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Durham’s Raby Castle, Park and Gardens has hopped into Easter 2026 with an eggs-ceedingly exciting selection of events.
Taking place across the long bank holiday weekend (Friday 3rd to Monday 6th April), Raby is hosting an Easter Food and Craft Market in its stunning indoor event space, the Riding School, and expanding out into one of the Estate's best-kept secrets, the Dutch Barn.
Stalls full of delicious treats and produce from specially selected local suppliers will line the two spaces, alongside handmade crafts from nearby artisans, celebrating all that the north east has to offer.
Visitors can also explore Raby’s retail space in the Coach House, which is home to a selection of unique gifts and homeware including Neptune, Bamford, Daylesford and some of Raby’s own produce.
Raby is also running an early bird ticket offer for a limited time only with the code EASTER10, allowing visitors to save on admissions tickets.
An Easter day out wouldn’t be complete without some seasonal tasty treats, and Raby's Garage Cafe will be serving delicious ice creams and speciality teas and coffees. The impressive 200-seater The Vinery Cafe, with its panoramic views of the 14th century castle, also provides the perfect spot to relax and indulge in fresh sandwiches, sweet treats and light lunch options with Sunday lunches also available.
Easter afternoon teas at The Vinery can be pre-booked on select dates in April, featuring sweet treats, sandwiches and scones and served with freshly brewed tea. There’s the extra option to upgrade the glasshouse afternoon tea to include a glass of fizz.
With spring in full force, Raby’s Walled Gardens await as its three beautifully designed spaces come to life, as well as the picturesque Deer Park providing a wonderful moment to revel in the great outdoors. Complimentary tractor-rides will be available to provide an extra way to explore this peaceful landscape and enjoy a captivating experience as the majestic deer are fed in their beautiful parkland.
For those looking for creative ways to celebrate the arrival of spring, Raby is hosting an Easter wreath workshop on Saturday 21st March. Deborah Simpson Boston, a local floral designer and owner of Periwinkle Barn, will lead the event and demonstrate how to create a beautiful, seasonal wreath using a curated selection of spring blooms, soft foliage, natural textures, and charming Easter touches.
Family-friendly activities include a special Easter Trail featuring a mischievous rabbit in Raby’s woodland adventure playground, The Plotters’ Forest, which is woven amongst Christmas trees where little ones can explore slides, sky-high walkways, treetop tunnels and interactive games along the way.
Families can also take part in hands-on craft activities in the yurt and create their own Easter creations to take home, or head out on an additional complimentary trail across the Deer Park.
Daily free activities, guided family tours and the chance to explore one of England’s finest medieval castles, which will also feature a Little Eggsplorers trail, can be enjoyed across the Easter holiday too and for those looking for a baking experience, the popular hot bun masterclasses will be returning in Raby Castle’s medieval kitchen on Thursday 9th April, as the Estate chef divulges his top tips to create these sweet, spiced buns.
Part of the Raby Estate, High Force Waterfall will be hosting a carrot patch trail for Easter, encouraging families to enjoy the great outdoors and keep their eyes peeled for clues dotted around nature along the way.
A Castle, Park and Gardens with Market Entry Ticket is recommended so visitors can enjoy everything Raby has to offer this Easter – this is from £24 for adults and £13 for children, with a family ticket for two adults and two children also available for £65.
Alternatively, separate entry to Raby’s Easter Food and Craft Market is available for £2 in advance, or £5 on the day, with children under 15 going free or families can opt for Raby’s Family Explorer Ticket for £60 when booked in advance or £65 when purchased on the day, which includes access to The Plotters’ Forest and its Easter trail, Raby Castle, the Deer Park and Walled Gardens for two adults and two children.
The glasshouse afternoon tea at The Vinery is available on selected dates from the 7th – 25th April, with prices starting from £29.50, and pre-booking is required.
The Easter wreath workshop is on Saturday 21st March at 11am and is £65 per person. The hot bun masterclass is taking place on Thursday 9th April and is £35 per person.
A High Force Waterfall family ticket is £10 for two adults and two children. Alternatively, an adult ticket is £3.95 and a child ticket (ages 4 to 15) is £2.45. Children under four go free.
For further information and to book tickets, visit Raby Estates' website.
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