Tommy joined Raby at just 16 years old, beginning his journey as a Level 2 Joinery Apprentice through Bishop Auckland College. Balancing classroom learning with practical experience, he spent one day each week at college developing his technical knowledge, while the remaining four days were spent working alongside the skilled craftspeople within our Buildings Team.

Throughout his apprenticeship, Tommy demonstrated enthusiasm, a strong work ethic, and a genuine passion for the craft of joinery. Whether assisting with heritage restoration projects or learning the precision and care required for traditional estate maintenance, he embraced every challenge with maturity beyond his years.

We are incredibly pleased to share that Tommy has successfully passed his Level 2 apprenticeship and are even more delighted to announce that he has now been offered full‑time, permanent employment with The Raby Estate Buildings Team.

Michael Bennett, Buildings Manager and mentor to Tommy said:

“Since Tommy joined the team in January 2024 we have done some interesting and challenging projects, including High Force Hotel, multiple property renovations and The Rising project. He has been a great asset to not only the joinery side but the whole team. As Tommy’s manager, I’ve seen him grow into a great team player and gain confidence and skills. I was proud of him completing his level 2 joinery and becoming a permanent member of the growing maintenance team. Apprentices are an invaluable resource to Raby Estates as there is such a variety of skills and knowledge needed. Looking forward to seeing him develop within the team”.

This achievement marks the beginning of a promising career and reflects both Tommy’s determination and the value of hands‑on learning opportunities within the estate. His journey is a wonderful example of how apprenticeship pathways can lead to rewarding long‑term employment, and we are proud to support the next generation of skilled tradespeople.

Congratulations to Tommy, whose hard work has truly paid off, and we look forward to seeing his continued growth and success as part of the Raby team.

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A volunteer guide at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens has finished in the top three in VisitEngland’s national Tourism Superstar award.

87-year-old Jimmy Nicol was one of ten finalists in the prestigious national competition which seeks out champions working in tourism who provide fantastic experiences for visitors. The competition also showcases the variety and quality of England’s tourism offering, businesses and destinations.

Whilst Jimmy was awarded third place, Mick Hurst from Worcestershire’s Battle of Evesham historical events and re-enactments came out on top and Hull and East Yorkshire Volunteers took second place.

Jimmy secured his place in the national shortlist after winning Durham Tourism Superstar in 2025, an annual event organised by Visit County Durham, Durham County Council’s tourism service.

He was nominated for the Durham award by a colleague at Raby Castle who highlighted his passion and energy as well as the role he takes on as an ambassador, not only for Raby but the whole of the North East.

Tim Dodgson, public engagement and learning officer at Raby Estates said: “Jimmy is one of the most caring people I’ve ever had the pleasure of working alongside and it’s a fantastic achievement for him to come third in such an important national competition.

“His endearing character and enthusiasm for Raby and the region shines through in everything he does and we’re lucky to have him as part of the team.”

Jimmy joined Raby in 2018 as a volunteer, sharing the castle’s fascinating history and has also been involved with meeting and greeting visitors at several Raby events.

Jimmy said: “Being part of the VisitEngland Tourism Superstar competition has been a truly incredibly experience and I am immensely grateful to everyone that has taken the time to vote for me.

“Representing Raby and the region was a huge honour and finishing in the top three is something that I will be forever proud of.”

Michelle Gorman, managing director, Visit County Durham said: “Jimmy is a fantastic example of the incredible people who make County Durham such a special place to visit. His warmth, knowledge, and genuine passion for Raby Castle, as well as the wider county, leave a lasting impression on everyone he meets. Coming third in VisitEngland’s national Tourism Superstar competition is a wonderful recognition of his dedication and expertise. We were incredibly proud to see him representing County Durham on the national stage and celebrating the very best of what our county has to offer.”

10th February 2026

A much-loved volunteer guide at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens is representing County Durham and the wider North East in VisitEngland’s prestigious national Tourism Superstar competition, with public voting now open.

87-year-old Jimmy Nicol, a volunteer guide at Raby Castle, is one of just ten finalists shortlisted nationally in the Tourism Superstar award, which celebrates individuals working in tourism who go above and beyond to create outstanding visitor experiences while championing England’s diverse destinations.

