THE TEESDALE MERCURY Wednesday, 14th June, 200C / j hat H I advertisement FEATURE

Magnificent Raby , an insight to life throughout the ages Raby Castle, on the outskirts of Meissen birds which are part of , is without doubt one a beautiful porcelain collection, of the most impressive mediae- The family pictures, collections val in . But and continental furniture are underneath this magnificent, on show and the principal powerful exterior, beautiful rooms remain fine examples of paintings, fine furniture, the type of grand interior popu­ sumptuous furnishings and lar at the turn of the 18th and elaborate architecture can be 19th centuries. found. It was built mainly in The history of Raby Castle is the 14th century by the power- enthralling. Cecily Rose of ful Nevill family on the site of Raby was mother of King an earlier manor house. They Richard III and Edward IV. continued to live at Raby until Some of the most inspired and 1569, when the Castle and its famous architects and design­ lands were forfeited to the ers have worked at the Castle, Crown, following their involve- leaving their mark in history, ment in the ill-fated Rising of The only way to appreciate the the North in support of Mary scale, beauty and grandeur of Queen of Scots. Raby Estate the Castle is to come and expe­ has been owned by Lord rience it first hand. Barnard’s family since 1626, Raby Castle is set in the when it was bought by his heart of a delightful Estate ancestor, Sir Henry Vane the with a deer park, where over Elder, Member of Parliament 400 red and fallow deer graze, and important member of lakes and Victorian walled gar­ Charles I’s household, as his dens. The gardens at Raby are Governor and then later his a joy throughout the summer. Treasurer. Since 1131 only two The team of gardeners dedicate families, the Nevills and the themselves to ensure that Vanes, have owned the Raby there is something to appreci­ Estate. ate throughout the season. The Ibday, Raby Castle, home of beautiful, historic gardens the 11th Lord Barnard wel­ have formal lawns, ornamental comes thousands of visitors pond and rose gardens which each year. Visitors are capti­ are bound by grand yew hedges vated by the historic splendour that date back to 1751. In 1786 of Raby Castle. In the miracu- an ancient fig tree, the White lously well-preserved halls and Ischia’ was brought to Raby by chambers, history comes the 3rd Earl of Darlington. It Aerial view of Raby Castle vibrantly to life. The contrast- still survives today in its spe- Mecca? z Lotdot available. The Gift Shop, also how to grow and look after Bolero. It was a night to begin the descent down the Estate than tourism; the pri­ ing rooms of Raby give an daily built house and bears in the Coach Houses, has a these delicate plants. The remember. The Family Fun gentle slope the well main­ mary and historical enterprises insight to life throughout the fruit annually. Plants from the wide selection of wares ideal British Orchid Growers Day followed on Sunday, where tained path twists and turns are much more land based. The LeshenvearBrom for momentoes, presents or Association held demonstra­ the Century Radio Road Show giving a different view every Estate has a renowned Game Alexander 2 simply a treat for yourself. The tions, which featured tips on entertained the visitors in few yards. The muffled rumble Department in both Upper and Tearoom and Gift Shop are in a dividing and repotting. their hundreds. Highlights of Lower Teesdale. Conservation A paragraph beautiful location in the Growers could even bring their the day included the Royal is paramount on the Estate. It Jhe coiour sector* grounds of Raby Park. Marine Commando’s daring is full of riches of flora and lioa a s prepared an microlite display, the BSJA fauna which have largely sur­ stance The four pai teen produced te w Take a Taste of Tees dale show jumping competition and vived the advances of civilisa­ tat te ponces fan H o m e craft fair. tion. Upper Teesdale remains text) is mentioned You can also take a taste of The most exciting event to one of the most unspoilt dales feature had been Teesdale home when visiting date is the high-profile concert in the country. The Raby Rather ta r scrap tf copies ve let I star Raby