The first stage of a remarkable redesign of Raby’s historic Walled Garden is nearing completion, which will see the launch of a magnificent, grass amphitheatre this summer.

A very special element of the Estate’s ambitious development programme known as ‘The Rising’, is the remodelled Walled Garden, which has been carefully crafted by Lady Barnard, working closely with a world-renowned garden designer Luciano Giubbilei.

The grass amphitheatre, the first of its kind in the north of England, is set in the lower part of the East Garden, enabling future visitors to gaze up at the spectacular sight of the castle on the horizon. This wonderfully unique space will be used for a host of summer activities, including plays and musical events, as well as providing visitors with a beautiful garden for quiet contemplation.

Work began in the Walled Garden in 2022, which is situated just a stone’s throw from 14^th century Raby Castle, home to the Vane family since 1626.

The new design for the East Garden sees evergreen-bordered herbaceous beds at the north of the garden, set amongst interconnected paths, leading visitors to the natural amphitheatre.

The sculptural yew hedge, which has sat at the heart of the historic Walled Garden since the 19^th century, was the main consideration during the design process, with great sensitivity shown to its importance in the landscape.

“The sense of past played such an important part in our design decisions when we embarked on this journey”, says Luciano. “There is so much history that came before us at Raby, and we needed to decide how to move forward with a design that embodied the atmosphere, enabling visitors to seamlessly move from space to space, but at all times, honouring the iconic shadow of Raby Castle in the background.”

Over the last year, the work within the East Garden includes the creation of the tiered amphitheatre, the planting of borders and the construction and establishing of beds. Evergreens and topiary have been introduced to reflect the balance of formality and informality within the structure of the garden, with Taxus hedging and Osmanthus cloud-pruned plants installed across the East Garden to create flow and mirror the form of the historical yew hedge.

“Taxus domes have been planted to delineate the edges of the amphitheatre steps”, says Tim Marshall, Raby Head Gardener. “But it will be the flood of soft muted colours in the herbaceous beds and the dense, structural green of the yew hedges that will draw the eye.”

“The completion of the East Garden will be an exciting milestone for The Rising development”, says Lady Barnard. “At the outset of this project, we had in mind something extraordinary, which would showcase both the formality and natural beauty embedded in this historic landscape. We wanted something unique to Raby and with the addition of the amphitheatre, as a gathering space amongst the colourful planting, we hope that in time, the Walled Garden will be a beautiful place for the local community and visitors to enjoy all year round.”

Work is also underway in the Formal and West Garden. Local contractor Trevor Atkinson is preparing the foundations for the central rill in the Formal Garden, which will create a succinct and flowing line of water from the top of the garden to the South Walk gates, drawing visitors’ eyes onward and up towards the castle. Over the next six months, planting and hard landscaping will continue throughout the Formal and West Gardens, with the opening of the completed Walled Garden to the public planned in 2024.

For the lucky few, there will be the opportunity to sneak a peek at the Walled Garden’s progress ahead of the formal opening to the public. From early summer, Raby Castle members will be invited to tour the completed East Garden, as the planting begins to establish.

Memberships are available from just £25 per year for an adult and £12.50 per child. Members also enjoy benefits including admission to Raby Castle, the Deer Park and High Force Waterfall, and a 10% discount at the Café and High Force kiosk. A Family Membership and Plotters’ Forest adventure playground extension are also available. For more information or to purchase a membership, please visit https://rabyestate.digitickets.co.uk/category/39742?navItem=469308

For more information on the progress of The Rising development, please visit https://www.raby.co.uk/about-us/development/

 

Raby Castle will be opening its gates for the 2023 season on Wednesday 1^st March with a new exciting addition to its famous Entrance Hall.

In honour of the Coronation of King Charles III on 6^th May, the Raby state coach, dating back to the early 19^th century and used by the 9^th Baron and Baroness Barnard to attend the Coronation of King Edward VII in 1902, will be undergoing conservation throughout the year and will take pride of place in the hall.

The state coach, originally made for the Duke of Cleveland by Rigby & Robinson of Park Lane, London, will remain on show throughout 2023, as local conservators Bob Elsey and Laurie Endean-Olsen undertake their work, painstakingly repairing fabrics, removing the residue of discoloured polish and cleaning every inch of the elegant vehicle.

