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!

Introducing The King’s Mother at Raby Castle.

In conversation with author Annie Garthwaite. 

With only a couple of weeks to go until Raby Castle welcomes back author Annie Garthwaite to launch her latest novel,  The Kings Mother, Raby’s Curator Julie Biddlecombe-Brown caught up with Annie to discuss her exciting new work. As The King’s Mother picks up the story of Cecily Neville long after she left her childhood home of Raby Castle, Julie was keen to learn more about how Annie has developed her character and those of the people she was surrounded by…..

Julie: Dear Annie, You’ve finished The King’s Mother! How fantastic! The Raby Team and our visitors loved Cecily and felt we really came to understand her better through your interpretation of her character. We’re really excited that you’ve chosen to launch The King’s Mother at Raby Castle, Cecily’s childhood home … but given this new book focuses on her later life – long after she left Raby – why were you so keen to come back to us? …. Not that we’re complaining!

Annie: Hi Julie, Where else but Raby?! I know Cecily left the castle when she began married life with Richard Duke of York, but the heritage of Raby – the strength she acquired and lessons she learned from her parents – never left her. You remember her father Ralph helped overturn a kingdom when he replaced the hapless Richard II with capable Henry IV right? Well, at the start of The King’s Mother, Cecily has done the same, overturning the disastrous rule of Henry VI to put her boy Edward on the throne. Lesson learned, Dad! But the thing I’m excited about with this new book is that we have not ONE powerful medieval woman, but FOUR! As the action opens, Cecily is triumphant as King’s Mother with her boy on the throne. But, in the years that follow, three other women will rise up – Marguerite of Anjou, Elizabeth Woodville, and Margaret Beaufort – to challenge her for their own boys. It’s exciting stuff! I know you’ll always champion Cecily as Raby’s daughter (me too!), but these other women are no less fierce, determined and – to Cecily – at least as dangerous!

Julie: Wow Annie, FOUR powerful medieval women, all equally ambitious for their sons, and for themselves and their legacy! You’re right of course, Cecily had learned from the best at Raby. Her mother Joan was the formidable half-sister of Henry IV and knew how to operate at the highest political levels. Like Cecily she was fiercely intelligent, an able administrator and deeply protective of her own children. One of Raby Castle’s 14th century towers is named after her and seems symbolic of her strength and fortitude. But going back to your ‘fab four’ … these women defy the stereotypical idea we have of aristocratic women in medieval England – busy every day with nothing but prayer and embroidery! In particular, ‘women of a certain age’ are often presented as passive players in history – look at the way Cecily is depicted by Shakespeare in Richard III! You’re turning that on its head!

Annie: Yes! It needs to be turned on its head!  Shakespeare’s Cecily is old, pious and dull with no power or agency. It’s a misrepresentation of her that’s stuck – but it couldn’t be further from the truth! Cecily survived for 80 tempestuous years at the heart of a vicious and violent political system and through multiple regime changes. She championed the causes of both her royal sons – Edward and Richard – and drove their careers towards kingship. To my mind, she’s one of the most significant people – of either sex – in 15th century politics. In fact though, watch out for all four of these women. They drove the political agenda during the Wars – absolutely in the thick of it! Let me put it this way; The King’s Mother begs a question: Did Henry VII bring down Richard III to end the House of York? Or was it Margaret Beaufort that brought down Cecily to achieve that goal? Certainly, Henry won at Bosworth, but he’d never have made it to the battlefield without his mother’s behind the scenes manoeuvrings. Quite simply, it’s impossible to understand the Wars of the Roses without considering the motives and machinations of these women. And it all began at Raby!

So we definitely get the women in this book – but we also tackle some of English history’s most baffling mysteries: Was Edward IV’s marriage bigamous and his children bastards? Why did Edward have his brother George executed years after forgiving him for treason? Did Richard III murder his way to the throne and kill the Princes in the Tower? The women were there, and they know the truth…

