AD - This is an advert for July 2024. Any edits / shares beyond this date have not been asked or paid for. This post is based on a visit in July 2024.
It is really important you check with the venue direct for the most up-to-date information before visiting, especially regarding current opening hours & pricing as info can change over time. You can do that here: https://www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle/
We have visited Raby Castle many times over the years and always enjoy a day out here. However recently, they have undergone a significant restoration project known as 'The Rising' and Raby Castle has now been transformed into the most exciting new visitor experience in County Durham.
We were absolutely blown away with the changes and developments and you can easily spend a full day here enjoying everything there is on offer (or pop in and sample one element - the choice is yours).
I'd recommend Raby Castle to all ages - from tiny tots up to grandparents. It's just a delight.
- Really good value with lots of fun included with admission
- Definitely a place you can spend a full day
- An excellent day out for all / mixed ages
- A good option for a walk and lunch with wheelchair users
- Beautiful gardens and surroundings
- A chance to encounter Red and Fallow Deer
- Children's trails and guided tours
- Free on site parking and accessible by bus
- A Treetop Adventure Playground
- Lots of seating and toilets (including Changing Places)
- FREE Exhibition sharing the history of the castle and landscape/wildlife
- Gorgeous licensed restaurant/cafe with afternoon teas, beautiful salads, pastries, artisan sandwiches, soups, homemade cakes, children's lunch boxes and more. All enjoyed to the backdrop of the castle.
Raby Castle, Park & Gardens : Need to Know
Generally access for wheelchair users and pushchairs is very good with the main exceptions being the castle and the upper areas of the playground where access is more limited. There are accessible toilets and baby change facilities at several areas across the estate and a changing places facility is available on site.
Concessions are available and carers go free (call to book in advance). Blue Badge parking is available.
Plenty of seating is available across most of the site (more limited in the deer park).
Parking is FREE (DL2 3AH). Weardale Travel Bus 84 (Darlington to Barnard Castle) stops at Raby Castle, North Lodge or it's a 1 mile walk from Staindrop (served by Arriva 75).
Check current opening times and prices here: https://www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle/your-visit/plan-your-day/opening-times-prices/
It's worth noting that Historic Houses members can visit the Deer Park, Gardens and Castle on production of a valid membership card and pay a small upgrade fee to visit Plotters' Forest.
Pet dogs on leads are welcome in the Deer Park, Gardens, Coach House and The Vinery. It's a nice place for a scenic dog walk with lunch.
If visiting all areas, I would recommend setting aside a full day to explore. You won't want to leave!
Tickets to Plotters' Forest should ideally be booked in advance - you are given a 2 hour time slot to enjoy this area. The rest of the estate can be explored at your leisure and either booked in advance or on arrival.
Admission is free to the Coach House Exhibition and Vinery and chargeable elsewhere with combination tickts available.
Please remember to check current prices, opening hours and booking information online for the most up-to-date info.
The following prices / offer is valid for Summer 2024 and provides incredible value for money.
A Ticket for the Plotters' Forest, Park & Gardens is just £13 per adult, £12 concession, £10 per child (4-15 years) or £45 for a family of up to 2A, 3C. Under 4s go free.
This ticket includes:
Plotters' Forest
If visiting with younger children, there is a dedicated smaller toddler area with seating next to it too.
A stroll through the Walled Garden at Raby Castle feels quintessentially English.
Children can collect a complimentary Raby Castle Adventure Booklet from the Roundhouse on arrival and use it to spot and discover more about the wildlife.
There are often seasonal trails running across the deer park too - just ask on arrival.
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Raby Castle is just magnificent and a real pleasure to visit. Despite being a fairly formal environment, it's not stuffy at all and children are very welcome. You do need to leave pushchairs at the door though.
What really stands out at Raby Castle for me is the stories the room guides will share. Do ask them for their favourite tale from a room or the item they think is the most interesting. You'll be surprised at what you learn.
For example, the guide in the kitchen had us enthralled with a tail about Turnspit Dogs who were seen as little more than Kitchen utensils in the 16th/17th Century. They'd be used to spin a hamster-style wheel next to the kitchen fire which would turn the meat on the spit.
We discussed how these dogs are now extinct and how incredibly cruel this would be nowadays. It was a really vivid history lesson.
.png "Raby Castle, Park & Gardens Review")
If visiting all areas, I would recommend setting aside a full day to explore. You won't want to leave!
