Raby Castle, Park and Gardens and High Force Hotel have both been recognised in Tripadivsor’s® Travelers’ Choice® Awards for 2024.

Raby Castle, Park and Gardens in Staindrop and High Force Hotel in Forest-in-Teesdale, which are both part of the Raby Estate, have scooped up the award which honours businesses that consistently earn great reviews, placing them among the top 10% of listings around the world on Tripadvisor.

High Force Hotel is a rural retreat with ten individually designed en-suite rooms and its own restaurant which serves locally-sourced food all day – including many produce from the Raby Estate.

Located in the scenic Upper Teesdale adjacent to High Force Waterfall, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in England, just across the road, the hotel provides an escape to the country for its guests, including four-legged friends.

Andrew Lindsey, the general manager at High Force Hotel said: “This award means such a lot as it is based on the feedback our visitors provide following their stay so a huge thank you to everyone who has taken the time to share this. Not only does their insight help to demonstrate what future visitors can expect, but we can also closely monitor this to ensure our guests continue to have the best experience possible.

“I’d also like to thank our amazing team who work incredibly hard to make sure everyone has a wonderful time during their stay with us. Nothing is too much trouble for the team and I feel immensely proud of their dedication to look after our guests so brilliantly.”

Raby Castle, Park and Gardens has recently opened its new lifestyle destination, offering visitors an all-day experience with acres of unexpected elegance, complete with heritage buildings, remodelled gardens, stylish shopping and local food that’s as fresh as it gets.

Following the development, known as ‘The Rising’, visitors can now enjoy The Vinery Café Restaurant, The Coach House shop and exhibition, remodelled walled gardens and magnificent historic event spaces.

This was the largest restoration project in decades with an extensive renovation of existing historic buildings and the sympathetic addition of two impressive new buildings, all thoughtfully tied together with newly landscaped and meandering walkways.

The historic castle, located near Staindrop, completed the first phase of its redevelopment plans in 2022 with the opening of its woodland adventure playground, The Plotters’ Forest, which has become a firm favourite with families in the area and visitors from further afield.

Alan McKerchar, general manager at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens said: “The news of this latest award win is wonderful to hear, especially as this comes from positive feedback from our visitors.

“What a tremendous year it’s been for Raby Castle as we welcomed visitors to our new leisure destination. The whole design has been thoughtfully put together with our visitors’ experience as one of the biggest priorities and we can’t wait to see their ongoing feedback now that everyone has so much more to see, enjoy and do at Raby Castle.”

As the world’s largest travel guidance platform, Tripadvisor has unparalleled authority with travellers and diners. This award is based on genuine feedback from anyone in the community who has visited and left an authentic, first-hand review on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period, making it a valuable and trustworthy designation of great places to visit.

“Congratulations to High Force Hotel and Raby Castle, Park and Gardens on their recognition in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2024,” said John Boris, Chief Growth Officer at Tripadvisor. “Travelers’ Choice honours businesses that consistently demonstrate a commitment to hospitality excellence. This means you have made such a memorable impact on your visitors that many of them took the time to go online and leave a great review about their experience. People rely on Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice seal to help them navigate the myriad of things to see, eat and do across the globe. We hope this recognition continues to drive business to you in 2024 and beyond.”

Tickets to access Raby Castle which is currently open Tuesday to Sunday between 11am and 4pm, can be purchased online in advance. An adult ticket is £18, a child ticket is £10 and a family ticket is £55 which also provides access to the Park and Gardens. More information can be found on the website www.raby.co.uk/whats-on/

To book a stay and for further details about High Force Hotel, including information about its summer escape offer, visit: www.raby.co.uk/high-force/hotel

Looking for the perfect family day out this summer? Look no further than Raby Castle, Park, and Gardens. Nestled in the heart of the picturesque County Durham countryside, Raby Castle offers a full day of fun for visitors of all ages.

This summer, families across the North East can enjoy a new visitor destination at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens.

Opening just over a month ago these magnificent new spaces offer families an all-day experience with acres of unexpected elegance, complete with heritage buildings, remodelled gardens, stylish shopping and local food that’s as fresh as it gets.