Julie: ‘They know the truth…’ Yes! Women weren’t on the sidelines watching events unfold they were in the thick of it.  I’m always amazed at the barrage of criticism we get whenever a so-called feminist perspective is suggested. This reading of history is completely logical and highly evidenced. Contemporary sources make it clear that Cecily in particular was a powerful and influential figure in the Royal court – indeed, she acted as something like a regent on her son Edward IV’s behalf. When I read Cecily (and from my sneak preview of The King’s Mother), I find your four women utterly relatable in their feelings and responses (especially in defence of their sons), yet also firmly grounded in the 15th century.  Having worked with history over a 30-year career, I appreciate that it can be challenging to find the voices of women in the sources for this period, and even more so here, because so much of the contemporary evidence for the House of York no longer survives. Frustratingly, even at Raby Castle we have no archival records from this period, although those records must have existed. Yet in reading your books, it’s clear that deep research underpins your fictionalisation of Cecily’s life – so much so that it is easy to forget at times that your genre is historical fiction! How do you strike this balance in your writing to enable your characters and story to take shape and become real within a framework of historical credibility?  Do you have any ‘go-to’ historians or other sources to help accurately portray the period whilst still allowing you the creative freedom to tell a gripping story?

Annie: Well, for sure I’m not a historian – or at least I have no formal training as one. But I have a commitment to historical truth (let’s not pretend a thing happened if we know it didn’t). But there are so many things in the histories of these women that we don’t know or are unsure of, that an author has to fill in the gaps. I do that by saying to myself, okay, if we know A and we know C, what might B have been, based on balance of probability and what we know of the personality of the character involved? It often feels I’m riffling through the historical record, not only to find out what happened, but to form as detailed a picture as I can of a character’s world view, of their motivations, ambitions, desires and fears. That picture becomes the bedrock for creativity.

For sure I’ve got go-to historians. Lots of them. Matthew Smith, Joanna Laynesmith and Nicola Tallis to name a few. They’ve been immensely helpful but finally – as a novelist – you have to take that creative leap alone. I’ve also been inspired by Philippa Langley. It seems to me she’s ‘democratised’ historical research by bringing it out of the universities and into the field – pulling together a global team of archivists and researchers to uncover new evidence. A single historian, working alone in a single institution would have found it nigh on impossible to achieve what she has. Someone has called it ‘crowd-sourced history’. I guess that’s what it is. And, if it’s taken on with intellectual rigour and due diligence, it can change our view of past events and our way of ‘doing history’.

Julie: And, of course, Philippa is going to be with us at Raby on 8 July. Is that a highlight for you?

Annie: Absolutely! She has a passion for this period that’s utterly intoxicating! But, I’m also looking forward to everyone else who is going to be there. This will be the first time I speak about The King’s Mother in public and I can’t wait to hear what people have to say! I’ll talk about the book, for sure but, for me, the best bit is always getting the audience involved in the conversation – finding out what they think and what questions pre-occupy them. But, you know, put aside the history for a moment, at its heart this is a novel about mothers and the lengths they will go to defend their children. And that’s a subject everyone can relate to – lovers of 15th century history or not!

After six years of planning Raby Castle is ready to open its doors and welcome visitors to the Rising, a 24 acre site featuring the walled garden along with old and new buildings. It is an ambitious scheme, the largest and most significant for generations at the 14^th century family home of Lord and Lady Barnard. It will provide a stunning destination for the local community and visitors from far and wide.

Following 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 designed by landscape architect and garden designer Alistair Baldwin opens its doors on Saturday 15 June.

Visitors can expect a brand-new 200-seater restaurant, the Vinery, stylish shopping, the remodelled 18^th century Walled Garden and a new exhibition alongside renovated heritage buildings.

Lord Barnard said: “Historic houses and gardens need to be able to offer an entertaining full day out for their visitors. This includes great service, beautiful surroundings, delicious food and drink and high-quality shopping experiences, events and exhibitions. We’re confident that the scheme will deliver this within a truly breathtaking setting.”

Situated in the heart of The Rising, the newly constructed Round House is a visitors’ reception and features bespoke hand painted illustrations by Edinburgh-based artist Lucy Roscoe. This central hub is where visitors can book tickets, choose dining options, keep up to date on upcoming events and exhibitions and discover all that can be enjoyed at the Park, Gardens, The Plotters’ Forest Woodland Playground and Castle, as well as the wider estate including High Force Waterfall.

Nearby, a newly designed glasshouse, The Vinery, on the footprint of the original structure from where it takes its name, will seat over 200 people. The Vinery offers delicious food made with locally sourced ingredients from across the estate and a menu for all, enjoyed with panoramic views across the High Vinery Garden and Raby Castle beyond.