Raby Castle has seen numerous Royal visits over the centuries, most recently, a visit from HM The King in 1983, as well as two visits from his namesake Charles I during his reign, in 1633 and 1639, and it is said that he was greatly struck by Raby. He is said to have rebuked his host Sir Henry Vane the Elder, who referred to his home as a, “mere hillock of stone” by saying, “Call ye that a hillock of stone? By my faith, I have not such another hillock of stones in all my realms”.

The family’s state carriage is a rare treasure, as during the conflicts of World War I and World War II, many estates’ carriages were dismantled to garner scrap metal to help the war effort. It is rare to find a carriage collection in such good condition, so this is a truly spectacular opportunity for visiting enthusiasts to see such a special item[1], and is just a taste of what is to come for the Raby Coronation year.

“This restoration of Raby’s state coach marks what is going to be a very exciting year for the castle,” says Lord Barnard. “We look forward to welcoming visitors old and new to our full programme of activities for 2023, which includes plenty of events to commemorate the coronation year.”

In addition to the exciting new celebratory coronation additions, Raby Castle will be hosting a series of events for the whole family to enjoy throughout the 2023 season. From Mothers’ Day Castle tours and afternoon tea, to Easter trails through the Plotters’ Forest and Deer Park, and Serene Sunday yoga sessions in the shadow of the magnificent Castle, it is set to be the beginning of a season to remember at Raby.

With so many exciting adventures to be had at Raby Castle this season, a Raby Membership is the best way to enjoy access to everything and anything Raby Castle has to offer*. The Raby Membership begins from £12.50 per year for children from 4 to 12-years-old, with family passes starting at £65 (2 adults + 3 children), with benefits including admission to Raby Castle, the Deer Park and High Force Waterfall and 10% off at the Yurt Café and High Force Hotel. A Plotters’ Forest adventure playground extension is available.

This Castle will be open for the season from 1^st March to 29^th October. The Deer Park is open seven days a week, with admission included in a Castle ticket. Tickets for the Plotters’ Forest are sold separately.

To purchase your ticket 

[1] The full carriage collection is not on public display

Under the Microscope: A look at Lady Anne Monson ‘Remarkable Lady Botanist’

Daughter of Henry Vane, 1^st Earl of Darlington and Lady Grace Fitzroy, grandchild of Charles II, Lady Anne Vane was born in 1726 and grew up at Raby Castle. During her childhood, the Raby Castle walled gardens were being developed and interesting botanical books could be found in the collection, such as this example from 1734. These events could have paved the way for a life which was later guided by a passion for plants.

Anne had a controversial start to her adult life. In 1746, she married Charles Hope-Vere and the couple had two sons before the marriage was dissolved by Act of Parliament in 1757, due to the birth of an illegitimate child while Hope-Vere was away travelling. Later in 1757, she married Colonel George Monson. Her new husband’s career was with the Indian military, meaning she could travel away from the scandal in England, and eventually found herself in Calcutta.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘Growing’ Influence

Aside from Anne’s personal life, her time was devoted to botany and the study of plants. She developed an influential name for herself in botanic circles, recognised for her expertise at the time by famed Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus, who Anne also greatly admired.

Her contemporaries credit Lady Anne for assisting James Lee (a celebrated Scottish gardener) in translating Linnaeus’s Philosophia botanica, the first work to explain the botanical terminology he used to English readers. Published under Lee’s name in 1760 with the title ‘Introduction to Botany’, he credits an anonymous helper in the preface to the book…

‘[Lee] …would readily acknowledge the obligations to those who have kindly helped him in this Undertaking; but as some injunctions Oblige him to be silent on this Head, he must content himself with having said this much to clear himself from any Imputation of Presumption or Arrogance.’

Anne interacted with many other notable botanists during her travels. One was C. P. Thunberg, a pupil of Linnaeus, who she met when visiting the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, en route to Calcutta. Anne collected and recorded specimens, sending samples back to Kew Gardens in London. One specimen Linnaeus went on to name after Anne; the Monsonia speciosa.

Both Anne and her husband died in 1776, just two years after arriving in Calcutta. There was great respect in the field of botany for Anne; upon hearing of her death, John Kennedy wrote

‘Her enthusiasm knew no bounds, and [her] liberal and fostering hand contributed more, perhaps, than any of her contemporaries, by her encouragement and example to the then incipient but not so prevailing taste for the study of botany.’

Sisters in Science

Clas Alströmer, another follower of Lianneus, wrote in 1764 that Anne had made greater progress in botanical science than any other woman,

‘Not superficially- that is common with this sex- but in a close and profound way.’

