Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

Raby is one of the most impressive intact castles in England which has been the family home of the Vanes for nearly 400 years. The Plotters’ Forest, built within a Christmas Tree plantation, is the perfect place for families to reap the benefits of outdoor play and connect with beautiful surroundings.

The Vinery is a stylish and airy recreation of the historic glass house which once stood on the same location. The Vinery provides the perfect spot to soak up panoramic views of the Castle across the High Vinery Garden. The menu presents seasonal handcrafted dishes inspired and sourced from the Raby Estate, providing hot and cold drinks, light lunches of quiche, meats and salads, sandwiches and in-house baked goods. The Vinery also provides afternoon tea including 3 delicious tiers of sweet treats, sandwiches and scones served with freshly brewed tea and coffee.

The 18th Century Walled Garden has been remodelled by renowned designer Luciano Giubbilei alongside Lady Barnard. The stunning 5-acre vision provides views of the castle and a unique amphitheatre which celebrates the Estate’s well-known yew hedges and the iconic Raby fig which will delight horticultural novices and enthusiasts alike.

The Coach House is a beautiful retail space which displays a curated selection of homeware and gifts displayed on reclaimed furniture from across the estate in which visitors can find high-quality, artisan items that you can’t find anywhere else.

Gallery

Times

The Castle – Wednesday – Sunday 11am-4pm (seasonal opening times March-October. Plus, bank holidays).
The Plotters’ Forest Adventure Playground – daily 10am-4pm (tickets must be pre-booked, we would recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment).
The Vinery – daily 10am-4pm
The Walled Gardens – 10am-4pm
The Coach House Shop and Exhibition – daily 10am-4pm

Prices

Raby Castle, Deer Park and Gardens Tickets:

Day Tickets:

Two Day Raby Explorer:

The Plotters’ Forest, Deer Park and Gardens Tickets:

Deer Park and Gardens Tickets:

Road Directions

Raby Castle is located on the A688, 1 mile North of Staindrop. From the North Raby Castle is located on the A688 approximately 8 miles north east of Barnard Castle. When travelling from the north, Raby can be reached via the A1(M) or the A68. From the A1(M) leave Junction 60. Travel along the A688 westbound towards West Auckland (where the A68 joins the north) and on towards Barnard Castle. Raby Castle is positioned on the right hand side. From the South When approaching from the South, leave the A1(M) at Junction 58, travel towards West Auckland, turning left on to the A688 towards Barnard Castle - Raby Castle is on the right hand side. From the West When approaching from the west use the A66 to Bowes, and then the A67 to Barnard Castle, where you will travel through the town, taking the A688 signposted Staindrop and Bishop Auckland. The Castle will be on your left hand side, approximately one mile east of Staindrop village.

Public Transport Directions

Buses If travelling by bus you should alight at Raby Castle, North Lodge. The following bus services, service this stop: Scarlet Band Route 85A runs between the towns of Darlington and Barnard Castle via Bishop Auckland and Cockfield village, passing Raby Castle approximately every 2 hours, alight at Raby Castle North Lodge stop. If travelling from Durham, Arriva bus service 6 runs from Durham, via Bishop Auckland to Cockfield every half an hour. Alight at Cockfield then transfer to bus 85A onto Raby Castle. Arriva Bus Service 75 travels between Darlington and Barnard Castle via Staindrop once every hour, alight at Staindrop then either walk (approx 1 mile) to Raby Castle or transfer to service 85 travelling to Bishop Auckland. Please check bus routes direct with transport provider.