A new free attraction at a County Durham castle is finally set to open this weekend after six years in the planning - here's all the details.
The Rising at Raby Castle is finally set to open its doors this weekend (June 15) following a long awaited six-year development to add a new lease of life to existing areas on the castle grounds.
Amongst the new attractions is The Vinery café - set to be open from 10am to 5pm each day serving up coffees, cakes, salads and afternoon tea.
Inside The Round House, a ticketing and information reception, illustrations including characters drawn up from Raby's past appear on the walls, designed by Edinburgh-based artist Lucy Roscoe.
Another highlight comes in the the Grade II listed Coach House, transformed into a retail space and small exhibition of the long history of Raby Castle.
Artefacts sit pristine in cases inside the exhibition with the feature attraction being a carved wooden table in the centre of the room of the Teesdale landscape which, when an overhead projector is on, comes alive to show the passing seasons of the countryside.
Lord Barnard said: “Historic houses and gardens need to be able to offer an entertaining full day out for their visitors. This includes great service, beautiful surroundings, delicious food and drink and high-quality shopping experiences, events and exhibitions. We’re confident that the scheme will deliver this within a truly breathtaking setting.”
Lady Barnard said: “I have loved working with Luciano, he has put his heart and soul into the garden. The structure in the winter gets engulfed by the planting that takes over in the spring, it couldn’t be more romantic and peaceful.
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“Harry’s ancestors built only the best. Whether it is the hay barn or the coach house, they were designed by the best architects of the day and built by the best craftsmen. We have also been able to use skilled craftsmen and local or reclaimed materials to bring them back to life. It’s been a joy to be involved in this process.”
Visitors do not need tickets to look around The Rising project.
Here are some pictures taken of The Rising project just a few weeks ago.
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