We are delighted to announce that we have been shortlisted for the prestigious RHS Garden of the Year Awards, a recognition that celebrates not only beauty and design, but also innovation, sustainability and the nurturing of wildlife.

The stunning planting scheme within the Walled Gardens, created by world‑renowned garden designer Luciano Giubbilei, brings together purposefully chosen plants, including Mediterranean species, that offer evolving colours, textures and scents throughout the year. Raby’s dedicated gardening team continues to care for and develop this vision with exceptional skill and passion.

A Haven for Wildlife All Year Round

Welcoming wildlife is a core principle of the gardens’ design. In spring, the elegant Amelanchier trees burst into bloom before producing fruits that attract birds later in the year. The cutting garden’s annual umbellifers support hoverflies, natural predators of aphids, from late spring into early autumn.

As autumn arrives, Raby allows seed heads to remain standing through winter, creating vital habitats for invertebrates. This approach also encourages healthy soil through natural mycorrhizal activity and helps lock in carbon. Birds and insects benefit from the seeds, while the garden’s signature grasses provide shelter for moths and butterflies.

Visitors will also find rose hips, crab apples, redcurrants, hazels, walnuts, beech and oak, all of which offer food and refuge for wildlife throughout the year.

Sustainability at the Centre

Our commitment to sustainability continues to grow. Last year, bird boxes were installed along the garden walls, and nearly 40 bat boxes have since been added, supporting thriving populations of blue tits and local bat species.

The gardens are increasingly chemical‑free, and home‑made compost has helped many planting schemes flourish, including the productive garden, where apples, redcurrants and herbs are grown for use in The Vinery Cafe.

A ‘chop and drop’ method and a ‘no dig’ approach in the cutting garden protect soil structure and the micro‑organisms that support biodiversity. These practices have contributed to a noticeable increase in insect life, inspiring the installation of a bug hotel during the summer months, a feature that has also become a favourite learning spot for younger visitors.

Inspiring Visitors Through Nature

With the gardens thriving, Raby has introduced pollinator tours and daily gardening walk‑and‑talks, offering visitors the chance to learn more about the plants, wildlife and sustainable methods that make the Walled Gardens so special.

To complement this work, a rainwater harvesting system now provides an eco‑friendly water source, while the inclusion of drought‑tolerant Mediterranean plants reduces the need for artificial watering. A ground‑source heat pump has also been installed to warm the greenhouses, further supporting Raby’s long‑term sustainability goals.

Voting closes on the 21st September 2026, click HERE to vote for Raby Castle, Park & Gardens.

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The Entrance Hall, known for its grandeur, will feature an incredible suspended orb consisting of dried deschampsia grasses, which have been cut from Raby’s own Walled Gardens. Starting at floor level, roots and mosses will spill out onto the ground, and wild wispy grasses wind up the stairs.

On the floor above is the Baron’s Hall, which will house a giant suspended sun portal against the backdrop of the three grand windows. Approximately five-feet in diameter, the portal will feature thousands of strings of dried flowers that swirl around the centre point, decreasing in density as they expand away from its centre.

Anna Potter, founder of Swallows and Damsons said: “The Baron’s Hall is located directly above the castle’s Entrance Hall, so our installation has been meticulously designed to mirror the contrast between dark and light, with the orb representing the moon and the portal signifying the sun.

“Our creation downstairs features mosses, grasses and vines with an overall darker and more earthy experience focusing on texture to create a mystical and quietly beautiful scene, yet upstairs will feel more ethereal featuring colour and floral elements.”

Throughout the Baron’s Hall, there will also be mounds of multi-coloured dried flowers at differing heights, where transparent threads of dried flowers will appear to be evaporating upwards towards the vast ceiling space.

Anna added: “The sun portal will create the impression of a bright, swirling vortex of flowers, emanating colour and movement and the organic mounds of flowers will create an impactful and otherworldly scene, playing with scale and proportion.

