Plot a route to new play area TREETOP PLAYGROUND OPEN FOR EASTER HOLIDAYS
FIRST pictures looking around the enchanting treetop playground at Raby Castle, near Staindrop, County Durham, have been revealed before the forest opens to families.
Amongst the castle’s Christmas tree plantation, the towering playground offers panoramic views of the parkland and gives families the chance to experience sky-high turrets and treetop tunnels in the Plotters’ Spire.
The new playground, named The Plotters’ Forest, will open to the public on Friday, April 15, in time for the Easter holidays.
Inspired by its own past and the part the castle played in The Rising of the North in the 1569, the playground has also been designed with some of Raby Castle’s architectural history, including the famous Nevill Gateway, in mind.
There is also a new catering kiosk, The Plotters’ Pantry, serving takeaway hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, snacks, cake and ice cream.
The kiosk overlooks the toddlers’ play area, which includes mini turrets, climbing equipment and chalkboards.
The wooden boardwalk through the playground is accessible by wheelchair and pushchair, creating a fun and inclusive space for all of Raby’s visitors. Speaking of the motivation behind the project, Raby Estate’s owners, Lord and Lady Barnard, said: “Creating The Plotters’ Forest has been a dream of ours for years and is inspired by our own experiences as a family, when our own children were young.
“We’ve taken special care to ensure the playground blends into the forested area where it’s located, by using complementary textures, colours and sustainable materials. We believe that building a relationship with the outdoors inspires children to be resilient, curious and courageous – all qualities found in Raby Castle’s plotters of the past.”
Claire Jones, project director and Head of Leisure and Tourism at Raby Estates, said: “The opening of The Plotters’ Forest is a huge step for Raby Castle, marking a new chapter in the much-loved attraction’s history.
“It is also the first important milestone in The Rising development, which will attract new visitors to the area and create outstanding recreation for the local community.”
The Rising project will include the significant restoration and renovation of several historical buildings on the estate, the creation of a new cafe and events space, as well as a new visitor hub and landscaped areas. The wider site will launch in Summer 2023.
“With visitors able to purchase tickets that include The Plotters’ Forest, the deer park and castle, we hope it’s a well-rounded offering with something for all family members to enjoy,” Claire added.
The Plotters’ Forest will open to the public on Good Friday, April 15, with tickets now on sale from the Raby Castle website: https://www.raby.co.uk/ raby-castle/play/