More dates and activities have been sent to the festive programme at one County Durham castle following huge demand - here's all the details.

Raby Castle in Staindrop has added new dates and times for a string of festive events before Christmas including meeting Santa, afternoon tea, and more.

From meeting Mr and Mrs Claus at the Yuletide Yurt or walk along The Plotters’ Forest Enchanted Christmas Trail, there are four events set to take place at the historical medieval castle.

Raby Castle.Raby Castle. (Image: PR) Christmas in the Entrance Hall, a chance to explore inside the "ornately decorated" entrance hall and warm up by the fire will take place on December 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16 and 17.

December 20 has now been added as an extra date for families to come along and hear Father Christmas tell some festive stories.

Youngsters can also visit the castle’s Yuletide Yurt to write a letter to Father Christmas and enjoy some Christmas crafts with Raby’s jolly festive elves.

Christmas at Raby Castle.Christmas at Raby Castle. (Image: RABY CASTLE) This activity, which is available at no extra cost, will be taking place on December 7, 23 and 24.

Afternoon tea at Raby Estate’s High Force Hotel were previously sold out - but new dates have now been added on December 14 and 15.

Sophie Brown, sales and events manager at Raby Estates, said: “We’re overjoyed to know that the Christmas events hosted at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens, and on the wider Raby Estate, are popular with the public. It’s a wonderful time of year to share festive experiences together and make memories with loved ones.

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“As well as the Fireside Storytelling, the Yuletide Yurt crafts and Festive Afternoon Tea, we’ve also added new events to 2024’s Christmas calendar including a Festive Glasshouse Afternoon Tea and the exciting Castle Terrace by Torchlight. We hope more people will be able to discover the joys of Raby during advent and beyond.”

A new 'Festive Glasshouse Afternoon Tea' for £29.50 per person is also set to take place at the Vinery Cafe on takes place on December 4, 9, 10, 11, 16 & 17 December.

There is also set to be Castle Terrace by Torchlight evenings - that allow visitors to walk around the grounds at night.