“The Castle in Bloom installation takes an outdoor landscape and reinvents it inside. By isolating it in such a grand building like Raby Castle, the display will shine a light on the beauty of nature – it will allow visitors to enjoy the unexpected and find a new level of inspiration, creating a sense of connection and awe for the natural world.”

To complement Swallows and Damsons’ installation, further rooms will be transformed by Yorkshire based florists Opulence and the Beetle, whose exuberant and colourful creations will take inspiration from the Old Masters paintings displayed in the castle and the exquisite floral prints discovered in an 1730s book in the historic library entitled ‘The Flower Garden Display’d’.

Julie Biddlecombe-Brown, Raby Castle’s said: “The castle is no stranger to floral spectaculars as photographs dating from the 1890s in the archives show its magnificent rooms packed full of abundant displays – one of which will be fully recreated in the ground floor library.”

Our gardening team will also be adding floral creations throughout further rooms including the medieval kitchen.

Becky Crowley, assistant head gardener at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens said: “It’s been wonderful collaborating with Anna and providing cuttings from our Walled Gardens for her installation. Our visitors can already connect with nature in our beautiful Walled Gardens, Deer Park and landscaped grounds but to bring the outdoors into the castle and its impressive rooms is going to be an amazing concept for our visitors to experience.”

The wider experience at Raby, including our café and destination retail store, will also celebrate this floral theme alongside an exhibition celebrating Raby’s historic passion for plants. The exhibition will feature important individuals such as the celebrated 18^th century botanist Lady Anne Monson who grew up at Raby when the walled garden was being developed and the myriad of head gardeners who have innovated and developed the award-winning garden throughout history.

Entry to Castle in Bloom is included in all Castle, Park and Gardens tickets which are £23 for adults, £12 for children (ages 4-15 years) and £66 for a family ticket (two adults and two children). Raby’s family explorer ticket, which provides access to everything at Raby Castle, Park & Gardens, will also include entry to Castle in Bloom and is £60 for two adults and two children when booked online in advance.

For further information and to book tickets, visit: www.raby.co.uk/events/raby-castle-in-bloom/

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Taking place across the long bank holiday weekend (Friday 3^rd to Monday 6^th April), Raby is hosting an Easter Food and Craft Market in its stunning indoor event space, the Riding School, and expanding out into one of the Estate’s best-kept secrets, the Dutch Barn.

Stalls full of delicious treats and produce from specially selected local suppliers will line the two spaces, alongside handmade crafts from nearby artisans, celebrating all that the north east has to offer.

Visitors can also explore Raby’s retail space in the Coach House, which is home to a selection of unique gifts and homeware including Neptune, Bamford, Daylesford and some of Raby’s own produce.

Raby is also running an early bird ticket offer for a limited time only with the code EASTER10, allowing visitors to save on admissions tickets.

An Easter day out wouldn’t be complete without some seasonal tasty treats, and Raby’s Garage Cafe will be serving delicious ice creams and specialty teas and coffees. The impressive 200-seater The Vinery Cafe, with its panoramic views of the 14^th century castle, also provides the perfect spot to relax and indulge in fresh sandwiches, sweet treats and light lunch options with Sunday lunches also available.

Easter afternoon teas at The Vinery can be pre-booked on select dates in April, featuring sweet treats, sandwiches and scones and served with freshly brewed tea. There’s the extra option to upgrade the glasshouse afternoon tea to include a glass of fizz.

With spring in full force, Raby’s Walled Gardens await as its three beautifully designed spaces come to life, as well as the picturesque Deer Park providing a wonderful moment to revel in the great outdoors. Complimentary tractor-rides will be available to provide an extra way to explore this peaceful landscape and enjoy a captivating experience as the majestic deer are fed in their beautiful parkland.

For those looking for creative ways to celebrate the arrival of spring, Raby is hosting an Easter wreath workshop on Saturday 21^st March. Deborah Simpson Boston, a local floral designer and owner of Periwinkle Barn, will lead the event and demonstrate how to create a beautiful, seasonal wreath using a curated selection of spring blooms, soft foliage, natural textures, and charming Easter touches.