Castle and High Force. of Sir Elton John. He will be Estate works in conjunction aoiogtse to readers The Gift Shops sell produce visiting Raby Castle on with English Nature, the r r . ris one paracrac from the Raby Estate. The beef Saturday, 29th July where his RSPB and the Game and lamb on sale is reared on s 3 m audience will share an inti­ Conservancy to protect some of ! PUBLIC NO' Raby Castle the Estate land in Upper mate evening in the stunning the rarest species. The most Teesdale, within the Pennine surroundings as he presents well-known rare plant on the TEESDAI The Raby Gardens ages. The grandest mediaeval gardens are on sale to the pub­ Dale’s Environmentally many of his best-loved songs. Raby Estate is the Spring DiSTRiCI CO kitchen in England is here. It is lic throughout the season. Sensitive Area. Wild Game and The outdoor concert will be Gentian, locally known as the THE DISTRICT C one of the most remarkable Beyond the gardens there is Venison, which are produce of The Baron s Hall staged in a specially created suddenly turns to a roar and Blue Gentian. There are many rooms at Raby, for it remains the 18th century Coach House far TIHTTtjtQ the Estate’s lowland, are also all-seater stadium where he the sight astounds you. High birds in Upper Teesdale such Town u d Countn I almost untouched, showing its which now accommodates the available. These meats are of own plants along for the will play solo. It is just ‘one Force commands your respect. as peewits, curlews, pheasant, ml original mediaeval form. It was fascinating Coach and the highest standard and are of experts’ touch. The Show was man and his piano’. If you Its power is its beauty, but it red grouse and most rarely the Departo! built in 1360, and was in use Carriage Museum. The Raby exceptional quality and value. very popular and it is hoped would like to see Elton John at must be treated with care and black grouse. Raby Estate and T Conversion of fd Mifap id d« for the next 600 years until State Coach is amongst the Orders can be taken. that this will become an annu­ Raby Castle there are still tick­ children should be supervised the Game Conservancy assess, 1954. The Octagon Drawing fine examples of travel in erecttx cl al event at Raby Castle. The ets available. Credit Card at all times. High Force, set in monitor and protect the rare of rasa Room is breath-taking and is bygone days. In the Tack Room C h r is tm a s most recent events at Raby bookings can be taken on the England’s unspoilt North Black Grouse. c»aiooc So d o m by far the most luxurious of the wonder at the pristine harness­ People from across the North were the ‘Voyage 2000’, the 24 hour ticket hotline on 0870 Pennines with breathtaking rooms in the Castle. This es and trappings and view the of England visit Raby every classical music concert with 44 44 005. scenery, is open for enjoyment The Estate has over 2,600 PUmiug (Listed Mi sumptuous room, created in original livery worn by the year to buy presents from the fireworks in support of all year. The waterfall is spec­ acres of woodland and plants Areas). the style of a 17th century coachmen in Edwardian times. Gift Shop, the Estate’s meats, Butterwick Hospice and the H ig h F o rc e tacular throughout the sea­ around 40,000 conifer trees French Salon, is a most rare Pause for refreshment in the Statutory! freshly made wreaths and a Wear and Tees Crime High Force Waterfall is situ­ sons. Between Easter and the and 6,000 hardwood trees each /tohaoHratio survivor of a room from the Stable Tearooms and browse in freshly cut Christmas tree Prevention Group’s Family ated alongside the B6277, 4.5 end of October small charges year. At the same time the ^•qhoottafiitee 1840’s with unchanged decora­ the Gift Shop for souvenirs and from the Estate’s woodland. Fun Day. On the Saturday miles from Middleton-in- apply. Enjoy a relaxing lunch forestry department has to ^ roof a eater tions. It has an ornate gilt ceil­ gifts. night visitors sat back with Teesdale approximately 15 in the picnic area and visit the harvest areas of timber planted ing and magnificent red and Raby Events their picnics and enjoyed the minutes away from Raby gift shop with lovely mementos in past centuries. Timber is cut The Raby Park