Raby Castle, Park and Garden’s recent development, known as ‘The Rising’ won in the Georgian Group Architectural Awards for the reuse of a Georgian Building.

Part of ‘The Rising’ included a magnificent suite of 18th-century equestrian buildings which have been fully restored as part of a wider regeneration project. Over the last two years, three beautiful buildings have been given a future. The Grade II* listed Coach House and Stables by John Carr of York, originally housing carriage horses, carriages and grooms’ accommodation, had latterly become a small café and shop. The Riding School used to provide cover for events in inclement weather. Finally, the Grade II* listed Dutch Barn, a hidden architectural gem, has been restored after falling out of use over recent years.

All three buildings have been sympathetically renovated and repurposed by the Raby workforce supported by specialist consultants and contractors, to high standards, using appropriate materials from locally-sourced slate to salvaged estate stonework.

To achieve this, the Raby in-house team was expanded under the supervision of experienced heritage building specialists. Full roof and fabric repairs, new flooring, including areas of underfloor heating drawing from local ground-sourced heat, careful interior design, and landscaping in the surrounding area using largely local reclaimed materials have created three public-facing spaces at the heart of a transformed visitor experience. Built for the Earls of Darlington, keen horsemen, hunters, race-horse breeders and trainers, these buildings have been placed into their historic context and can now be shared with visitors.

Read more here.

Raby Castle, Park and Gardens and Durham-based Periwinkle Barn have joined forces to create a new floristry residency and bespoke workshops for visitors.

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/

Visit County Durham has launched a major national destination marketing campaign to inspire consumers to make Durham their next stop for a staycation, positioning the county as
a must-visit destination for UK holidaymakers.  Running from autumn 2025 to spring 2026, ‘Next Stop, Durham’ will highlight the county’s wealth of world-class attractions and events, outdoor adventures, hands-on history, and exceptional food and drink, and is designed to influence consumers to stop, stay,and explore everything the county has to offer.

Visit County Durham – Durham County Council’s tourism service – is delivering the campaign in partnership with visitor economy businesses including The Auckland Project, Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, Locomotion, Raby Estates, Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens, The Bowes Museum, and Dalton Park, with additional support from accommodation providers Lumley Castle, Seaham Hall Hotel, and Radisson Blu Durham. It comes as last year’s campaign reached over 18m people and contributed an estimated £165m visitor spend – the Local Visitor Economy Partnership is confident in delivering even greater results in the future.

The new campaign taps into a key opportunity as many people travel through County Durham by road or rail on their way to well-known tourist destinations such as York, Edinburgh, or the Lake District. ‘Next Stop, Durham’ aims to change that as consumers are now actively looking for alternative locations and new experiences, making the county perfectly placed to capitalise as a rising star in the UK staycation market.

It is set to further support the strong performance of the county’s visitor economy, which generated a record £1.38 billion in 2024, an 11.7% increase on 2023. Latest figures show 8% of the county’s visitors staying overnight, but contributing 43% of all expenditure, which is why growing the volume of visitors staying for longer breaks is a key priority for the campaign.  As part of Visit County Durham’s commitment to positioning the county as a year round destination, the campaign aims to extend the visitor season—bringing long-term benefits to local businesses and communities.
Duncan Peake, Chair of Visit County Durham and Chief Executive of Raby Estates, said:  “We’re proud to be part of this high-profile national campaign, working in partnership to benefit the county’s visitor economy. By teaming up with partners across the sector for the Next Stop Durham campaign, Visit County Durham can deliver additional, high-profile marketing activity that shines a light on just how much there is to do in County Durham. It is important to highlight the county’s visitor offer which includes award-winning attractions, incredible heritage and fantastic places to eat and drink.”

Cllr Karen Allison, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Tourism, Regeneration and High Street, Durham County Council said: “Encouraging visitors to make County Durham their next stop is an important message, as evidence shows that many potential visitors pass through the county instead of taking the time to stay and explore. By highlighting the huge amount there is to do we are encouraging people to not just visit County Durham but to stay longer, which is crucial to supporting tourism businesses and delivering sustainable economic growth.”