What’s On

Alice in Wonderland Trail

Come down the rabbit hole and enjoy a whimsical journey through The Plotters’ Forest with our brand new Alice in Wonderland Trail Sheet. Help Alice find all of the items misplaced by The Mad Hatter.

Complimentary trail sheet included in standard Plotters’ Forest admission

Kids go Free into Raby Castle

When you purchase a Plotters’ Forest ticket, kids go free into the historic Raby Castle! Dive into the past as you explore the majestic rooms and grand halls. It’s a journey through time that the whole family will enjoy.

Complimentary upgrade available during the booking process. Castle open Tuesday – Sunday.

Summer Events

At Raby Castle, Park, and Gardens, our daily activities are just the beginning. This summer, we have a packed event schedule you won’t want to miss.

Check out some of our top picks below:

• Discover Raby Weekend | 27th & 28th July
• Children’s Interactive Theatre | Pirates | 3rd August
• Harvest Seasonal Market | 24th – 26th August
• Children’s Interactive Theatre | Thumbelina | 1st September

Weekly Happenings

We are excited to announce that we now offer complimentary activities on weekdays, all included in your standard admission tickets. Bring the kids along and enjoy a 1:30pm Family Explorers Tour at Raby Castle, where little adventurers can discover the rich history and secrets of the castle. Afterwards, join us at 3pm for Children’s Seed Planting, a fun and educational activity where kids can learn about gardening and planting.

There is so much to see and do across Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

The Plotters’ Forest

Get ready for a thrilling outdoor adventure in the Plotters’ Forest! Our playground is designed to spark imaginations and provide endless fun. Climb, slide, and explore in a safe and enchanting woodland setting.

Adult £13.00 | Child £10.00 | Under 4s Free

Purchase The Plotters’ Forest, Park and Gardens Tickets HERE

The Deer Park

Take a leisurely stroll through our serene

200-acre Deer Park, where majestic red and fallow deer roam freely.

Don’t forget to pick up a Raby Adventure Booklet and keep your eyes peeled for exciting discoveries throughout the parkland.

Purchase Park and Gardens Tickets HERE

The Walled Gardens

Our recently remodelled Walled Gardens are a must-see attraction, especially with the addition of new mazes in the formal garden, which have quickly become a favourite with children.

Purchase Park and Gardens Tickets HERE

The Vinery

When hunger strikes, head to The Vinery, where you can enjoy a delicious meal while taking in panoramic views of the stunning Raby Castle. Our children’s lunch packs, available hot or cold, start from just £5.95 and include a variety of nutritious and tasty options that kids will love.

The Coach House Shop

No visit is complete without a stop at The Coach House Shop. It’s the perfect place for children to spend their pocket money on a wide selection of toys and souvenirs. Find the perfect memento to remember your day at Raby Castle.

The Coach House Exhibition

Don’t miss the Coach House Exhibition, which is free to enter! Discover the wider Raby Estate and learn more about the rich history of Raby Castle. It’s an educational experience that’s both fun and informative.

High Force Waterfall

Why not also visit the High Force Waterfall, which is also located on the Raby Estate? This breath taking natural wonder is a must-see. This summer, we’re excited to introduce a brand new Folk and Fairytales Trail for the children. Once upon a time in a land, not so far away, the fairy tale creatures have come out to play, see if you can find them on your walk today.

Purchase High Force Waterfall Tickets HERE

You might have spotted a cart hanging in the lobby area of the Coach House, which is home to Raby’s new shop and exhibition space. A particular favourite of the Raby team, this cart was primarily for recreation rather than a means of transport, and evidence in our archives and collections show that it was well used and loved.

These smaller carts, which were lightweight and suited for one rider, were often referred to as a ‘chair’ or a ‘whiskey’. They were named after the ability of the cart to whisk someone around and quickly pass by other carriages. A ‘curricle’ was a similar vehicle used by young men about town, and due to their speed and manoeuvrability acted as a kind of early sports car. In contrast, the one at Raby was used at a more leisurely pace when traversing large parks and gardens in fair weather.

