When

Saturday 23rd, Sunday 24th and Monday 25th May

Where

Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

Timings

10am - 4pm

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Join us this Bank Holiday for the Spring Garden Fair

Raby Castle, Park and Gardens’ popular Spring Garden Fair is returning this May Bank Holiday after its successful debut.

Celebrate the garden’s reawakening after its winter slumber as spring breathes new life into the landscape.

Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy expert talks and demonstrations from a range of garden specialists who will be on hand to offer advice, answer questions about your own garden, and share exciting insights into the ongoing transformation of Raby Castle’s historic Walled Gardens. Visitors can browse a wonderful selection of plant traders and artisan stalls offering an inspiring variety of flowers, shrubs, and garden treasures for visitors to browse and buy, and transform their own gardens.

The event showcases the beautiful new floral displays, Castle in Bloom, within the magnificent Raby Castle, adding even more to your day.

Enjoy stone-baked pizza in the sunshine or have a seasonal lunch on the Vinery Terrace. Alongside an exciting range of complementary activities throughout the weekend, including tractor and trailer rides, face painters, live entertainment, children’s flower crafts and so much more.

Ticket Options

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.

Spring Garden Fair with Castle in Bloom, Park and Gardens:

Adult | £23
Concession (60+) | £22
Children (4-15yrs) | £12
Family (2 Adults & 2 Children) | £65

Raby Members and Historic Houses | Free

Book your tickets

Spring Garden Fair with Deer Park and Gardens

Adult | £15
Concession (60+) | £14
Children (4-15yrs) | £10
Family (2 Adults & 2 Children) | £46

Raby Members and Historic Houses | Free

Book your tickets

Fair Only Tickets

Adult | Online (Limited Availablity) £2 | £5 On The Day
Children (Under 15) | Free

Raby Members and Historic Houses | Free

Tickets are required to access the Vinery and Coach House Shop

Book your tickets

Spring Garden Fair

23rd, 24th and 25th May

After last year’s successful debut, the Spring Garden Fair is back for 2026.

Expert Talks and Speakers
Live Horticultural Demonstrations
Garden Tours and Talks
Castle in Bloom
Plant Traders
Artisan Stalls
Children’s Flower Crafts
Live Entertainment including an acoustic singer and brass band
Garden Trading in The Conservatory
Delicious Food and Drinks
Face Painter

What’s On Each Day

Saturday 23rd May

10:30am | Gardeners Walk & Talk with a Raby Gardener
11:15am | Garden Design with Alistair Baldwin
12:00pm | Cutting Garden Talk with Becky Crowley
12:30pm | The Creation of The Walled Garden with Raby Head Gardener
1.30pm | Historic Apples on the South Terrace of the Gardens
2pm | Enchanting Small Gardens with Arthur Parkinson
2:30pm | Planting for Wildlife Walk and Talk with Jeremy Shaw

Sunday 24th May

10.30am | Chartered Institute of Horticulture – Gardens of Durham
10:30am | Gardeners Walk & Talk with a Raby Gardener
11am | Sarah Nelson: Live Drawing in The Walled Gardens
11:15am | Garden Design with Alistair Baldwin
12:00pm | Cutting Garden Talk with Becky Crowley
12:30pm | The Creation of The Walled Garden with Raby Head Gardener
1pm | Chartered Institute of Horticulture – Veteran Trees Talk
2pm | Sustainablity Floristry with Periwinkle Barn
2:30pm | Planting for Wildlife Walk and Talk with Jeremy Shaw

Monday 25th May

10:30am | Gardeners Walk & Talk with a Raby Gardener
11:15am | Garden Design with Alistair Baldwin
12:00pm | Cutting Garden Talk with Becky Crowley
12.30pm | Soil Health with Dr Sarah Owen-Hughes
1:15pm | The Creation of The Walled Garden with Raby Head Gardener
2pm | Swallows & Damsons Floral Demonstration
2:30pm | Planting for Wildlife Walk and Talk with Jeremy Shaw

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arthur-parkinson-enchanting-small-gardens-raby-castle-park-and-gardens

Arthur Parkinson: Enchanting Small Gardens

Saturday 23d May | 2pm | SOLD OUT

Step into the world of enchanting small gardens with the celebrated gardener, writer, illustrator, and photographer Arthur Parkinson. Best known for his vibrant, flower-filled plots and his deep love of wildlife, Arthur brings his unique vision to life in this inspiring talk held in the magical setting of the Yurt.

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Sarah Nelson Live Drawing in The Walled Gardens at Raby Castle, Park & Gardens

Sarah Nelson: Live Drawing in The Walled Gardens

Sunday 24th May | 11am

Discover the joy of drawing in the beautiful surroundings of Raby Castle with acclaimed artist Sarah Nelson. Set in the stunning walled gardens of Raby Castle, Park & Garden, this relaxed 90‑minute live drawing class, you’ll create your own unique drawing of Raby to take home – no previous experience required.

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Swallows and Damsons Floral Demonstration

Monday 25th May | 2pm

Join Anna from Swallows and Damsons Florist for an inspiring floral demonstration at Raby Castle’s Spring Garden Fair. Anna will be working alongside garden specialist Becky Crowley, using seasonal blooms freshly gathered from the Castle’s own cutting garden.

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Castle in Bloom

The Spring Garden Fair is the showcase event of Castle in Bloom. The castle and grounds have come alive with vibrant floral displays celebrating the beauty of nature. The Walled Gardens are blooming with colour, and the deer park is bustling with new life. From fresh seasonal dining to stylish shopping, there’s never been a more beautiful time to visit Raby Castle, Park and Gardens.