The Next Stop Durham campaign will reach audiences through national media partnerships and editorials, influencer campaigns, digital advertising across key platforms, and high impact out-of-home advertising. With strong partnerships, bold messaging, and a clear mission, Next Stop Durham is set to put the county firmly on the map for UK travellers looking for their next great escape.

Raby Castle will be opening its doors during the festive period for the first time in five decades to show the castle decorated for Christmas, designed by custodian and creative director, Lady Barnard.

This will be a chance for visitors to experience how the Vane family enjoyed Christmas at the Castle and see the rooms beautifully decorated as they would have been in the past, the family’s traditional gifts, flowers and sumptuous Christmas trees.

The journey will take visitors through eight rooms on the ground floor, telling the story of Christmas Day at the castle, from the early morning thrill of opening a Christmas stocking to an evening of elegant dining and Christmas games, featuring an impressive table setting ready for a spectacular festive meal.

Lady Barnard said: “I have had a wonderful time collecting these beautiful pieces from Christmas past as well as my present family traditions, bringing to life our personal and honest telling of how our ancestors would have celebrated the day right here at Raby Castle all those years ago.”

This special seasonal installation, available on selected dates from Saturday 22^nd November to Sunday 4^th January, will also include never-before-seen items from the collections at Raby Castle.

Lady Barnard added: “I have been discovering even more about Raby’s past and delving into cupboards to find bits and pieces which haven’t been seen in years. Our family would have made many of the decorations themselves and foraged in the grounds for foliage, and it’s been a pleasure emulating this beautiful and sustainable way of decorating.

“This is the first Christmas we’ll be decorating the castle and for those that know Raby will appreciate that working at such scale can be daunting, but the team and I have given it careful thought over the year and feel we have really complimented the essence of Raby. I’m also keen for it to have a personal touch for our visitors – that’s why my team and I will be dressing the rooms ourselves. I hope our visitors see the personal touches throughout.”

A bespoke introductory film, based on the format of the much-loved poem ‘’Twas the Night Before Christmas’, will also feature in the House Keeper’s Sitting Room to set the scene and tell the story of that period, before visitors embark on their journey through the rooms.

Julie Biddlecombe-Brown, curator at Raby Castle, said: “We’ve researched the Raby archives in detail to ensure our Christmas Day telling is as accurate as possible, focusing on the early 1900s. We’ve looked at the Christmas cards the family gave each other, the toys received by the three boys who lived at Raby at the time and their gifts to their parents, what the family would have eaten on the day and the type of wine that would have been served. We even have gift boxes with labels detailing who the present was from and the year, meaning we’re able to provide a truthful snapshot of the family’s festive experiences.

“We haven’t guessed any of the details, and what our visitors will see is something that is true to Raby and an honest portrayal of an Edwardian Christmas – one that Lord Barnard’s great grandfather would have experienced.”

Raby Castle at Christmas will be available between 10am and 4pm and visitors can round off their day at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens with a festive afternoon tea at The Vinery.

A candlelit experience will also take place on Saturday 13^th and 20^th December, where visitors can experience the elegantly decorated castle rooms in a different and magical light, followed by late night shopping for festive gifts at Raby’s retail space, the Coach House.

Tickets to Christmas at the Castle are £22 for adults, £7 for children (up to 15 years) and a family ticket for two adults and two children is £55. Under fours go free. These tickets include entry to Christmas at the Castle and access to the Walled Gardens and Deer Park.

For tickets to Raby Castle at Christmas, visit: www.raby.co.uk/events/raby-castle-at-christmas/. An early bird ticket rate featuring a 10% discount with code RCC10 is available for tickets purchased before 31^st October.

To find out more about Raby Castle, Park and Gardens and all that is on offer for Christmas, and to book tickets, visit: www.raby.co.uk/christmas/

Raby Estates supports an annual charity event to raise money for the Institute of Cancer Research by participating in a “Human Mountain Endeavour” on the Lakeland fells. Last year a team of walkers from Raby successfully completed a trek in the Buttermere fells and raised around £6000.