Family-friendly activities include a special Easter Trail featuring a mischievous rabbit in Raby’s woodland adventure playground, The Plotters’ Forest, which is woven amongst Christmas trees where little ones can explore slides, sky-high walkways, treetop tunnels and interactive games along the way.

Families can also take part in hands-on craft activities in the yurt and create their own Easter creations to take home, or head out on an additional complimentary trail across the Deer Park.

Daily free activities, guided family tours and the chance to explore one of England’s finest medieval castles, which will also feature a Little Eggsplorers trail, can be enjoyed across the Easter holiday too and for those looking for a baking experience, the popular hot bun masterclasses will be returning in Raby Castle’s medieval kitchen on Thursday 9^th April, as the Estate chef divulges his top tips to create these sweet, spiced buns.

Part of the Raby Estate, High Force Waterfall will be hosting a carrot patch trail for Easter, encouraging families to enjoy the great outdoors and keep their eyes peeled for clues dotted around nature along the way.

A Castle, Park and Gardens with Market Entry Ticket is recommended so visitors can enjoy everything Raby has to offer this Easter – this is from £24 for adults and £13 for children, with a family ticket for two adults and two children also available for £65.

Alternatively, separate entry to Raby’s Easter Food and Craft Market is available for £2 in advance, or £5 on the day, with children under 15 going free or families can opt for Raby’s Family Explorer Ticket for £60 when booked in advance or £65 when purchased on the day, which includes access to The Plotters’ Forest and its Easter trail, Raby Castle, the Deer Park and Walled Gardens for two adults and two children.

The glasshouse afternoon tea at The Vinery is available on selected dates from the 7^th – 25^th April, with prices starting from £29.50, and pre-booking is required.

The Easter wreath workshop is on Saturday 21^st March at 11am and is £65 per person. The hot bun masterclass is taking place on Thursday 9^th April and is £35 per person.

A High Force Waterfall family ticket is £10 for two adults and two children. Alternatively, an adult ticket is £4.00 and a child ticket (ages 4 to 15) is £2.50. Children under four go free.

For further information and to book tickets, visit: www.raby.co.uk/easter-at-raby-estates/

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The Garden Trading residency will be in Raby’s Conservatory, located within the stunning 18^th century Walled Gardens. Following a launch in early March, it will be running until late summer.

Indoor and outdoor furniture, pots, homeware accessories and tableware from the Garden Trading collection will be showcased, alongside some of the latest spring and summer 2026 pieces which are all inspired by modern country living with effortless style.

Utilising the Conservatory’s stunning views of the castle, a Garden Trading showroom will be created featuring the range of products, moving from a stylised utility, dining room and indoor living space to bistro tables and outdoor living.

Stephanie Goss, retail, buying and merchandising manager at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens said: “This is a collaboration I’ve been aspiring towards for well over a year and we are incredibly excited to be bringing this to Raby – I just know the overall ethos of Garden Trading is going to appeal to our visitors.

“The Garden Trading showroom will feature a carefully curated and personally handpicked selection of the brand’s wonderful products. It will be amazing to peruse these against the backdrop of our Walled Gardens, which are full of inspiration.

“We will also have a dedicated team, trained by Garden Trading, there during its time with us, who will be able to share helpful insight with our visitors, particularly those who are looking for some extra guidance for those bigger, more considered purchases.”

Stands full of accessories can be explored in the conservatory, with another display also available in Raby’s retail space, The Coach House.

Richard Bell, managing director of Garden Trading said: “We are thrilled to be a part of the Raby Castle experience, and have enjoyed pulling together a curated range we feel will resonate with their visitors. Even in such a prestigious heritage site, the Conservatory space stands out as absolutely beautiful, perfectly complementing our range and aesthetic.

“It’s even more exciting that the set-up allows customers to order from our full collection, so we can’t wait to see the customers’ reaction and to continue expanding our partnership with Raby Castle.”