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The Vision with Alistair Baldwin

Daily | 11.15am

North Yorkshire renowned Landscape Architect and Garden Designer, Alistair Baldwin, will be discussing his landscaping scheme from the tranquillity of the Vinery Terrace to the grandeur of the Dutch Barn. You will gain a deeper understanding of how these spaces came to life and their connection to the castle’s rich heritage. It’s a rare opportunity to hear first hand about the passion behind this magnificent restoration scheme.

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The Secrets of the Soil with Sarah Owen Hughes

Monday 25th | 12.30pm

Join Dr Sarah Owen-Hughes, also known as The Darwinian Gardener, for an inspiring and practical talk that uncovers the hidden world beneath your feet. As a well-known horticulturist and educator, Sarah will guide you through the essential principles of healthy soil – the foundation of every thriving garden. Whether you’re growing herbs, vegetables, flowers, or trees, she’ll show you how to understand, enrich, and care for your soil to support a wide variety of plants. Discover natural methods to boost fertility, improve structure, and bring your soil to life. Perfect for beginners and seasoned growers alike, this session will leave you more connected to the earth and confident in your planting.

Sustainable Floristry with Periwinkle Barn

Sunday 24th | 2pm

Join Deborah from Periwinkle Barn for an inspiring talk on sustainable floristry, exploring how beautiful floral design can work in harmony with nature. Discover eco-conscious techniques, seasonal and locally sourced flowers, and thoughtful alternatives to floral foam, plastics, and waste. This engaging session is perfect for florists, creatives, and anyone passionate about sustainability, offering practical insights and ideas to create stunning arrangements with a lighter environmental footprint.

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Plant Stalls

Visitors can browse a wonderful selection of plant traders offering an inspiring variety of flowers, shrubs, and garden treasures for visitors to browse and buy, and transform their own gardens.

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Local Artisan Stalls

In the Riding School & Dutch Barn you will also discover a curated selection of local suppliers showcasing unique and fascinating items, perfect for adding a special touch to your home or garden. Explore The Coach House Shop, brimming with inspiration for outdoor living, including stylish table decorations, accessories, plants, and pots.

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A day for everyone

Spend time exploring the beautiful Walled Gardens, soak up the vibrant atmosphere, and enjoy live entertainment in the Amphitheatre. You might even find the perfect plant or two to take home. There’s plenty for families to enjoy as well, from making flower crowns and seed planting in the gardens to hopping on a tractor ride through the scenic Deer Park.

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Stylish Shopping and Outdoor Living

This season, The Coach House Shop is celebrating the joy of outdoor living with a brand-new space in the Coach Yard, thoughtfully curated to bring the beauty of the garden into everyday life.

Explore a handpicked selection of seasonal blooms, elegant pots, garden accessories and everything you need for effortless alfresco dining in the Conservatory at the Garden Trading Showroom.

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Estate Pop Up

Breakfast

Home Smoked Oak Bacon Sandwich (GFA*) 6.00
Vegan Sausage Sandwich (V)(VE)(GFA*) 6.00
*Gluten-free bread available

Lunch | from 11:30am

Raby Burgers

Estate Aged Longhorn Beef Burger (GF) £9.00
Redefine Plant based Burger (v) £9.00
Redefine Vegan Plant based Burger (ve)(v) £9.00

12” Stone Baked Pizzas

Margherita £10.00
tomato and garlic passata sauce, with cheese (V)

Pepperoni £12.00
italian pepperoni, tomato and garlic passata Sauce, with cheese

Calabrese £14.00
nduja, hot honey, pepperoni, tomato and garlic passata sauce, with cheese

Marinara £8.00
tomato, garlic and oregano passata sauce, no cheese on a sourdough base (V)(VE)

Gluten-Free Pizzas
Margherita (V) (GF) £12.00 | Marinara (V)(VE)(GF) £10.00

Dipping Sauces £1.00
Garlic Mayonnaise | Sweet & Smoky Barbeque | Blue Cheese

A Taste of Spring

Whether you’re in the mood for a light bite or something heartier, there’s no shortage of delicious options to enjoy throughout the day.

At The Vinery Café, take a moment to unwind with a selection of freshly prepared sandwiches, tempting sweet treats, hot drinks, and light lunch options. The perfect place for a peaceful pause during your visit.

Families visiting The Plotters’ Forest can pop into The Plotters’ Pantry, where you’ll find homemade traybakes, refreshing drinks, and indulgent ice creams – ideal for a tasty break between adventures.

The Garage Café will be serving up a tempting variety of treats, including speciality teas and coffees, snacks, and classic ice creams.

Out by the Dutch Barn, follow the delicious aromas to our Estate BBQ, where we’ll be grilling flavourful produce straight from the Raby Estate. Nearby, a selection of local street food traders will also be serving.

And before you leave, don’t forget to stop by our Coach House Shop, where you can take home a true taste of Raby – including our renowned venison and Longhorn beef, all sourced from the estate.

Ticket Options

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.

Spring Garden Fair with Castlein Bloom, Park and Gardens:

Adult | £23
Concession (60+) | £22
Children (4-15yrs) | £12
Family (2 Adults & 2 Children) | £65

Book your tickets

Spring Garden Fair with Deer Park and Gardens

Adult | £15
Concession (60+) | £14
Children (4-15yrs) | £10
Family (2 Adults & 2 Children) | £46

Book your tickets

Fair Only Tickets

Adult | Online (Limited Availablity) £2 | £5 On The Day
Children (Under 15) | Free

Tickets are required to access the Vinery and Coach House Shop

Book your tickets