Raby
When
29th December 2025 - 4th January 2026
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 Christmas Family Explorer Tickets are discounted for the New Year’s Day for the Charity Opening in the Deer Park and Gardens. Tickets purchased between 2nd – 4th January are included in the Unlimited January Offer, allowing unlimited access to the Deer Park and Gardens throughout January 2026. 

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 at Christmas festive days out in the north east of england

Raby Castle at Christmas

Raby Castle has opened its doors during the festive period for the first time in five decades to show the castle decorated for Christmas, designed by custodian and creative director, Lady Barnard.

This will be a chance for visitors to experience how the Vane family enjoyed Christmas at the Castle and see the rooms beautifully decorated as they would have been in the past, the family’s traditional gifts, flowers and sumptuous Christmas trees.

Families can enjoy this magical experience, which is perfect for family photo opportunities!

There is also a children’s trail sheet to discover items as you go around the ground floor rooms.

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. Alongside this the stunning walled gardens with forsty yew hedges and playful amphitheatre.

Make sure to pick up a winter activity booklet from the Round House!

The Plotters’ Forest Enchanted Christmas Trail, Park and Garden Tickets

Christmas Shop and Festive Food

Head into the stunning Coach House Shop for last-minute Christmas shopping for some beautiful gift ideas, and Jellycat!

You will find festive food and treats throughout the site, including The Vinery Glasshouse serving festive food, turkey toasties and jacket potatoes alongside the Plotters’ Pantry for the perfect pitstop to refuel for a hot chocolate as well as The Garage in the Coach Yard.

Christmas Family Explorer Ticket, Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
Hot Chocolate at Raby Castle Park and Gardens Autumn Events in County Durham
Christmas Family Explorer Ticket, Raby Castle, Park & Gardens

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