Tickets to Plotters' Forest should ideally be booked in advance - you are given a 2 hour time slot to enjoy this area. The rest of the estate can be explored at your leisure and either booked in advance or on arrival.
Admission is free to the Coach House Exhibition and Vinery and chargeable elsewhere with combination tickts available.
If you're visiting Plotters' Forest first, head straight there (if you stand in the car park looking at the entrance gate you have just driven through, Plotters' Forest is on your left).
For everyone else / after you've visited Plotters' Forest, I strongly recommend you visit the Roundhouse first (pictured above). Even if you have already booked tickets online. The Roundhouse is located at the lower end of The Vinery Gardens.
Here you'll receive a super warm welcome, can find out about any tours taking place, pick up a map, purchase or upgrade tickets and ask about / collect any complimentary trail sheets for children.
It's also the best place to ask any questions eg where are the nearest toilets and the staff are so friendly. I spent a while asking questions about the Deer and how inquisitive they were and found the staff to be super generous with their knowledge.
For everyone else / after you've visited Plotters' Forest, I strongly recommend you visit the Roundhouse first (pictured above). Even if you have already booked tickets online. The Roundhouse is located at the lower end of The Vinery Gardens.
Here you'll receive a super warm welcome, can find out about any tours taking place, pick up a map, purchase or upgrade tickets and ask about / collect any complimentary trail sheets for children.
It's also the best place to ask any questions eg where are the nearest toilets and the staff are so friendly. I spent a while asking questions about the Deer and how inquisitive they were and found the staff to be super generous with their knowledge.
A Brilliant Offer for Summer 2024
Please remember to check current prices, opening hours and booking information online for the most up-to-date info. 
The following prices / offer is valid for Summer 2024 and provides incredible value for money.
A Ticket for the Plotters' Forest, Park & Gardens is just £13 per adult, £12 concession, £10 per child (4-15 years) or £45 for a family of up to 2A, 3C. Under 4s go free.
This ticket includes:
- 2 hours play in Plotters' Forest
- A complimentary Alice in Wonderland trail
- All day access to the Walled Gardens and Deer Park (10am-4pm)
- Complimentary Raby Adventure Booklet
- Plus Kids Go Free to Raby Castle with a Plotters' Forest ticket (adult upgrades available on the day)
- Entry to the Coach House Exhibition and Vinery is free for all
There is enough on offer to fill a full day and as days out go, I think £45 for a family of 5 considering what's on offer is super reasonable.
If you live close by, I'd certainly look at a Raby Castle membership which I also think offers incredible value.
If you live close by, I'd certainly look at a Raby Castle membership which I also think offers incredible value.
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| Prices correct July 2024 |
Plotters' Forest
- Admission: Admission fee / annual pass required. It's best to book in advance to avoid disappointment (especially on sunny days) but walk ins may be available subject to capacity.
- Pet Dogs: Are not permitted within any area of the Plotters' Forest (including cafe / walkways). Plotters' Forest is accessed via a gate and you cannot stand outside the gate with a dog and keep an eye on your children - they won't be in your eyeline. If you're visiting with a dog and wish to visit the playground, it will be best to leave them with another adult outside of the playground (maybe they can grab a coffee in the Vinery while they wait) or leave them at home.
- Access: Wheelchair users can access the lower boardwalk area with interactive areas including chimes, peeky portrait, pairs games, mischief mirrors and talking tubes. The trails are also accessible for wheelchair users however the upper levels of the structure are not accessible.
There is an accessible toilet inside the Vinery and a Changing Place Facility near the Dutch Barn/Riding School.
I know I'm an adult (and I'm not a wheelchair user) so not exactly the target market but when I visited, I stuck to the lower level and really enjoyed the experience, especially the games and being amongst the pine scented Christmas trees. It felt like a sensory experience to me.
The Plotters' Forest is an outdoor adventure playground nestled amongst a Christmas Tree Plantation. Visitors can enjoy exhilarating views, sky high turrets and treetop tunnels with little games and challenges along the way.
There is often a trail running around the adventure playground which is included with admission (on our visit it was Alice in Wonderland themed).
There is often a trail running around the adventure playground which is included with admission (on our visit it was Alice in Wonderland themed).
The walkways are so fun to walk around as you're surrounded with Christmas Trees. It does feel super magical, even for an adult. The playground is finished to a very high standard.