To complement this new collaboration, florists, Periwinkle Barn will also be situated in the Potting Sheds near to the Conservatory, providing seasonal bouquets and floral workshops.

To celebrate the arrival of Garden Trading at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens, a launch event will be taking place on Thursday 19th March for late night shopping, perfectly timed before the spring equinox, where attendees can browse the array of products and speak with Garden Trading representatives, who will also be in attendance to share more about the beautiful collection and brand.

Taking place between 4pm and 7pm, the evening will include 20% off all Garden Trading furniture and accessories and a complimentary Ravello Bud Vase for any Garden Trading purchases over £30 (exclusions apply).

The Garden Trading residency in the Conservatory will be open daily between 11am and 3pm and is free to enter.

For further information, visit: www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle/whats-on/

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For those who are looking to spoil the mother figure in their life, or enjoy the day with their group of girlfriends, Raby is the lifestyle destination which offers it all for a stylish day out – from luxury brands and products such as Bamford and Neptune in its retail space in The Coach House, to a decadent Mother’s Day afternoon tea with fizz in the spacious Vinery Cafe, which can be enjoyed whilst soaking up the panoramic views of the medieval castle.

To celebrate Mother’s Day, Raby will also have a fantastic offer with mums going free into Raby Castle with a Plotters’ Forest or Park and Gardens ticket throughout the 14th and 15th March weekend.

The Mother’s Day Cream Tea will be served in the charming Vinery Café with beautiful views of Raby Castle. Enjoy a delicious fruit scone and our rhubarb and ginger scone, served with Cornish Clotted Cream and Annabell’s award-winning Strawberry Conserve.

Deborah Simpson Boston, a local floral designer and owner of Periwinkle Barn, will be running a relaxing and hands-on workshop – ideal for those who are looking for a creative way to celebrate or to give as a thoughtful gift.

Deborah will be demonstrating how to create an elegant flower bowl, using a beautiful selection of fresh, seasonal blooms and foliage and a pop-up Periwinkle Barn will also be in the Potting Shed in the lead up to the big day, where stunning bouquets can be purchased as a thoughtful gesture for Mother’s Day.

The Mother’s Day delight also includes complimentary access to the stunning Deer Park and Walled Gardens, allowing visitors to stretch their legs, relax in the tranquil scenery, marvel at the sophisticated planting schemes and enjoy the springtime air whilst spending quality time together.

Over at High Force Hotel, part of the Raby Estate and a thirty-minute drive from Raby Castle, an exclusive three-course lunch is available for those who’d prefer to enjoy a sit-down meal for Mother’s Day. Serving locally sourced and tasty food in an elegant yet relaxed setting with open fires and rustic charm, High Force Hotel is an idyllic rural retreat for a Mother’s Day celebration.

For those who’d like to explore the area after their three-course delight, High Force Waterfall is nearby, where visitors can soak up the immense sight of one of the largest waterfalls in England.

The Mother’s Day Cream Tea in The Vinery is available on Sunday, 15^th March at 10:00 am, 10:30 am, 11:00 am, 11:30 am and is £15 per person or £30 for two, with Bucks Fizz included in this price.

The glasshouse afternoon tea at The Vinery is also available on Saturday 14th at 3:00pm and is £29.50 per person, or £37.50 to include a glass of fizz.

Periwinkle Barn’s flower bowl workshop is on Saturday, 14th March at 11am and is £65 per person.

The Mother’s Day three-course lunch at High Force Hotel is taking place on Sunday 15^th March, with tables available at 12.30pm and 2.30pm and is £32 per adult. A Mother’s Day afternoon tea is also available at High Force Hotel on Sunday 15^th March at 4.30pm and is £28.50 per adult, or £36.50 per adult with a glass of fizz.

Don’t forget to stop at The Conservatory at Raby Castle to explore the new Garden Trading exhibition anytime between 10am-4pm. With beautifully crafted pieces of furniture for both the garden and the home.

