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/

The post Raby Castle, Park & Gardens’ Hoppingly brilliant Easter plans appeared first on Raby Estates.

Inspired by the bestselling books written by Terry Deary and illustrated by Martin Brown, and publishing by Scholastic, Raby is shining a light on the gruesome history of the medieval fortress with a new installation available from Saturday 4^th October to Sunday 9^th November.

As visitors journey through the 14^th century castle, each room will contain new information about the castle in medieval times, including some surprising historical facts from Raby’s past, as told Horrible Histories style!

Julie Biddlecome-Brown, curator at Raby Castle, said: “It’s been fascinating delving into Raby’s legacy from the Middle Ages, looking back at a time when Raby was a castle, rather than the family home and historic house it became centuries later.

“Our special Horrible Histories tour will allow visitors to see Raby Castle in a way they’ve never seen it before, drawing inspiration from the much-loved books that continue to inspire new generations of history fans.”

Throughout October half term, Raby’s expert team of guides will be on hand once a day to take families round the castle and point out the grim and grisly parts of the medieval fortress.

Julie adds: “Our gregarious guides will be drawing attention to parts of the castle that you might normally walk by, but at the time would have had a very different – and sometimes staggering – function.”

The servant’s hall will be transformed into a hands-on space packed with activities exploring medieval life including period costume items to try on and photo opportunities, as well as the chance to test out stocks and discover some surprising medieval crimes and punishments.

A Horrible Histories trail sheet can also be collected, which families can complete during their time-travelling trip round Raby Castle, as they are guided through a cast of memorable characters including powerful nobles and pitiful peasants.

Families can make the most of their day out with Raby’s Family Explorer ticket, providing access to the Horrible Histories inside Raby Castle, Deer Park, Gardens and The Plotters’ Forest. Book online in advance to enjoy discounted rates as the Family Explorer Ticket (two adults and two children) is £60 online or £65 when purchased on-site.

Additional adult and child tickets to Raby Castle, Park and Gardens can also be purchased separately.

To find out more about Raby Castle and its Horrible Histories takeover, and to book tickets, visit: www.raby.co.uk/events/horrible-histories-takeover-at-raby-castle/

The post Raby Castle is stepping into the middle ages with a Horrible Histories Takeover appeared first on Raby Estates.

The post The Plotters’ Forest, Park and Garden Tickets appeared first on Raby Estates.