Christmas is a magical time across the Raby Estate.
Here are our top 10 things to enjoy this festive season:
1.Choose your perfect Raby Christmas tree
From 26th November – 24th December we will be selling our Raby Christmas trees in the park between 10am – 4pm. Come and browse our selection of Nordmann Fir and Norway Spruce to choose the perfect tree for your home. We have a range of sizes available from 4ft to 8.5ft as well as potted trees and our team will be on hand to help.
2.Find the Raby Reindeer at High Force Waterfall
Did you know that High Force Waterfall is also on the Raby Estate? Just a 30 minute drive from the castle over the scenic Durham Dales is one of the most magnificent waterfalls in the country. This season families can enjoy a wintry walk to find our Raby reindeer who are visiting the falls. Keep an eye out for Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen along the way. Have your photo taken with Rudolph at the end or in our woodland Giant’s chair, part of our new summer installation of woodland animals.
High Force Waterfall is open daily from 10am – 4pm.
3.Tick some gifts off your list in the Stables Shop
While you’re collecting your tree don’t forget to stop by our Christmas Shop to explore our beautiful selection of unique handpicked gifts and homeware. With both classic and contemporary styles with an emphasis on British made products, you will find everything from greeting cards to books, games and confectionery.
The Stables Shop is open Tuesday – Sunday from 11am – 4pm.
4.Enjoy a fudge hot chocolate in the Yurt Cafe
This Christmas our Yurt Cafe are serving some special seasonal delights including mulled wine, white chocolate lattes, fudge hot chocolate and Baileys hot chocolate. The perfect sweet treat to keep your hands warm while you explore the deer park. We’ve also got a delicious selection of cakes, sandwiches and savoury snacks to keep you refuelled on your adventures.
The Yurt Cafe is open daily from 10am – 4pm.
5.Catch up with friends and family over a festive dining experience
Share some quality time with friends, family or colleagues this Christmas with a festive dining experience at the High Force Hotel. This winter we are offering delicious afternoon teas on Sunday 4th and 18th December with three tiers of savoury sandwiches, scones and sweet treats. Alongside this is our festive fayre menu which will be running throughout the whole of December featuring Raby longhorn beef, turkey, roast potatoes, large helpings of gravy and all your favourite staples.
Book a Christmas Afternoon Tea
6.Collect our Christmas clues in the Deer Park
This year we are hosting a 12 Days of Christmas Trail in the Deer Park. Sing along as you collect the Christmas clues to complete this festive song. How many lords a leaping can you find? How many swans a swimming? See if you can complete all the questions on your journey around the park.
This trail is included FREE with every Deer Park Ticket and open daily until Christmas Eve from 10am – 4pm.
7.Twixmas Walk to High Force Waterfall
Our scenic woodland walk is open between Christmas and New Year so you can enjoy a family outing to High Force Waterfall. Explore our wintry woods and reindeer trail, collecting clues along the way. Or try our new woodland trail and find our magical woodland animals including a moon-gazing hare, friendly fox and curious caterpillar.
High Force Waterfall is open daily from 10am – 4pm.
8.Explore our Enchanted Plotters’ Forest day or night
Escape to our enchanted Plotters’ Forest for a family adventure this Christmas. Children will love exploring the towers and treetops during the day to find Christmas clues or soaking up the twinkling lights in our illuminated after dark sessions. Adults can relax atop The Plotters’ Pantry with a hot festive drink or join in the fun to complete the trail. Daytime tickets include up to 2 hours play in The Plotters’ Forest as well as Deer Park access to our 12 Days of Christmas Trail.
The Plotters’ Forest is open on selected dates.
9.Browse our array of local suppliers at our Christmas Market
Our popular FREE Christmas Market is returning this year on the 3rd and 4th of December. Browse our array of local stalls which will feature food and drink, jewellery, crafts and more. The ideal place to do some Christmas shopping.
The market is open on the 3rd and 4th of December from 10am – 4pm.
10. Winter Stays
Enjoy a magical winter stay at the High Force Hotel & Watefall this festive season. We’ve got not one but TWO special discounts for you to take advantage of:
3 for 2 on all stays between 24th November – 28th February
20% discount on bed and breakfast stays between 24th November – 28th February
All stays include access to the magnificent High Force Waterfall, luxury Temple Spa toiletries and tickets to the Raby Castle Deer Park.
What are your favourite things to do at Raby during the festive season? Let us know on social media!
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