The Walled Gardens | Raby Castle

Opening Days

Daily

Opening Times

10am - 4pm

Prices

Park & Gardens Tickets | Adult £12.00 | Concession £11.00 | Children £7.50 | Family £38.00

Tickets

The Walled Garden

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.

Beautifully framed views and an unrivalled air of tranquillity have put Raby on the map of notable English gardens, and will delight horticultural novices and enthusiasts alike.

The East Garden

A new grass amphitheatre set in the lower part of the East Garden will host a programme of outdoor events. The grass amphitheatre, the first of its kind in the north of England, will enable future visitors to gaze up at the spectacular sight of the castle on the horizon. This wonderfully unique space will be used for a host of summer activities, including plays and musical events, as well as providing visitors with a beautiful garden for quiet contemplation

The Formal Garden

Will comprise a series of unique mazes alongside the historic Raby yew hedge, with a graceful rill flowing north to south, adding the tranquil sounds and sight of water complementing this calm space.

The West Garden

Will be the productive space, combining raised beds growing seasonal vegetables, a greenhouse displaying hot house plants and a cut flower garden full of roses, peonies, dahlias and sweet peas.

Luciano Giubbilei

Having lived and worked in London for 30 years, Italian-born Luciano Giubbilei is one of Britain’s most successful garden designers. The newly remodelled walled gardens at Raby Castle are Luciano’s first public garden. Luciano has also recently won ‘Garden Designer of the Year’ in the House and Garden Design Awards 2024.

Below is an illustrative sketch of the 5-acre Walled Gardens open now.

Raby Castle Newly Remodelled Walled Gardens in County Durham

History

Although there would have been a small garden at Raby during the Middle Ages to provide herbs and plants needed for medicines, it was not until the mid-18th century that a formal garden was established, designed by Thomas Wright. A passion for growing can be seen throughout the generations of the Vane family, who employed inventive Head Gardeners and formed a system of heated walls and greenhouses to produce sub-tropical fruits in a northern climate. The White Ischia Fig tree on the south terrace was brought to Raby in 1786, and still fruits annually. The Gardens have been considerably altered since their inception, including during the 20th century due to turning over land for the war effort, but many original features remain. This includes the two fine old yew hedges, the ornamental pond originally constructed to provide water for the kitchen garden, and the gateway made in the early 18th century for Shipbourne Church near the family seat of Fairlawn in Kent. Our raspberry canes and the Raby redcurrant are popular remnants of the historic market garden.

Seasonal Happenings

Open Air Theatre – Pride and Prejudice

Step back in time over two hundred years and meet Elizabeth Bennet and her sisters as they navigate the mire of manners of regency society.

Open Air Theatre – Handlebards – The Comedy of Errors

Join the troupe at Raby Castle for a bicycle-powered production of Shakespeare’s ‘The Comedy of Errors’ like you’ve never seen before.

Children’s Interactive Theatre: Thumbelina!

Come and join our fairy spotters on their greatest adventure yet – a mission to photograph the most famous of all the fairies – Thumbelina!