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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Indulge in Waffle delights with the whole family in the cosy setting of The Vinery here at Raby Castle, Park & Gardens. Grab some colouring pens and sheets and stay cosy indoors whilst feasting this half term.

Children’s Waffles £5.95 per child

Head to the pantry to order waffles with a help-your-self selection of sprinkles, chocolate sauce, strawberry sauce, marshmallows, strawberries & banana

23rd – 27th February

Children’s Waffles £5.95

two sweet waffles topped with sprinkles, chocolate sauce, marshmallows & banana

Cherry Waffles (V) £7.50

dark cherries in syrup & vanilla custard

Waffles with Chicken Wings £10.00

buttermilk chicken wings with house slaw, honey & crispy onions

The post Kids Half Term: Waffle Station appeared first on Raby Estates.

When

Sunday

Serving Times

12noon - 3pm

Where

The Vinery at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

Sunday Lunch at The Vinery

A Traditional Roast in a Stunning Setting

Make your Sundays truly special with a traditional roast lunch served in the heart of the Raby Estate. Set inside the light-filled elegance of The Vinery, our beautifully restored Victorian glasshouse offers a truly unique dining experience with stunning views of Raby Castle and the surrounding parkland.

Expect warm hospitality, comforting seasonal flavours, and an atmosphere perfect for leisurely Sunday gatherings with friends and family.

Make the Most of Your Visit

After your afternoon tea, why not take some time to explore Raby Castle, Deer Park & Walled Gardens? It’s the perfect way to soak up the beautiful surroundings and enjoy a little extra calm and history during your visit.

More Information

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When

Available Monday - Sunday

Opening Times

2pm - 4pm

Where

The Vinery at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

Price

Glasshouse Afternoon Tea £29.50 | Glasshouse Afternoon Tea for 2 £59.00 | Glasshouse Afternoon Tea with Fizz £37.50 | Children (Under 12) £15.00

Book Now

Afternoon Tea at The Vinery

A Luxurious In Bloom Afternoon Tea Experience in the Heart of the Raby Estate

Escape to the serene beauty of The Vinery — a beautifully restored Victorian glasshouse set within the heart of the Raby Castle Estate.

Our new In Bloom Afternoon Tea includes Vinery Garden produce including geraniums, lemon verbena, chives, and a wide variety of edible flowers, rosemary, walled garden apples and pear as well as an edible flower pot!

Surrounded by historic charm and bathed in natural light, The Vinery offers an elegant setting with panoramic views of Raby Castle. Whether you’re marking a special occasion or simply indulging in a timeless tradition, our afternoon tea experience promises a moment of calm and indulgence in County Durham’s most enchanting location.

Please note: Bookings must be made at least 12 hours in advance.

For large parties of 10+ please email admin@raby.co.uk to make this booking

Afternoon Tea Book Now

Gift Vouchers

Treat someone special to a Raby Estates Gift Voucher, perfect for experiences like the elegant Glasshouse Afternoon Tea, scenic Moorland Walks, thrilling Deer Safaris, or a relaxing stay at the Estate’s hotel — offering unforgettable adventures across the stunning Raby Castle, Park & Gardens.

Book Now

Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

Make a day of it...

Why not make a day of it and visit the iconic 14th-century Raby Castle and discover its unique past and present, which includes access to the stunning parkland where the red and fallow deer roam and newly remodelled walled gardens.

Book Now

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After the walk, relax on the terrace of the Vinery Café and take in the surroundings as you enjoy a handcrafted botanical cocktail or mocktail, thoughtfully inspired by the garden itself. As you unwind, sample a selection of delicious garden‑to‑plate recipes and dishes, prepared by Tom himself, celebrating the flavours of the season.

Whether you have a garden full of produce at home or simply want to explore and learn, let Raby inspire you with this immersive culinary experience that offers a true taste of the estate and the stories behind it.

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