This emphasis on leisure can be seen in the build of the cart. The caned seat and plush leather cushion would have offered a comfortable ride, and the leather guards protected the rider from mud splatters from the wheels. The front board- known as a dashboard- prevented them from being splashed with dirt ‘dashed up’ from the horse. It was also helpful for making sure they wouldn’t have to see the horse’s rear! The holder at the top of the dashboard was for resting the reigns, and the holder to the side of the chair was for a crop.

The makers mark on the wheel hub, ‘Davis & Sons, Battle’ gives some indication as to the origin of the cart.

Battle Abbey, now run by English Heritage, was the home of the 4^th Dowager Duchess of Cleveland after her husband the 4^th Duke died childless in 1891. The 9^th Baron Barnard took over the running of Raby Castle, and the 4^th Duchess moved to their other home at Battle Abbey. She still visited Raby, as seen in the castle’s visitor books.

We have a photograph in the collection of the 4^th Duchess, in what appears to be our cart, in front of the entrance to Battle Abbey.

An inscription on the back of the photograph calls the cart ‘the donkey carriage’, and the 9^th Baroness Barnard kept this tradition of using a donkey as her trusty steed. Here, Catherine Sarah is pictured in a similar position in front of Raby Castle, with a donkey held by a groom or a pony boy. The Lady Barnard used the cart for travelling around Raby’s parkland to areas such as Bath Wood.

A small shield seen on the back of the cart reads ‘CSB’ and includes the Baron’s Coronet.

The painted shield added by the Lady Barnard is just one indication that the cart was well loved. The cart is often seen in photographs, including this image from 1907 of the cart in front of a car rally, which provides an interesting contrast between the changing modes of transport at the turn of the century.

The cart can also be spotted in the Raby Castle visitor books, a place where visitors would recount their experiences when visiting the family. These photographs show the 9^th Lady Barnard sharing the the cart with friends.

Lady Barnard’s frequent use of the cart is also shown in the 9^th Lord Barnard’s pocket diaries. The cart offered increased accessibility to the outdoors at times when Lady Barnard was ill, prior to her death in 1917. The Lord and Lady Barnard would take walks around the park, with Catherine travelling her chair.

April 18^th 1914: ‘Brilliant day… Went out with C. (pony chair) Lady Close Wood.’

The cart has now found a new purpose welcoming visitors into the Coach House. In preparation for its’ new position after time spent in storage, the cart required conservation treatment. Alongside a surface clean, areas of historic damage had to be managed and the leather seat had to be frozen as a preventative measure against pests. Leatherwork, such as the mud guards, was treated and restored, varnish on painted wood was reset, and active corrosion was removed from the wheels.

The positioning of the cart within the lobby posed the next interesting challenge. Raby worked with Ian Watson and his team at Open Format to determine the safest way to hang the cart, both for those standing beneath and also for the integrity of the structure. A bespoke hanging system was designed to ensure the weight was balanced in a way that was most natural for the cart.

We think the pony cart offers an impressive welcome to the Coach House, combining the new and interesting designs of the current Rising developments while still celebrating the heritage and use of the buildings.

The Raby Estates App has been updated to include our new visitor spaces in The Rising.

Highlighting new facilities such as the Round House and Vinery café, alongside our recently renovated heritage buildings, use the app to read more about how these have been used historically and what they now contain

Points of interest include summaries of the planting in the re-designed Walled Gardens, information about our new projected map table, and an insight into how our impressive new events spaces used to serve more practical functions.

You might have spotted two new characters dotted around the Round House, showcasing things to see and do around the Raby Estate. These were created by Edinburgh artist Lucy Roscoe, with inspiration taken from the collections and the history of the castle.

We have fondly named the pair Parker and Millard, after the Butler, Thomas Parker, and Housekeeper, Annie Millard, who worked at Raby Castle during the early 1900s. The Butler and Housekeeper were important figures in a historic house. They managed the workforce and were the face of the family, responsible for a visitor’s experience. They opened the doors, guided guests around when the family were away, and made sure they felt welcomed and cared for. We hope this represents the overall theme of the new Rising development. You can see the real Mrs. Millard in the Housekeeper’s Sitting Room, our new visitor welcome space in the castle.

