Northern members of The CPN gathered on 13 June for an afternoon visit as guests of the Raby Estate, touring the new visitor attraction at Raby Castle, which opened this week, and is known as “the Rising”.

Members were guided by Duncan Peake, CEO of Raby Estates who gave a background on the 3-year construction project which has involved the renovation of a whole range of heritage buildings with a view to increasing visitor numbers to the estate and reinforcing their links with the community. The Rising includes a new restaurant, the Vinery, events spaces, remodelled walled gardens and retail space, all adding to the existing Deer Park, Plotters’ Forest and the castle itself. Raby Castle is one of the finest mediaeval castles in the UK, and continued development of the estate will see visitor numbers increase above 200,000 people a year, and employment in hospitality, retail and the estate has increased substantially. Further information about the castle and estate can be found at www.raby.co.uk

Members then headed to nearby Barnard Castle for a curry and an evening of networking and sharing views on their local markets.

Member firms attending included Naylors Gavin Black, Clark Weightman, Veritas Advisory, Peill & Company, Brackenridge Hanson Tate, Fairhurst Buckley and network partners Fuse Media and Broadgrove Planning. CPN were kindly hosted by Raby Estates.