is an ideal Performing Arts Symphony Castle. From its rise as a trick­ that will remind you of your and treated at the Sawmill in - LaE^aioR ° f 3oo. fla setting for events in Teesdale. Orchestra perform a pro­ le, high on the heather covered visit to High Force. The gift Staindrop and used on the It is steadily compiling an gramme of classical and popu­ fells at the top of the North shop also sells meat from the Estate’s properties around the Ifc. 7 JMT id gl I impressive programme of lar music. Adagio from Pennines, to the top of the Raby Estate. dales. The timber is also sold at SCr— r_i_. events. There have already Sparticus, Yesterday from The whin sill rock at Forest-in- the Sawmill. Local builders, Ot'etopment with been several events at Raby Beatles and a selection from Teesdale, the River Tees steadi­ Holiday Cottages farmers and contractors can i pJtantaeArt this year. The successful Les Miserables and Phantom of ly grows and gathers pace. Raby Estate also has two buy fence posts, panelling, of COMB? Orchid Show 2000 was held in the Opera, to name but a few. High Force, England’s largest holiday cottages in Upper gates made to specification and May with hundreds of enthusi­ However, the highlight of the waterfall then suddenly and Teesdale. Frog Hall and Honey many other pieces of timber asts and visitors from all evening was the finale when spectacularly drops 70 feet into Pot Cottage are available all The Sawmill now also sells a * w m I >^Uri£c.LT-" around the Northern region. the sky was lit up with an the plunge pool below. The year and are ideal for those lov­ wide range of fencing wires, Visitors had the opportunity to array of dramatic and sensa­ woodland walk leads you to ing the countryside. Situated gate irons and other acces­ talk to orchid experts about tional fireworks to Ravel’s this spectacular sight. As you near Harwood, the cottages are sories. Prices are very competi­ in an ideal location for easy tive and give the locals the Opening Times / Admissions reach to some of Teesdale’s opportunity to buy products T eesdale Thge Mediaeval Kitchen remains almost untouched Raby Castle, Park and Gardens is an ideal day out for visitors to and locals most well known features such locally instead of travelling fur­ since it was built in 1360 alike. as Cow Green Reservoir, ther afield to the DIY ware­ It is open to the public on the following days: Cauldron Snout, High and Low houses. gold silks. Words cannot The Stable Tearoom and May and September: Wednesday and Sunday only Force, Gibson’s Cave and describe this elegant room. The Gift Shop at Raby Castle are Bowlees Visitors Centre. They Raby now have a new web­ UjCH Vj most magnificent of all, with now open on Saturdays, June, July and August: Daily except Saturday are simply but comfortably fur­ site which can be found on its breath-taking grandeur is 11.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Bank Holidays (including Easter): Saturday to Wednesday nished and will be undergoing www.rabycastle.com ■ejf the Baron’s Hall where 700 The enticing, newly decorat­ The Castle is open 1.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. a refurbishment programme For further information on knights gathered in 1569 to ed Tearooms, where the old Park and Gardens are open 11.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. later in the year. any of these issues please con­ plot the Rising of The North in stalls of the coach horses have KEN Hi Costs for the Castle Park and Gardens are: Adult £5, Child £2, 60+ £4. For the Park tact: Raby Estates Office, Had off support of Mary Queen of been incorporated to create a Raby Estate — other activi­ Staindrop, Darlington, Co. Scots. Ibday you can see the unique, comfortable setting and Gardens only the costs are: Adult £3, Child £2, 6+ £2. Family Tickets for Castle, tie s Durham, DL2 3NF. Tel. 01833 many treasures which include welcomes all. Light meals, Park and gardens are available at £12 (2 adults and up to 3 children). Season Tickets Although it is a key factor, 660207. Fax: 01833 660835. the priceless and renowned cream teas and snacks are are available for the Park and Gardens priced at Adult £12 and Child/60+ £10. there is much more to the e-mail: [email protected]