{"id":50,"date":"2019-01-29T17:33:13","date_gmt":"2019-01-29T17:33:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.raby.co.uk\/raby-castle\/?page_id=50"},"modified":"2026-06-17T10:28:28","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T09:28:28","slug":"the-castle","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.raby.co.uk\/raby-castle\/the-castle\/","title":{"rendered":"The Castle"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Opening Days<\/div>\r\n
Daily, Guided Tours Only on Mondays<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n \r\n
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Opening Times<\/div>\r\n
11am - 4pm<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n \r\n
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Prices<\/div>\r\n
Adult \u00a323 | Concession \u00a322 | Family (2 Adults 2 Children) \u00a366 | Children (1-15yrs) \u00a312 | Under 4s Free | To ensure you get the best price, we highly recommend pre-booking online. By booking in advance, you\u2019ll not only save money but also enjoy peace of mind knowing everything is set for your visit.<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n \r\n
Raby Castle, Park and Gardens Tickets<\/a><\/div>\r\n <\/div> \r\n\t[\/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-6″][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

A powerful exterior with a superb collection of art and artefacts.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The approach to the castle is particularly beautiful as its towers appear and disappear amongst the trees of the surrounding parkland with its ornamental lakes and herds of deer. Much of the exterior with medieval towers, terrace and embattled walls dates back to the 14th<\/sup> century.<\/p>\n

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History<\/h2>\r\n\t <\/div>\r\n\t
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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.<\/p>\r\n\t <\/div>\r\n\t<\/a>\r\n\t[\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″]\r\n\t\r\n\t

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Archives<\/h2>\r\n\t <\/div>\r\n\t
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Raby Collections and Archives are ever growing with our in-house Archivist and Conservation and Collections Care Officer<\/p>\r\n\t <\/div>\r\n\t<\/a>\r\n\t[\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″]\r\n\t\r\n\t

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Throughout the year, we have a range of bespoke tours, talks and workshops from exploring behind the scenes to seasonal installations<\/p>\r\n\t <\/div>\r\n\t<\/a>\r\n\t[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″]\r\n\t

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Two Families<\/p>\r\n\t\t\"\"<\/decor>\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n\t[vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

The Nevilles, responsible for fortifying the 14th<\/sup> century castle, were an influential family in the North who owned Raby until 1569 when Charles Neville, 6th<\/sup> 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.<\/p>\n

In 1626, Sir Henry Vane the Elder, Member of Parliament and important member of Charles I\u2019s household, purchased Raby from the Crown. The present owner being the 12th<\/sup> Lord Barnard, who through his mother\u2019s lineage also holds links to the original Nevilles of Raby.<\/p>\n

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Castle in Bloom<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The centrepiece of Castle in Bloom is in some of the Castle\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

The Entrance Hall features an incredible suspended orb, representing the moon, consisting of dried deschampsia grasses, which have been cut from Raby\u2019s own Walled Gardens. On the floor above, the Baron\u2019s Hall houses a giant suspended sun portal against the backdrop of the three grand windows.<\/p>\n

To complement Swallows and Damsons\u2019 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.<\/p>\n

Daily until 31st August 2026[\/vc_column_text]\r\n <\/div>\r\n\t[\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″ pullup=”pullup-large pullup”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” container_width=”container larger” css=”.vc_custom_1671700077742{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column width=”5\/12″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1″][vc_single_image image=”1944″ img_size=”large” css=”.vc_custom_1657541294987{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Interiors, furnishings and artworks<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Family portraits by leading artists, 18th and 19th Century sporting paintings, including work by Sir Alfred Munnings, and important pictures such as \u2018The Circumcision of Christ\u2019 and \u2018The Adoration of the Magi\u2019 by Luca Giodano can be seen around the Castle.<\/p>\n

Porcelain and sculpture ranging from the significant Greek Slave Statue to an early collection of Meissen birds are showcased in our rooms.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”70px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=”yes” pullup=”pullup-small pullup” container_width=”container larger” css=”.vc_custom_1763557131475{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column]\r\n\t\t

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Complimentary Guided Castle Tour<\/h2>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t