Jimmy secured his place in the national finals after being crowned Durham Tourism Superstar 2025, an annual award organised by Visit County Durham, Durham County Council’s tourism service. He was nominated by a colleague at Raby Castle in recognition of his infectious enthusiasm, dedication and the ambassadorial role he plays not only for Raby, but for County Durham and the North East as a whole.

The national shortlist features finalists from destinations across England, including Norfolk, Leicestershire and Worcestershire, with Jimmy proudly flying the flag for County Durham alongside fellow North East finalist Dan Monk, Director of Astrophotography at Kielder Observatory in Northumberland. He is widely regarded as one of the UK’s leading experts in night sky photography and has played a key role in showcasing Northumberland’s world-class dark skies to a global audience.

Jimmy joined Raby Castle as a volunteer in 2018, where he shares the castle’s fascinating history with visitors and supports major events across the estate, becoming a familiar and friendly face for thousands of visitors each year.

Duncan Peake, CEO at Raby Estates, said: “Jimmy’s dedication to both Raby Castle and County Durham is evident in everything he does. It is the enthusiasm and commitment of people like Jimmy that has helped establish County Durham as the popular visitor destination it is today.

“I would encourage everyone across the county and the wider North East to show their support and vote for Jimmy in the national Tourism Superstar competition.”

Michelle Gorman, Visit County Durham’s managing director said: “Jimmy is a fantastic example of the people who make County Durham such a special place to visit. His warmth, knowledge and genuine passion for Raby Castle and the wider county leave a lasting impression on everyone he meets. We are incredibly proud to see him representing County Durham on the national stage and wish him the very best of luck.”

Jimmy Nicol said: “Winning the Durham Tourism Superstar award was a wonderful feeling, and to now be representing Raby Castle and County Durham at a national level is a huge honour. Raby is a place that means a great deal to me, and I’m incredibly proud of the county and the region. To be nominated alongside such fantastic finalists is a real privilege.”

The winner of the national Tourism Superstar award is decided by public vote. Voting is open until the end of English Tourism Week (13–22 March 2026), with the overall winner announced later in the year at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2026.

VOTE HERE 

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The Durham Tourism Superstar Award celebrates individuals who go above and beyond to ensure that every visitor to the region has warm welcome and leaves with lasting memories. This award provides the opportunity to highlight someone who has kindness and enthusiasm, which makes our region truly special.

When it comes to delivering a friendly North East welcome, there is no one quite like Jimmy. At the age of 86, Jimmy is a remarkable ambassador for the many wonderful sites, stories and history of the region. His energy, compassion and kindness leaves a lasting imprint on both tourists and locals alike, whether you are a first-time visitor or someone who has called this area home for years.

Something that sets Jimmy apart is his ability to connect with everyone. He is particularly brilliant at making Spanish-speaking guests feel at home – a small gesture which makes a big difference.

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‘Farming on the Edge’ follows Paul & Jen Johnson, Raby Estate tenants, for a year of their farm in Upper Teesdale in the North Pennines National Landscape, and explores their life farming with nature in this remarkable landscape. This powerful film highlights the value of nature-friendly farming methods and how this approach encourages wildlife to flourish.

Paul Johnson, said “I wanted to make this film to show that you can farm alongside nature and that nature and farming can compete with each other.”

Chris Woodley-Stewart, Director, North Pennines National Landscape said “We would like to thank the National Lottery Heritage Fund for supporting this work, as part of our ‘Tees-Swale: naturally connected programme. This wonderful film is an insight into the reality of farming in the North Pennines and the daily challenges farmers face in what can be a harsh place to work on the land, especially in winter. Through Tees-Swale we’re working to share farmers’ voices and show how they are at the forefront of nature recovery and Paul is a natural and authentic on camera sharing his experiences as he is in ‘real life’. The team has really enjoyed bringing him and Jen to this project, and we’ve also been lucky, to have the opportunity to commission and support an outstanding filmmaker in Matthew Wood”

Filmmaker, Matthew Wood, from the Film on the Brain, said, “It has been a pleasure to work with Paul exploring his connection with the land and the importance of traditional farming. I’ve enjoyed capturing his story through his own words and experiences and I’m so pleased that Farming on the Edge has been recognised as the best documentary at the Sunderland Short Film Festival”

This was the tenth year of the Sunderland Film Festival and over 1,000 films were submitted with 160 films being shown.

