Where the humans get steeped in history and Peppa gets sausages!
The day started with a trip to the stunning Raby Castle, a fantastic medieval Game of Thrones-esque estate that is still in private ownership. The humans were bowled over by its sheer scale and loved its history.
One claim to fame is that it was the scene of an uprising where local landowners got together and attempted to overthrow the Protestant Queen Elizabeth I. The Barons’ Hall is possibly the largest room in a house in England and is the scene of all this perfidy. It’s a space big enough to play football in but since it’s crammed with paintings and precious Meissen porcelain – you probably shouldn’t!
Dogs are allowed in the beautiful grounds – they even have occasional special pooch-friendly events such as Bark in the Park, and I could also make myself at home in the brilliant new cafe where queues form for the delights of freshly made salads, home-made mains and scrumptious cakes.
We were staying at the wonderful High Force Hotel which is part of the Raby Estate, it’s a country inn that is both rustic and elegant. The perfect place in every way for a winter break. Our bedroom was what you might call understated luxury, featuring beautiful, well thought-out soft furnishings and huge windows overlooking the surrounding countryside and, across the road, the trail which leads to the famous High Force waterfall.
One of the highlights of our stay was a stroll to this fantastic landmark. You take a winding path for about 10 to 20 minutes and suddenly you’re confronted with one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country. You hear its powerful rush even before you get to see it in all its magnificence. It’s a must while you’re here for sure! There are longer walks too and also the chance to enjoy stargazing at High Force, with supper afterwards at the hotel.
We all loved the bar area with its bare floorboards, little wooden tables, Windsor-back chairs and old church pews, along with the roaring log fire and old pictures.
But it was the panelled dining room where we had dinner. Yes, the High Force Hotel is as dog friendly as that! No being banished to the bar here! I was fussed over and fed pieces of pork while the humans enjoyed lovely fresh dishes including a starter of onion tarte tatin featuring delicious, sweet caramelised onions speckled with blue cheese on an airy pastry base, and duck croquettes – soft flakes of meat coated in crisp panko breadcrumbs, served with a sweet chilli sauce. Next came steak and chips and an excellent chickpea and sweet potato curry with just enough of a chilli kick. For pudding there was a rich, creamy, light chocolate mousse and a lovely sticky toffee pudding.
From an excellent wine list, the humans chose a white Karavitakis Vilana Vidiano from Crete which was floral, fruity and utterly delicious. I loved every minute of my stay not least because (as the grand finale) there were sausages for my breakfast. They really know how to give dogs the VIP treatment. It’s a woof from me!
Peppa was the guest of Visit County Durham, and more information can be found at thisisdurham.com
By Janet Reeder | Images Paul Morgans
