Horrible Histories Takeover at Raby Castle

Castle, Deer Park and Gardens Tickets

Your ticket includes:

Access to Raby Castle
Access to the 200-acre Deer Park
Access to the stunning 5 acre Walled Gardens
Complimentary Castle Guided Tour (Wednesday – Sunday) at 2.30pm and Garden Walk and Talk at 12pm
Free Parking

Online: Adult £21 | Concession (60+) £20 | Children (4–15yrs) £12 | Under 4s Free | Family (2 adults & 3 children) £62

Onsite: Adult £22 | Concession (60+) £21 | Children (4–15yrs) £13 | Under 4s Free | Family (2 adults & 3 children) £63

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Autumn Family Explorer Ticket

An all-inclusive day out for families

Your ticket includes:

The Horrible Histories Takeover Trail at Raby Castle (children go free into Raby 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
Free Parking

Online Family Explorer (2 Adults 2 Children) £60 | Adult £21 | Child £11 | Under 4’s Free

Onsite Family Explorer (2 Adults 2 Children) £65 | Adult £22 | Child £12 | Under 4’s Free

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Raby Castle

Raby is without doubt one of the most impressive intact castles in the North of England. Built in the 14th century by the powerful Neville family, it has a long history.

The Walled Gardens

The 18th century Walled Garden has been recently remodelled by renowned garden designer Luciano Giubbilei with Lady Barnard. Together, they have laboured to create a stunning 5-acre vision, including the estate’s well-known yew hedges and the iconic Raby fig. In doing so, they have retained the gardens’ distinctive spirit; one in which the character of Raby and its rich history is deeply embedded.

Deer Park

With 200 acres to explore and a range of wildlife on our doorstep, there is plenty to see and do across Raby Park. Discover our walking routes and meet our herds of red and fallow deer.

The Plotters' Forest

Join in with the fun and go on an adventure to The Plotters’ Forest playground surrounded by nature, outdoor play just stepped up a notch!

Eat

The Vinery proudly present handcrafted dishes and treats inspired or sourced from the beautiful Raby Estate. Once home to thriving grapevines, these historic buildings are steeped in heritage. Today, we honour this legacy by carefully crafting each item with care and dedication, in collaboration with the estate's skilled gardeners.

Shop

The Coach House Shop is a charming haven for those seeking stylish homeware, contemporary gifts and so much more. Nestled within the historic grounds of Raby Castle, this boutique store offers a curated selection of treasures that combine modern flair with timeless elegance.

Complimentary Tours and Experiences

12:00pm – Gardens Walk and Talk

1.30pm – Raby and the Railways Exhibition Talk, Wednesdays

2:00pm – Castle Encounters, Wednesday – Friday

2.30pm – Castle Guided Tour, Wednesday – Sunday

Children’s Trail Horrible Histories Takeover at Raby Castle

Children’s Trail Tiny Terrors in The Plotters’ Forest Adventure Playground

Subject to availability on the day

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4th October to 9th November

Horrible Histories Takeover

Join us this autumn for a Horrible Histories takeover of Raby Castle! From 4^th October to 9th November we’re turning back clock 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.

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4th October to 9th November

Halloween Happenings

From haunted tales and ghostly tours to spooky trails and family fun, there’s something for everyone this Halloween at Raby!

This October, we’re bringing Raby’s eerie past to life with a series of spine-tingling events and frightful fun for all ages.

Take a look at our full Halloween schedule and start planning your visit…

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4th October to 9th November

Halloween in The Plotters' Forest plus After Dark!

For a spooky outdoor adventure, more Halloween fun can be had at Raby’s woodland adventure playground, The Plotters’ Forest. In the crisp autumn air, families can venture through the enchanted paths and trees during the day and collect the spinechilling clues on their journey round, or venture into the shadows as dusk descends for an after dark experience where spiders spin webs and witches and wolves hide.