The historic 18th century Walled Garden has also been remodelled by international garden designer Luciano Giubbilei. He has created a stunning five-acre romantic scheme to compliment the Walled Garden’s existing features, including the original sculptural yew hedges.

Lady Barnard said: “I have loved working with Luciano, he has put his heart and soul into the garden. The structure in the winter gets engulfed by the planting that takes over in the spring, it couldn’t be more romantic and peaceful.”

“Harry’s ancestors built only the best. Whether it is the hay barn or the coach house, they were designed by the best architects of the day and built by the best craftsmen. We have also been able to use skilled craftsmen and local or reclaimed materials to bring them back to life.  It’s been a joy to be involved in this process.”

Many of Raby’s heritage buildings, which were previously hidden from view, will also be accessible by the public and free to enter. The 18th century Coach House is now an extensive new retail space with inspirational merchandise for the home and gifting, plus a free-to-enter exhibition featuring an audio-visual projection onto a bespoke carved oak eight-metre table made of estate oak, giving visitors a taste of the wildlife in Teesdale.

The Riding School and Dutch Barn have also been thoughtfully restored to provide magnificent new event spaces at Raby Castle. The Riding School is an 18th century architectural gem restored to a flexible 500sqm event space and adjacent to this is the Dutch Barn – the hidden gem of the Estate.

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. Hosting trails, events and seasonal activities of its own, The Plotters’ Forest can be accessed with standalone tickets which also give access to Raby’s famous deer park and gardens.

“Our aim was to make Raby a place where all generations can enjoy a day out and I’m thrilled that we will be finally opening our doors to everything Raby Castle has to offer this weekend,” said Lord Barnard.

To find out more about the full scheme please click HERE

From wonderful wildlife to popular farmyard animals, Raby Castle has created three new trails to celebrate nature this May half term.

Woven amongst the trees in the Christmas tree plantation, Raby Castle’s woodland adventure playground offers a new Farmyard Fun trail, matching baby animals to their parents to unscramble Farmer Charlie’s favourite word.

The Farmyard Fun trail is included in the admission price and complimentary trail sheets can be picked up upon arrival, before exploring the immersive playground’s ground-level forest trails, high walkways and towers, outdoor musical instruments, treetop tunnels and talking tubes, alongside a dedicated toddler area with mini turrets, climbing equipment, a slide and a chalkboard too.

All tickets to The Plotters’ Forest also include free entry for children into the historic Raby Castle, as well as access into the picturesque Deer Park, where another themed trail awaits discovery.

To encourage children to learn more about nature, Raby’s Mini Mindfulness trail in its Deer Park showcases the sounds, sights and smells an outdoor exploration has to offer, not forgetting the majestic red and fallow deer roaming the beautiful parkland and the elegant swans swimming in the pond.

Over at High Force Waterfall, a Tiny Creatures trails has also been created, where visitors can learn some interesting facts on their nature adventure.

Along the woodland waterfall walk, new information boards feature fascinating poems about the tiniest of creatures which can be spotted in the stunning scenery within the North Pennines National Landscape.

Sophie Brown our Sales and Events Manager said: “Nature comes in all shapes and sizes, and we hope our informative and captivating trails are enjoyed by the young and young at heart.

“As well as the stunning wildlife that can be found at Raby Castle and High Force Waterfall, we also want to shine a light on farmyard animals and the important role they play.

“We’ll be taking part in the national LEAF Open Farm Sunday event on Sunday 9^th June, where people can experience farm life first-hand and our farmyard fun trail is the perfect introduction to this event.”

Raby Castle’s Deer Park is open daily from 10am until 4pm. Tickets cost £6.50 for adults and £4.50 for children (aged 4-15 years). A family ticket (two adults and three children) can also be purchased for £20 and children under four go free.

The Plotters’ Forest will be open every day from Saturday 25^th May to Sunday 2^nd June during the May half term. Adult tickets cost £9 and child (ages 4-15 years) tickets cost from £8.50. A family ticket (two adults and three children) can also be purchased for £30 and children under 4 go free. The Plotters’ Forest tickets also include access into the picturesque Deer Park as well as free entry into Raby Castle for children.

