Taking place across the long bank holiday weekend (Friday 3^rd to Monday 6^th 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 specialty teas and coffees. The impressive 200-seater The Vinery Cafe, with its panoramic views of the 14^th 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 21^st 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 9^th 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 7^th – 25^th April, with prices starting from £29.50, and pre-booking is required.

The Easter wreath workshop is on Saturday 21^st March at 11am and is £65 per person. The hot bun masterclass is taking place on Thursday 9^th 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 £4.00 and a child ticket (ages 4 to 15) is £2.50. Children under four go free.

For further information and to book tickets, visit: www.raby.co.uk/easter-at-raby-estates/

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Make sure to head to Garden Trading in the beautiful Conservatory located within the stunning 18^th century Walled Gardens with views of the castle.

Indoor and outdoor furniture, pots, homeware accessories and tableware from the Garden Trading collection will be showcased, alongside some of the latest spring and summer 2026 pieces which are all inspired by modern country living with effortless style.

Utilising the Conservatory’s stunning views of the castle, a Garden Trading showroom will be created featuring the range of products, moving from a stylised utility, dining room and indoor living space to bistro tables and outdoor living.

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Raby Estates will be running an unlimited January entry again in 2026, following the positive feedback received during its first year.

The offer means visitors can return to the Estate’s popular attractions, including Raby Castle’s Deer Park and Walled Gardens and High Force Waterfall throughout January for free after purchasing an initial entry ticket.

Claire Jones, head of leisure and tourism at Raby Estates said: “The initiative last year was introduced to help combat the January blues and reinforce that the month can also be an optimistic time filled with resolutions and new routines.

“The entry offer was extremely popular during its first year in January 2025 and we’re looking forward to introducing it once again at the start of next year. It will enable our visitors to enjoy all the wonderful aspects of Raby – from winter landscapes, fresh air, and wildlife – as many times as they’d like with the knowledge that they’re doing so for the price of just one ticket, especially during a time of year where money can feel tight.

“Unlimited January also serves as a great way for our visitors to trial a Raby membership and decide if the year-round access will suit their lifestyle.”

A ticket to the Deer Park and Walled Gardens will allow walkers to explore the ancient parkland and witness deer feeds every weekend at 10.30am. Visitors can also amble at their leisure through the 18^th century Walled Gardens, remodelled by renowned designer Luciano Giubbilei and Raby’s custodian and creative director, Lady Barnard, and join a 12pm daily mindfulness garden tour led by Raby’s gardening team.

Becky Crowley, assistant head gardener at Raby Castle, looks after the gardens and ensures the vision of Luciano and Lady Barnard is fulfilled. She said: “In January, visitors can expect to witness the historic yew hedge, which is nearly 300 years old, often covered in frost, highlighting its impressive topiary structure, alongside other hedging including hornbeam and osmanthus.

“The lowlight coming through grasses and perennial seed heads, particularly in the west garden, is a sight to behold and our greenhouse will be populated with a spectacular array of plants to explore too.”

The Vinery Café, with stunning panoramic views of the medieval castle, will be introducing meals under £10 for January, along with Sunday lunches, providing visitors with the chance to sit back and relax with some comforting and hearty food during their day out.

Social Sundays will also be taking place throughout the month at both Raby Castle, Park and Gardens and High Force Waterfall, which include a guided walk around the picturesque locations from 11.30am. Suitable for all levels of walkers, the circular route at High Force highlights the beauty of the cascading waterfall, whilst younger visitors are entertained with a magical woodland sculpture trail along the way.

The unlimited January offer applies to High Force Waterfall, and Deer Park and Walled Gardens tickets purchased from the 2^nd to the 31^st January.

Visitors wishing to return should keep hold of their original ticket purchased in January and present it on re-entry.

A Deer Park and Gardens ticket is £14 for adults, £7 for children (aged 4-15 years) and a family ticket for two adults and two children is £44. Admission to High Force Waterfall is £3.95 for adults, £2.45 for children (aged 4-15 years) and under fours go free.

For further information and to book tickets, visit: www.raby.co.uk/events/an-unlimited-january/

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The new collaboration will be hosted within The Conservatory in Raby’s Walled Gardens, where Deborah Simpson Boston, a floral designer and owner of Periwinkle Barn, has worked with Raby’s team of experts to create a beautifully designed flower pop-up shop.

The retail space, featuring seasonal bouquets, tools and books about gardening and floristry, will be within the central space of The Conservatory, alongside an exhibition area detailing the history of Raby’s 18^th century Walled Gardens and a space where Deborah will host a series of workshops on selected dates.