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The Vinery

Afternoon Tea

Step into the timeless elegance of The Vinery and indulge in a beautifully crafted afternoon tea experience. Enjoy three tiers of seasonal delights, including delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and an array of miniature cakes and sweet treats. Add a glass of sparkling wine for an extra special touch. A perfect way to relax and savour the charm of the Raby Estate.

Available daily from 2–4pm

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Sunday Lunches In The Vinery

Enjoy a traditional roast lunch in the beautiful surroundings of The Vinery, with views of Raby Castle. Served from 12:00 to 2:30 pm, no booking is needed — just choose your table, order at the counter, and relax with excellent food in a warm, welcoming setting.

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All Year Round

Raby Memberships

If you’re planning to be a regular visitor to Raby Estate, it makes perfect sense to buy a Raby Membership. This means you can call in as often as you like – plan visits with the family, or just call in on a whim when you have an hour or two to spare and enjoy the stunning surroundings across the full Estate.

Find Out More

Periwinkle Barn

In-house florist resident

Head to the Conservatory to see Raby’s latest seasonal 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.

Find Out More

also part of the Raby Estate

Family Saver Ticket at High Force Waterfall

Fun for the whole family with the Family Saver Ticket to High Force Waterfall—just £10 online or £12 onsite. This great-value ticket gives two adults and two children access to the waterfall, scenic woodland trails, a gentle circular walk, and a fun children’s adventure trail with woodland sculptures. Book online today and make unforgettable family memories at High Force Waterfall.

Tickets

Give the Gift of Raby

Estate Adventure Gift Vouchers and Experiences

Looking for a unique gift for a loved one this Christmas?

Make an inspired choice this gifting season by choosing a Raby Estate Adventure From Deer Safaris, Moorland Experiences to Stargazing Suppers at High Force Waterfall, a Raby Estates Adventure Gift Voucher is truly something special.

To Book

November and December 2025

Christmas Tickets Now Live

The magic of Christmas will be arriving at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens very soon… 2025 will be bigger and brighter than ever with brand-new, unforgettable experiences for families to enjoy this Christmas. This year, Father Christmas will be in a new location, in one of Raby Castle’s most magnificent rooms, the Baron’s Hall.

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Friday 28th - Sunday 30th November | 9am - 3pm

Christmas Market

Experience three enchanting festive days from the 28th November – 30th November at our highly anticipated Christmas Market. Browse the festive stalls with lots of delicious treats, seasonal produce and beautiful homemade products from local suppliers.

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As featured in:

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 […]

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 […]

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 [...]

Raby Castle	Open Daily, 11am - 4pm (Guided Tours Only on Mondays & Tuesdays)
Walled Gardens and Deer Park	Open Daily, 10am - 5pm
The Plotters’ Forest Woodland Playground	Weekends and Holiday Periods
The Vinery Café	Open Daily, 10am - 4.30pm
The Garage Café - Ice Cream, Drinks and Snacks	Open Daily, 12pm - 3pm
The Coach House Shop, Christmas Shop & Exhibition	Open Daily, 10am - 4.30pm

Opening Times

Castle, Deer Park and Gardens Tickets

Autumn Family Explorer Ticket

Raby Castle

The Walled Gardens

Deer Park

The Plotters' Forest

Eat

Shop

Complimentary Tours and Experiences

Horrible Histories Takeover

Halloween Happenings

Halloween in The Plotters' Forest plus After Dark!

Afternoon Tea

Sunday Lunches In The Vinery

Raby Memberships

In-house florist resident

Family Saver Ticket at High Force Waterfall

Estate Adventure Gift Vouchers and Experiences

Christmas Tickets Now Live

Christmas Market

What's on

The story of Raby and the Railways Exhibition and Talk

Open Daily | Talk Wednesdays 1.30pm

Castle Encounters with the Curation and Archives Team

Wednesday - Friday

Gardeners’ Walk & Talk

Daily at 12noon

Raby Castle Guided Tours

Wednesday - Sunday at 2.30pm

Pilates

Wednesdays and Fridays, starting on 1st October

Glasshouse Afternoon Tea

Available Daily

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