Farming on the Edge will be shown at preview screenings across the North Pennines later this year.

Website: www.northpennines.org.uk

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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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The Treasure Houses is a collection of ten important houses across the country dedicated to bringing their history and collections to a wider audience and Raby Castle is now the eleventh member.

Lord Barnard, owner of Raby Castle said: “The castle has a long history – these walls have seen the plotting of the Rising of the North, a Parliamentary stronghold in the Civil War and as the birthplace to the mother of Richard III and Edward IV.

“It is the centre of the largely intact ducal estate of the former Dukes of Cleveland, who built up a significant collection of works of art. My wife and I are determined to make that collection even more accessible.

“It is a tremendous privilege that our family home is now part of the Treasure Houses of England and we look forward to working with and learning from the other ten forward-looking owners and their teams.”

After inheriting Raby in 2016, Lord and Lady Barnard have been committed to opening up Raby more widely and welcoming both local, national and international visitors following a three-year development and restoration programme in which several historic buildings were returned to their former glory. The 18th century Walled Gardens were also remodelled by renowned garden and landscape designer Luciano Giubbilei with Lady Barnard.

Regarding the Treasure Houses of England invitation, Lady Barnard said: “I’m immensely proud that we are standing side by side with such notable houses and collections. My husband’s forebears assembled a wonderful collection within the castle and deeply loved the surrounding countryside. I think it is a worthy feather in the cap for the North East of England.”

Victoria Howard, custodian of Castle Howard and chair of the Treasure Houses Group said: “The Treasure Houses work closely together to benchmark and share best practice as visitor attractions and custodians of natural and built heritage. The properties cover the length and breadth of Britain and we are delighted that Raby has joined this group, following their significant recent developments and investment in their offer to visitors.”

Raby Castle re-opened to the public on Saturday 1st March following its annual winter maintenance and conservation programme to showcase its collection to visitors for the 2025 season and is now welcoming visitors seven days a week for the first time in its history.

Guided tours are available for visitors to gain expert insight into the Medieval, Regency and Victorian interiors alongside Raby’s extensive collection of art, textiles and furniture which dates from the 17th to the 21st century.

Raby Castle, its Deer Park which is home to red and fallow deer and the 18th century Walled Gardens are currently open daily. Raby also hosts a wide variety of seasonal events and workshops throughout the year.

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If you are interested in our apprenticeship programme please contact careers@raby.co.uk or call 01833 660888

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Alan McKerchar, general manager at Raby Castle said: “I am immensely proud of our incredible team and their unwavering dedication each and every day to create a memorable experience for all of our visitors to Raby Castle. Our heartfelt thanks go to our people here at Raby – you all work tremendously hard and your enthusiasm and commitment doesn’t go unnoticed.

“Securing a nomination for the VisitEngland ‘Welcome’ Accolade was an achievement in itself, but to have now been awarded the prestigious accolade is a fantastic achievement for the team.

“2024 is going to be a significant year for us with the opening of The Rising in the spring – a visionary collective of heritage buildings brought to life and two thoughtful new constructions, offering retail, hospitality and event spaces which will make Raby an iconic destination in the area. We all feel we can now move forward with the final stages of the scheme with immense pride as recipients of this fantastic accolade.”

22nd August 2023

Raby Castle has been nominated for the prestigious VisitEngland ‘Welcome’ Accolade after our staff scored 100% in a recent assessment.

Staff across visitor services, catering and retail as well as tour guides and volunteers within the castle were awarded marks out of five for customer care, efficiency and knowledge during an annual VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme assessment.

The team achieved the highest possible score and were praised for their excellent levels of customer service, their professional and warm approach, as well as overall appearance.

