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You are here > Home > Things to Do > Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

Raby Castle
Staindrop
County Durham
DL2 3AH

Tel: +44 1833 660202

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Add Raby Castle, Park and Gardens to your Itinerary

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Raby Castle gardens with castle in background
  • Raby Castle gardens with castle in background
  • Ticket office and Vinery Cafe at Raby Castle
  • Aerial View of the Coach House shop at Raby Castle
  • Dutch barn and Riding School buildings at Raby Castle
  • Bedroom at Raby Castle with a four poster bed, settee, table and chairs
  • Large Living Room at Raby Castle

About

Raby is without doubt one of the most impressive intact castles in the north of England. Built in the fourteenth century by the powerful Neville family, it has a long history. Home to Cecily Neville, mother of two kings of England, it was also the scene of the plotting of the Rising of the North and a Parliamentary stronghold during the Civil War. The castle has superb collections, powerful exteriors and fascinating stories from the lives of people who lived and worked here.

Today visitors can experience this incredible medieval fortress, set within the picturesque parklands where both red and fallow deer roam. The elegant leisure destination has recently gone through an incredible restoration project opening up the 18th century Walled Garden which has been recently remodelled by renowned garden designer Luciano Giubbilei with Lady Barnard. Together, they have laboured to create a stunning 5-acre vision, including the estate’s well-known yew hedges and the iconic Raby fig.

Families can reap the benefits of outdoor play and connect in the beautiful surroundings at The Plotters’ Forest woodland Adventure playground built within a Christmas tree plantation, where ‘close to nature’ takes on a whole new meaning.

With menus celebrating produce from across the estate, dine in style at The Vinery. A stylish and airy recreation of the historic glass house which once stood on the same location. The Vinery is the most elevated of settings for coffee and cake or a long lunch.

Complete your day with a browse around The Coach House you’ll find a curated selection of homeware and gifts displayed on reclaimed furniture from across the estate. Part of the Grade II* listed building has been repurposed to tell the story of the castle’s history and introduce you to the sights, sounds and magnificent landscapes of the Raby Estate in Teesdale including High Force Waterfall. You may recognise the special voice behind the vision, local Matt Baker MBE.

This is a must-visit destination with so much to do and see in beautiful surroundings.

A Raby Membership offers visitors lots of benefits for a whole year, to find out more, please visit MEMBERSHIPS

Book Tickets

Prices

Raby Castle, Deer Park and Gardens Tickets
Adult | £22.00 | Online Pre-booked Price £21.00
Concession (60+) | £21.00 | Online Pre-booked Price £20.00
Children (4–15 years) | £13.00 | Online Pre-booked Price £12.00
Under 4s | Free
Family (2 adults & 3 children) | £63.00 | Online Pre-booked Price £62.00
HH Member | Free
Raby Members | Free

The Plotters’ Forest, Deer Park and Gardens Tickets
Adult | £15.00 | Online Pre-booked Price £14.00
Concession (60+) | £14.00 | Online Pre-booked Price £13.00
Children (4–15 years) | £12.00 | Online Pre-booked Price £11.00
Under 4s | Free
Family (2 adults & 3 children) | £51.00 | Online Pre-booked Price £50.00
HH Member | £5.00
Raby Members with The Plotters’ Forest | Free
Why not upgrade your tickets and venture inside the magnificent Raby Castle
Adult £7.00 | Concession £7.00 | Children £2.50 | Family £17.00

Deer Park and Gardens Tickets
Adult | £15.00 | Online Pre-booked Price £14.00
Concession (60+) | £14.00 | Online Pre-booked Price £13.00
Children (4–15 years) | £10.50 | Online Pre-booked Price £9.50
Under 4s | Free
Family (2 adults & 3 children) | £46.00 | Online Pre-booked Price £45.00
HH Member | Free
Raby Members | Free

To ensure you get the best price, we highly recommend pre-booking online. By booking in advance, you’ll not only save money but also enjoy peace of mind knowing everything is set ready for your visit.
Concession prices apply to over 60s, students with valid student ID and visitors with disabilities.