The original sketch which inspired the two characters was found in one of the Visitor Books in the castle collections. Visitors during the late 1800s and early 1900s were encouraged to record their arrival and departure from the castle alongside a creative contribution, such as a poem or illustration. One visitor drew a sketch of a man pushing a woman around in a wheelbarrow, who appeared to be guiding the way with an umbrella, and this gave us the inspiration for Parker and Millard. We enjoyed the contrast of a whimsical scenario between two individuals in ‘formal’ clothing.

After further research, we realised that the figures drawn in the Visitor Book originally represented the 4^th Duchess of Cleveland and the 9^th Lord Barnard. During the year 1900 this was the current owner of Raby Castle and the dowager wife of the previous owner. Another depiction in the front of a visitor book by the later 10^th Lord Barnard (son of the 9^th Lord Barnard) shows a slightly different version of the image.

It is nice to know that the inspiration we took for these characters is rooted both in the family who owned the castle and those who worked here, while now representing something new to welcome visitors to Raby.

We were such a fan of Lucy’s work that it can now be seen all around the site, from the family trees and quotes in the Coach House, to the Housekeeper’s Sitting Room in the castle… and even on our signs for the loo’s!

The Coach House & Stables: Five Things to Spot

Now the ‘Rising’; development is open and in full swing, here are five interesting features to spot around The Coach House and Stables, from collection items which played a role in the history of the castle, to new creations produced by local businesses.

1. The Map Table

Taking centre stage in the middle of the Coach House, this installation combines local craftsmanship with creative animation to highlight the impressive landscapes of the Raby Estate.

The table itself is made from Raby Estate wood, which has been formed into the contours of the hills, rivers and villages seen from Gainford to Upper Teesdale, by Anthony Nixon of Barnard Castle. Nixon’s are a local furniture company, and their appreciation for the area is evident in even the smallest bridges being included on the River Tees, and a little lead miner hidden in the form of High Force Waterfall.

The projected filmscape, created with the help of AV company Heritage Interactive, shows the seasons passing throughout the estate alongside the familiar voice of Matt Baker providing a gentle introduction to the heritage landscape. The colours and features on the map reflect the changing seasons, including a tractor harvesting in a field in Autumn and purple heather blanketing the moors in summer. The hanging speakers offer different soundscapes in each part of the estate, from the rutting deer around Raby Castle, to the Black Grouse Lek in Teesdale. Each spot on the table tells a different story and shows how varied the landscapes of the Raby Estate can be.

2. Heirlooms Chests

Around the edges of the Coach House is a display providing a brief introduction to the history of Raby Castle. The story is told on canvas hanging from items found around the castle, which have been conserved and repurposed for their new role in the exhibit.

The large boxes, labelled as specifically numbered ‘Heirlooms Chests,’ were historically used by the Vane family to store and move items between Raby Castle and their London homes. Labels still attached to the boxes show their transportation between stations in the local area and King’s Cross, and their interiors show the unique shapes of the items they were created specifically for such as cutlery, candelabras and trophies. These boxes thread throughout the display as we travel through the history of the Neville and Vane families who owned the castle.

3. Quotes in the lobby

Within the lobby of the Coach House, dotted around the walls of the Coach House shop, are hand-painted quotes by Edinburgh Illustrator Lucy Roscoe. These are comments left by guests of the family in the Raby Castle Visitor Books held in the collection. Writers were encouraged to leave creative contributions such as a sketch, photograph or poem, and many were wowed by the splendour of their visit and the warm welcome received by the family.

Lucy is also responsible for the illustrations, family trees and other signs scattered around the Rising and the Castle. See our blog on ‘Parker and Millard’ to find out the story behind our characters in the Round House.

4. Pony Boy coat

The Tack Room has been displayed as it was historically, with a range of reigns and saddles hanging from the wood-panelled walls, a bit cabinet, and a table covered in items relating to horse management and riding.

