For the first time in five decades, people have experienced an authentic taste of an Edwardian Christmas inside one of England’s finest medieval castles on the cusp of Yorkshire.

Raby Castle, in County Durham, opened up its medieval fortress this festive period, revealing what Christmas was like at the start of the 20th century.

Much of the castle was built in the 14th century by the powerful Neville family. It is more than 1,000 years old and was a key settlement in the War of the Roses.

placeholder image — Raby Castle, in Staindrop, near Darlington, has opened its doors to the public at Christmastime for the first time in 50 years for a brand new festive experience. | Raby Castle at Christmas

Then in the 17th century, Raby Castle was purchased by the first generations of the Vane family who continue to own the castle today.

Visitors have had the opportunity to discover how the Vane family enjoyed Christmas inside the castle during Edwardian times.

Current custodian and creative director, Lady Barnard helped to decorate the castle for Christmas inspired by historical photographs, stories and her family archives.

She said the experience tells the story of Christmas Day at Raby Castle and takes visitors on a remarkable journey through the family’s festivities.

Lady Barnard said: “Every corner has a sprinkling of Christmas magic, with stunning decorations and twinkling lights and that indescribable excitement that Christmas Day brings, as well as a snapshot into Raby’s past and a festive atmosphere that I hope will create lasting memories during people’s celebrations this year.”

Beginning with a special film to set the scene, the seasonal installation showcases the family’s Christmas from the early morning thrill of opening a Christmas stocking in front of a cosy fire to an evening of elegant dining and Christmas games.

Lady Barnard added: “Learning more about how the family celebrated Christmas over 100 years ago has been a fascinating experience, and there are some lovely similarities to our current family traditions too.”

The new experience also features elegantly decorated Christmas trees and floristry throughout, alongside items from the castle archives which previously haven’t been seen before.

Joseph Reed, archivist at Raby Castle, collected the special objects from over a century ago to bring the past to life.

He said: “I often say the castle gives us exactly what we’re looking for, and that’s precisely what happened when we went searching through the castle and archives to find items from an Edwardian Christmas here at Raby.

“We are fortunate to have so many special objects which illustrate the overall look and feel of Christmas from the early 1900s.

“We have Christmas cards from the 9th Lady Barnard, a Christmas dinner menu, and a photograph of a beautifully adorned Edwardian feast in the castle, which has inspired the amazing display in the dining room for the installation – we even know what wine they served.

“We have been excited to have the opportunity to share special personal objects with visitors which haven't been shown before: inscribed Christmas presents between family members at the time, family photographs of ice skating and sledging here well over a century ago; we've even been able to display the very same sledge!

“We’re able to provide an authentic Raby Christmas, inspired by the family’s festive experiences.”

Raby Castle at Christmas is a self-led tour and continues until Sunday, January 4 between 11am and 4pm.

Tickets to Raby Castle at Christmas are £22 for adults, £7 for children (up to 15 years), and a family ticket for two adults and two children is £55. Under fours go free. These tickets include entry to Raby Castle at Christmas and access to the walled gardens and deer park.

For tickets to Raby Castle at Christmas, go to its website.