One third of us will be touched by cancer in our lifetime. The Institute of Cancer Research https://www.icr.ac.uk/ is a charitable academic working body with over 300 scientists and has taken more drugs into clinical trials in the last decade than any other organisation worldwide.  As you may recall, Professor Paul Workman from the Institute addressed our annual staff meeting earlier this year to explain more about their wonderful work and staggering achievements in the field of cancer treatment. We are therefore proud to be supporting such a worthy cause once again this year.

This annual event involves teams from businesses located across the north of England ascending Lakeland’s highest mountains in early winter conditions.

The event has raised more than £1.9 million for the Institute and other charities over the past 37 years. This year’s event takes place on Friday 14^th November and with your help we would like to make this another record-breaking year. We’ve been given the challenge of climbing Bowfell and Crinkle Crags at the head of the Great Langdale valley in the heart of the Lake District.

To support Team Raby and donate to a fantastic cause

www.justgiving.com/page/rabyestates2025

Raby Castle is turning back the clock to the measly Middle Ages with a Horrible Histories takeover this autumn.

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/

Raby Castle, Park and Gardens and British home and lifestyle brand, Neptune, are continuing to collaborate into the autumn.

Following the successful outdoor living and gardens collection in Raby’s conservatory throughout the summer, a new accessories collection from Neptune is now available in The Coach House Shop.

Stephanie Goss, who is retail, buying and merchandising manager at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens said: “The seasonal summer collaboration was a great success and a wonderful way to showcase such a well-known brand. Neptune’s products are of high quality and sophistication, aligning closely with Raby’s overall retail vision.

“Neptune has a loyal customer base and many have visited us over the summer months, so we’re incredibly pleased to be introducing a new handpicked accessories selection – perfect for the cosy autumnal months when many of us spend more time indoors at home.”

Neptune is known for its timeless style, thoughtful design and enduring craftmanship, and the latest selection, designed for the home, features kitchenware, baskets, vases, lamps, dinnerware sets and cushions.

“We’re thrilled to continue our collaboration with Raby Castle, Park and Gardens into the autumn,” said Fred Horlock, design director at Neptune. “Our new autumn collection has been thoughtfully curated to bring warmth, style, and enduring quality into the home during the cosier months ahead. Partnering with such a prestigious, independent stockist allows us to reach customers who truly appreciate craftsmanship and timeless design, and we’re delighted to see our pieces becoming part of their homes.”

The Coach House is open daily between 10am and 4.30pm and will be hosting a Christmas shopping launch evening on Thursday 9^th October, followed by an additional Christmas shopping evening on Thursday 13^th November, where the retail space will remain open until 7pm and visitors can browse the selection of seasonal decorations, gifts, and treats.

Raby’s popular Christmas market will also be returning on Friday 28^th November for three days of seasonal celebrations, with over 50 festive stalls of artisan crafts, gifts, and produce for visitors to peruse.

For further information about Raby’s retail space can be found on the following link: www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle/shop/

Further details for the Christmas shopping events can be found via: www.raby.co.uk/events/christmas-shopping-evening/

Raby Estate has created a festive package for corporate groups at both of its iconic County Durham locations, including the new Raby Castle at Christmas event and a stargazing supper experience.

Located within Raby Castle, Park and Gardens, teams can visit the ground floor of the 14^th century castle which will be open to the public in the build up to Christmas for the first time in fifty years.

The new seasonal offering, designed by custodian and creative director, Lady Barnard, will allow visitors to step back in time to experience a traditional family Christmas at Raby Castle as it takes them through eight beautifully decorated rooms.

The event, which is full of photo opportunities, tells the story of Christmas Day, from the early morning thrill of opening a Christmas stocking to an evening of elegant dining and Christmas games, featuring an impressive table setting ready for a spectacular festive meal.

The corporate package also includes a festive afternoon tea featuring three tiers of seasonal delights. The post-tour treat will be hosted within the spacious The Vinery Cafe which boasts panoramic views of Raby Castle and will be beautifully decorated for Christmas with festive greenery and twinkling lights.

Sophie Brown, sales and events manager at Raby Estates said: “We understand that not all corporate groups are after the traditional Christmas meal and party and are on the lookout for something a little more unique and inclusive.

