On Saturday 14^th and Sunday 15^th June, Dads can enjoy free entry into Raby Castle, one of the most impressive intact castles in the North of England, with a Park and Gardens or Plotters’ Forest ticket and an accompanying child.

Fun for the whole family is in store during an action-packed day out at the County Durham lifestyle destination, including the chance to step inside the 14th century castle and join a complimentary guided tour in the afternoon or explore at your own leisure to learn all about the history, legends and secrets of Raby Castle.

Sophie Brown, sales and events manager at Raby Estates said: “We want Raby Castle, Park and Gardens to be a place where families can create cherished memories together. We hope that Dads and father figures who join us here this Father’s Day can enjoy some precious time with their loved ones and find a little sanctuary surrounded by nature and history.”

The Plotters’ Forest woodland adventure playground will be open so explorers can enjoy unbridled, adrenaline-fueled fun and let their imaginations run wild. Scale the high walkways and towers, get lost amongst exhilarating views throughout the Christmas tree plantation, tackle ground-level forest trails and race to the top before slipping down the slide.

Raby’s tractor and trailer rides will also be running throughout the weekend, giving everyone a chance to pause and take in the breathtaking views of the 14^th century castle and the stunning surrounding landscape.

Herds of Red and Fallow Deer can be spotted across the Deer Park too and deer feeding will be taking place during the Father’s Day celebrations.

After working up an appetite, families can treat themselves to lunch at The Vinery Café, which offers panoramic views of the High Vinery Garden and the Castle, serving homemade dishes and treats inspired or sourced from the beautiful Raby Estate.

Raby will also be hosting a barbeque especially for Dad’s on Father’s Day weekend, serving locally sourced produce, including longhorn beef from the estate.

Last minute Father’s Day gift-giving opportunities lie in the Coach House, a stunning retail and exhibition space which opened last year within Raby’s leading lifestyle destination. Artisan crafts, homeware and local produce can all be found inside the thoughtfully curated retail space.

To get the best ticket price, it is highly recommended to pre-book online. Tickets to The Plotters’ Forest, Deer Park and Gardens are £14 for adults, £11 for children (ages 4-15) or £50 for a family ticket (two adults and three children). Under fours go free and children also go free into Raby Castle with a valid Plotters’ Forest, Park & Gardens Ticket.

For more information about Raby Castle, Park and Gardens, Father’s Day celebrations and to book tickets please visit: www.raby.co.uk/events/dads-go-free-this-fathers-day/

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Children with a valid Plotters’ Forest, Park and Gardens ticket can step inside the medieval fortress for free during the school holidays from Saturday 24^th May to Sunday 1^st June.

A complimentary Family Explorer Guided Tour and Castle Quest Trail will also be available to take youngsters on an adventure through the historic walls.

Julie Biddlecombe-Brown, curator at Raby Castle said: “With so many fascinating stories and incredible people that have all played a part in Raby’s legacy, we want to share our history with the next generation and provide children who are visiting Raby Castle, whether it’s for the first time or even the tenth time, with an unforgettable experience at no extra cost. Soaking up the pivotal historic events, learning about key figures who called Raby Castle their home and exploring the grand rooms inside the medieval fortress all await families during the May half term.

“We hope offering free entry to the castle keeps this as accessible as possible and we can’t wait to see children become inspired by Raby’s story. And it’s not just the castle that is offering added value during the May half term – there are lots of daily activities taking place throughout the castle grounds that are included in the admission price to provide our visitors with so much extra to enjoy during their time with us.”

Outside the Castle walls, families can discover a selection of activities with nature at their heart, all provided as complimentary experiences for an exciting day out. The Little Gardeners’ Trail in The Plotters’ Forest woodland adventure playground will get youngsters off screens and looking skyward with horticultural clues hidden around the woodland.

Tractor and trailer rides will also be available throughout the long bank holiday weekend alongside the 31^st May and 1^st June weekend, taking the young and young-at-heart across the stunning Deer Park where they can spot the Red and Fallow Deer.