VisitEngland’s Accolades are designed to celebrate excellence within the visitor attraction sector and showcase those businesses that go the extra mile to provide a high-quality day out.

Alan McKerchar, the general manager here at Raby Castle said: “Our people are what makes a visit to Raby such a special experience. They are everything to us and I’d like to say a huge thank you to them all for achieving such an incredible result and securing this nomination. To be awarded 100% is no mean feat and is a testament to their hard work, enthusiasm and commitment to providing our visitors such a memorable experience.”

Raby Castle has also retained the VisitEngland accreditation of a quality attraction with a score of 92% – an increase on our previous score, demonstrating the ongoing commitment to continually enhance your visitor experience.

“To have improved our overall score whilst some of the attraction is in temporary facilities during the significant development we are currently undertaking, is something to be really proud of.

“If we can achieve such a great result at this time, I can’t wait to see Raby’s score when The Rising is complete, when we hope to attract new visitors to the area and create outstanding recreation for the local community,” added Alan.

Introduced in 2014, the accolades are available to VisitEngland’s Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme participants across a wide range of tourism experiences in England from museums and galleries, farm attractions, historic houses and gardens to churches, cathedrals and country parks.

Winners of the ‘Welcome’ Visitor Attraction Accolade will be announced later in the year.

Raby Membership

With so many exciting adventures to be had at Raby Estate this season, a Raby membership is the best way to enjoy access to everything and anything Raby Estate has to offer**. The Raby membership begins from £15 per year for children from 4 to 12-years-old, £28 per adult, £25.00 per concession, with family passes starting at £80 (2 adults + 3 children), with benefits including admission to Raby Castle, the Deer Park and High Force Waterfall and 10% off at the Yurt Café, Stables Shop and High Force Hotel, in addition to access to the East Garden. A Plotters’ Forest adventure playground extension is available.

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Every day we discover new fascinating stories about the family at Raby, as we establish our archives and collections. We want to invite visitors to share their stories and memories with us, to help us uncover more about the hard-working individuals who kept the castle and estate running. From those who kept Raby clean and the guests fed, to those who kept the gardens maintained and cared for the horses in the stables. We want to build an insight into how local, working people interacted with the castle and its family throughout its history.

If you’ve got a story to share, please get in touch and email admin@raby.co.uk

What are we looking for?

We are looking for anyone who might have stories about people who have worked at Raby Castle over time. Is there a relative, or someone you know, who worked at the castle? Were they a gardener, a tenant, a housekeeper or a scullery maid perhaps?

We are interested if you have been told about what they experienced day-to-day, or if you have any interesting stories about their time at the castle. Better still, if you have any pictures or mementos from their time here, such as diaries, letters, or other primary source material, this will help us to learn about their experiences first-hand.

Staff in Coal Yard

How will my story be used?

We are hoping to increase our understanding and create an ever-growing catalogue of people who worked here throughout the years. We also aim to use some of these stories for an upcoming exhibit as part of The Rising developments, which will offer more detail about the workers at Raby Castle.

Why are you doing this project?

We want to tell the story of all the different kinds of people associated with Raby, helping us to offer new interpretations of the castle’s history. We have some basic archival sources available, such as wage slips from the late 18 and early 1900s. These tell us names and roles, but nothing about the people or their lives.

Jack Armstrong, Head Gardener 1950s onwards (award for growing sweet peas at Raby Castle)

How can I help?

If you have any information you think might be of interest, please contact admin@raby.co.uk with brief details about you and your person of interest. You don’t need to have full story, any information about your person and their role will help us add to our existing knowledge, and help to remember everyone’s contribution to Raby.

We aim to respond to everyone throughout the summer and keep you informed as to how and when we will use your stories.

We understand that by providing any information, you are consenting for us to use it in future interpretation and projects, including The Rising. Please let us know if that is not the case.

We’re looking forward to hearing more stories such as Lucy Beattie’s, who was the Gatekeeper in the 1900s and a much-loved member of the Raby family.

Read Lucy’s Story

Raby Cricket Club 1951- Arthur Galilee and his father Jack Galilee (pictured). Both worked at Raby where Jack was a Groom.

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