A Coachman’s tan coat is positioned on the mannequin while a smaller version of the coat is draped across the table. Using the name on the label inside, we have discovered in wage records that this was for a Pony Boy called Cleasby Lowson, who worked at Raby from around 1915 to 1917.

This image of a young man tending to the 9^th Lady Barnard’s donkey, in a similar coat in 1897, suggests their role wasn’t limited to caring just for ponies as the name suggests!

5. Ladder in the Vinery

While not actually located in the Coach House and Stables, our final feature to spot is a prime example of an historic Raby item given a new lease of life. The impressive ladder hanging along the length of our new Vinery café was previously stored across one of the outbuildings used to service the castle, and while well-made, was in a dilapidated condition.

It took five people to carry the ladder to the castle, where our Conservation Officer cleaned and waxed all 43 rungs, before it found a new home displayed along the Vinery wall.

For a closer look into more of the items around the Rising, see our blogs on the pony cart hanging in the lobby, a side saddle found in the stables, and some tiles which have found their way back into a food preparation area after years in storage.

The Shrewsbury Art Trail is at The Shrewsbury Museum until the end of August.

Raby’s Walled Gardens are now open for visitors to experience the hard work that has gone into creating the re-imagined space. From world renowned designer in Luciano Giubbilei and the visions of the Lady Barnard, to our own team of hard working Raby gardeners, this passion for gardens and growing reflects the generations of green fingers seen in the history of Raby Castle.

Our first records of the development of the gardens begin in the early 1700s, on a map which shows an orchard and kitchen garden on the north-facing slope outside of the gatehouse of the castle. Prior to this, there would have been a garden from around the medieval period used to grow plants for the kitchen and for medicinal purposes.

One of the most significant developments of the gardens was around 1780, when the village of Old Raby was moved from the location of the current walled gardens to a new site across the road from the castle. In 1755, a landscape gardener called Joseph Spence was invited by the 1^st Earl of Darlington to visit Raby and provide advice on development. He advised the location of old Raby village was the perfect spot for walled gardens due to its’ south-facing location.

Passion for growing: A daughter of Henry Vane, 1^st Earl of Darlington, was Lady Anne Vane, who was born in 1726 and grew up at the castle as the walled gardens were being developed. This could have inspired her later interest in botany and the study of plants. She developed an influential name for herself in botanic circles, recognised for her expertise at the time by famed Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus and having the plant ‘Monsonia’ named after her.

During the 1800s the walled garden was a hive of activity, home to pine pits, vineries and heated conservatories as exotic fruits became popular.

OS map of the gardens laid out in the 1850s.

An article in the Journal of Horticulture and Cottage Gardener from a visit to Raby in 1878 talks of 1400 strawberry plants, three peach houses, four pine pits, two plant stoves, a ‘range’ of vineries and a mushroom house… and that isn’t all!

Passion for growing: The 4^th Duchess of Cleveland, who lived at Raby during the latter half of the 1800s, was noted as a collector of rare plants. Her passion for tropical plants is evident in her Handbook for Raby Castle, which she wrote in 1870:

‘What a study they are!  Some of their great leaves look as if they were moulded in lustrous bronze; in others the eye plunges into the deepest, richest green depth sand folds of velvet; some are lined with a crimson down, or spotted with gem-like pink tears; some pure white, with delicate network tracery of green – innumerable varieties of beautiful combinations of colour! ’

She also talks of the challenges faced when growing such plants in the North East of England:

‘The climate is not very favourable, the springs are rough and cold and the summers uncertain; it can be exceedingly hot, but never for long together.  The winters are severe, and no tender plant will live out of doors…’

Image of the conservatory from 1898.

The 1900s saw land repurposed during the wars for productive planting, and Land Girls are recorded as working in the gardens. They are later re-designed with an emphasis on leisure, and towards the end of the century are remodelled for ease of visitor access, culminating in the Rising developments recently completed which pay homage to the historic developments alongside a modern planting design.