Inspiring the next generation, there will be a complimentary children’s seed planting station for that added extra to take home and watch grow it grow as spring turns to summer, whilst another trail hidden in the restored 300-year-old Walled Gardens will have families bird spotting and learning all about bees.

Local singer Charley Penman will also be performing live in the Walled Gardens’ Amphitheatre with a special one-hour set at 1pm on both Saturday 24th May and Monday 26th May, providing visitors with a chance to sit back and marvel at the views of the Castle whilst enjoying Charley’s stunning acoustic vocals.

Children with separate pre-purchased tickets can also join the Victorian workforce this May half term in an exciting behind-the-scenes experience. On selected dates, children and adults step back in time on a fascinating journey and discover what it took to keep Raby Castle running in a series of hour-long experiences, guided by the butler.

Whilst families are at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens, they can relax and enjoy delicious food and drink at The Vinery Cafe, whilst soaking up the panoramic views of Raby Castle or visit the new Garage Café, located just outside the Walled Gardens’ entrance, and choose from its ten flavours of ice-cream produced by Yorkshire-based Brymor Dairy.

Take a moment to visit the Coach House and peruse the curated selection of homeware and gifts displayed on reclaimed furniture from across the estate in Raby’s beautiful retail space.

The theme of nature continues over at Raby Estates’ High Force Waterfall, just a 30-minute drive from Raby Castle. New for the May half term, the Butterfly Quest is a fun and interactive way to explore nature and enjoy the beauty of High Force, as families help Clover the caterpillar on her journey to become a butterfly and achieve her dream of flying.

Trail sheets can be collected at the Visitor Centre, helping youngsters tick off all eight of Clover’s friends that are waiting to be found on this new adventure.

To get the best ticket price, it is highly recommended to pre-book online. Tickets to The Plotters’ Forest, Deer Park and Gardens are £14 for adults, £11 for children (ages 4-15) or £50 for a family ticket (two adults and three children). Under fours go free. Children with a valid Plotters’ Forest, Deer Park and Gardens ticket will get free entry into Raby Castle during their visit.

Tickets to the Victorian Workforce experience are £12.50 for adults and £10.50 for children and will need to be purchased online in advance. Two dates are available, Thursday 29^th and Saturday 31^st May: www.raby.co.uk/events/victorian-workforce-activity/

Tickets to High Force Waterfall can also be purchased on site or online. Admission is £3.95 for adults, £2.45 for children (aged 4-15) and under fours are free.

For more information about Raby Castle, Park and Gardens and High Force Waterfall, please visit: www.raby.co.uk

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Raby Castle, Park and Gardens is launching a cosmic journey in its woodland adventure playground for February half term.

Taking children to new heights, The Plotters’ Forest will have a little astronomers trail allowing explorers to discover the galaxy of planets and stars woven through its magical Christmas tree plantation on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th February followed by Friday 21st February to Sunday 2nd March.

With ground-level forest trails, high walkways and towers, outdoor musical instruments, a giant memory game, spinning signposts, treetop tunnels, talking tubes, a slide and Mischief Mirrors to explore, children can enjoy their outdoor adventure to their heart’s content.

There’s also a dedicated toddler area with mini turrets, climbing equipment, a slide and a chalkboard too.

For those looking to refuel after their astrological adventure, the Plotters’ Pantry will be serving delicious treats which can be enjoyed on its rooftop deck, or there’s The Vinery Cafe, a stylish eatery in the castle grounds overlooking the majestic medieval fortress, for those wanting to sit down and tuck into a hearty lunch.

Tickets to The Plotters’ Forest also include entry to the magnificent Deer Park, which is home to red and fallow deer, where visitors can stretch their legs and soak up the delights of nature, as well as access to the beautiful remodelled Walled Gardens. Families can enjoy a complimentary activity booklet throughout for an extra outdoor adventure.

Sophie Brown, sales and events manager at Raby Estates said: “This is the first school holiday of the year, so we wanted to make sure our young visitors have something really exciting to experience during their visit.