The nature trail at High Force Waterfall is also open daily. The trail is included in standard waterfall admission and begins on Saturday 25^th May. A family ticket (two adults and three children) costs £9. A couple’s ticket for two adults is also available for £6.

Tickets can be purchased online in advance and more information can be found at www.raby.co.uk/whats-on/

As the ambitious two-year development scheme, The Rising nears completion, Raby Castle has used the North East’s most skilled local contractors and suppliers to complete the new retail, hospitality and events destination.

The Rising, a collection of restored heritage buildings, two thoughtfully designed new builds and remodelled walled gardens will offer visitors a unique experience in County Durham. The ambition is to inspire an audience from further afield, supporting the region as a leading tourist destination and securing Raby as an enjoyable place for the local community to enjoy.

During the renovation Raby has championed local suppliers along with several contractors from the local area and the wider North East, to work on different aspects of the landmark renovation scheme.

County Durham based Fairway Contracts Limited has completed the two new constructions within The Rising – the newly designed Vinery Café Restaurant, modelled on the original glasshouse which stood in the same spot and will seat over 200 people, and The Round House, a ticketing and information reception, which features a design inspired by an historic field barn sited close to the castle in Staindrop.

Simon Hodgson, director at Fairway Contracts Limited, said: “It has been a privilege to play our part in creating two important buildings within this momentous scheme, contributing to the next chapter in Raby Castle’s history, ensuring these new structures will be enjoyed for many more generations to come.

Other Teesdale companies involved in the vast scale of works across The Rising include D&A Colling Electrical Services, Middleton Forge, and Teesdale Renewables, who are working on the new Ground Source Heat Pump network, to deliver heat to several buildings on the site following last year’s exploration into renewable energy for the scheme.

North Yorkshire based Alistair Baldwin is the lead landscape architect for this significant development and is responsible for creating the beautiful external spaces which connect the various buildings within the scheme.

“Our aim is to create inspiring and elegant gardens to connect the numerous beautiful buildings that make up The Rising in a way that will resonate with the different audiences visiting Raby, capturing the essence of an historic working settlement in the shadow of the castle,” said Alistair.

“Our gardens will seamlessly link the new and historic buildings at The Rising – from strolling through the soft planting and statuesque trees in the Duchess’ Walk to get to the Coach House or the Riding School, to sitting and admiring the newly revealed view of the castle from the High Vinery garden.”

Both Alistair Baldwin and Luciano Giubbilei – who has remodelled the 18^th century Walled Garden – have worked closely with Trevor Atkinson LTD, a family firm based in Barnard Castle which specialises in landscape construction. The company has overseen civils work and hard landscaping at the Grade II* listed Coach House, which will be home to Raby’s free-to-enter exhibition and new retail space.

The centrepiece of this exhibition will be an audio-visual projection onto a bespoke eight-metre carved oak table, sourced sustainably from the Estate, which has been crafted by local artisan furniture maker Anthony Nixon, of Barnard Castle. The projection will showcase the unique Teesdale landscape, part of the wider Estate, and highlight iconic landmarks such as High Force Waterfall, as well as the sights and sounds of the local area and wildlife.

From the surrounding region, Raby has employed, amongst others, T Manners from Bishop Auckland to make timber doors and windows; K & L Venning from Cumbria which has worked on the new slating; North Yorkshire landscape construction company DHMS which has implemented the Dutch Barn hard landscaping scheme, and MY Civil Engineers, responsible for managing the civils work in the Duchess Walk, a beautifully landscaped area designed by Alistair Baldwin next to the Riding School and Dutch Barn – two heritage buildings restored and repurposed to provide magnificent new events spaces.

Working closely with the specialist contractors, Raby’s own in-house team of highly skilled individuals has played an instrumental role in The Rising, using a variety of traditional skills to thoughtfully restore the three historic buildings in the castle grounds, alongside processes that have been in existence for over 100 years.

Claire Jones, head of leisure and tourism at Raby Estate, said: “It’s been wonderful watching our own team and trusted contractors work alongside each other on these heritage buildings to preserve their future with renewed energy and purpose, restoring them in thoughtful ways which continue to tell the story of their former uses.”

The ambitious restoration project is set to open in late spring.

For further information on The Rising, please visit: www.raby.co.uk/about-us/development/raby-castle-development