When

Open Daily

Where

Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

Timings

10:00am - 4:00pm. The time selected is your timed entry to The Plotters' Forest. Your tickets give you access to the park and gardens from 10am. Entrance to the Castle is free flow from 11am, last entry 3pm.

Pricing

Family Summer Saver Explorer (2 Adults 2 Children) £60 online £65 onsite | Adult £24 Online £25 onsite | Child (4-15yrs) £13 Online £14 Onsite | Under 4's Free

Buy Tickets

Access all areas and save

Your Summer Saver Family Explorer Ticket includes:

Explore the Plotters’ Forest Adventure Playground with NEW Hidden Forest extension plus Cyril the Squirrel’s Plotters’ Party Children’s Trail
Venture inside Raby Castle
Wildlife spotting in the 200-acre Deer Park
Run through the mazes in the Walled Garden
Free Parking

Hot drinks, brunch, lunch or afternoon tea are available inside the Vinery Café, along with tasty treats and Ice Cream at The Garage Café. And don’t miss the selection of toys and Jellycat in the Coach House Shop!

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The Plotters’ Forest Woodland Adventure Playground

Nestled within a magical Christmas Tree Plantation at Raby Castle, The Plotters’ Forest is the perfect family adventure playground for children to experience the joys and benefits of outdoor play, here ‘close to nature’ truly comes to life.

This summer the Brand new Plotters’ Forest extension has doubed the play area in size! This space encourages children to take part in exciting challenges with six new pieces of play equipment that encourage exploration, interaction, movement and discovery along the way, including swings, a cascading wall, new word games and more.

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Wildlife Spotting in the Deer Park

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.

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Raby Castle

Families can head inside the magnificent Castle, where history comes alive in the grandest rooms. Take part in the seasonal trails, including the Castle Quest!

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Stunning Walled Gardens

Discover the beautiful 5 acre walled gardens, see the cutting garden, playful amphitheatre, gaint yew hedges and so much more.

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Yummy Food and Drinks

You will find delicious food and treats throughout the site, including The Vinery Glasshouse serving seasonal toasties, jacket potatoes and children’s lunch boxes alongside the Plotters’ Pantry for the perfect pitstop to refuel for a hot chocolate or ice cream.

Jellycat Galore!

The perfect place to end your day, The Coach House Shop has a delightful range of toys, puzzles, games, accessories and of course Jellycat.

The Plotters' Forest Adventure Playground extension family day out

Kids go free into Raby Castle with a Plotters' Forest Deer Park and Gardens ticket

may half term at raby castle park and gardens family days out county durham

What's on

Upcoming events & activities

The Gardeners’ Walk & Talk

Daily at 12pm

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 […]

Castle Encounters with the Curation and Archives Team

Tuesday - Friday

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

Raby X Tutti

Open Daily

Head to The Coach House Shop and discover TUTTI, a North East-based British jewellery and lifestyle brand, creating timeless, contemporary pieces inspired by effortless everyday style. For over 20 years, the brand has been designing beautifully crafted jewellery that combines quality, versatility and accessible luxury, building a loyal community of customers across the UK. Alongside [...]

Discover Dinosaurs at High Force Waterfall

Daily until 6th September

This summer, step back millions of years in time… Breathe in the fresh summer air and stomp into a prehistoric world of fun at High Force Hotel & Waterfall. Our brand‑new Discover Dinosaurs Trail is waiting for little explorers who love big adventures and fascinating history. Bring the whole family along for a roar‑some woodland adventure. Follow [...]

Stargazing Suppers

September 2026 - March 2027

Discover the magnificence of the night sky with an exciting stargazing supper experience at the High Force Waterfall and Hotel.

Harvest Hand Tied Workshop

Saturday 5th September

Join Periwinkle Barn in the Conservatory at Raby Castle, Park & Gardens for a beautifully relaxed autumn floristry workshop, set against views over the Walled Gardens. You’ll learn the art of creating a natural Harvest hand-tied bouquet, using seasonal autumn blooms, textured foliage, seed heads, berries, and warm harvest tones inspired by the changing colours [...]

Access all areas and save

The Plotters’ Forest Woodland Adventure Playground

Wildlife Spotting in the Deer Park

Raby Castle

Stunning Walled Gardens

Yummy Food and Drinks

Jellycat Galore!

What's on

The Gardeners’ Walk & Talk

Daily at 12pm

Castle Encounters with the Curation and Archives Team

Tuesday - Friday

Raby X Tutti

Open Daily

Discover Dinosaurs at High Force Waterfall

Daily until 6th September

Stargazing Suppers

September 2026 - March 2027

Harvest Hand Tied Workshop

Saturday 5th September

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