One third of us will be touched by cancer in our lifetime. The Institute of Cancer Research https://www.icr.ac.uk/ is a charitable academic working body with over 300 scientists and has taken more drugs into clinical trials in the last decade than any other organisation worldwide.  We are therefore proud to be supporting such a worthy cause once again this year.

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

The event has raised more than £1.8 million for the Institute and other charities over the past 36 years. This year’s event takes place on Friday 15^th November and with your help we would like to make this another record-breaking year. Each team will be allocated a mountain route for the day and Raby has been allocated the Buttermere fells to the west of Keswick.

If you would like to help them raise much needed funds for The Institute of Cancer Research, please see our Just Giving link

https://www.justgiving.com/page/rabyestates2024

19.11.24

Many thanks indeed to all our supporters for your generous support for this year’s ICR Climb of Life Appeal. 17 climbers and assorted dogs made up the Raby team having been assigned the fells around Buttermere as our challenge this year.

Unfortunately, weather conditions weren’t quite as favourable as last year, and Friday 15^th November dawned to low cloud and persistent drizzle.  This did not dampen our spirits and after gathering in Buttermere village, the team moved off to ascend Red Pike, Buttermere and then onto High Stile and High Crag before our descent back to Buttermere Lake and the village. There were some glimpses of sunshine towards the end of the day but mostly the weather continued as it had started, and we were all rather bedraggled by the time we returned to the cars in the late afternoon.

This year’s event raised just over £91,000 overall for ICR and I am pleased to confirm that we made one of the largest single team contributions of just over £5,000.

This year’s grand total means that this annual event has now raised over £1.80 million during the 35 years that it has been taking place with over £1.1 million raised for the Institute of Cancer Research during that period.  This, of course would not have been possible without your generous support.  All of us at Raby are therefore enormously grateful to you. Many thanks once again for your support and your donation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Historic buildings restored over the past two years have been given a new lease of life creating high-end retail, events and hospitality spaces for all visitors to enjoy.

The scheme, which has been the ambition of Lord and Lady Barnard who want to make Raby Castle more accessible to the community, and benefit the local economy, is now advertising for key positions in the hospitality, retail, tourism and gardening departments, as The Rising prepares to open its doors later this year and begin the next chapter in Raby Castle’s fascinating history.

A key area of the restoration project is the recreation of the historic glass house into a beautiful dining destination with stunning panoramic views of Raby Castle. The Vinery Restaurant will provide many unique career opportunities including our newly appointed sous chef, a Food and Beverage Supervisor and a bakery and pastry chef

There has been a significant investment in a new kitchen facility at the stylish new eatery to enable Raby to produce home baked artisan breads and a range of pastries, alongside menus celebrating estate produce and use of seasonal flavours from the gardens for visitors to enjoy. A key benefit for these hospitality roles will be the predominate daytime hours, a fantastic perk for work life balance.

The stunning remodelled five-acre garden reimagined by world renowned designer Luciano Giubbilei alongside Lady Barnard will also see new roles appointing two estate gardeners supporting with the maintenance and harmony of this iconic horticultural creation.

Claire Jones, head of leisure and tourism at Raby Castle, said: “The momentum is building now as we near the final stages of this ground-breaking development which will enhance our visitor attractions for generations to come and create a leading tourist destination in the north of England.

“We are looking for truly remarkable individuals to join our existing team of talented staff who share a passion and enthusiasm for this wonderful place.”

These roles include the appointment of a retail manager who will oversee the new shop in the Coach House, selling a selection of homeware and gifts, displayed on reclaimed furniture from across the estate alongside an Assistant Retail Manager and Retail Assistant. The Leisure and Tourism team are currently hiring a new Marketing and Events Executive to assist with the digital marketing to drive business aswell as planning and executing spectacular events in our fantastic locations. We are also looking for a dynamic, hardworking and experienced housekeeper to  maintain high levels of cleanliness within the newly developed visitor facilities. As well as providing a unique opportunity to work in extraordinary locations across this beautiful country estate, these roles offer a fast paced and varied position for someone bursting with energy, who is passionate about providing exemplary service.