The seasonal trails which run around the playground are brill and on our visit (Alice in Wonderland trail for Summer 2024), we were able to collect all of the items the Mad Hatter had lost around the forest including his famous Drink Me potion. There's a word search on the back too which is handy if you need some down time with a coffee afterwards.
Plotters' Forest is best suited to ages 4-12 years but all are welcome. Younger children will need to be supervised the whole time as it's not the kind of playground where you can keep them in your eyeline and there are pieces of equipment like Fireman's Poles where supervision will be required.
Some parents stayed on the lower levels and watched their children have fun on the upper levels where as others got stuck in and enjoyed the whole structure with their children. Pushchairs can access the lower levels only.
There are climbing nets, treetop walkways, tunnel slides, musical instruments to play, challenges and games, climbing walls and more.
Some parents stayed on the lower levels and watched their children have fun on the upper levels where as others got stuck in and enjoyed the whole structure with their children. Pushchairs can access the lower levels only.
There are climbing nets, treetop walkways, tunnel slides, musical instruments to play, challenges and games, climbing walls and more.
If visiting with younger children, there is a dedicated smaller toddler area with seating next to it too.
Plotters' Forest is the perfect place for children to make new friends and play hide and seek.
Rebels' Run is a fun rope bridge area which seemed popular with kids.
I have read some mixed reviews of Plotters' Forest over the past year but I can hand on heart say I thought it was brilliant. I loved being able to play amongst the treetops and it has to be one of the most stylish / well-finished play areas I've ever visited. The landscaping is perfect too.
It's not huge or anywhere near the scale of Lilidorei but if you complete the trail together, let the kids have a play and stop for ice cream, 1.5-2 hours seems like a perfect amount of time to spend here.
It's not huge or anywhere near the scale of Lilidorei but if you complete the trail together, let the kids have a play and stop for ice cream, 1.5-2 hours seems like a perfect amount of time to spend here.
Plotters' Pantry is located just next to the playground and serves snacks, ice creams, drinks and kids packed lunches. We stopped for coffee and hot chocolate which were both of good quality. There is rooftop seating with wonderful views which was sadly full when we visited but also plenty of other seating in the vicinity as well as toilets.
The Vinery
- Admission: No admission fee required.
- Pet Dogs: Pet dogs are welcome in the indoor and outdoor areas. Dog treats and puppacinos are for sale and water bowls are available.
- Access: The Vinery is fully accessible inside and out. There is an accessible toilet inside the Vinery and a Changing Place Facility near the Dutch Barn/Riding School.
The Vinery Cafe is a lovely building which seats up to 200 guests. Modelled on the original which stood in the same spot, you can expect high quality produce with stunning views of the High Vinery Garden and out to the Castle.
Indoor and outdoor seating is available - order, pay and collect your food from the counter. You don't need to book in advance (with the exception of afternoon tea). We visited on a super sunny and busy Saturday over peak lunch service and there was seating available / service was efficient.
Indoor and outdoor seating is available - order, pay and collect your food from the counter. You don't need to book in advance (with the exception of afternoon tea). We visited on a super sunny and busy Saturday over peak lunch service and there was seating available / service was efficient.
Children's lunch boxes are available for £5.95 and include a sandwich, piece of fruit, sweet treat, crisps and juice and high chairs are available.
The counter is so enticing with delicious salads, homemade cakes, artisan sandwiches, soup, baked potatoes, scones, quiche, pies and more.
Honestly everything was just so tempting and I actually felt a little overwhelmed at the counter as I wanted to choose it all. I'd definitely recommend familiarising yourself with the menu before you order.
You can view current menus and pricing here: https://www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle/eat/
Afternoon teas are also available at the very reasonable price of £20pp. They need to be booked in advance (at least 24 hours) and include three tiers of treats with freshly brewed coffee or tea. What a location for afternoon tea! I'll definitely be trying this at some point. Call 01833 660202 or email admin@raby.co.uk to book.
Honestly everything was just so tempting and I actually felt a little overwhelmed at the counter as I wanted to choose it all. I'd definitely recommend familiarising yourself with the menu before you order.
You can view current menus and pricing here: https://www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle/eat/
Afternoon teas are also available at the very reasonable price of £20pp. They need to be booked in advance (at least 24 hours) and include three tiers of treats with freshly brewed coffee or tea. What a location for afternoon tea! I'll definitely be trying this at some point. Call 01833 660202 or email admin@raby.co.uk to book.