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Our experienced guides offer tours of the castle once a day at 2.30pm. A castle tour takes approximately 60 minutes and this is a wonderful way to learn more about the castle with an opportunity to ask questions.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019d like to explore the castle at your own pace, there will also be a guide stationed in every room to answer your questions and tell you more about each space.<\/p>\n

Please note, the tour is subject to availability with maximum numbers apply.<\/p>\n

Please ask our admissions staff if a tour is available when you purchase your ticket.<\/strong><\/p>\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\tRead More<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t <\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t \r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t <\/div>\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t[vc_empty_space height=”70px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=”yes” pullup=”pullup-small pullup” container_width=”container larger” css=”.vc_custom_1745917121116{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column]\r\n\t\t

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\r\n\t\t\t\t\tFrom the 15th March - 27th April 2025<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t

Kids Go FREE into Raby Castle<\/h2>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t

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From 15th March to 27th April 2025, children can enter Raby Castle for free when accompanied by a valid Plotters\u2019 Forest or Park & Gardens ticket.<\/p>\n

Discover the rich history and stunning collections of Raby Castle, where your little ones can immerse themselves in a medieval adventure. Don\u2019t forget to join the free Castle Quest Trail, where children can tick off important items as they explore the castle\u2019s impressive interiors.<\/p>\n

Take advantage of this fantastic offer and make lasting memories with your family at Raby Castle!<\/p>\n

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\r\n\t\t\t\t\tCollections Project<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t

Experience the Thomas Weeks Cabinet<\/h2>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t

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In 2022 two graduate students undertook a project to uncover the secrets behind a historic piece within the castle collections.<\/p>\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t <\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t

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\r\n\t\t\t\t\tExclusive Guided Tours Unveil History, Art, and Hidden Treasures<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t

Discover the Secrets of Raby Castle<\/h2>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t

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Step into the past with Raby Castle\u2019s captivating guided tours, where history comes to life. These immersive experiences offer a rare glimpse into the castle\u2019s storied past, with options that delve deep into its hidden corners and fascinating collections.<\/p>\n

Whether you’re an art enthusiast or a history buff, Raby Castle’s guided tours promise a memorable journey through time, making each visit a personal connection to one of England\u2019s finest medieval landmarks.<\/p>\n

For more information on our current available tours head over to the What\u2019s On page.<\/p>\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\tRead More<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t <\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t \r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t <\/div>\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t[vc_empty_space height=”70px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row pullup=”pullup-small pullup” container_width=”container larger” css=”.vc_custom_1772187582058{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column]\r\n\t\t

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Castle Encounters<\/h2>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t

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Join a member of our\u00a0 Curation and Archives team every Tuesday to Friday at 2pm to take a closer look at the lesser-known stories hidden within the castle\u2019s collections.<\/p>\n

From a sneak peek into what goes on behind the scenes to protect the collection with our Conservation Officer, to the opportunity to view a castle archive or uncover the stories of Raby\u2019s historic workforce, pop along and see what you\u2019ll discover.<\/p>\n

FREE with a Castle, Park and Gardens ticket or Raby Membership. Simply purchase a ticket for your chosen day and meet at the castle portcullis.<\/em><\/p>\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\tRead More<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t <\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t

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Rooms<\/p>\r\n\t\t\"\"<\/decor>\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n\t[vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

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<\/sup> century, or the Housekeeper\u2019s Sitting Room, used as an administrative base during the 20th<\/sup> century.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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The Entrance Hall constructed as a carriageway, Gothic decorated Chapel and spectacular Barons\u2019 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.<\/p>\n

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Four-legged friends<\/h3>\n

We are a family of dog lovers and welcome well-behaved dogs in our Yurt Cafe, as well as on a lead (for the protection of our large herds of red and fallow deer) in our Parkland. So, why not treat yourself to a tempting afternoon tea, snack or lunch? Please note, only assistance dogs are allowed inside the Castle.[\/vc_column_text]\r\n <\/div>\r\n\t[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1734430091241{padding-top: 0px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Seasonal Happenings<\/h3>\n

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