When

22nd November - 4th January

Where

Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

Timings

10:00am - 4:00pm. The time selected is your timed entry to The Enchanted Forest (Plotters' Forest), Your tickets give you access to the park and gardens from 10am. Entrance to the Castle is free flow and last entry is 3pm. Unless visiting on Christmas Eve when the last entry is 1pm.

Pricing

Family Explorer (2 Adults 2 Children) £70 online £75 onsite | Adult £21 Online £22 onsite | Child (1-15_£14 Online £15 Onsite

Buy Tickets

Family Explorer Tickets

An all-inclusive festive ticket for the whole family.

Your Christmas Family Explorer Ticket includes:

22nd November – 4th January

Wrap up for The Plotters’ Forest Enchanted Christmas Trail
Marvel at the splendour of the Raby Castle at Christmas Tour
Spot Deer roaming in the picturesque parkland
Enjoy the magic, frosty Walled Gardens
Daily Free Activities
Free Parking

Family Explorer (2 Adults 2 Children) £70 Online £75 Onsite | Additional Adult £21 | Additional Child ( 1-15) £14

The Plotters’ Forest

Adventure Playground

The Plotters’ Forest is a magical outdoor playground, situated in a Christmas tree plantation and is the perfect place for children and families to reap the benefits of outdoor play. Not only will you enjoy two hours of play, your ticket also includes a complimentary children’s Trail, search for the missing wonderland objects, ticking them off as you go and don’t forget to look out for the letters hidden in the trees to reveal the secret word

Raby Castle

Discover Raby Castle This Christmas!

Castle Family Explorer Tour – 1:00 PM
Join the castle team for a fun and interactive tour designed for families! Step into the past as you become a Raby soldier, explore the historic terrace, or take on the role of a land agent and help build a railway!

Castle Encounters – 2:00 PM (Monday to Friday)
Dive deeper into the castle’s fascinating history. Explore family trees, learn how artefacts are conserved, and uncover many more behind-the-scenes stories.

Guided Castle Tour – Daily at 2:30 PM
Enjoy a comprehensive tour of Raby Castle led by our knowledgeable guides—perfect for those wanting to explore the castle’s architecture and rich heritage.

New Exhibition: The Story of Raby & the Railways
Now open daily! Discover how the railways shaped Raby’s history in our brand-new exhibition.

The Deer Park

& Walled Gardens

Adventure Awaits in Raby’s Deer Park & Walled Gardens!

Let the little ones run wild!
Explore acres of beautiful parkland where your family can roam freely. Spot majestic herds of Red and Fallow Deer, swans, ducks, and an array of wildlife as you stroll through the rolling landscape.

Gardener’s Walk & Talk – 12:00 PM
Join one of Raby’s expert gardeners for an insightful tour of the Walled Gardens. Learn about the history, seasonal blooms, and the secrets behind keeping this stunning space thriving.

Create a Bug Hotel – 3pmJoin the Gardens Team and have a bugtastic time! Bug hotels are a great way of providing shelter for all the insect life that help our gardens thrive.

What's on

Upcoming events & activities

Gardeners’ Walk & Talk

Daily at 12noon

Gardeners’ Walk & Talk at Raby Castle – Daily at 12pm Led by a member of our expert gardening team, this complimentary garden tour offers a relaxed and informative experience, perfect for visitors interested in historic English gardens, horticulture, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the Raby Estate. Discover the beauty and heritage of […]

Glasshouse Afternoon Tea

Available Daily

When Available Daily Opening Times 2pm - 4pm Where The Vinery at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens Book Now Afternoon Tea at The Vinery A Luxurious Afternoon Tea Experience in the Heart of the Raby Estate Escape to the serene beauty of The Vinery — a beautifully restored Victorian glasshouse set within the heart of [...]

Autumn Adventures Trail at High Force Waterfall

4th October - 16th November

Autumn Adventures Trail at High Force Waterfall New for this season! Step into a crisp woodland world full of autumn magic on our self-led Autumn Adventures Trail at High Force Waterfall. As you wander through the golden trees, keep your eyes peeled for signs of the season — from colourful leaves and hidden mushrooms to […]

Sunday Lunches in The Vinery

Sunday's in The Vinery

When Available Sunday's Serving Times 12noon - 2:30pm Where The Vinery at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens Sunday Lunch at The Vinery A Traditional Roast in a Stunning Setting Make your Sundays truly special with a traditional roast lunch served in the heart of the Raby Estate. Set inside the light-filled elegance of The Vinery, [...]

Raby X Periwinkle Floristry Residency

Thursday - Sunday

Head to the Conservatory to see Raby’s latest winter collaboration with a floristry residency from Deborah at Periwinkle Barn. Deborah is a floral designer with a passion for British flowers and sustainable floristry based right here in County Durham. Deborah has a wealth of experience in event flowers and will be hosting a range of […]

The Story of Raby’s Walled Gardens

Thursday - Sunday

The Story of Raby’s Walled Garden Shaped by the passage of time, the vision of generations of Raby’s owners, and their dedicated workforce, the gardens at Raby have delighted visitors for centuries. Never static, and always growing, our gardens – laid out over 7 acres – are outstanding for their setting, design and history. The […]

Family Explorer Tickets

An all-inclusive festive ticket for the whole family.

The Plotters’ Forest

Adventure Playground

Raby Castle

The Deer Park

& Walled Gardens

What's on

Gardeners’ Walk & Talk

Daily at 12noon

Glasshouse Afternoon Tea

Available Daily

Autumn Adventures Trail at High Force Waterfall

4th October - 16th November

Sunday Lunches in The Vinery

Sunday's in The Vinery

Raby X Periwinkle Floristry Residency

Thursday - Sunday

The Story of Raby’s Walled Gardens

Thursday - Sunday

Sign up to the Raby Newsletter