This could be the reason why in 1762, Anne was possibly one of the first two women to be admitted to the British Museum reading room, a hub for researchers, which contained collections now held in the Science Museum and Natural History Museum. The other woman was her sister, Lady Mary Carr. Lady Mary also grew up at Raby Castle and was the younger sister of Anne.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This proves even more interesting when we look closer at two paintings we have recently re-examined at Raby Castle. These 18^th century landscapes depict the River Wear around Finchale Abbey and Cocken Hall, which was where Lady Mary Carr lived after she married. On closer inspection, the paintings include two women; one holding a telescope, the other digging for specimens with a potted plant to one side, leading us to wonder who these two women represent…

If this blog left you curious to learn more, we are holding a Women of Raby readings event on Wednesday 8^th March to celebrate International Women’s Day. Spend an evening discovering more about Anne Monson- including hearing a section from a rather interesting letter written about her by Linnaeus himself!- and other innovative and creative women who have lived at Raby Castle.

March will also see a return of our hugely popular Women of Raby behind the scenes tours. For further information and to book tickets, please follow take a look at our what’s on page www.raby.co.uk/whatson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ready to try out a new recipe with the finest Raby venison

Prep Time 30 min

Cook Time    8hours

Serves 6

Ingredients

Venison Dice 800g
Smoked bacon Lardons 200g
Plain Flour 75g (swap to gluten-free flour if preferred!)
Salt 1/2 teaspoon
Black Pepper ¼ teaspoon
Oil 2 tablespoons
Red Onion (chopped) 1
Carrots (chopped) 2
Celery Stalks (chopped) 2
Garlic (crushed) 1 tablespoon.
Cloves 2
Cinnamon Stick 1
Red Wine 125ml
Sugar 1 teaspoon
Thyme 1 teaspoon
Tinned chopped Tomato 800 grams.
Tomato Paste 20g
Bay Leaf 1
Chicken Stock 125ml
Dried Thyme 1/2 teaspoon
Dried Basil 1/2 teaspoon
Dried Parsley 1/2 teaspoon
Dried Rosemary 1/2 teaspoon
Dried Porcini Mushrooms 10g

Note If you would prefer to use Fresh Herbs instead of dried, please do.

Method

 

1. Cover the porcini with boiling kettle water and leave to rehydrate.
2. Season the Venison Dice with sea salt and black pepper, roll in flour then brown them in a In a frying pan with a little oil over a medium heat, turning until well coloured all over. Remove from pan and place into slow cooker.
3. Slice the smoked bacon lardons. Peel the celery, onions, and carrots, then chop into rough 1cm dice. Add to the hot frying and colour slightly, then add to slow cooker.
4. In a pestle and mortar, crush the cloves with 1 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, then pound.
5. Add to slow cooker all the other ingredients, stir together. Place lid onto slow cooker and cook on a low heat for 8 hours.
6. Season to taste, serve with freshly cooked pasta, with sprinkling of fresh parsley.

 

Recipe by Estate Chef Tom Parry

For Chinese New Year 2023, we’re celebrating a collaboration between Raby Castle and two Postgraduate students from the University of Durham. Beini Wu and Lingqiao Zhang were on a Museum and Artefact Studies course, and as part of their placement at Raby, built on our understanding of the history and culture surrounding our Chinese porcelain collection.

 A tradition of collecting

Historically, the British nobility has a long tradition of collecting. With financial backing, antiquities and artworks came to Britain from all over the world, and these items became a symbol of status and taste.

The popularity of the Chinese style in Britain reached a peak in the mid-18^th century. These products were seen as exotic and intriguing, representing both a new stimulus and an ancient civilization. Europeans also used East Asian elements in their own creations: Dutch Delft Blue pottery and German Meissen both replicated Chinese porcelain, and the imitation of lacquer finish and concept of ‘japanning’ were popular in furniture designs.

Raby and China

Raby Castle has a rich collection of Chinese and Japanese artefacts, ranging from porcelain to furniture and furnishings, and from Chinese and Japanese exports to British imitations. The earliest pieces can be traced back to porcelain made in the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty (late 17^th to early 18^th century.) The latest ones include contemporary work made by a young artist from Jingdezhen, China in 2017.

