A 900-year-old County Durham castle is preparing to celebrate its first Christmas in four years.
Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland, is re-opening in November as part of The Auckland Project visitor destination, following an extensive conservation programme that began in autumn 2016.
To mark the occasion, the former home of the Prince Bishops of Durham is offering visitors the chance to join in the festivities with Christmas food and carols.
Christmas Afternoon Teas will be served in the newly conserved Old Library, formerly known as the Library Tearoom, on Friday 13, Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December and must be booked in advance.
On arrival, guests will be welcomed with prosecco, served alongside a selection of canapés, including vol-au-vents with hot smoked trout and local game sausage roll with homemade piccalilli.
This will be followed by a variety of freshly made sandwiches, including Weardale brie with homemade chutney and festive turkey with chestnut stuffing and then finished with a trio of decadent desserts, including a choux bun with Christmas pudding mousse.
There will also be traditional fresh scones, served with cream and jam, made using fruits from the Castle’s own 17th century Walled Garden, as well as a pot of speciality tea per person.
Now part of The Auckland Project visitor destination, all of the treats on offer at Auckland Castle will be made by the Project’s specialist Catering Team, who work closely with local farmers and suppliers to source seasonal ingredients and utilise some of the North East’s finest produce.
On Saturday, 14 December, the annual Christmas Carol Service returns to Auckland Castle’s St Peter’s Chapel, delivered by Reverend Denise Dodds, Chaplain to the Bishop of Durham.
Recognised as one of the largest private chapels in Europe, St Peter’s will be filled with the voices of The Durham Singers choir, with visitors also invited to join in the traditional carols and hymns.
To make a reservation for Auckland Castle’s Christmas Afternoon Tea or Christmas Carol Service, email, bookings@aucklandproject.org or alternatively, call 01388 743 797. For more information on the events, visit aucklandproject.org/whats-on