“We feel The Plotters’ Forest is the perfect place to reap the benefits of outdoor play – ‘close to nature’ certainly takes on a whole new meaning.”

The castle will be opening early from its annual deep clean on select dates, so visitors can step inside the medieval fortress for a special family-friendly experience.

Taking place on Sunday 23rd to Tuesday 25th February between 10am and 1pm, families can go back in time to 1900 and experience life as part of a Victorian workforce at Raby Castle. From the scullery maid washing pots to the housemaid hauling coals for the fires, visitors will discover the daily duties and hidden stories of castle life.

Guided tours of Raby Castle will also be available at 11.30pm on 23rd, 24th and 25th February.

Raby Castle, Park and Garden’s beautiful retail space in the Coach House will be open throughout for those looking to spend some time perusing the shop’s carefully curated selection of homeware and gifts.

Whereas High Force Waterfall, which is a 30-minute drive from Raby Castle, Park and Gardens and is part of the main Raby Estate, is hosting a new woodland animals themed trail for the February half term, which can be enjoyed alongside its woodland walks, stunning setting and its adventure trail full of intricately carved and thoughtfully designed animal sculptures.

Tickets to The Plotters’ Forest, Deer Park and Gardens are £12 for adults, £9 for children (ages 4-15) or £44 for a family ticket (two adults and three children).

Tickets to the Victorian Workforce experience are £12.50 for adults and £10.50 for children.

A small entrance fee of £7 for two adults or £11 for a family ticket (two adults and three children) is required to access High Force Waterfall. Tickets can also be purchased from the High Force Hotel on the day. For details, visit: www.raby.co.uk/events/high-force-waterfall/

For more information about Raby Castle, Park and Gardens, please visit: www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle

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A right rumpus is about to hit the North East this autumn as Raby Castle, Park and Gardens launches tickets to a never seen before spectacle of live music, dance and captivating puppetry, which all comes alive after dark.

Taking over the grounds of Raby Castle to provide an immersive and unforgettable new experience this autumn, tickets to The Glittering North are now available for selected dates throughout October and into early November.

Celebrating the region’s Norse and Viking heritage in a raucous adventure like no other, the event brings to life iconic figures from the past with enchanting puppetry and illuminating light art.

From Gullinburstin, a boar with bristles made from gold that light up the sky, to Sleipnir, a giant illuminated horse with eight legs – visitors of all ages can mingle with these fascinating figures before settling down for tales of folklore and myth.

The remodelled 18^th century Walled Garden will be home to the ‘trail of the north’ full of illuminated photo opportunities, a glittering immersive space dripping with gold, giant illuminated fish in a new watery world and a spectacular recreation of the northern lights.

Sophie Brown, sales and events manager at Raby Estate said: “The change from summer to autumn marks the start of cosy nights with hands warming round a mug of hot chocolate, fiery clusters of red and orange as the trees change colour and crunchy leaves beneath your feet.

“Our captivating new event provides a festoon lit and atmospheric autumnal celebration, full of feasting, warm blankets, torchlight and fire processions, designed to set imaginations alight in a spectacle never seen before in County Durham.”

Alongside the ‘trail of the north’, the Dutch Barn will be adorned with lights, flags, bunting and barrels. Whooping and whirling folk musicians play fiddles and brass whilst captivating fire performers dazzle the crowds.

The Riding School will also become a transformed space in this mythical new world, surrounded by warm lighting where visitors can hunker down and listen to tales of Norse gods and shapeshifting beasts.

Extend your autumnal evening and embrace the sunset views of Raby Castle from the new Vinery café restaurant. The glasshouse will be open throughout the evening to provide delicious food and warm drinks. The beautiful autumn and Christmas range will be available to browse in the new retail space in the Coach House featuring a range of high quality, artisan items.

Tickets to step into The Glittering North at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens can now be booked for the following dates: 12^th, 13^th, 19^th, 20^th, 26^th, 27^th, 30^th, 31^st October and the 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd November with tickets available from 4pm – 8pm.

Tickets cost £20 for adults and £13 for children.