The collection is mostly export porcelain, including Blanc de Chine (white Chinese porcelain), Blue and White, Famille Vert (Chinese porcelain with green as the dominant colour) and Famille Rose (Chinese porcelain with pink colour enamel). Most export porcelain of the Qing dynasty was produced in the province Guangdong, or sent to Guangdong for colouring, and were catered to the taste of Western collectors at the time.

The ‘Chinese porcelain’ collection at Raby Castle, especially those from the 17th and 18th centuries, are a combination of Chinese, Japanese, and Western aesthetic elements. The pieces below highlight the collection at Raby Castle and explore the owners’ fascination with Chinese and Japanese art and styles, from the Vane family to the present day.

Highlights of the collection

Pulteney crested plates

Produced in 1720, these unassuming Armorial dishes are some of the oldest Chinese pieces in the collection. Armorial ware, or heraldic china, are ceramics decorated with a coat of arms. The ones at Raby bear the arms of the Pulteney family, whose vast fortune was inherited by the Vanes through marriage. The plates were originally hung in Bath House, the London home of the Earls of Bath, before being inherited and brought to Raby by William Harry, 3rd Earl of Darlington (later the 1^st Duke of Cleveland) in 1807.

Armorial porcelain was first produced in the 16th century and was a key export. The UK alone imported more than 4,000 different styles of Armorial Porcelain from China. These were specially commissioned by individuals and families, and exporters would specify in detail the varieties, wares and size required.

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Pagodas

The pagoda was originally a stone or brick structure designed to store Buddhist relics and sutras (canonical scriptures). Upon the spread of Buddhism into China, these were combined with traditional wooden pavilions and developed into a large structure visitors could walk around. Bells were often hung from the eaves of the pagoda, clearing the mind and driving away evil… and more practically being used to deter birds.

These two hexagonal porcelain pagodas were specially made for export. A set was first ordered from China by the Prince of Wales (later Prince Regent and George IV) between 1803 and 1804, and there are still six of them in the Royal Pavilion in Brighton.

The pair at Raby Castle have eight storeys, with real and false doors on each. The body is in blue and white, while the base is famille rose. They are similar to the two smaller pagodas in the Royal Pavilion, and were probably made at the same time.

The fish-shaped component on the corner of the pagoda is a mythical Chinese animal ‘chiwen,’ who had a dragon’s head and a fish’s tail. Most traditional Chinese buildings are wooden, so images of fish and dragons were a symbol of protection against fire.

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Blue and white porcelain

In blue and white porcelain, cobalt oxide is used as the raw material for decoration, which is then covered with a transparent glaze and fired over a high-temperature reduction flame. The cobalt is a vivid blue after firing. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, blue and white became the mainstream porcelain.

Raby’s barrel-shaped porcelain stool- originally used for sitting outdoors- is painted with a pattern of lions playing with balls. The various motifs on Chinese porcelain and furniture are not only decorative, but have different auspicious meanings. The lion pattern is symbolic of good fortune and good weather. As a result, lion dances have been performed at major festivals throughout China’s history. This custom was represented in paper-cutting, stone and wood carvings, and was first used in ceramics during the Song dynasty (960-1276).

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Meissen Birds

The transfer of Chinese porcelain to the West not only influenced artistic styles, but also brought with it Chinese ceramic production techniques.

In the early 18th century, a French missionary shared information about the art of glazing and firing in Jingdezhen (known as the ‘Porcelain Capital’) to Europe, greatly enlightening the European porcelain industry. In 1708, Europeans also discovered kaolin- a type of clay used for porcelain. In 1710, Meissen porcelain was successfully produced, signifying the birth of Europe’s first porcelain factory. The white porcelain animals in Baron’s Hall are some of Meissen’s earlier works.

When producing the large Pelican, the modeller faced a variety of technical challenges. All five existing copies have several fire cracks on the bottom edge of the walling. The bird is seen sitting with its’ head tilted to rest on its back; the posture was partly for practical reasons, with the body being used to support the weight of the pelican’s head.

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Contemporary pieces

Raby’s love of the Chinese style continues to this day. In the entrance corridor are two pieces recently purchased by the current owners, one of which is a large begonia bowl from China. The inscription on the bowl indicates that its name is ‘Fresh lotus,’ and was made in Jingdezhen by Fang Nan in Ding You (2017). Ding You is a year in the sixty-year cycle of traditional Chinese chronology.