Passion for growing: Lady Sylvia, the 10^th Lady Barnard and the current Lord Barnard’s grandmother, added her own touches to the landscaped gardens during the first half of the 1900s. A keen gardener, she had a passion for herbaceous borders, designed to contain plants that flowered right through the year. This interest in having a garden which provides focal points throughout the year is mirrored in the current landscaping scheme, created by the current Lady Barnard alongside renowned designer Luciano Giubbilei.

None of the above developments could have been achieved without a dedicated team of gardeners bringing ideas to fruition. These often large teams were led by a Head Gardener, an important figure who had overall responsibility for the gardens and was encouraged to be innovative and knowledgeable in their fields of expertise.

Employed in the Raby gardens around the 1850s, James Roberts was described as ‘one of the best modern writers on the vine,’ and was a renowned grower of grapes. However, he was also known for the use of unusual techniques when attempting to improve the growth of his vines, some of which the rest of the horticultural community didn’t always agree with. This included the use of animal carcasses, or carrion, in the soil.

Mr. Wesctott, Head Gardener for around 30 years in the second half of the 1800s, won many awards for his growing. In the 1868 Bishop Auckland Flower Show, he exhibited stove and greenhouse plants including pineapples and grapes, which were described as ‘the very sense of perfection,’ and in 1872 Mr R. Westcott was ‘again unapproachable.’

While this may seem like large boots to fill for the next Head Gardener, James Tullett did not disappoint. Head Gardener for another thirty years until the 1920s, Tullett again won several prizes for stove plants and fruit. A highlight of James’ career must have been the Royal visit in 1905, when King Edward VII visited Raby Castle. ‘His Majesty went away with a bunch of the famed “Raby carnations” with him. This, of course, all stands to the credit of Mr J. Tullett, the head gardener.’

James Tullett (centre) with his gardening team.

If you spot our gardeners around, ask them questions, see how they work, and appreciate the effort and passion that goes into creating these new gardens alongside the work that continues to maintain them.

Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

Raby Reminisces- Another classic car rally.

To celebrate Raby’s Classic Car Show returning for another year this Sunday 30^th, we’re taking a look at a gathering of car aficionados which took place over 100 years ago.

On August 31^st 1907, the North-Eastern Automobile Association met at Raby and the Teesdale Mercury reported on the event:

‘Lord and Lady Barnard were ‘at home’ at Raby Castle on Saturday afternoon to members of the North Eastern Automobile Association.’

‘The meeting was favoured with very fine weather, and a company numbering over 600 ladies and gentlemen had a pleasurable opportunity of visiting the castle and its park.’

One of a series of photographs found in the collection shows the association alongside the Lord and Lady Barnard, positioned in front of the castle.

‘In the park, close by the browsing deer, was a collection of nearly 100 cars of all makes and sizes.’

Cars were parked up inside the parkland for a photograph which highlights the interesting transition between carriages and motorcars. Changes in technology saw carriages and carts being used more for leisure than transport, as motor vehicles quickly became popular at the turn of the 20^th century. The 9^th Lady Barnard’s pony cart, pulled by a donkey and used regularly for trips around the parkland, is in prime position in front of the displayed cars. You can see this cart hanging in the lobby of the Coach House, nestled within our new retail space.

Classic Car Show Raby Castle

Awards were handed out to the winners of trials held the month before, which included events such as ‘hill climbing trials’ for cars and motor bicycles, and a ‘Newcastle to Edinburgh Reliability trial’.

Lord Barnard, in a speech thanking attendees, spoke of his opinions of the motor car:

‘He was a convert to the utility of motors, and whatever people might say against them… he was perfectly certain that they were a permanent institution in this country. They had already proved themselves too useful to be ever thrown aside.’

His predictions proved correct!

Raby’s first motorcar was said to be a Fiat purchased in 1905, driven from the agents to the castle by Ernie Pettit, who then held the post of Chauffeur at Raby for around 45 years. What followed was a succession of cars which were used frequently by the family and were stored and maintained in the Garage within the Stable Yard, which is now our new education space. This image shows some of Raby’s motorcars outside of the garage with members of the workforce.

We just hope the weather is as fine for our Classic Car Show as it was in 1907!