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    This is Durham Blog

You are here > Home > Things to Do > Raby Castle

Raby Castle

Staindrop
County Durham
DL2 3AH

Tel: 01833 660202

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Add Raby Castle to your Itinerary

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Exterior shot of Raby Castle
  • Exterior shot of Raby Castle
  • Octagon Room at Raby Castle
  • Castle Kitchens at Raby Castle
  • Longhorn Cattle at Raby Castle
  • Deer at Raby Castle
  • Family walking outside Raby Castle

About

Welcome to Raby Castle and Deer Park. A stunning complete medieval castle in County Durham with a fascinating history and stories to tell.

Raby was built by the powerful Nevill family in the 14th century and was the birthplace of Cecily Nevill, mother of two kings of England, Edward IV and Richard III, during the Wars of the Roses. Fast forward, 154 years to Tudor times when it became a secret base for the plotting of the Rising of the North. Supporters of Mary Queen of Scots, including 200 knights led by the Lord of Raby gathered together in the mighty Baron’s Hall to plan their attack. An event which changed the fate of Raby forever.

Today Raby invites visitors to spot wildlife in the Deer Park and explore the Castle interiors, art collections and dramatic architecture. Refreshments are available daily in our Yurt Cafe, including special treats and snacks to keep you refuelled, alongside our Stables Shop which offers a beautiful range of gifts, homeware and toys. Across the Deer Park, hidden amongst the trees you’ll find our new adventure playground, The Plotters' Forest, the perfect setting for an adventure or two.

We offer an exciting year-round event programme at Raby. Past events have included themed trails, outdoor summer theatre, open-air cinema, seasonal markets and our popular Fireside Stories at Christmas. Whether you’re a keen gardener, history or wildlife enthusiast, there is something for everyone to enjoy at Raby.

Our Deer Park is open daily from 10am – 4pm with refreshments available.

The Plotters' Forest is open daily from 15th April (tickets must be pre-booked in advance)

The Castle is open seasonally from March – October.

Admission tickets can be booked online at Raby Castle's website.

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Castle, Play & Park Tickets (March – October)
Adult – £13.00
Concession – £12.00
4–15 years – £10.00
Under 4s – Free
Family (2+3) – £45.00
HH Member – £5.00

Castle & Park Tickets (March – October)
Adult – £10.50
Concession – £9.50
4–15 years – £6.00
Under 4s – Free
Family (2+3) – £32.00
HH Member – Free

Play & Park Tickets (Open Daily)
Adult – £8.00
Concession – £7.00
4–15 years – £7.50
Under 4s – Free
Family (2+3) – £29.00
HH Member – £5.00

Park Tickets (Open Daily)
Adult – £5.50
Concession – £4.50
4–15 years – £3.50
Under 4s – Free
Family (2+3) – £17.00
HH Member – Free

Video

  • YouTube

Gradings

  • VAQAS VB Attraction VAQAS
VAQAS VB Attraction VAQAS

Awards

  • Visit EnglandVAQAS VAQAS 2019
  • Regional and MiscellaneousTripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2016
  • Regional and MiscellaneousWTTC Safe Travels WTTC Safe Travels 2021

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars
930 reviews
    • Excellent
      587
    • Very Good
      244
    • Average
      49
    • Poor
      28
    • Terrible
      22

    Recent Reviews:

    • Y1608YSsarahh
      Trip Type:
      Couples
      A lovely experience
      5 of 5 stars
      Monday, 16th May 2022
      Visiting Raby Castle last week, I want to say it was a quintessentially English experience; but it had also the dash of the unexpected, the wow of unattainable beauty (though it can inspire your own... Read full review
    • Val W
      Merthyr Tydfil, United Kingdom
      A Castle and a Home
      4 of 5 stars
      Friday, 20th May 2022
      This is an outstanding site but we were disappointed to be unable to access the gardens (the parkland was still open) and the shop was not as good as it had been previously - work seemed to be... Read full review
    • Helsey414
      An enjoyable couple of hours spent
      5 of 5 stars
      Saturday, 21st May 2022
      Arrived early, plenty of free on site parking. Castle opened at 11am which gave us the opportunity to have an enjoyable stroll through the extensive grounds to see the lake and deer park etc... Read full review
    Write a review
    © TripAdvisor 2022

    Facilities

    Accessibility

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

    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

    Provider Features

    • In countryside
    • Indoor Attraction
    • Outdoor Attraction
    • Village Location

    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

    Deer Park - Open Daily (1 Jan 2022 - 24 Dec 2022)
    Monday - SundayClosed
    Bank HolidayClosed
    The Plotters' Forest - Open Daily (1 Jan 2022 - 24 Dec 2022)
    Monday - SundayClosed
    Bank HolidayClosed
    Cafe - Open Daily (1 Jan 2022 - 24 Dec 2022)
    Stables Shop - Open Tuesday to Sunday (1 Jan 2022 - 31 Dec 2022)
    Castle - Open Seasonally (March - October) (2 Mar 2022 - 30 Oct 2022)
    Monday - SundayClosed
    Bank HolidayClosed

    * Refreshments will be available onsite daily

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

    TWITTER UPDATES

    Raby Castle

    RabyCastle

    Raby Castle

    The place to be this Jubilee 👑🛍️ Preparations are in full swing at Raby Castle! Our Stables Shop is fully stocked… https://t.co/da4Yk6sO1X
    25 May 2022   11:00:21
    VACANCIES 📢 We've got lots of exciting opportunities across the estate. Take a look! 🌻Senior Gardener 🌷Assistant… https://t.co/3AJKZcu1pU
    23 May 2022   18:01:56
    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...

    Wooden tower and slide through the trees.The Plotters' Forest at Raby Castle, StaindropThe Plotters’ Forest at Raby Castle offers a thrilling mix of challenge, discovery and intrigue for all ages.

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

    Stables ShopThe Stables Shop at Raby Castle, StaindropOur Stables Shop at Raby Castle offers a beautiful selection of gifts and homewares.

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