Fang Nan, formerly known as Ning Fengying, was born in 1979 in Jingdezhen into a family of ceramicists. She studied high-temperature kiln-glaze painting with her father as a child and has continued to innovate over the past thirty years, specializing in colour glazes.

The begonia bowl was popular mainly from the late Tang to the Southern Song dynasties in China (about 750-1280) and was named after its’ four-petal mouth, which was shaped like a begonia flower. The lotus flower is a common subject in traditional Chinese painting and has been loved by literati (Chinese scholar-officials) throughout the ages for its ‘undefiled’ character. The piece combines modern ink painting techniques with traditional porcelain styles.

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See if you can spot our Chinese porcelain dotted around the castle when we re-open on 1^st March 2023.

Raby Castle and Estate, in the heart of County Durham is supporting the expertise of local contractors in all areas of its five-year renovation scheme known as The Rising, as well as across the Estate’s agricultural enterprises.

The Rising, which began its works in 2021 will see the restoration and modernisation of several historic buildings, plus the creation of a café and thoughtfully designed visitor centre, retail and event spaces as well as surrounding landscaped areas.

Working with local contractors is the sign of positive things to come at Raby Castle and Estate, says CEO Duncan Peake, “We want to invest in our community, securing and enhancing skills that have been used on the Estate for hundreds of years. When searching for the right teams for The Rising project, we didn’t have to look far to find highly skilled contractors, who understood our development ethos.”

As part of the development, North Yorkshire landscape designer Alistair Baldwin has been entrusted with creating the new landscaped areas surrounding the historical buildings, whilst the 18^th century walled gardens are being restored and rejuvenated under the guiding eye of Lady Barnard, with Raby Castle’s head gardener, Tim Marshall overseeing the transformation.

The first part of the walled garden’s transformation begins with the East Garden, and local landscape specialists Trevor Atkinson has been contracted to undertake the works, which have already commenced, including building beds in the northern part of the garden, constructing supporting walls and commencing work on the groundworks for the grass amphitheatre.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Working with Raby Estates on The Rising development is an important contract for Trevor Atkinson,” says company director Richard Atkinson. “Not only do a large proportion of our employees live in the locality, such as Barnard Castle and Staindrop, it is also a huge honour to be part of the future of our local estate. We know this area extremely well so are able to bring a unique level of local knowledge to the project.”

Trevor Atkinson has been working with Raby since the inception of the five-year programme, having been initially contracted to build the new car park, which joins The Plotters Forest Adventure Playground to The Rising site.

“We pride ourselves on our expertise across all sectors of ground works, including civil works and landscaping. My father started the business within the agricultural sector, and we have built it to have the capacity and skills to undertake large, prestigious projects, of which Raby now leads the charge.”

Trevor Atkinson’s landscaping expertise can be seen across the UK, most notably at Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, where its team worked on the well-known Grand Cascade, and surrounding ground works.

Like Trevor Atkinson, bespoke steel manufacturers, Middleton Forge, have been operating at the Estate since the inception of the five-year programme, fabricating and installing fencing, gates and cattle grids. They have also produced the bespoke steel elements for the recent Dutch Barn and walled garden renovations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With a forestry operation of over 3,200 acres, the Estate invests in an environmentally secure enterprise, turning to local company Low Impact Forestry, to assist the internal team.

Formed in Richmond in 2019, Michael Tyson’s multi award-winning company utilises specialist forestry equipment to manage woodland and timber extraction, in an environmentally sensitive manner, leaving as small a footprint as possible. The majority of the product is used by the Estate as biomass fuel or firewood, keeping the carbon impact extremely low.

“Locality is so important to us as a company, and it is refreshing to work with a client like Raby who champion the same ethos”, comments Michael Tyson.

“Trevor Atkinson, Middleton Forge and Low Impact Forestry bring a unique skillset to our working practices,” continues Duncan, “We look forward to a rewarding future relationship”.

The renovation and development of The Rising is an important part of a progressive Estate-wide five-year plan, bringing together a programme of conservation, restoration and upgrades to historic buildings, such as Gainford Hall, Raby Castle Park & Gardens, Unthank, Spring Hill Cottage, The Scar Farm, Bowlees Farm, Beck Foot Farm and the recently completed Hilton Hall.