The food here is so good and if you're in the area or just fancy a nice trip out for a really nice lunch in a gorgeous setting, this is the place. They also serve alcohol including English Sparkling Wine - perfect if you're celebrating a special occasion.
I'm already planning a return trip to try the Fig, Honey and whipped Mascarpone on sourdough with pistachio crumb. How good does that sound?
I ordered the Mature cheddar, tomato, red onion and pickle sandwich on wholemeal bread which was super fresh, Steve enjoyed his chicken and avocado sandwich and the kids loved their scones.
Other food and drink options around Raby Castle include the Plotters' Pantry inside Plotters' Forest and there are often pop-up coffee and ice cream trucks dotted around the estate too.
Visitors can enjoy picnics in the Deer Park or the dedicated Picnic Area by the Coach Park.
The Walled Garden
- Admission: Admission fee / annual pass required. You can book in advance or on the day.
- Pet Dogs: Pet dogs on leads are welcome.
- Access: There are accessible routes around the garden and they can be enjoyed by wheelchair users. There are plenty of opportunities to find a quiet space in the garden if needed.
The historic 18th Century Walled Garden has been remodelled by world-renowned designer Luciano Giubbilei alongside Lady Barnard. Together they have created an incredible 5 acre romantic scheme including it's famous sculpted yew hedges.
The Walled Garden is divided into distinct sections yet they all flow easily. Visitors can explore the East, West and Formal gardens and there is also now a new ampitheatre area which will host outdoor productions.
A stroll through the Walled Garden at Raby Castle feels quintessentially English.
The Formal Garden comprises of a mixture of mazes which children will be thrilled running through to the backfrop of the castle and historic hedges.
Then there is the West Garden with it's raised beds, seasonal vegetables, cut flowers and greenhouse.
And finally the East Garden where you'll find a large grassed ampitheatre perfect for summer events, outdoor theatre, music and more.
Then there is the West Garden with it's raised beds, seasonal vegetables, cut flowers and greenhouse.
And finally the East Garden where you'll find a large grassed ampitheatre perfect for summer events, outdoor theatre, music and more.
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| Credit Raby Castle |
We thoroughly enjoyed strolling around the gardens. The water features, landscaping, planting and Castle backdrop are just perfect. Even better when you can spot Deer in the distance as we did.
My favourite area was the West Garden, I can never resist cut flowers. It looked (and smelled) beautiful on our visit and was filled with blooms.
Raby Castle Deer Park
- Admission: Admission fee / annual pass required. You can book in advance or on the day.
- Pet Dogs: Pet dogs on leads are welcome. Do keep your distance from the deer.
- Access: Roads within the deer park are surfaced with tarmac and accessible for wheelchair users. The wider landscape is grassy.
The Walled Garden seamlessly leads out to the Deer Park. Here you can enjoy 200 acres of parkland with dedicated walking routes and a chance to meet herds of Red and Fallow Deer who have roamed here for centuries.
There are two lakes to walk around and on the day of out most recent visit, we spent ages watching some cute little chicks who were learning to swim.
The Deer are an absolute joy to just stand and observe but it is important that you keep your distance and keep dogs on leads / children under control.
There are two lakes to walk around and on the day of out most recent visit, we spent ages watching some cute little chicks who were learning to swim.
The Deer are an absolute joy to just stand and observe but it is important that you keep your distance and keep dogs on leads / children under control.
Seeing the Deer here is always one of our visit highlights and a real privilege.
You can just wander as you please or follow one of the three recommended walking routes around the Deer Park (Red - 1.8km / Purple - 2.3km / Blue - 2.7km). Either pick up a walking map on arrival from the Roundhouse or download the free Raby Castle app.
Children can collect a complimentary Raby Castle Adventure Booklet from the Roundhouse on arrival and use it to spot and discover more about the wildlife.
There are often seasonal trails running across the deer park too - just ask on arrival.
Raby Castle
- Admission: Admission / annual pass required. It's best to book in advance but you can upgrade your tickets on the day to include a castle visit if capacity allows.
- Pet Dogs: Not permitted
- Access: Due to the historic Grade I listed nature of the building, wheelchair access is limited inside of the castle. Parts of the ground floor are accessible and there is a new accessible space with a video detailing the castle history.
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Raby Castle dates back to the 14th Century (with some areas including the castle towers dating back to the 11th Century) and is one of the most impressive intact castles in England.
