Powering the Past | Technology at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

About

Step behind the scenes of Raby Castle and discover how technology has shaped life at Raby.

From early attempts at heating vast stone rooms to the arrival of gas, electricity and modern plumbing, this tour reveals how the pursuit of comfort, efficiency and innovation transformed the building. Guided through the castle, you'll encounter original mechanisms, hidden features and working systems that helped Raby function behind the scenes, and explore fascinating archive material that documents the Castle's evolving relationship with technology. Learn how sanitation and toilets developed across the centuries, see how food production and storage were modernised, and uncover how transport innovations affected life across the estate. This tour explores the inventive ways the medieval Castle adapted to changing technologies over hundreds of years and embraced the modern world.

This ticket is valid as a Castle, Deer Park & Gardens ticket for the remainder of the day.

Please note that accessibility inside the Castle is limited due to the historic nature of the building. This tour includes areas of the Castle that are not usually open to the public. The route includes uneven floor surfaces, tight staircases and areas where there is no access to seating. Flat shoes and warm clothing are strongly recommended. Numbers are limited on these special tours as we glimpse into smaller, more intimate rooms and share some of the lesser-known stories of Raby Castle and the people who have lived and worked here. Please inform the Castle team in advance by calling 01833 650202 or emailing admin@raby.co.uk