“With festive and breathtaking decorations, an array of photo opportunities and a heartwarming story that can be enjoyed at your own pace, our personal retelling of how Raby’s ancestors would have celebrated Christmas is a wonderful experience to enjoy with colleagues and the perfect opportunity to get into the festive spirit.”

For a memorable after-dark event under the night sky, High Force Hotel and Waterfall’s popular Stargazing Suppers will also be on offer for corporate groups, combining seasonal indulgence with natural beauty.

The evening begins with a three-course meal at the hotel, featuring locally-inspired dishes with a festive twist. A guided star-lit walk to High Force Waterfall follows, offering a unique chance to witness one of the north’s highest waterfalls which will be dramatically illuminated during the event.

With the guidance of an expert astronomer who is on hand to help identify constellations, planets and the Milky Way galaxy, guests can look skywards and see some of the UK’s darkest skies.

Groups are welcome to retreat to High Force Hotel for a post-stargazing hot chocolate or mulled wine in front of a roaring fire. For those wanting to hunker down in the North Pennines National Landscape, rooms are also available to book for an overnight stay.

Sophie added: “High Force is one of the UK’s most magnificent waterfalls and is an incredible spectacle in every season, but there’s something special about wrapping up warm and witnessing its majestic force in the winter months. Coupled with a festive meal beforehand, this offering is a fantastic alternative to the usual Christmas activities.”

The Raby Castle at Christmas experience followed by a festive afternoon tea will be available from Saturday 22^nd November and is £45 per person, based on bookings of five or more people.

The Festive Stargazing Supper at High Force Hotel and Waterfall is available on 12^th, 13^th, 19^th and 20^th December and is £80 per person for bookings of five or more people. An overnight stay at High Force Hotel will be an additional cost.

To find out more about Raby Estate’s corporate Christmas packages and to book, visit: www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle/corporate-and-business-events/ or email admin@raby.co.uk

One of the most magnificent waterfalls in the UK has created a discounted family ticket for the autumn months.

The High Force Waterfall family saver ticket is £10 when booked online and admits two adults and two children to the natural phenomenon, with its awe-inspiring 21 metre cascade roaring into the rocks below. Originally introduced in the summer, the reduced ticket rate is continuing for the remainder of the year following its popularity.

Andrew Lindsay, general manager at High Force Hotel said: “The waterfall is stunning during every season, but the striking autumnal colours throughout the beautiful landscape are really something to behold.

“We hope the discounted ticket allows even more visitors to come and experience High Force Waterfall and enjoy spending time together in the great outdoors within the Upper Teesdale countryside. The waterfall and surrounding area are perfect for families, with a maintained gravel path to the base of the falls, ideal pushchairs and little ones, or for the older adventurers there’s the circular woodland route with forest sculptures along the way. The family saver ticket was well received in the summer – so we’re pleased we’re able to continue this offer.”

During their visit, families can enjoy the circular woodland walking route, which leads visitors to the base of High Force Waterfall, as well as complimentary seasonal trails.

From Saturday 4^th October to Sunday 9^th November, there will be an autumnal adventure trail through the golden woodland to experience, where little explorers will need to collect hidden letters to solve a seasonal riddle. This activity is included in the admission price and will be replaced by a festive trail in the lead up to Christmas.

An accompanying app is also available to download, where users can discover local walking routes via an interactive map and create their own bespoke tour of the waterfall walk by filtering different points of interest including wildlife, geology and landscape.

High Force Waterfall is open daily from 10am to 3pm and a tour of the idyllic nature spot is available every Sunday at 11am with one of the waterfall’s welcome hosts.

Across the road is High Force Hotel, where visitors can put their feet up and relax after their time in nature and warm up in front of a roaring fire with a hot drink or a tasty lunch.

For those looking to extend their stay at High Force, the hotel is also offering an autumn offer with three nights available for the price of two, which is available on bed and breakfast stays or a dinner, bed and breakfast package until 20^th December.

For more information about High Force Waterfall and High Force Hotel and to book tickets, please visit: www.raby.co.uk/high-force/