Deborah said: “Everything is so beautiful and well thought out here at Raby – it really is a dream place to work with its calming and soothing atmosphere. I hosted workshops at Raby Castle in the summer which was a fantastic introduction and I’m really looking forward to my ongoing residency here for the next few months. The winter period will bring seasonal workshops including wreath making, tablescapes and so much more.”

Deborah returned to the Durham countryside after studying and working in Brighton and London and has been growing delicate and romantic stems from her 400-year-old barn since 2022. She has over ten years of experience in event flowers and created the flower display for the 2025 Royal Maundy Service at Durham Cathedral, which was attended by His Majesty King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

With a passion for British flowers, sustainability is also a keen focus for Deborah at Periwinkle Barn. She said: “I’ve made the conscious decision to work as sustainably as possible, growing and using seasonal British stems from spring to autumn. From late autumn to winter, I source stems which are as sustainable as possible without chemicals or pesticides.

“My ethos closely aligns with Raby’s – there’s a wonderful synergy between us both and it’s brilliant to work with like-minded people.”

During her residency, Deborah will be working closely with Raby’s assistant head gardener, Becky Crowley, to utilise the cutting garden at Raby and what is available there seasonally, which will also provide an interactive element to the Periwinkle Barn workshops.

Becky said: “Deborah has designed a fantastic series of workshops for our visitors to enjoy, focusing on different flowers and floral creations, incorporating a wide variety of methods to learn too. They will be taught from a sustainable point of view whilst also making use of the flowers we have available in our cutting garden and have been thoughtfully designed so visitors can take part in them as an entire series, a selection or even just a standalone experience.”

The Periwinkle Barn workshops will focus on a floral meadow box, hand-tied floral arrangements and urn arrangements alongside a selection of seasonal and festive creations, from advent candle wreaths and luxury Christmas wreaths to Christmas garlands and table arrangements including pots and bouquets.

The workshops will take place on the following dates between 10am and 12pm and tickets are between £50 and £70 per person:

• Floral Meadow Box on Saturday 1^st November
• Hand-tied Floral Arrangement on Saturday 8^th November
• Dutch Masters Urn and Fruit on Saturday 15^th November
• Seasonal Tablescape on Saturday 22^nd November
• Advent Candle Wreath on Sunday 23rd November
• Luxury Christmas Wreath on Friday 5th December and Saturday 6th December
• Luxury Door Swag on Sunday 7th December and Sunday 14th December
• Christmas Wreath on Friday 12th December
• Luxury Christmas Wreaths on Saturday 13th December
• Christmas Table Arrangement Pot on Saturday 20th December
• Christmas Table Arrangement Bouquet on Sunday 21st December
• Christmas Garland on Monday 22nd December and Tuesday 23rd December
• Christmas Table Arrangement on Wednesday 24th December

The Conservatory featuring the Periwinkle Barn residency will be open between 10am and 4pm, Thursday – Sunday, where visitors can also place bespoke wreath orders with Deborah in the build up to Christmas, and delivery of these special festive items can be arranged.

To find out more about the Periwinkle Barn floristry residency at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens and to book workshop tickets, visit: www.raby.co.uk/events/raby-x-periwinkle-barn/

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The achievement for the County Durham destination was in the Management or Development of a Historic Park or Garden category, with the first prize going to the Promenades de Reims in Reims, France. A fellow UK nominee, the South Cliff Gardens, was also awarded second place alongside Raby Castle, Park and Gardens.

Since 2010, around 140 winners from 23 countries have received an award from the European Garden Award. Most of these have been recognised for their exceptional contributions to the maintenance and development of historic gardens, contemporary garden design, and exemplary climate adaptation initiatives.

The award acknowledged both the remodelling of the Walled Gardens, led by award-winning garden designer Luciano Giubbilei in creative collaboration with Lady Barnard, and the redesign of Raby Castle’s extensive public areas throughout the grounds, which was managed by acclaimed landscape architect Alistair Baldwin. Both projects were completed in 2024 as part of the landmark three-year regeneration development at Raby Castle.

Lady Barnard, creative director and custodian of Raby Castle and Estates who was heavily involved in the redesign of the Walled Gardens, said: “We’re immensely proud to have achieved international recognition for the beautiful gardens and spaces throughout Raby Castle’s grounds and I’d like to extend my thanks and congratulations to both Luciano and Alistair. The spaces they have created are elegant, tranquil and perfectly encapsulate the fascinating heritage of Raby.”

Raby Castle’s Walled Gardens have also been nominated for the Historic Houses 2025 Garden of the Year Award. Sponsored by Christie’s, The Garden of the Year Award recognises the importance of some of the country’s most spectacular gardens with outstanding horticultural and public appeal.

