Families are invited to kick off the new year with a winter wonderland treat that offers a chance to explore a stunning castle deer park while helping to raise money for a good cause.
The annual New Year's Day event at Raby Castle is this year out to raise money for the charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People which is expected to attract families keen to bring along their own four-legged friends for a post-festive blast of fresh air and exercise. The charity walk will be a chance to take in the picturesque surroundings of the 14th Century County Durham castle - where both red and fallow deer roam the parkland - during the special opening.
Read more: Four North East beauty spots feature in UK list of top 10 locations for winter walks
In addition, The Plotters’ Forest adventure attraction there also will be open for the occasion, with discounted tickets on offer to those taking part in the charity walk. Sophie Brown, the castle's events manager, said: “Our annual New Year’s Day walks here at Raby are always a popular event with locals and visiting guests enjoying a winter walk.
“Not only can people enjoy the incredible scenery across our park but they can do so knowing that they are helping a worthwhile cause – it's a really great incentive and a truly fantastic way to begin 2023."
The park will be open between 10am and 4pm especially for the event and, while there's no entry fee for the walk, people are encouraged to make donations to the charity volunteers who will be on-site throughout the day.
Hearing Dogs for Deaf People is a national charity which matches thousands of dogs with deaf people, helping to change their lives. It celebrated its 40-year anniversary in 2022 and currently has more than 1,100 'hearing dog partnerships' across the UK.
Money raised from donations will help pay for its vital work, carried out by a voluntary workforce of over 3,000 people. A spokesperson said the charity is delighted to have the castle's support, which will help to raise awareness of its role, and added: "The New Year’s Day walk is sure to be a lot of fun for the whole family and four-legged friends.
"Anyone who attends will be helping change deaf people’s lives.” Visitors on the day also will be able to learn more about how the dogs transform lives.
Those with pets should bring their dogs along on a lead. Alternatively they can choose to join a free dog walk at 11.30am in the Hunters Yard. Tickets for The Plotters’ Forest Festive Trail - which has transformed the adventure area with lights, a candy cane lane, snowman avenue and reindeer forest for the season - will be available at discounted rate of £5 on a first-come, first served basis: see here.
The Plotters’ Forest also will be open the following day, January 2 which is also a Bank Holiday, but at the normal price. And from then until January 31, any visitor buying a Deer Park ticket can have unlimited free entry for the rest of the month.
A similar deal applies to the neighbouring High Force waterfall. For more information about Raby Castle, near Staindrop, see here and for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People see here.
Read Next