The views across the Deer Park from the Castle Terrace are fantastic and a perfect place to start your self-guided castle tour. What a location.
The views across the Deer Park from the Castle Terrace are fantastic and a perfect place to start your self-guided castle tour. What a location.
During our last visit we were treated to the very best views of the Deer from the Castle Terrace.
There is usually a castle trail available for children (no additional cost) - simply ask on arrival at the Roundhouse.
Raby Castle is just magnificent and a real pleasure to visit. Despite being a fairly formal environment, it's not stuffy at all and children are very welcome. You do need to leave pushchairs at the door though.
What really stands out at Raby Castle for me is the stories the room guides will share. Do ask them for their favourite tale from a room or the item they think is the most interesting. You'll be surprised at what you learn.
For example, the guide in the kitchen had us enthralled with a tail about Turnspit Dogs who were seen as little more than Kitchen utensils in the 16th/17th Century. They'd be used to spin a hamster-style wheel next to the kitchen fire which would turn the meat on the spit.
We discussed how these dogs are now extinct and how incredibly cruel this would be nowadays. It was a really vivid history lesson.
Most of the rooms at Raby Castle are incredibly grand, My favourite has to be Octagon Drawing Room (below) which is super elaborate with a gold ceiling and silk wall coverings.
Look closely and you will see the Duke's Coat of Arms in the ceiling. The room guide informed us that before this room was restored, the ceiling was completely black. They cleaned it with simple soap and water and could not believe it when they discovered all of this gold underneath.
The grand chandelier is just incredible and you might be able to spot the incorperated Pineapple (for wealth) and Pomegranate (for fertility). This room was likely the first room guests would be welcomed into and it's certainly dressed to impress.
Look closely and you will see the Duke's Coat of Arms in the ceiling. The room guide informed us that before this room was restored, the ceiling was completely black. They cleaned it with simple soap and water and could not believe it when they discovered all of this gold underneath.
The grand chandelier is just incredible and you might be able to spot the incorperated Pineapple (for wealth) and Pomegranate (for fertility). This room was likely the first room guests would be welcomed into and it's certainly dressed to impress.
My eldest son Harry loves visiting castles and really enjoyed the way the weapons are displayed in the Grand Entrance Hall here.
Castles Tours are often available - check the Raby Castle website to see what's on.
Coach House Shop & Exhibition
- Tickets: Are not required. Entry is free.
- Pet Dogs: Are welcome on leads.
- Access: The building is fully accessible.
Many of Raby's Heritage buildings, which were previously hidden from view, are now accessible to the public and free to enter.
The Historic Coach House now features an impressive bespoke 8 metre estate oak table on which an audio-visual projection is placed sharing the story of the estate and it's wildlife and changing landscape. It's very impressive.
The Historic Coach House now features an impressive bespoke 8 metre estate oak table on which an audio-visual projection is placed sharing the story of the estate and it's wildlife and changing landscape. It's very impressive.
The free exhibition also shares select object from the Castle's past including this padlock and key from the 1700s which is still in working order.
You can visit the Stable area and there's a splendid gift shop packed with local gifts and Raby Estate Venison for you to enjoy at home.
You can visit the Stable area and there's a splendid gift shop packed with local gifts and Raby Estate Venison for you to enjoy at home.
Wow! What a place. We loved our family day out at Raby Castle and really had a fabulous day out here.
As well as all of the fun mentioned above, Raby Castle offer a full programme of events right across the year from Farmers Markets and Open Air Theatre to Behind the Scenes Tours, Art Workshops and Halloween / Christmas Events. Discover what's on here: https://www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle/whats-on/
From adventures around Plotters' Forest, delicious food in the Vinery and history in the Castle and exhibition to the beautiful surroundings of the Walled Gardens and wildlife encounters in the Deer Park. Raby Castle has so much to offer families for a day out.
Find out more and book: https://www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle/
As well as all of the fun mentioned above, Raby Castle offer a full programme of events right across the year from Farmers Markets and Open Air Theatre to Behind the Scenes Tours, Art Workshops and Halloween / Christmas Events. Discover what's on here: https://www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle/whats-on/
From adventures around Plotters' Forest, delicious food in the Vinery and history in the Castle and exhibition to the beautiful surroundings of the Walled Gardens and wildlife encounters in the Deer Park. Raby Castle has so much to offer families for a day out.
Find out more and book: https://www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle/
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