After a leisurely breakfast, we make the short journey to Auckland Castle. This proud home of the Bishops of Durham stands as one of the best-preserved Bishops’ Palaces in Europe. Over the last decade, the site has undertaken major renovation work to bring the castle back to its former splendour. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the castle, with staterooms designed to tell the history and story of the Bishops that lived here. Outside in the grounds, there is a 17th-century walled garden to explore.
This afternoon we head to Raby Castle. Raby is without doubt one of the most impressive intact castles in the North of England. Built in the 14th century by the powerful Neville family, it has a long and turbulent history. Home to Cecily Neville, mother of two kings of England, it was also the scene of the plotting of the Rising of the North and a Parliamentary stronghold during the Civil War.
The approach to the castle is particularly beautiful as its towers appear and disappear amongst the trees of the surrounding parkland with its ornamental lakes and herds of deer. The exterior with medieval towers, terrace and embattled walls dates back to the 11th Century.
Behind its powerful fortifications, Raby Castle is a family home with many Medieval, Regency and Victorian interiors. Visitors to Raby can experience the Blue Bedroom, designed for very important visitors to the Castle in the 19th Century and the head housekeeper’s bedroom which is starkly furnished with a couple of ornaments and a wardrobe. Other 18th and 19th century rooms to experience are the small Drawing Room, library and Ante-Library.
The spectacular Octagon Drawing Room is a most-rare survivor of an 1840’s room, with meticulously restored decoration. And not forgetting the kitchen, built in 1360, which is still almost completely in its original medieval form.