Laura Evans in the newly created business development executive role and Tim Marshall as head gardener.

Laura will be responsible for showcasing everything Raby Estate has to offer following the opening of the unrivalled development scheme, including its corporate experiences and events spaces for a range of uses.

Head gardener Tim Marshall has managed the two-year project to transform the historic Walled Garden – working with world-class garden designer Luciano Giubbilei and is now supporting landscape architect Alastair Baldwin on the wider landscape.

Raby has continued the tradition of supporting younger generations by providing apprenticeships, placements and training programmes and where possible has hired north east based contractors and suppliers.

Raby Estates also offers the opportunity to work across the wider estate in extraordinary locations with job roles in departments ranging from farming, land management, forestry, property maintenance and restoration. The Estate are currently recruiting for a Seasonal Harvest Worker to lead on corn, rolling and secondary cultivations as well as non-tractor related tasks working on a variety of crops.

For full details about the new vacancies at Raby Castle, head to: www.raby.co.uk/careers

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

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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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One-third of us will be touched by cancer in our lifetime. The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) is an academic working body based at the Royal Marsden Hospital. ICR employs over 300 scientists and has taken more drugs into clinical trials in the last decade than any other organisation worldwide.  We are therefore proud to be supporting such a worthy cause again this year.

This annual event involves teams from businesses located across the north of England ascending Lakeland’s highest mountains in early winter conditions. The event has raised more than £1.75 million for the Institute and other charities over the past 34 years. With your help, we would like to make this another record-breaking year.

Last year a team of 12 walkers from Raby successfully completed a trek in the fells around High Street and raised around £7000. This year the Raby Estates Team will be tackling Helvellyn, one of the most iconic and majestic peaks in the Lake District National Park of England. Standing at 950 meters above sea level, it is renowned for its breath-taking beauty and challenging hiking trails. It’ll be a long day in the hills.

If you would like to support our team with their fundraising for Climb of Life, and the motivation to complete this arduous challenge, then please go to their JustGiving page to donate.

2023 Update

Many thanks indeed for your generous support for this year’s ICR Climb of Life Appeal. 12 climbers and numerous dogs made up the Raby team having been assigned Helvellyn as our challenge this year.

We were blessed with a magical day and snow-covered fells as we made our ascent from Glenridding at the southern end of Ullswater. On reaching Red Tarn we rested and contemplated the final climb onto the summit via a snow covered Swirrel Edge. There were a few hairy moments as dogs of various sizes were cajoled over the more exposed parts of the ridge. Thankfully, we reached the summit unscathed with the team and assorted canines intact to enjoy some magnificent views in the early winter sunshine.

This year’s event raised just over £71,000 overall for ICR and I am pleased to confirm that we made one of the largest single team contributions of £6,000.

This year’s grand total means that this annual event has now raised over £1.70 million during the 34 years that it has been taking place with over £1 million raised for Institute of Cancer Research during that period.  This of course would not have been possible without your generous support.  All of us at Raby are therefore enormously grateful to you. Many thanks once again for your support and your donation.

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For the past five years Karl, has been responsible for a team who maintains and refurbishes properties across the Estate. The 41-year-old decided to return to Darlington College one day a week for two years and has just secured distinctions across the board in HNC building studies.

“When I was at school, I never thought I would ever be this well qualified, I thought I would just be a joiner all my life,” said Karl

“I was so pleased to be awarded distinctions across the board and do feel proud of myself. It has given me a massive sense of achievement and I would highly recommend life-long learning. I’m already taking everything I have learned back to my job on the estate. I’ve just started a Level 6 qualification in site management and hopes to do my Level 7 in site management soon after.”

“I didn’t want to stagnate and was keen to better myself so decided to go back to college. The construction trade is fast-moving at the moment, and I was keen to understand new techniques – you have to keep up with the times. I’m now pushing my staff to undergo extra training themselves.”

Karl originally wanted to be a joiner like his grandfather and after serving his apprenticeship in bench hand joinery he worked for a leading conservatory company during which time he travelled across the UK and Europe.

