{"id":51,"date":"2019-01-29T17:33:21","date_gmt":"2019-01-29T17:33:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.raby.co.uk\/raby-castle\/?page_id=51"},"modified":"2026-09-01T10:17:06","modified_gmt":"2026-09-01T09:17:06","slug":"garden","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.raby.co.uk\/raby-castle\/garden\/","title":{"rendered":"The Walled Gardens"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Walled Garden<\/p>\r\n\t\t 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.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” css=”.vc_custom_1715686054352{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1715683115165{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” disable_element=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1746521103145{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1744189022226{background-image: url(https:\/\/www.raby.co.uk\/raby-castle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/The-Rising-Gardens-34-scaled.jpg?id=4499) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″] Saturday 3rd – Monday 5th May<\/p>\n Join us this May Bank Holiday for Raby Castle\u2019s first Spring Garden Fair! Celebrate the garden\u2019s reawakening with expert talks, including one from renowned Landscape Architect Alistair Baldwin. Enjoy the beauty of the gardens, amphitheatre entertainment, flower crown-making, and tractor rides. Browse local market stalls, visit The Coach House Shop for outdoor living ideas, and explore the 14th-century castle, 200-acre parklands, and stunning gardens. A perfect day for all the family![\/vc_column_text]\r\n\tMore Information<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” disable_element=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1745916394701{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_inner el_class=”order-sm-2″ width=”1\/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1744188953141{background-image: url(https:\/\/www.raby.co.uk\/raby-castle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/02\/The-Conservatory-The-Story-of-Raby-Castles-Walled-Gardens.jpg?id=4287) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”280px”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1715680402049{padding-top: 0px !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”] \u201cA Never-Failing Delight!<\/i>\u201d: The Story of Raby\u2019s Garden \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Shaped by the passage of time, the vision of generations of Raby\u2019s owners,\u00a0and their dedicated workforce, the gardens at Raby have delighted visitors for centuries.<\/p>\n Never static, and always growing, our gardens \u2013 laid out over 7 acres \u2013 are outstanding for their setting, design and history.<\/p>\n The story of Raby\u2019s gardens isn\u2019t restricted to the past. In 2024,\u00a0the historic gardens were transformed as part of a project driven by the creative vision of Lady Kate Barnard, working with preeminent designers Alistair Baldwin and Luciano Giubbilei. This small exhibition tells the story of the gardens through time and the dedicated people who have made them what they are today.[\/vc_column_text]\t\t<\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1715680442327{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″] 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[\/vc_column_text]\t\t<\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1725875931745{background-image: url(https:\/\/www.raby.co.uk\/raby-castle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/The-Times-Raby-Castle-Park-and-gardens-Amphitheatre-scaled.jpg?id=3721) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”280px”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1715680446828{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_inner el_class=”order-sm-2″ width=”1\/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1725876355046{background-image: url(https:\/\/www.raby.co.uk\/raby-castle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/Raby-Castle-Park-and-gardens-Formal-Garden-scaled.jpg?id=3724) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”280px”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1715680402049{padding-top: 0px !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”] The Formal Garden has 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.[\/vc_column_text]\t\t<\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1715680457416{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″] The West Garden is more productive combining raised beds growing seasonal produce, a greenhouse displaying hothouse plants and a cut flower garden full of roses, peonies, dahlias and sweet peas.[\/vc_column_text]\t\t<\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1725877425264{margin-bottom: 0px !important;background-image: url(https:\/\/www.raby.co.uk\/raby-castle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/West-Garden-Raby-Castle-Park-and-Gardens-scaled.jpg?id=3738) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”280px”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1715680446828{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_inner el_class=”order-sm-2″ width=”1\/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1746792486595{background-image: url(https:\/\/www.raby.co.uk\/raby-castle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/Lady-Barnard-Raby-Castle-Park-and-Gardens-scaled.jpg?id=3740) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”280px”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1715680402049{padding-top: 0px !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”] Having lived and worked in London for 30 years, Italian-born Luciano Giubbilei<\/a> is one of Britain\u2019s 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<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text]\t\t<\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” css=”.vc_custom_1715351149119{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” css=”.vc_custom_1715697241994{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1715680457416{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″] 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.