Pre-booking for all Mother’s Day experiences across the Raby Estate is strongly recommended. For more information and to book, visit: Mother’s Day at Raby Estates | Raby Castle | High Force Waterfall

The perfect Mother’s Day Itinerary at Raby Castle, Park & Gardens

10:00am –  Stroll Through Walled Gardens
Begin your day with a relaxing wander through Raby’s majestic Deer Park and curated Walled Gardens, soaking in the tranquillity and elegance of this breathtaking landscape.

10:30am – Decadent Cream Tea in The Vinery
Select your preferred dining experience:
• Sunday: A sumptuous Mother’s Day cream tea served in the light‑filled Vinery Café.
• Saturday: A luxurious glasshouse afternoon tea, complete with delicate treats and the option of fizz.

11:00am – Mother’s Day Floral Workshop
Choose to indulge in the hands‑on floral workshop — a serene session where seasonal blooms, expert guidance, and artistic flair come together to create something truly special.

12:00pm – Wander Through the Deer Park
Continue your leisurely exploration of the estate, taking time to enjoy the peaceful ambience, sweeping views, and historic charm at your own pace you might even spot some deer along the way

12:30pm – Browse Garden Trading
Step into The Conservatory for an exclusive look at the beautifully presented Garden Trading, showcasing refined home and garden pieces crafted for modern luxury living.

1pm – Castle Moments
Return to the gardens for another restorative stroll or take time to explore the magnificent castle itself — with complimentary admission for mums throughout the weekend.

2.30pm – Add coffee and cake at the garage

3pm – Retail Therapy at The Coach House
Browse an impeccable selection of premium lifestyle brands at The Coach House — a haven of elegant gifts, contemporary homeware and sophisticated accessories including Bamford, Neptune and Daylesford.

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At Raby Castle, Park and Gardens, a time-travelling adventure awaits at the servant school in the medieval castle, designed to provide a hands-on way for children to explore history and experience the day-to-day jobs of a castle servant over 100 years ago.

Families can venture through the 14th century castle and have a go at some special tasks along the way – from household chores to helping the family prepare for supper. Children can also complete activities on the complimentary trail sheet to earn gold coin stamps and be given their very own wage slip at the end.

Tim Dodgson, Public Engagement and Learning Coordinator at Raby Castle said: “Around 1.5 million people worked in domestic service in 1900, from regular households to palaces and castles. And surprisingly, it offered opportunities for a varied career and progression. You could start as a scullery maid or stewards room boy and work up to the senior roles of Housekeeper or Butler, with a whole variety of jobs along the way.

“We’ve brought to life many of these important roles and people from Raby’s past in the restored rooms on our castle tour, but our servant school will shine a light on Raby’s history for our younger visitors and ensure learning about history is even more fun. It’s going to be a fantastic addition for the February half term alongside the return of our themed castle explorer tours.”

Another journey to the past awaits at Raby’s woodland adventure playground, The Plotters’ Forest. For the first school holiday of 2026, Raby has created a world of wonder in its new Dragon Quest, with clues dotted around its immersive play area that young knights and dames will need to find as they dash through.

Children can enjoy plenty of outdoor fun as they explore the woodland route at The Plotters’ Forest, featuring musical instruments, talking tubes, mischief mirrors, a giant memory game, spinning signposts, towers, climbing ladders, a slide and treetop tunnels.

Throughout the castle grounds, complimentary daily activities include seed sowing inside the greenhouse in the Walled Gardens, where children can also run through the series of unique mazes in the formal garden, and a winter gardeners’ walk and talk led by one of Raby’s expert gardeners. Visitors can also marvel at the red and fallow deer being fed in the scenic Deer Park at 10.30am on the weekends.

The Vinery Café will be serving delicious lunches throughout the half term as well as a pancake topping station until Friday 20th February, followed by a waffle topping station from Monday 23rd to Friday 27th February for those who are looking to get creative with their desserts in the afternoon. Families can also head to the Garage Café and the Plotters’ Pantry for hot chocolates and sweet treats.