For further information and to book tickets, please visit: www.raby.co.uk/events/the-glittering-north/

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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

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^{In celebration of all things canine on International Dog Day, we’re looking at some of our fav-FUR-ite relationships between the Vane family and their four-legged friends in Raby’s collections.}

The history of domesticating dogs spans thousands of years, and they have historically been used for working, hunting, and as lapdog companions for the elite. As pets began to be an accepted part of domestic life, they were seen as part of the family, regularly appearing in paintings and photographs. This portrait in the Baron’s Hall of Raby Castle shows Gilbert, the 2^nd Lord Barnard, with a spaniel at his side. Gilbert owned Raby Castle from around 1723 until his death in 1753.

Dogs were extremely popular pets during the Victorian period, admired for their loyalty and faithfulness, and helped along by Queen Victoria’s vast collection of dogs. Many were frequently mentioned in her journals, including Dash, ‘a spaniel of perfection,’ and Eos, who became Albert’s ‘constant and faith companion for ten and a half years.’

At Raby, the 4^th Duchess of Cleveland was often photographed with various pet dogs. In her Visitor Books, in which she encouraged guests to leave a contribution after their visit, there are frequent mentions of a particular dog, Norman.

After recording the death of her ‘dear dog, Bruno’ in October 1880, Norman first appears in October 1881 in a poem and drawing of ‘Norman de St Bernard’:

‘Of lofty mien, of lineage old,

Sprung of a race in duty bold,

Admired by all that on him look,

Behold his portrait in my Book.’

Norman then begins the next Visitor Book in November 1881, alongside a photograph of the 4^th Duke of Cleveland, and in a picture with the 4^th Duchess:

Norman was so popular, he found his way into a periodical magazine called The Animal World, with a story about his fear of Butchers.

The phrase ‘I am Her Grace’s Dog at Raby. Pray tell me Sir, whose Dog you may be?’ which according to the article was embossed on Norman’s collar, is a fun twist on an epigram Alexander Pope wrote in the 1730s, for a puppy he gave to Frederick, Prince of Wales. ‘I am his highness’s dog at Kew. Pray tell me, sir, whose dog are you?’

In a relatable scene, another photograph shows the 4^th Duchess vying for Norman’s attention, with the header ‘Unrequited Devotion.’

A small watercolour from 1889 is the last we see of Norman, after over nearly 8 years of entries in the Visitor Books. In 1890 the Duke and Duchess didn’t visit Raby, and the 4^th Duke died in 1891.

Raby’s next Visitor Book was started in 1892 by the 9^th Lord and Lady Barnard, who inherited the castle and included their own fair share of dog related entries. A series of photographs in the Raby collection, from the early 1900s, also shows the 9^th Lady Barnard following the tradition of keeping and loving many dogs. In this album, each dog has been annotated alongside the family.

Raby’s loyal companions were remembered in touching ways by the family after death.

The 4^th Duchess, in her Handbook for Raby Castle from 1870, describes ‘A small plantation containing the gasometer, the brewhouse, and a cemetery for six little dogs belonging to Lady Augusta Poulett.’

Pet cemeteries became a popular way to commemorate beloved pets. A major public pet cemetery opened in the 1880s in Hyde Park, started by a burial of dog Cherry, whose owner used to walk her there daily. Over 1,000 burials took place before it became full in 1976, and during the 1900s more cemeteries opened around Britain. Others chose to create private cemeteries in their grounds, as Lady Augusta did at Raby. It looks to have grown significantly when this photo was taken in the late 20^th century, with one grave marker showing the date 1947.

(Photograph of the pet cemetery in Raby’s grounds, taken by Jack Walton, a Raby Joiner. With thanks to Ann Thorn. (late 20^th century)

Elizabeth, the 1^st Duchess of Cleveland at Raby had a different way of remembering her dog. Many visitors to Raby will remember Sally… in the form of a lap rug. Sally, a King Charles spaniel, was supposedly the favourite dog of the 1^st Duchess. Once displayed in the Ante-Library, Sally is now in safe storage for her own protection against pests and other damage.