[\/vc_column_text]\t\t<\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1725877924966{margin-bottom: 0px !important;background-image: url(https:\/\/www.raby.co.uk\/raby-castle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/Raby-CAstle-Park-and-Gardens-Walled-Gardens-Walled-Gardens-scaled.jpg?id=3742) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”280px”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1715680446828{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_inner el_class=”order-sm-2″ width=”1\/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1746793242620{background-image: url(https:\/\/www.raby.co.uk\/raby-castle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/05\/Untitled.jpg?id=4634) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”280px”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1715680402049{padding-top: 0px !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”] We\u2019re delighted to share that Raby Castle\u2019s landscape design scheme and remodelled 18th Century Walled Gardens have achieved second place in the prestigious 2025 European Garden Awards.<\/p>\n This international recognition, awarded in the Management or Development of a Historic Park or Garden category, celebrates Raby\u2019s transformation as part of its recent three-year regeneration. The award acknowledges both the Walled Gardens, redesigned by renowned garden designer Luciano Giubbilei in collaboration with Lady Barnard, and the broader landscape work by acclaimed landscape architect Alistair Baldwin.<\/p>\n Lady Barnard commented:<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re immensely proud to have achieved international recognition for the beautiful gardens and spaces throughout Raby Castle\u2019s grounds\u2026 The spaces they have created are elegant, tranquil and perfectly encapsulate the fascinating heritage of Raby.\u201d<\/p>\n Raby shared this honour with South Cliff Gardens in the UK, while Promenades de Reims in France claimed first prize.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text]\r\n\tRead More<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1715680457416{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″] Join us each day at noon for a relaxed and informative stroll through Raby\u2019s beautifully restored Walled Gardens.<\/span> Led by one of our passionate gardening team members, these complimentary sessions offer a unique opportunity to delve into the history and horticultural wonders of our 18th-century gardens.<\/span><\/p>\n From the iconic yew hedges to the flourishing planting schemes, you’ll gain insights into the careful restoration and seasonal highlights.<\/span> Occasionally, we\u2019re delighted to welcome special guests like Lady Barnard or renowned garden designer Luciano Giubbilei, adding a personal touch to your experience.<\/span><\/p>\n Whether you are a seasoned gardener or simply curious, our Walk & Talk is a wonderful way to connect with nature and our team.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text]\t\t<\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1750246467033{margin-bottom: 0px !important;background-image: url(https:\/\/www.raby.co.uk\/raby-castle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/05\/JI_200624_RabyCastle_141-scaled.jpg?id=4718) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”280px”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1715680446828{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_inner el_class=”order-sm-2″ width=”1\/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1777540939360{background-image: url(https:\/\/www.raby.co.uk\/raby-castle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/Blossom-Season-Cherry-Walled-Garden-Raby-Castle.jpg?id=6040) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”280px”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1715680402049{padding-top: 0px !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”] New for 2026, Raby Castle’s Walled Gardens have become part of the RHS membership scheme.<\/p>\n RHS Days<\/p>\n Mondays\u2013Fridays, January\u2013February, and Mondays \u2013 Tuesdays, March\u2013December. Closed on Bank Holidays, school holidays, and for private events.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text]\r\n\tFind out More<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1715680446828{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1715680402049{padding-top: 0px !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”] We are delighted to announce that we have been shortlisted for the prestigious RHS\u00a0Garden of the Year<\/em>\u00a0Awards, a recognition that celebrates not only beauty and design, but also innovation, sustainability and the nurturing of wildlife<\/p>\n Voting is open until 21st September<\/strong>, your vote would be greatly appreciated!<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text]\r\n\tFind out more<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=”order-sm-2″ width=”1\/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1776259115375{background-image: url(https:\/\/www.raby.co.uk\/raby-castle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/The-Walled-Gardens-at-Raby-Castle-Park-and-Gardens-RHS-Garden-of-the-year-Award.jpg?id=6068) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”280px”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=”yes”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text] A right rumpus is about to hit the North East this autumn as Raby Castle, Park and Gardens launches tickets to a never seen before spectacle of live music, dance and captivating puppetry, which all comes alive after dark.<\/p>\r\n\t <\/div>\r\n\t<\/a>\r\n\t<\/div>
<\/decor>\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n\t[vc_column_text css=””]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\u2019s well-known yew hedges and the iconic Raby fig. In doing so, they have retained the gardens\u2019 distinctive spirit; one in which the character of Raby and its rich history is deeply embedded.<\/p>\nSpring Garden Fair<\/h3>\n
The Story of Raby\u2019s Walled Gardens Exhibition<\/h3>\n
The East Garden<\/h3>\n
The Formal Garden<\/h3>\n
The West Garden<\/h3>\n
Luciano Giubbilei<\/h3>\n
History<\/h3>\n
Raby Castle Celebrates European Garden Award Recognition<\/h2>\n
Gardeners\u2019 Walk & Talk \u2013 Daily at 12pm<\/h3>\n
Royal Horticultural Society<\/h2>\n
Vote Raby Castle, Park & Gardens for the RHS Garden of the Year Award<\/h2>\n
Seasonal Happenings<\/h3>\n
The Glittering North<\/h2>\r\n\t <\/div>\r\n\t