“I later spotted a position with Raby Estates as a maintenance manager and I absolutely love looking after and refurbishing its Residential Properties and Farms portfolio, some of which have been empty for decades and restoring the iconic buildings for future use. We are bringing them back to life in areas of outstanding natural beauty, which is very rewarding, while ensuring the estate retains a traditional look that is in keeping with the location.”

Karl has just overseen the complete refurbishment of grade 2* Hilton Hall making it habitable for modern day living. It started life as a medieval chapel of St Catherine’s Chantry to Staindrop Church, and has been extended over the 17th and 18th century.

“With properties, it is all about making them compliant, while reflecting their age and status,” he said. “We have to make them energy efficient, sustainable, which requires insulation, rewiring and replumbing, while protecting them as well and we have a great relationship with the council and conservation officers.”

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As our ground-breaking Rising developments gather pace, we have welcomed a host of new team members to Raby including new Head Gardener Tim Marshall. Tim will be working alongside World-class Italian garden designer, Luciano Giubbilei and Landscape Architect, Alistair Baldwin to bring our Walled Garden vision to life. We caught up with Tim to find out about his background and how he plans to approach this exciting project.

 

Where did you career take you before joining Raby?

I have been working in horticulture for the last 27 years, 23 of those years as a head gardener. I started my career at Scampston Hall in North Yorkshire where I worked with the international garden designer, Piet Oudolf transforming the walled garden. After Scampston I moved to North Norfolk where I worked on the Holkham Estate, initially as the head gardener but was later promoted to the position of landscape manager which also included the management of the forestry. I left Holkham to work with Tom Stuart-Smith on a project in the Thames Valley, just outside Henley on Thames. On completion of this project I was asked to work in Jordan with Arne Maynard to help regenerate the private gardens of the King and Queen. After a number of years I returned back to the UK to work for the Bamford family on the Daylesford Estate as the garden manager. Following this I was asked to lead a large horticultural project on the Island of Nevis in the Caribbean, designed by Arne Maynard. After a number of years in the Caribbean I decided with my family that we wanted to head back to the UK for a stable life and to enrol my daughter in the educational system.  Though before this was possible, I was requested once again to return to Jordan to help with a very large landscape installation in the South of the country. After a year working on this project, I took up the opportunity to move back to the UK and start an exciting position on the Raby Estate.

(c) Peter Gunton

Which of your skills do you feel will be most valuable in the Gardens renovation?

I am a self-confessed plantaholic, which I feel will come in handy with this project. My eye for detail is excellent, which will certainly be necessary, along with my strong management skills after many years of organising challenging workloads.

 

Tell us more about The Rising development and the changes throughout the gardens?

The Rising development within the gardens will involve a complete redesign of the garden areas but retaining the key historic features and some of the larger original plants for continuity. The development will bring the gardens to the pinnacle of modern design. The main walled garden areas will be designed by Luciano Giubbilei and the outer landscaped areas by Alistair Baldwin, both of which are top-level garden designers.

CGI of the Duchess’ Walk

What will your role include?

The main purpose of my role will be to interact with the construction team and designers on the new project, to ensure the design is implemented and completed as Lord and Lady Barnard envisage. Also making sure that any remaining garden areas are kept to a high specification for visitors to enjoy throughout the construction period.

 

Who will you be working with?

My role will transect across the whole of the estate, working with all departments at any given time. With the Rising project I will be working closely with Lord and Lady Barnard, the designers, contractors, the construction team and the in-house gardens team.

 

What are you most looking forward to in your new role?

Getting stuck into the new developments and seeing the site transform into a major inspirational tourist attraction for County Durham and the North East.

 

Why Raby?

Raby is the best of both worlds. It is an amazing remnant of the past history of the North of England providing a time capsule of how life was, but also how diversification in the present age can be highly successful and inspiring.

Walled Gardens at Raby Castle

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Farming at Raby

Find out more about our Farming team at Raby Home Farm.

Find out more

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