For more information about The Rising, visit: www.raby.co.uk/about-us/development/

Produced by the Northern Echo in association with Durham County Council

Duncan  Peake, chief executive of Raby Estates and a director on the board of Durham County Council’s destination management organisation Visit County Durham, talks to PETER BARRON about the importance of investing in the visitor economy

MAGNIFICENT amid the tranquillity of a 200-acre deer park, Raby Castle dates back to the 14th century and yet it stands as an impressive symbol of how County Durham is looking to the future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Raby Castle site is entering an exciting new era thanks to significant investment by Lord and Lady Barnard to enhance the visitor experience. The Plotters Forest adventure playground opened earlier this year, and that will be followed by the opening of the multi-million pound ‘Rising’ development in 2024.

The Rising will restore and preserve historic buildings within the park and gardens, bringing them back to life as contemporary spaces for events and exhibitions, along with a redesigned walled garden, new dining and retail experiences, and visitor information hub.

The development is deeply rooted in history with the restoration and re-use of heritage buildings within Raby Castle at its heart. The term ‘Rising’ was inspired by The Rising of the North, a Tudor Plot, in which the Neville family of Raby Castle played a central part. It also reflects its wider meaning of positivity, growth and improvement. Yet another example of County Durham successfully linking its history and heritage with the future.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the success of Plotters Forest as the first phase of The Rising – and that’s just the start,” says Duncan.

Lord and Lady Barnard took over the Raby Estate in 2016, with Duncan joining shortly afterwards, bringing a wealth of experience in developing some of the UK’s foremost landed estate businesses.

“Every penny we generate is reinvested into the estate and the local economy,” Duncan explains. “Lord and Lady Barnard’s view is that if we make the fascinating heritage and safe spaces here more accessible, it makes us more relevant to people’s lives and makes Raby more secure as a business.”

Raby Estates also contributes extensively to the community and rural economy. For example, together with the county council-led Digital Durham programme, it has been the driving force behind efforts to bring high connectivity broadband to Upper Teesdale, benefiting both businesses and households.

Gigabit capability is now being rolled out up beyond the famous High Force waterfall, another spectacular feature of Raby Estates, and into Forest-in-Teesdale and Harwood. The improved connectivity will also make a huge difference to businesses such as the newly refurbished Langdon Beck Hotel.

“The more remote communities are, the more reliant they are on decent connectivity,” says Duncan. “So much education resource is now online, and so is a lot of farming and business communication, so it’s vital that the area has the same connectivity that people further down the dale have enjoyed for some time.”

Durham County Council leader, Councillor Amanda Hopgood, is committed to tourism playing a “vital role” in the county’s Inclusive Economic Strategy, which is currently being finalised. “County Durham has something for everyone – glorious countryside, a magnificent coastline, and world-class attractions – with Visit County Durham doing a brilliant job in showcasing our unique offer,” she says.

The county’s latest tourism figures are certainly encouraging. Despite 2021 beginning with a four-month lockdown, Durham welcomed 15.7 million visitors, an increase of 38.5 per cent on 2020. Visitor spend also increased by 63 per cent to £826.68m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Visit County Durham, the wider council and its partners support tourism businesses with a range of initiatives, including marketing, product development, research, quality improvements, routes to market, and training, and Duncan describes it as “one of the most effective destination management organisations in the country”.

Given his nationwide track record, that’s praise indeed, and he goes on to say: “The cultural offer in County Durham has been underestimated for far too long, but it’s equal to anything in the country when you consider the likes of Durham City, the Durham Dales, the coastline, and attractions like Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, The Auckland Project, The Bowes Museum, and, of course, Raby!

“Visit County Durham is critical in getting the message out to local, national and international consumers that County Durham should be on their list of places to visit. The county attracts lots of day visitors, but we need to attract more people who stay longer, and there’s not enough bed space, so that has to be addressed.

“Potential inward investors should also be aware that in Durham County Council we have a local authority that has an ambitious vision for regeneration and growth. They want to make things happen for investors, so it’s perhaps easier to invest here in County Durham than elsewhere.”

Having supported businesses throughout the pandemic, Visit County Durham now faces the fresh challenge of the cost-of-living crisis. The swift response has been to promote free, low-cost and value for money activities through its ‘Budget Friendly Days Out’ campaign.

It is also attracting visitors into the county through its ‘Memorable Moments’ campaign, which is based around five key themes – family breaks, heritage, the outdoors, culture and food and drink – and is supported by a host of Durham’s biggest attractions.

Visit County Durham is also exploring the increased opportunities within the international market resulting from the uncertain economic climate, with the weak pound making the UK a more appealing holiday destination for tourists from the United States, for example.