In the present day, Raby welcomes your four-legged friends into the Deer Park, Yurt Café and Stables Shop. Situated where we are you will be spoilt for choice for ‘walkies’

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Raby Castle will be continuing the celebrations this summer with free entry to the castle for children with every valid ticket for The Plotters’ Forest until Sunday 3rd September. Raby will be bringing back its money-saving offer for families to enjoy throughout the summer holidays.

Raby has so much to offer this summer including not one but four complimentary trails across the Estate including Raby Castle and High Force Waterfall, letting children embrace the outdoors and learn about the history surrounding them in the most scenic settings.

Little imaginations can run wild at The Plotters’ Forest Adventure playground with the new trail ‘Pilot Penny’s Flying Visit’. Pilot Penny is on a summer adventure and has made a pit stop in the Plotters’ Forest. Unexpectedly, on landing, her luggage bounced out of the cabin and her belongings are now scattered all around! Can you help her find them so she can get to her next adventure? Tickets to the Plotters’ Forest also include access to the picturesque Deer Park surrounding Raby Castle, which will also be home to the brand – new Mythical Adventure Trail.

Within the castle walls, children will set off on Raby’s Royal Quest, the perfect to entertain and educate, as families learn more about Raby’s links with the Royal Family. From the Butler’s Pantry to the library, visitors will find answers to questions about these historic rooms as they venture around the medieval fortress.

This summer will also see the return of the arts to Raby’s iconic Deer Park. To commence the season, Heartbreak Productions will be bringing its open-air production of Jane Austen’s memorable Sense and Sensibility to the park on 22nd July, with the company returning in August with the family favourite, David Walliams’s Bad Dad.

In addition, visitors will be treated to the cinematic delights of celebrated films Elvis, Dirty Dancing and The Greatest Showman, courtesy of Adventure Cinema, throughout July.

Raby’s tractor and trailer rides will be returning this summer on selected dates, so families can journey across the parkland and soak in the scenery around them.

Over at High Force Waterfall, which is part of the Raby Estate, a new trail ‘Butterflies and Bumblebees’ theme continues the great outdoors celebrations. A series of clues will be waiting for discovery by intrepid adventurers along the waterfall’s scenic circular walk.

In addition, visitors will be sure of a big surprise on Sunday 30th July during High Force’s Teddy Bears’ Picnic Afternoon Tea, where families can spend the afternoon walking to the falls and enjoying the scenery.

High Force Hotel will then be waiting to greet them for a delicious ice cream and a selection of tasty treats and sandwiches. A prize will also be awarded to the best-dressed teddy bear.

To find out more https://www.raby.co.uk/whats-on/

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High Force Hotel & Waterfall is the perfect destination for an adventurous family day out this summer. From wildlife watching to outdoor trails and picnics in the garden, there is plenty to experience. If you’re looking for a budget friendly day out, here are our top things to do for families for £10 or less.

Pre-booked family tickets (2 adults and 3 children) for High Force can be booked online with a discount for £7, combined with 3 hours parking for £3. All other family admission tickets can be purchased on site for £2.50 per adult and £1 per child.

Book Family Admission

1. Play I Spy during a scenic drive through the Dales

As High Force is located in the heart of the North Pennines, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you can enjoy a beautiful scenic drive through Upper Teesdale. Wind your way beside the flowing River Tees, passing bustling market towns such as Middleton in Teesdale, Barnard Castle and Wolsingham, depending on which direction you are coming from. There’s plenty of wildlife and picturesque scenery to look out for on route to us. Kick start your day of family fun with a game of i Spy or other car games.

(c) Daniel Casson

2. Visit High Force Waterfall

High Force Waterfall is an incredible sight at any time of year, but during the summer the woodland walk to the falls is filled with birdsong, luscious green trees and blue skies (on most days!) The circular walk to the falls takes approximately 20-30 minutes. Although the second part of the walk does include steps, the first part is suitable for pushchairs and families can simply return on the same path to make it accessible. Unless there are serious weather warnings, there is a gate to the bottom of the falls so you can sit on the rocks below and feel the force of the water as it dives over the rocks.

