Work has begun on a new children's adventure playground in a forest on the grounds of a County Durham castle.
Nestled in woodland within the ground of Raby Castle in Staindrop, work started on the playground at the end of last year when the ground was broken by local children, Ryan Chidzey and Charlotte Hawke.
If the work is completed on schedule, the playground could be open by Easter 2022.
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The project is part of a wider two-year development known as the Rising, which includes restoration and renovation of several historical buildings on the Raby Castle Estate, as well as the creation of a new café and events space and the addition of a visitor hub.
It is hoped that the Rising will attract new visitors to the area, as well as creating 'outstanding' recreation for the local community.
The playground itself has three-storey play towers, high-level walkways, tunnels and climbing walls, as well as play trails and slides.
The Rising’s project director Claire Jones said: “This carefully considered, new addition to Raby Castle, has been inspired by the historical architectural elements within the castle such as The Neville Gateway, but also the many stories associated with the estate, particularly the Rising of The North.”
Lord Barnard said: “We have now entered the construction phase of this ambitious project, which will deliver wonderful spaces for families to enjoy and to further establish Raby Castle as a must-see visitor destination. This new playground will provide a truly magical space for children and families to enjoy.
“We have spent the last four years planning the development, which promises to put Raby Castle on the map for visitors to the area, as well as providing a beautiful place for the local community to enjoy, all year round.”