At the same time, new tourism products are being developed, such as the Northern Saints Trails, which are expected to attract 85,000 visitors annually between 2022 and 2025, generating a £4.7m yearly visitor spend.

Recruitment is another issue the sector is facing and Visit County Durham is working with further education colleges to address skills gaps and to promote careers in travel and tourism.

It is an area Duncan is especially passionate about, given that it was the career path he chose. He is proud that Raby Estates now employs 105 permanent people plus seasonal employees – nearly double the number six years ago – and there is a strong emphasis on skills development.

“We’re working closely with colleges, we have our own internal leadership programme, and we’re employing apprentices across the estate. Businesses have to develop young people, we can’t just rely on educational establishments and say it’s their problem.”

As the chief executive of a land-based business, sustainability – the theme of the Visit County Durham conference in November – is also high on his agenda.

“It’s a massive issue for us, whether it’s the management of our soils, planting trees, the restoration of peatlands, or promotion of regenerative farming techniques, and it has to be a greater priority for business across every sector because customers will demand it.”

For Duncan Peake, it’s about treasuring the past and making the most of the present, while plotting a sustainable future in which more people grow to love County Durham.

• To find out more about Visit County Durham, go to www.visitcountydurham.org
• To find out more about Raby Estates, go to: www.raby.co.uk

WORKING TOGETHER FOR THE BENEFIT OF All

SANDRA Whitefield is the co-owner of the award-winning Low Urpeth Farm Self-Catering Cottages in Ouston, near Beamish.

“As a Visit County Durham board director, I am a firm believer in the importance of destination management organisations, especially when it comes to supporting small independent businesses.

“In the wake of the pandemic and with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, this support is more important than ever before.

“Visit County Durham is a partnership organisation within Durham County Council, made up of tourism businesses from across the sector, including visitor attractions, hotels, restaurants and more.

“Around 30 per cent of our partners run self-catering cottages, hostels, inns, bed and breakfasts and guest houses, which demonstrates the major role we play in County Durham’s visitor economy.

“We are all unique and this in turn provides more choice for visitors.

“And while there is an element of competition, we are united in our desire to develop County Durham as a destination.

“At Visit County Durham, we work together for the benefit of all. Whether that be through national and international marketing campaigns or hosting training sessions and conferences on topical issues.

“We also connect businesses with the skills and materials needed locally. At Low Urpeth, for example, we provide guests with Durham Coffee, South Durham Honey and treats from La Chocolatrice. It’s about ensuring the money we spend stays in County Durham.”

Sometimes the simplest things are the most rewarding: a walk through wintry landscapes, meeting friends old and new, flushed cheeks – and maybe even a hot freshly ground coffee at the end of it.

Introducing Social Sundays: a celebration of the simple things in life. Every Sunday in January and February, one of our friendly volunteers will be leading a walk through Raby’s Deer Park or around High Force waterfall. There’s no better way to discover our lush parkland and stunning landmarks than on foot, so wrap up warm and join us for an informal, accessible 45 minute walk with a group of like-minded people.

Come solo, bring your family or a friend (four-legged varieties on leads welcome, too) – the more, the merrier.

Social Sundays at Raby Castle Deer Park – Sunday 5th and 19th February starting at the horsebox ticket booth at 10am

 A walk-and-talk around Raby’s Deer Park is the ideal way to get your nature fix: think acres of ancient parkland, grazing deer and a backdrop featuring one of England’s finest medieval castles. Our friendly volunteer guide will be able to answer all of your Raby questions – and afterwards, feel free to pop into the Yurt Café for a coffee, sandwich or pastry, or browse in the Stables Shop.

 BOOK HERE

Social Sundays at High Force Waterfall – Sunday 12th and 26th February starting at High Force Hotel at 10:30am

Or perhaps you’d like to discover one of England’s most impressive waterfalls? At High Force, experience the drama and power of a 21-metre cascade of white water tumbling into a gorge, with one of our knowledgeable volunteers leading the way. Afterwards, head back to High Force Hotel and cosy up by the open fires to enjoy a hot drink – included in the ticket price – and a bite to eat if you fancy it. You might even be tempted to stay for Sunday lunch… prebooking is advised please call 01833 622336

For Raby Members, tickets are just £2.70, and £5 for non- Raby Membership Holders.

BOOK HERE

Let’s blow those winter blues away for good.

Looking forward to welcoming you.