Over at High Force Waterfall, a 30-minute drive from Raby Castle, families can explore all things astronomy for the half term with a new space adventure trail, whilst visiting the natural phenomenon renowned for some of the darkest skies in the country.

Space-themed clues and facts will be discovered when wandering through the winding woodlands and families can tick them off on the complimentary trail sheet along the way to reveal the mystery word.

Andrew Lindsay, general manager at High Force Hotel and Waterfall said: “We host our sell-out Stargazing Suppers at High Force throughout the winter months, and our family stargazing sessions also proved to be extremely popular last October.

“Building on this theme, we can’t wait to introduce our space explorer trail for the half term, which I’m sure will spark curiosity in the young space cadets who visit, as they enjoy the perfect way to explore the wonders of the night sky, during the day. We hope to see many of the families visiting the waterfall at the hotel too, as they take a moment to treat themselves to some lunch after their inter-galactic adventures.”

High Force will continue to run its family saver ticket for the February half term, which admits two adults and two children to the waterfall. This ticket is £10 when purchased online, or £12 onsite.

Raby’s Family Explorer ticket is available for £60 when purchased online and provides two adults and two children with access-all-areas, including the new activities at the castle and the Plotters’ Forest and entry to Raby’s picturesque Deer Park and Walled Gardens. Alternatively, the Family Explorer ticket can be purchased at Raby on the day for £65.

The pancake and waffle topping stations in The Vinery are £5.95 per child, with adult options also available.

All activities run through to Sunday 1st March, with the Dragon Quest trail extended until Sunday 29th March. For further information and to book tickets, visit: www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle/whats-on/

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Managed by Raby Homes, the housing scheme will deliver 72 new properties, from one and two-bedroom apartments, single story, to five-bedroom houses and also includes affordable housing.

The area to the west of Grice Court will also see the enhancement of public and open spaces, featuring tree and ornamental planting as well as a wildflower meadow with many of the existing trees and hedges retained.

Duncan Peake, CEO at Raby Estates said: “East Leaze takes its name following research into the history of the area within the archives at Raby Castle, with the earliest surviving map of this location dating from 1732. We thought it a respectful nod to the past to use this name whilst also looking forward to an exciting new chapter in local history.

“New homes in this location will support existing services within Staindrop village and will contribute towards meeting the housing requirements of the county. Over recent decades, we have seen amenities such as shops and pubs lost in many of our villages. New housing will bring economic benefits to Staindrop to help it thrive – supporting schools and local services.”

The design for the scheme was created by Ben Pentreath, one of the country’s leading architectural practices involved in the design of traditionally inspired new developments. Their work seeks to draw from the best of the past, making places that are timeless and long-lasting, and yet robustly designed for modern life.

Duncan added: “The key characteristics that define the original buildings of Staindrop have been the primary influence behind our housing design, creating a carefully crafted and planned extension to the village with a retained character.

“We’ve also incorporated a sustainable design that contributes positively to the area’s character, identity, heritage significance, townscape and landscape features, helping to create and reinforce locally distinctive and sustainable communities.”

The development of the homes will remain in the control of the Raby Estate to ensure design and build quality is maintained throughout. For further information, visit: www.rabyhomes.co.uk

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VisitEngland has revealed the ten finalists to make the shortlist of its Tourism Superstar competition, including Jimmy Nicol who volunteers at Raby Castle, Park & Gardens.

VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar competition, now in its 14th year, seeks out champions working in tourism who provide fantastic experiences for visitors, as well as showcasing the variety and quality of England’s tourism offer, businesses and destinations.

The ten finalists, individuals or teams, were selected from dozens of submissions from Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs), destinations, employers and colleagues and cover all areas of tourism.

The finalists will now go on to compete for the title of Tourism Superstar 2026 decided by a public vote and run on VisitEngland’s website in February and March 2026.

VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said:

“Our Tourism Superstar competition truly showcases the diversity of roles in our wonderful industry with all those involved demonstrating their passion for their places of work and destinations. It is their commitment to making visitors leave with magical memories that we are celebrating, and I encourage the public to show their support by voting for their favourite superstar.

“From volunteers, guides, leaders in astro-tourism to chefs, holiday park employees and events teams, these finalists are already superstars. They strive to continuously improve the visitor experience, and I wish them every success when the competition opens in February 2026. Please do cast your vote!”

VisitEngland Tourism Superstar 2026 finalists are:

1. Jimmy Nicol, volunteer guide at Raby Castle, County Durham
2. Hull & East Yorkshire Volunteers (HEY! Volunteers), supporting culture, tourism and heritage, East Riding of Yorkshire
3. Dan Monk, Director of Astrophotography Kielder Observatory, Northumberland
4. Maurizio Bocchi, chef at La Locanda, Lancashire
5. Coast & Country Parks Holiday Connoisseurs, Coast & Country Parks – Somerset, Devon & Cornwall
6. Leicester’s Festivals and Events Team, Leicestershire
7. Mick Hurst, Battle of Evesham Historical Events and Reenactments, Worcestershire
8. Sheila Hannon, Show of Strength Theatre Walks, Bristol
9. Badger Hide Guides Volunteers at Wild Haweswater, the RSPB at Wild Haweswater, Cumbria
10. Cheryl Cade, Tour Guide, Norwich and Norfolk

The public will be able to vote for their favourite superstar on VisitEngland’s website from early February when the competition officially opens. Short films of all the finalists, carrying out their duties in their tourism roles and promoting their local destinations, will be shown on VisitEngland’s website to support with voting. Voting will run until the end of English Tourism Week which in 2026 takes place from the 13-22 March.

The finalist with the highest number of votes is crowned winner at the end of the competition with the Tourism Superstar award handed out at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2026 event in the summer.

For more information on VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar competition go VisitEngland Tourism Superstar Awards UK | VisitBritain.org

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Future Countryside 2026 will explore how the countryside can drive national priorities, from food security and environmental stewardship to health, wellbeing and social prescribing. It will also shine a spotlight on opportunities for young people and on building stronger connections between rural and urban communities, ensuring the countryside has a strong voice in shaping the national agenda while demonstrating its power to inspire unity, resilience and renewal.

Lord Barnard, who will host the event at Raby Castle, said:

“The Future Countryside Event is a forum for creative thought and debate on some of the most difficult issues facing our precious rural environment. It brings together some of the most influential rural leaders from diverse backgrounds and professional experience. I’m delighted that the event is coming to the north of England next year and that Raby will be hosting. Much has changed here in recent years, and I hope our own experiences will contribute to the conversation.”

Lord Herbert of South Downs, Chair of Future Countryside, added:

“Future Countryside 2026 will be a chance to put rural Britain at the heart of national political debate. The decisions taken in the coming years will shape the lives, livelihoods and landscapes of generations to come. Holding the event at Raby Castle symbolises both tradition and renewal, and we are proud to be convening voices from every part of the rural sector in such a historic setting.”

With its unique coalition of farming, conservation, business, community and political interests, Future Countryside has established itself as the leading forum for charting a resilient and sustainable rural future.

For more information, visit www.futurecountryside.org/future-countryside-2026.

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Raby Castle, Park and Gardens has teamed up with holistic wellness brand, Guid-ed, to create the Raby Reset, a four-part series featuring workshops and meditation sessions to encourage attendees to slow down, release old patterns and reconnect to who they truly are to create a lasting change for the year ahead.

Blending science with spirituality and taking place in Raby’s Riding School every Sunday throughout January, the Raby Reset will be led by the founder of Guid-ed, Lucy Pringle, who is a holistic counsellor, meditation teacher and Reiki practitioner.

