Raby
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) £65.80 online £69.13 onsite | Adult £20.12 Online £21 onsite | Child (4-15yrs) £14.88 Online £15.75 Onsite | Under 4's Free

Access all areas and save with the Family Summer Saver Ticket!

This summer, save even more on the Family Explorer Ticket! As part of the government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme, we’re now offering a Summer VAT Saving of 15% off family tickets and children’s meals until Tuesday 1st September.

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 with special guest on selected dates.
  • Venture inside Raby Castle with vibrant floral displays and a new Flower Passport Children’s Trail
  • Wildlife spotting in the 200-acre Deer Park
  • Run through the mazes in the Walled Garden
  • NEW The Hidden Garden: Immersive Experience in the Riding School (Daily until 23rd August)
  •  11am Complimentary Knights and Dragons Family Explorer Tour
  • 3pm Complimentary Little Gardeners Activity
  • 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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The Hidden Garden: An Immersive Experience

This immersive light experience features gentle lightingsoft sounds, and calm, quiet spaces, making it ideal for sensory-sensitive visitors, including toddlers and children who thrive in a low-stimulation environment. The perfect cool spot on hot summers days or place to shelter from summer showers.

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Castle in Bloom

This summer, families can head insiude the magnificent Castle, which has come alive with a vibrant programme of floral displays celebrating the beauty of nature. Heading inside the Castle, arches of tumbling flowers and meadows growing up from the floors are some of the first delights to experience.  The centrepiece of Castle in Bloom is in some of the Castle’s grandest rooms, showcasing contemporary designs created by renowned florist Anna Potter from Swallows and Damsons, as her installation further explores the contrast between dark and light.

Children can enjoy the experience with a flower passport children’s trail around the castle.

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Adventures in the 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 frosty yew hedges and playful amphitheatre.

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Special Guest: Cyril the squirrels Plotters’ Party Trail

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 Cyril the Squirrels Plotters’ Party Trail. Cyril the squirrel is new to The Plotter’s Forest, to welcome him the other woodland animals have planned a party! Help Cyril to collect the party items from his new friends along the way as you explore the winding paths.

Meet Cyril on selected Dates | 11am – 1pm:  25th, 26th July, 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 23rd, 29th 30th August

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Complimentary Knights and Dragons Family Explorer Tour

Daily, 11am until 31st August 2026

Join one of our castle characters this school holiday for a free family tour on the castle terrace at 11am. Explore the castle defences and work out how to attack a formidable fortress like Raby! Will the castle be captured or survive an attack?

With a dragon roaming around the estate looking for treasure, finish the tour with an exciting, dramatic roleplay, acting out various roles in a practice attempt to defend Raby from the terrifying fire-breathing monster!

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Complimentary Little Gardener Activity

Daily, 3pm until 31st August

Head to the Green House at 3pm for a complimentary gardening activity with a Raby gardener. You might explore the bug hotel and life on the ponds or create leaf and bark rubbings. Get your little ones interested in nature and explore the great gardens.

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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.

15% off Children’s Meals with the Great British Summer Savings.

Family Great British Saving Menu

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

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