The Rising at Raby Castle

About

GET READY FOR THE RISING
The Rising is a highly ambitious development from Raby Castle – the first destination of its kind in the North.

Think acres of unexpected elegance, complete with heritage buildings, reimagined gardens, stylish shopping and local food that’s as fresh as it gets.

Imagine a backdrop of unspoilt rural landscapes and one of the finest medieval castles in England. A destination with a difference, where visitors of every generation can discover County Durham’s thrilling past and promising future.

Prepare for a place where heritage is celebrated, where the beauty lies it’s simplicity, and where the welcome is always genuine.

Get ready for The Rising.

BOLDLY AMBITIOUS
The development name – The Rising – combines Raby’s rich history as the home of one of Britain’s most notorious plots, the Rising of the North, with a promise of growth, energy and ambition.

And The Rising is nothing short of ambitious, both in terms of scope and scale. Within the setting of Raby Castle, it comprises three heritage buildings, two thoughtful new constructions and a visionary walled garden comprising three striking sections: East, formal and West.

All aspects of the scheme bear the distinctive Raby trademark of simple, honest design combined with the Estate’s characteristic energy and spirit.

A WARM WELCOME
The Round House is a charming new building based on a simple circular field barn located right here in Staindrop.

At the Round House, you’ll find a warm welcome and friendly team members eager to share all that Raby has to offer. Here you can book tickets, choose dining options and keep up to date on upcoming events and exhibitions.

A NOT-SO-SECRET GARDEN
The Rising’s Walled Garden has been reimagined 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. In doing so, they have retained the gardens’ distinctive spirit; one in which the character of Raby and its rich history is deeply embedded.

Beautifully framed views and an unrivalled air of tranquillity have put Raby on the map of notable English gardens, and will delight horticultural novices and enthusiasts alike.

AN EQUINE PAST
The Coach House and Stables is packed with original 18th century features from its days housing the Vane family’s passion for horses.

The Grade II* listed building has been repurposed as a contemporary exhibition space, where the walls and thoughtful exhibits tell the story of the magnificent landscapes and wildlife on our doorstep including High Force Waterfall, part of Raby Estate.

In our beautiful retail space, you’ll also find a curated selection of homeware and gifts displayed on reclaimed furniture from across the estate. Our philosophy at Raby is local wherever possible, and here in the Coach House you’ll discover the kind of high-quality, artisan items you can’t find anywhere else.

Bring a little piece of Raby home with you.

A CHARACTER-PACKED VENUE
The Riding School is an 18th century architectural gem reimagined as a flexible 500sqm event space, retaining plenty of its individual character along the way.

We’ve kept the aspects that make The Riding School unique – textured walls, authentically irregular lines shaped by centuries of use, and solid timber beams – but added underfloor heating, subtle space dividers and a neutral colour palette so that you can truly make the space your own.

Perfect for parties, conferences and exhibitions, The Riding School’s distinctive features and stunning parkland setting make it an unmatched venue for all kinds of special events.

SEASONAL MARKETS IN A STUNNING SETTING
Next door to The Riding School, you’ll find The Dutch Barn. Soon to host Raby’s famous seasonal markets, the building is one of the Estate’s best-kept secrets – an elegant, arcaded construction providing cover for stalls, exhibitions, networking and more.

Exposed beams and intriguing chimney stacks make The Dutch Barn an architectural attraction in its own right or, in combination with The Riding School, the two spaces can work together to provide the best of indoors and outdoors.

DINE IN STYLE
The Vinery Café Restaurant – a stylish and airy recreation of the historic glass house which once stood on the same spot – is the most elevated of settings for coffee and cake or a long lunch.

Soak up stunning panoramic views of the Castle across the High Vinery garden while enjoying seasonal and locally-sourced flavours from our carefully crafted menu. And with space for over two hundred diners, you’re guaranteed to find a table.

SUSTAINABILITY
​​​​​Sustainability is a key focus throughout the Estate.

The Rising scheme demonstrates this perfectly from the reclaimed estate materials which are being re-used and recycled throughout the development, to the estate oak, felled to providing beautifully crafted benches for visitors to use.

The environmental impact of the development has also been considered and a ground source heat network installed, which will provide 60% of the annual heat demand and reduce the development’s carbon emissions by 40%.

Estate produce will run through beautiful menus and carefully curated products from local suppliers will line the shelves of the retail areas.

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OPENING SPRING 2024

Please visit Raby Castle's website to view Frequently Asked Questions and Raby Castle, Park and Gardens Planning Application