From October 24th, the Castle in Bishop Auckland will be playing host to five days of exhilarating Autumn Adventures, offering young people the chance to explore, engage with nature and try their hand at a host of exciting bush craft skills.
Activities on offer from Monday to Friday include den building, campfire cooking, scavenger hunts, pumpkin carving and woodland art, all led by a qualified Forest School Leader and suitable for ages six to 12.
Participants can join in on a day-to-day basis, or sign up for the entire five-day programme, but all bookings must be made by Friday 14 October.
On Wednesday (26 October) and Thursday (27 October), there will be additional arts and craft activities inside the Castle’s 17th Century St Peter’s Chapel, with family-friendly tours of the Grade 1 listed building also running daily at noon, 1pm and 2pm.
Auckland Castle’s adventures will resume outdoors on Friday (28 October) and Saturday (29 October), with Daisy Arts ‘All Hallows’ Walk’ running both evenings.
The riveting, 40-minute, family friendly, torch-lit trail will set off from the Castle every 15 minutes between 5.30pm and 7.45pm, with a guide leading groups through the parkland, where they will encounter performances inspired by fact and fiction and delivered by mischievous characters.
Ruth Chittenden, Auckland Castle’s Education Officer, said: “October half term is the perfect time for having an adventure, and Auckland Park offers endless opportunities to do just that.
“Our Autumn Adventures programme is ideal for older children, while youngsters of all ages can take part in our Chapel tours or All Hallows’ Walk, so there really is something for everyone.”
Auckland Castle’s Autumn Adventures are priced at £2 per day or £10 for the entire five-day programme. Booking must be made by October 14 by contacting call Auckland Castle’s Learning and Engagement Team on 01388 743 750 or education@aucklandcastle.org.
Participants are advised to dress for the great outdoors in warm, waterproof clothes and sturdy footwear and asked to bring extra layers and their own packed lunch.
Pre-booking is also required for the All Hallow’s Walk, priced at £6 per adult and £4 for under-16s, with a donation of £1 per person suggested for access to St Peter’s Chapel, including the family tours and indoor arts and crafts activities. Both can be booked by calling 01388 743797 or emailing bookings@aucklandcastle.org
The Half Term events, all organised by regional charity, Auckland Castle Trust, form part of a programme of predominantly outdoor activities taking place during the restoration of Auckland Castle, which began in September.
These works, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), mean the Castle will be closed to the public until 2018, though the Library Team Room remains open until Christmas and the grounds and deer park will be accessible throughout.
More information about the developments, and full listings for all of the events taking place, can be found atwww.aucklandcastle.org
Listings
Auckland Castle Adventures, Auckland Castle
Monday 24 October 2016-Friday 28 October 2016, 10.30am-3.00pm
Enjoy five days of fun and creative outdoor activities in Auckland Park, including den building, camp fire cooking, scavenger hunts, pumpkin carving, wood craft and woodland art.
All activities are designed for six to 12 year olds, and will be led by a qualified forest school leader.
Children are advised to dress for the great outdoors in warm, waterproof clothes and sturdy footwear. Attendees will also need to bring extra layers and their own packed lunch.
Places are strictly limited and must be booked by 14 October. No adults allowed.
For more information or to book call Auckland Castle’s Learning and Engagement Team on 01388 743 750, or email: education@aucklandcastle.org
Cost: £2 per day or £10 for the week.
Arts and Crafts and Family Tours in the Chapel, Auckland Castle
Wednesday 26 October 2016-Thursday 27 October 2016, 12.00pm, 1.00pm and 2.00pm
Hear the hidden histories and spooky stories of Auckland Castle’s atmospheric 17th century St Peter’s Chapel, home to a colony of Pipistrelle bats.
Then get crafty and create a special seasonal souvenir to take home.
Suitable for children 11 year’s old and under.
Cost: Suggested £1 donation per child.
Daisy Arts presents All Hallows’ Walk, Auckland Castle
Friday 28 October 2016-Saturday 29 October 2016, 5.30pm-8.00pm
A riveting, 40-minute, family friendly, torch lit trail will meander through Auckland Castle’s parkland setting off in groups from the Castle every 15 minutes between 5:30pm and 7:45pm each night. During your guided walks you will encounter performances inspired by fact and fiction, delivered by mischievous characters.
Bishop Auckland-based arts organisation, Daisy Arts, has again drawn on the talent of local young performers to create a series of unique drama sketches to celebrate All Hallows’.
Plenty of layers, warm coats and walking shoes or wellies are essential and please bring a torch too!
Booking is essential. Call 01388 743 797
Cost: £6 Adults, £4 under 16’s