Lucy said: “I’ve been on the brink of burnout myself and I knew I needed to make a change to not only recover from this, but to improve my health and wellbeing long-term. Through the techniques included in the Raby Reset series, I’ve been able to learn how to reconnect with my body, regulate my nervous system and heal from within.

“The immersive wellness experiences incorporate guided meditation, hypnotic suggestion, and reiki healing to create deep, lasting change on both a cellular and energetic level. The sessions have been curated to support individuals in living in alignment with their values, building emotional resilience, and cultivating a deep sense of peace and purpose.

“It’s easy to begin 2026 with a new set of resolutions and aspirations, but it’s not quite as easy to stick with these, and we’ll be demonstrating the techniques to create healthy habits and establish the foundations to ensure you keep going.”

All workshops will include a short breathwork series and will end with a visualisation meditation that weaves in hypnotic suggestions to lock in change. Guests will also receive journal prompts to reflect on after the session.

Sophie Brown, sales and events manager at Raby Estates added: “The Raby Reset will be a safe space for all, no matter if this is your first time trying out something like this or if you’re experienced in these methods.

“Lucy has purposefully designed the series so you can take part in all four sessions, experiencing something different each time, or participate in the ones that are the most appealing to you.

“Whilst we often feel more empowered these days to take our health into our own hands, it can feel overwhelming with the vast information that is available online, and the Raby Reset has been carefully curated to provide a fantastic starting point and introduction to the steps we can take moving forward.”

The Raby Reset will be taking place on Sunday 4^th, 11^th, 18^th and 25^th January and each session is £25 per adult.

WELLNESS FOUNDATIONS: Sunday 4th January

Theme: Building the Foundations for a Healthier, Aligned You

Focus: Anti-inflammatory living, blood sugar balance, low-tox lifestyle, nervous system regulation, gut health, and mind–body rewiring

Intention: To empower participants with simple, sustainable wellness habits that reduce inflammation, balance energy, support the gut, and regulate the nervous system, creating a strong foundation for long-term vitality and alignment.

Takeway: Participants leave with a clear, actionable understanding of how to support their body daily through food, movement, mindset, and energy. They’ll receive a simple wellness foundations checklist, blood sugar balance cheat sheet, and journal prompts to continue their inner and outer transformation.

 RELEASE & RESET: Sunday 11th January 

To release old patterns, habits, and emotional residue from the past year so participants can begin the new year with a grounded, peaceful foundation.

Theme: Letting Go & Creating Space for the New

Focus: Nervous system regulation, boundaries, and energetic clearing

Intention: To release old patterns, habits, and emotional residue from the past year so participants can begin the new one from a grounded, peaceful foundation.

Takeaway: Participants leave feeling lighter, centered, and clear, with tools to regulate their energy and protect their peace. They will also be given journal prompts to reflect on.

ALIGN & ACTIVATE – Sunday 18th January

Theme: Alignment, Authenticity & Living by Your Values

Focus: Understanding alignment and how to live in integrity with your truth

Intention: To guide guests to discover what truly matters to them, so their goals, habits, and energy for the year are rooted in authenticity and alignment.

Takeaway: Guests gain a deep sense of self-awareness and clarity, a compass for making aligned decisions for the year ahead. Journal prompts to reflect on after the session and to prep for week 4 for those attending.

Cacao ritual in line with the new moon calling in alignment and intentions. Collaborating with Ancient + Brave to bring you their cacao.

ENVISION MANIFEST & RECEIVE – Sunday 25th January

Theme: Manifestation, Intention Setting & Accountability

Focus: Goal-setting through the lens of alignment and energetic readiness

Intention: To help guests clearly define and energetically align with what they want to create and who they want to be in 2026, from an embodied, magnetising state.

Takeaway: Guests leave aligned, empowered, and energetically open with clear intentions and embodied belief in what they’re calling in. Journal prompts and clarity on how to create a vision board and become their dream self.

If you take part in all four Raby Reset sessions, you receive a complimentary good bag, 30 minute coaching session with Lucy over the telephone and a guided meditation mp3 download. 

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