Raby
Opening Days
Daily, Guided Tours Only on Mondays
Opening Times
11am - 4pm
Prices
Adult £23 | Concession £22 | Family (2 Adults 2 Children) £57.75 | Children (1-15yrs) £10.50 | Under 4s Free | To ensure you get the best price, we highly recommend pre-booking online. By booking in advance, you’ll not only save money but also enjoy peace of mind knowing everything is set for your visit.
Raby Castle, Park and Gardens Tickets

A powerful exterior with a superb collection of art and artefacts.

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. Home to Cecily Neville, mother of two kings of England, it was also the scene of the plotting of the Rising of the North and a Parliamentary stronghold during the Civil War.

Much of the exterior with medieval towers, terrace and embattled walls dates back to the 14th century, while the interior represents centuries of developments by the Vane family, from the Georgian period, to the Victorian, to the present day.

History

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.

Archives

Raby Collections and Archives are ever growing with our in-house Archivist and Conservation and Collections Care Officer

Events

Throughout the year, we have a range of bespoke tours, talks and workshops from exploring behind the scenes to seasonal installations

Two Families

The Nevilles, responsible for fortifying the 14th century castle, were an influential family in the North who owned Raby until 1569 when Charles Neville, 6th Earl of Westmorland, participated in the failed Rising of the North plot to dethrone Queen Elizabeth. The castle and its lands were forfeited to the crown, and Charles later died in exile in Holland.

In 1626, Sir Henry Vane the Elder, Member of Parliament and important member of Charles I’s household, purchased Raby from the Crown. The present owner being the 12th Lord Barnard, who through his mother’s lineage also holds links to the original Nevilles of Raby.

Castle in Bloom

Heading inside the Castle, arches of tumbling flowers and meadows growing up from the floors are some of the first delights to experience, taking visitors on a visual journey from dark to light which is full of texture and floral scents.

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.

The Entrance Hall features an incredible suspended orb, representing the moon, consisting of dried deschampsia grasses, which have been cut from Raby’s own Walled Gardens. On the floor above, the Baron’s Hall houses a giant suspended sun portal against the backdrop of the three grand windows.

To complement Swallows and Damsons’ designs, several local suppliers and creators have contributed to the Castle in Bloom installation, including Yorkshire based florist Opulence and the Beetle, whose exuberant and colourful creations have transformed additional Castle rooms.

Daily until 31st August 2026

Rooms

Visitors to Raby can experience a range of rooms lived in by the family and their guests, and used by the workforce to manage and maintain the castle. Experience the Blue Bedroom, designed for very important visitors to the castle in the 19th century, or the Housekeeper’s Sitting Room, used as an administrative base during the 20th century.

Our spectacular Octagon Drawing Room is an opulent example of the tastes of the Dukes of Cleveland, and the magnificent medieval kitchen was in use from 1378 to 1954.

Raby Castle Interiors
Barons Hall
Raby Castle Interiors

The Entrance Hall constructed as a carriageway, Gothic decorated Chapel and spectacular Barons’ Hall have fascinating heritage and dramatic interiors and the handsome Victorian Dining Room, created by William Burn is also a picture gallery containing many important artworks.

Interiors, furnishings and artworks

Behind its powerful fortifications, Raby Castle is our family home with many Medieval, Regency and Victorian interiors. We also have a range of art, textiles and furniture from England and Europe dating from the 17th to the 21st Century.

Family portraits by leading artists, 18th and 19th Century sporting paintings, including work by Sir Alfred Munnings, and important pictures such as ‘The Circumcision of Christ’ and ‘The Adoration of the Magi’ by Luca Giodano can be seen around the Castle.

Porcelain and sculpture ranging from the significant Greek Slave Statue to an early collection of Meissen birds are showcased in our rooms.

Further Reading

What's on

Upcoming events & activities

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