Video

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Gradings

  • VAQAS VB Attraction VAQAS
VAQAS VB Attraction VAQAS

Awards

  • Visit EnglandVAQAS VAQAS 2021
  • Regional and MiscellaneousWTTC Safe Travels WTTC Safe Travels 2021
  • Regional and MiscellaneousTrip Advisor Travellers Choice 2023 Trip Advisor Travellers Choice 2023 2023
  • Green AwardsGreen Tourism - Silver Green Tourism - Silver 2024
  • Visit EnglandVisitEngland Best Told Story VisitEngland Best Told Story 2024
  • Regional and MiscellaneousWeardale Visitor Network Member Weardale Visitor Network Member 2025

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4.3 of 5 stars
1304 reviews
    • Excellent
      796
    • Very Good
      302
    • Average
      88
    • Poor
      65
    • Terrible
      54

    Recent Reviews:

    • Kathleen D
      Disappointed
      2 of 5 stars
      Monday, 5th May 2025
      Visited today with my two sisters and elderly mother to go to the coffee shop as i have been many times before with friends and wanted to share with them the lovely experience that I had... Read full review
    • Claire p
      Newcastle, United Kingdom
      Trip Type:
      Couples
      Great for a visit
      4 of 5 stars
      Monday, 5th May 2025
      Spent a good few hours here at spring market. Huge estate, great for dog walking. Deer safari looked great, the market was small but some lovely things for sale. Didn't go in castle as no dogs... Read full review
    • DawnandSteveinLeeds
      Leeds, United Kingdom
      Simply amazing!
      5 of 5 stars
      Thursday, 8th May 2025
      What an amazing place to visit! It far exceeded my expectations. The development of this site in the last year or two is truly impressive. Lord and Lady Barnard have clearly had a clear vision and... Read full review
    Write a review
    © TripAdvisor 2025

    Facilities

    Accessibility

    • Access Statement - Please see below
    • Changing Places Facilities
    • Guide Dogs Permitted
    • Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
    • Toilets for Disabled Visitors

    Attraction Facilities

    • Education Groups Min - 16

    Catering

    • On-Site café/restaurant
    • Picnic Site

    Parking & Transport

    • Coach Parking Onsite
    • On site parking
    • Parking (free)

    Provider Facilities

    • Dogs Accepted - In park only on short leads
    • Toilets

    Tours and Demonstrations

    • Educational Visits Accepted
    • Guided Tours Available for Groups
    • Guided Tours Available for Individuals

    Travel & Trade

    • Group discounts available

    Access Information

    Visit External Site

    Opening Times

    The Plotters' Forest - Open Weekends and Holiday Periods (1 Jan 2025 - 24 Dec 2025)
    DayTimes
    Saturday - Sunday10:00 - 16:00
    Bank Holiday10:00 - 16:00
    The Deer Park - Open Daily (1 Jan 2025 - 24 Dec 2025)
    DayTimes
    Monday - Sunday10:00 - 16:00
    Bank Holiday10:00 - 16:00
    The Walled Gardens - Open Daily (1 Jan 2025 - 24 Dec 2025)
    DayTimes
    Monday - Sunday10:00 - 16:00
    Bank Holiday10:00 - 16:00
    The Coach House Shop & Exhibition (1 Jan 2025 - 24 Dec 2025)
    DayTimes
    Monday - Sunday10:00 - 17:00
    Bank Holiday10:00 - 17:00
    The Vinery (1 Jan 2025 - 24 Dec 2025)
    DayTimes
    Monday - Sunday10:00 - 16:30
    Bank Holiday10:00 - 16:30
    Raby Castle (1 Mar 2025 - 31 Oct 2025)
    DayTimes
    Monday - Sunday11:00 - 16:00
    Bank Holiday11:00 - 16:00

    * Raby Castle: Open Monday - Sunday - seasonal opening times March to October.
    The Plotters' Forest Adventure Playground: Weekends and Holiday Periods | 10am – 4pm – tickets must be pre-booked, we would recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.
    The Vinery Cafe: Daily - October – February 10am – 4.30pm, March – September 10am – 5pm

    facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RabyCastle
    instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabycastleofficial/

    Map & Directions

    Map Link

    View Map

    Road Directions

    Nearest major road is A1(M). From the A1(M) follow the A66 and then take the A688 Barnard Castle-Bishop Auckland road. The castle is 1 mile north of Staindrop and 8 miles north-east of Barnard Castle.

    Public Transport Directions

    Nearest station is Darlington Station.Nearest bus stop is Keverstone Bank, Raby, near Staindrop.

    Highlights...

    The Vinery at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens, StaindropJoin us for a delicious lunch at The Vinery, where we proudly present handcrafted dishes and treats inspired or sourced from the beautiful Raby Estate.

    The Plotters Forest Outdoor Adventure Playground at Raby Castle The Plotters' Forest at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens, StaindropThe Plotters’ Forest is an immersive outdoor playground located in a magical Christmas Tree Plantation at Raby Castle.

    Deer Park Raby CastleThe Deer Park and Walled Gardens at Raby Castle, StaindropSpend time in nature and watch the seasons change in Raby Castle’s stunning Deer Park and Walled Gardens, which are open to visitors from 10am - 4pm every day.

    The Coach House Shop at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens, StaindropComplete your day by heading to the Coach House Shop at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens. In our beautiful retail space, you’ll find a curated selection of homeware and gifts displayed on reclaimed furniture from across the estate.

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