Dickon Harding, gardens and landscape manager at Raby Castle said: “The gardens team have worked exceptionally hard to maintain the impressive vision of both Luciano and Lady Barnard, ensuring the five-acre space continues to flourish as they had hoped and envisaged.

“It’s been wonderful to see how the three different areas within the Walled Gardens have matured over the different seasons, and we feel an immense sense of pride that we get to work in such a peaceful and beautiful place, steeped in history. Winning the Garden of the Year Award would be a brilliant achievement and thank you to everyone who has already voted for Raby in this category.”

Raby is one of eight shortlisted gardens, chosen from among the hundreds of gardens, parks, and grounds that offer free entry to members of Historic Houses, the association that represents and supports the UK’s independent historic homes, castles, and gardens, and voting is open now.

To vote for Raby Castle, Park and Gardens in Historic Houses’ 2025 Garden of the Year Award, please visit: www.historichouses.org/vote-goya/

For more information about Raby Castle, Park and Gardens, please visit: www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle

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Led by a member of our expert gardening team, this complimentary garden tour offers a relaxed and informative experience, perfect for visitors interested in historic English gardens, horticulture, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the Raby Estate.

Discover the beauty and heritage of one of County Durham’s most enchanting historic gardens with our daily Gardeners’ Walk & Talk, taking place every day at 12 noon within Raby Castle’s beautifully restored 18th-century Walled Gardens.

Throughout the Winter months, the iconic structure in the garden plays a vital role. We’ll discuss ways in which you can adapt Luciano’s methods to benefit your own space. From evergreen topiary to man-made structures, these elements provide the framework to show off an array of beautiful seedheads, grasses and gently decaying perennials.

As you stroll through the gardens, you’ll learn about our iconic yew hedges, thoughtfully curated planting schemes, and the ongoing garden restoration project that has brought new life to this much-loved space. Discover the seasonal highlights, sustainable gardening techniques, and the historical significance of this exceptional landscape.

From time to time, we’re delighted to welcome special guests to our Walk & Talk sessions, including Lady Barnard, who shares her personal connection to the garden.

Whether you’re a keen gardener, a history lover, or a visitor seeking things to do near Raby Castle, our Gardeners’ Walk & Talk is a wonderful way to connect with nature and explore the horticultural heritage of this remarkable estate.

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Deborah has a wealth of experience in event flowers and will be hosting a range of workshops across the spring and summer months, from flower bowls, to spring planter and wreath workshops learning sustainable techniques along the way. Periwinkle will be based in the iconic Potting Sheds by the Conservatory situated in the stunning 18th-century walled gardens with views of the historic Castle with a pop-up flower shop, seasonal bouquets and posies and plants, visitors can also place bespoke wreath orders with Deborah and delivery of these special items can be arranged.

View all Workshops Here 

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First Thursday of every month | 10:00am – 12:00noon.

Join us for Raby Through The Lens, a relaxed and welcoming photography social held on the first Thursday of every month. Whether you are an experienced photographer or just starting out, this event is for anyone who enjoys photography – or simply wants to explore the medium in a friendly, no-pressure environment. No experience needed – just bring your camera (or phone) & your curiosity.

We will gather at 10:00 AM in the Vinery for a relaxed tea or coffee, giving you the perfect opportunity to meet new faces, chat about photography, and exchange ideas in a friendly atmosphere.

At 10:30 AM, we will head out for a leisurely group walk around the stunning Raby grounds. Each month, we will explore different areas of the expansive estate, from photographing the majestic deer and discovering the rich history of the castle, to venturing into the exclusive Bath Wood.

The sessions will be led by Chris Parkinson, with years of experience capturing the beauty of nature and telling stories through his images, Chris brings a relaxed, approachable style to the sessions. Whether you are looking to improve your photography skills or simply enjoy a creative morning with like-minded people, Chris’s friendly guidance ensures everyone feels supported and inspired.

As we explore the grounds, Chris will share tips, tricks, and techniques, and participants will have plenty of opportunities to help each other out. It’s all about learning, sharing, and building a warm, friendly photography community.

“I signed up to attend the ‘Raby through the Lens’ event. I was slightly apprehensive about going along solo, but everyone was warm and welcoming. The event was informal, well organised, friendly, fun and anybody could attend the session. It didn’t matter if you had a camera phone, the best on the market, or whatever in between; it didn’t matter, it was inclusive for one and all. The weather was lovely and we all had a chat together about photography over coffee in the beautiful new vinery. Thank you for an absolutely fantastic morning. I can’t wait to come back!” – Sharon

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