(c) Jen and her Tribe of 7

3. Complete our Dinosaur Discovery Trail or Leaf Trail

This summer we are asking young explorers to join us on a dinosaur quest at High Force. Scour the woods, looking high and low for clues and see if you can spot our resident dinosaurs and adventure objects along the way. Those who complete the trail and collect all the missing letters to our puzzle receive a special certificate as a qualified Raby Dino Detective! For those on a return visit why not try our year-round leaf trail and see if you can identify different tree species along the route. Our handy trail sheet will guide you on what to look for. Trail sheets can be collected from the Kiosk, Hotel or admissions team.

4. Watch the garden birds on the bird feeder

For those who are very quiet and patient, if you wait a little while by our bird feeders near the beginning of the woodland route you might spot our garden birds. From blue tits to robins to great spotted woodpeckers, we have a myriad of birds visiting our woodlands at High Force. See if you can identify any from your own garden at home. There is also a bird feeder outside the hotel which attracts a range of local residents.

(c) Peter Gunton

5. Find the Whin Sill

High Force is famous for its collection of whin sill which can be seen along the waterfall route. Whin sill is a special type of hard, dark rock called dolerite which formed millions of years ago when molten rock rose up from within the earth and spread between layers of other types of rocks – limestone, sandstone and shale before cooling and solidifying underground into a flat sheet know as a ‘sill’. After all this time the rocks have now eroded to reveal the whin sill on the earth’s surface. A helpful board at the bottom of the falls can help you identify the different layers of limestone, sandstone and whin sill which can be seen around the waterfall.

6. Have a picnic

We have a designated picnic area by the carpark at the High Force Hotel which offers picturesque views of rolling hills and woodlands. There are also toilet facilities here so a good place for a pitstop on your way to or from the waterfall. For those that would like to purchase food and drinks, our High Force Kiosk is right next door offering a range of snacks including mouthwatering Brymor icecream. Or for a full Teesdale special, why not pop into the hotel for lunch. We do a quality Sunday roast! Throughout July and August we are also holding our Summer Late events with extended waterfall opening and a delicious menu on offer (including a separate children’s menu) from Wednesday to Friday 4pm – 6.30pm. Two adult courses are £19.95 per person and our set child’s menu is £7 per person.

7. Take a selfie

High Force offers plenty of inspiration for the keen photographer. Don’t forget to bring along a camera so you can capture your family day out and make some memories. There are a number of key photo spots along the route with incredible views of the falls in the background. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife too – you never know what you might come across. We’d love to see your photos and videos. Please tag us on social media at @highforcehotelwaterfall on Instagram and Facebook, @highforcewater on Twitter or use the hashtag #highforcewaterfall

8. Get creative

Get organised and plan your visit, bringing along pencils and paper to sketch what you see. From close up objects such as trees, rocks and flowers, to wider landscapes, there is plenty to see and draw along the waterfall path. Try crayon rubbing by transferring the textures of different natural items such as leaves onto a piece of paper. Or why not make a map of where you’ve been, highlighting some of the important parts of the walk? Hand drawn pictures make the perfect family presents!

9. Explore our NEW magical waterfall woods

In August we are launching a brand new experience in our magical woodlands at High Force. Children can enjoy taking a photo in the Giant’s chair and keeping an eye out for woodland creatures who will be hiding amongst the trees. Will you spy the moon-gazing hare and our wise owl? Keep your eyes and ears peeled for trolls as you brave the river crossing. You never know what you might find! This new experience is included with all waterfall admission.

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All of the above activities are included within your waterfall admission and car parking.

Normal adult day tickets are £2.50 and children are £1 and can be bought on site. Families (2 adults and 3 children) and couples can pre-book tickets on our website for a discount.

Car parking is £3 for 3 hours and £6 for 6 hours.

