. From Saturday 22nd November to Sunday 4th January, visitors can experience Christmas like never before inside Raby Castle
The transformation is the work of Lady Barnard, the castle’s custodian and creative director and Raby’s curator Julie Biddlecombe- Brown. Together they have reimagined Raby as it might have been at the turn of the 20th century using original artifacts and photos to ensure the experience is authentic and depicts Christmas just as it would have been.
To set the scene, you’ll begin your journey in The Housekeeper’s Sitting Room with a bespoke introductory film based on the much-loved poem ‘’Twas the Night Before Christmas’.
You’ll journey through eight beautifully dressed ground-floor rooms, all reflecting how the Vane family celebrated their traditions at Christmas time. Expect twinkling Christmas trees, roaring fires, foraged decorations and the most incredible dining table ready for a family Christmas feast.
Every corner shimmers, every detail carefully thought out: paper chain garlands draped from the ceilings, soft lighting at every turn and evergreen wreaths tucked into stone alcoves.
Lady Barnard said “I hoped the castle would hold “a sprinkling of Christmas magic,” and that’s exactly what it felt like. A traditional Christmas, just how it used to be.
One of my favourite moments was discovering items from the castle archives that have never been on display before — tiny details rooted the whole experience. From original Christmas cards and letters displayed on desks to menus and wine lists in the dining room, just some of the many details that bring the whole experience to life.
Lady Barnard said: “I have had a wonderful time collecting these beautiful pieces from Christmas past as well as my present family traditions, bringing to life our personal and honest telling of how our ancestors would have celebrated the day right here at Raby Castle all those years ago.”
A candlelit experience will also take place on Saturday 13th and 20th December, where visitors can experience the elegantly decorated castle rooms in a different and magical light, followed by late night shopping for festive gifts at Raby’s retail space, the Coach House.
Tickets to Christmas at the Castle are £22 for adults, £7 for children (up to 15 years) and a family ticket for two adults and two children is £55. Under fours go free. These tickets include entry to Christmas at the Castle and access to the Walled Gardens and Deer Park.
For tickets to Raby Castle at Christmas, visit: www.raby.co.uk/events/raby-castle-at-christmas/.
To find out more about Raby Castle, Park and Gardens and all that is on offer for Christmas, and to book tickets, visit: www.raby.co.uk/christmas/
Review and images by Maria Davison @girlabout_thenortheast
