Raby Castle, Seaham Harbour, and Durham Cathedral – The Gordon’s road trip (part one)

Naturally, I had Googled Raby Castle, and the closer we got to Staindrop, the more excited I became. After a couple of stops, I filled the drinking bottles with coffee and bridge rolls to eat on the way, as I refuse to pay for hot drinks and sandwiches.

The countryside and little villages were beautiful. We’d had rain the week before, so everything was green and lush. Eventually, we arrived at Raby Castle; the sun was shining, and the car park was filling up rapidly as it was Father’s Day, and there were loads of parents, children and dogs piling out.

Originally built in the 14th Century by the Nevilles, with Cecily Neville being the mother of Edward IV and Richard III. The Nevilles lost the castle after the failed Northern Rising when an attempt was made to put Mary Queen of Scots on the throne. Raby Castle was then taken into Royal custody until 1626, when Sir Henry Vane the Elder purchased it. Since then, it’s been owned by the Vanes. In fact, this family still live there and owns land “as far as the eye can see”.

We passed through the gates of Raby Castle’s gorgeous grounds. Following the hordes down to the restaurant, we walked around the grounds, passed the walled garden and into the castle’s entrance. Sadly, doggies aren’t allowed inside, so while I plonked myself on the grass with a book, drink and Rollo, Malcolm took himself for a tour of the inside and then we swapped over.

What a magnificent castle! So much art and furnishings, and knowledgeable and friendly volunteers. Don’t tell anyone, but in the guest bedroom, I hopped over the rope to examine the hip bath and commode alongside. I also discovered that, if the other side of the room was too far to walk, or your need was too urgent, you could just pull out the bottom drawer of the bedside table, and use a “gazunder” (a pot for night soil!).

I love houses (or castles) with second staircases, and Raby Castle even has a third. Wandering down the stone staircase to the servant’s scullery, the medieval kitchen was impressive – not to mention freezing. We could have spent all day there, but the chic gift shop beckoned, where I bought a perennial plant as a souvenir.