Book Family Admission

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Claire Jones, Head of Leisure and Tourism at Raby Estates, said:

“In the modern world, ‘immersive play experiences within nature can be hard to find – we’ve all heard the depressing statistics about children spending less time outdoors. But the benefits of outdoor play are so well-documented that we committed to this approach early on. It just seemed to fit perfectly with everything we believe here at Raby.”

So what exactly are the major benefits of playing outdoors? Read on to find out.

Credit – Visit County Durham

Outdoor play encourages a range of physical, mental and wellbeing benefits

Not only is outdoor play beneficial for children’s activity levels and physical health, it can also improve their mental focus. Countless studies have pointed out the connection between children’s exercise levels and their concentration span: one possible reason for the growing interest in Forest School approaches, particularly in Early Years settings.

And there are plenty of other physical, mental and wellbeing benefits to outdoor play, including helping children get their daily dose of vitamin D – vital for healthy bones – to maintaining a healthy sleep cycle – essential for growing bodies and brains.

There’s also the fact that playing in the sunshine has been found to increase serotonin levels, boosting energy and encouraging positive moods, while simultaneously reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol. One recent British study reported that children’s stress and anxiety could be reduced after just five minutes of playing outdoors!

Credit – @jayneyfaygs

Outdoor play engages the senses

Sensory play has long been recognised as the gold standard in the world of children’s development. It helps build nerve connections in the brain, encourages mastery of gross and fine motor skills, helps with language and cognitive development and can even support children in controlling their emotions.

Outdoor play tends to be a far more varied yet gentle sensory experience compared to indoor equivalents. In The Plotters’ Forest, children can smell and touch the pine trees, hear bird calls and buzzing insects and enjoy the rich and varied colours of the natural world. Getting close to tantrum territory? We recommend getting outside for some natural stimulation, and enjoying some sunlight on skin, a gentle breeze or collecting leaves to compare scents and textures.

Outdoor play encourages creativity and imagination

In The Plotters’ Forest, there’s plenty of fun equipment which youngsters can use to create mayhem and mischief: giant musical instruments, spinning signposts, Plotters’ Portraits, Talking Tubes and more. However, there’s also lots of open space designed to foster more inventive, creative play – tunnels, towers, stargazing decks – where little ones can let their imaginations run wild.

Claire Jones explained the decision-making process:

“After lots of research and discussion, we decided that the best kind of outdoor play strikes a fine balance between structured and unstructured activity.”

“We wanted to give children the best of both worlds: a stimulating environment, with plenty of freedom for wilder play. We thought back to our own childhoods, and felt the days we’d spent making up our own games and rules were amongst the best play experiences we’d had! We wanted to make sure our young visitors could feel something of that freedom, too.”

And beyond simply having fun, creative play is also another great way to help build neurological connections, develop language and more vital skills.

Outdoor play helps children engage with nature

The Plotters’ Forest was designed with the natural environment at its heart. Built as sustainably as possible, visitors will discover natural materials sourced from Raby’s sustainably managed woodland.

And instead of the plastic and garish colours found in many playgrounds, Raby Rebels will find natural shades of green and red inspired by nature’s palette.

Claire Jones added:

“We decided to weave  the play equipment through the existing trees and around natural clearings because we wanted to respect the forest and the wildlife it sustains.”

“We hope that The Plotters’ Forest will provoke thoughts and questions about the woodland environment and the life it supports, and foster the kind of curiosity about the world we love to see in young people.”

Credit – @the_griffiths_kids_

The Plotters’ Forest will also be available for exclusive hire, giving teachers, parents and other youth groups the opportunity to deepen youngsters’ connection with the great outdoors. Private visits can be tailored to particular interests or a curriculum focus – for example, minibeasts or the seasons – in an inspiring and engaging manner.

Claire added:

“Of course, play is our primary focus – we want children of all ages to enjoy our plotters’ paradise. But we also recognise that there’s also a valuable opportunity to use play as a gateway to a more profound appreciation and understanding of the world, our wildlife and woodland ecosystems.”

Tickets for The Plotters Forest are now available. To find out more and to book tickets please visit here. For private hire enquiries, contact admin@raby.co.uk

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