When

Weekends and Holiday periods

Where

Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

Timings

10:00am - 4:00pm

Pricing

Family Explorer (2 Adults 2 Children) £60 online £65 onsite | Adult £21 Online £22 onsite | Child £11 Online £12 Onsite | Under 4's Free

Buy Tickets

Family Explorer Tickets

An all inclusive ticket for the whole family.

An all-inclusive day out for families

Your Autumn Family Explorer Ticket includes:

18th October – 9th November

The Horrible Histories Takeover Trail at Raby Castle (children go free into the castle with the family explorer ticket)
Tiny Terrors Trail in The Plotters’ Forest Adventure Playground
Spot the deer and wildlife at the ponds in the picturesque parklands
See the stunning autumnal Walled Gardens
Complimentary 1pm Horrible Histories Family Tour
Complimentary 3pm Bug Hotel Workshop with the Gardens Team
Complimentary 11am-4pm Raby Reenactment
Free parking

Family Explorer (2 Adults 2 Children) £60 online £65 onsite | Adult £21 Online £22 onsite | Child £11 Online £12 Onsite | Under 4’s Free

22nd November - 4th January

Christmas Family Explorer Ticket

Access all areas for a magical festive family day out!

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

The time selected is your timed entry to The Enchanted Forest (Plotters’ Forest), Entrance to the Castle is free flow and last entry is 3pm. Unless visiting on Christmas Eve when the last entry is 1pm.

Book Now

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

Horrible Histories Takeover Raby Castle Park & Gardens North East, Family day out

Children go free to Raby Castle

with the family explorer ticket

Horrible Histories Takeover Trail
We’re turning back the lock to the Measly Middle Ages with dark knights, savage sieges and foul food – come and explore our crackin’ castle as seen through the eyes of the bestselling Horrible Histories books written by Terry Deary and illustrated by Martin Brown, published by Scholastic.

Horrible Histories Family Tour – 1pm

Discover even more with a terrible tour of Horrible Histories.The 30-minute tour takes visitors around the Horrible Histories route, introducing them to some of the gruesome features. Talking about terrible topics such as disgusting Medieval toilets, terrible tortures and painful punishments as well as rotten rules for kids and deadly castle defences. Finishing in the Servant’s Hall, allowing visitors to enjoy the range of free activities.

Guided Castle Tour – Wednesday – Sunday 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.

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

The story of Raby and the Railways Exhibition and Talk

Open Daily | Talk Wednesdays 1.30pm

Coal, Canals and Carriages: The Story of Raby and the Railways Location: Entrance Hall, Raby CastleDates: 28th June – OctoberOpening Times: Daily, 11am–4pmEntry: Free with a Raby Castle, Park and Gardens ticket – whenever the Castle is open Step into the golden age of travel with Raby and the Railways, a special exhibition celebrating the […]

Castle Encounters with the Curation and Archives Team

Wednesday - Friday

A Special Insight into the History and Collections of Raby Location: Meet at the Castle PortcullisDates: Every Wednesday to FridayTime: 14:00Entry: Free with a Raby Castle, Park and Gardens ticket Join a member of Raby’s dedicated Curation and Archives team for a closer look at the fascinating, lesser-known stories hidden within the castle’s historic collections. […]

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 […]

Raby Castle Guided Tours

Wednesday - Sunday at 2.30pm

Guided Tours at Raby Castle From 1st September, join us for complimentary guided tours Daily at 2:30pm Led by one of our knowledgeable senior guides, these 60-minute tours offer a fascinating insight into the history, architecture, and former residents of Raby Castle. It’s a fantastic opportunity to ask questions and explore the castle’s hidden stories […]

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 [...]

Pilates

Wednesdays and Fridays, starting on 1st October

Join us at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens for our weekly Pilates sessions. Pilates builds your core strength, improves posture and increases flexibility. The new and upcoming form of exercise focuses on breathing and movement supporting to reduce stress and improves overall wellbeing. After the class, why not head to explore the nature in the […]