{"id":55,"date":"2019-01-29T17:34:00","date_gmt":"2019-01-29T17:34:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.raby.co.uk\/raby-castle\/?page_id=55"},"modified":"2026-01-07T11:19:48","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T11:19:48","slug":"faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.raby.co.uk\/raby-castle\/faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"FAQs"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

General FAQs<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_toggle title=”Can we bring our dogs to Raby?” style=”simple” css=””]Well-behaved dogs on leads are permitted to visit the Walled Gardens, Deer Park, Vinery Caf\u00e9 as well as the Coach House Shop and Exhibition. We do request that they be kept on a lead at all times and that any dog waste is cleared and placed in the bins around the grounds. Dogs are not permitted within The Plotters’ Forest and Castle.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”What is a concession?” style=”simple” css=””]Concession prices apply to over 60s, students with valid student ID and visitors with disabilities.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Do you offer a discount for carers?” style=”simple” css=””]<\/p>\n

Visitors with mobility issues or special needs will be offered a concession ticket. <\/span>Carer\u2019s tickets are available with a valid Carer\u2019s ID. \u00a0If you do require a Carer\u2019s ticket, please purchase all tickets needed for your group (excluding the carer), bring along your Carer\u2019s ID with you, and your carer\u2019s ticket will be issued on the day.<\/p>\n

If you are travelling as part of a special needs group, then group rates are applicable and we offer free places to organisers\/teachers.<\/p>\n

Find out more about Disabled Access.<\/a><\/p>\n

Find out more about Group Visits.<\/a><\/p>\n

[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”I’m a member of the Historic Houses Association; do I get in for free?” style=”simple” css=””]<\/p>\n

Raby Castle is part of the Historic Houses (HH) Friends Scheme and therefore friends and members of the HH are welcome to visit Raby Castle, Park and Gardens free of charge (subject to opening times and special events) upon production of a valid membership card. We regret that we cannot permit access without a valid membership card. This is a requirement of the HH who recompenses Raby Castle for each visit. The Plotters’ Forest is not included with entry and separate tickets must be booked in advance and shown at entry.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Do you offer blue light discount?” style=”simple” css=””]<\/p>\n

Yes, we offer 10% discount for blue light and Forces. This is valid against the Castle, Deer Park, Gardens and The Plotters’ Forest admission tickets. The discount is only applicable for tickets purchased onsite.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Is photography allowed inside the castle?” style=”simple” css=””]<\/p>\n

Photography for personal use only is allowed in the Park and Garden. Photography for personal use is allowed in the castle as long as there is no flash and no tripod.<\/p>\n

The use of drones at Raby Castle is strictly prohibited.<\/p>\n

Permission for commercial photography or filming must be gained in advance, please contact us on 01833 660202 or email admin@raby.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n

[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Are there refreshments available?” style=”simple” css=””]Food and drinks are available at\u00a0 The Vinery Caf\u00e9, The Garage Caf\u00e9 and Plotters’ Pantry. From freshly baked pastries to savoury snacks and refreshing salads, each creation reflects the natural abundance of colours and vibrancy of our surroundings. We also have gluten-free and vegan options available.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Can I bring a picnic to enjoy in the grounds?” style=”simple” css=””]<\/p>\n

Visitors are welcome to enjoy a picnic in the brand new designated picnic area with tables and benches located behind the coach parking near The Plotters’ Forest. All we ask is that visitors kindly clear up any litter and left over food after themselves and use the bins provided. We regret that barbeques or open fires are not permitted due to environmental safety.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Do I need to pre-book?” style=”simple” css=””]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. We cannot guarantee ticket availability on site.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Can I have a refund?” style=”simple” css=””]Tickets purchased are non-refundable and non-transferable.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Can I change the date of my booking?” style=”simple” css=””]Tickets purchased are non-refundable and non-transferable. However, if you created a Digi Tickets customer account when you made your booking you can log in and manage your account and tickets.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Will I receive a physical card as my Raby Membership?” style=”simple” css=””]Previously Raby Members did receive a physical card in the post. However, moving forward as a business we wish to reduce our environmental impact across the estate and use of plastic. Visitors will now receive a confirmation email with a QR code when purchasing a Raby Membership, which can be scanned on entry to access the park (either on a mobile device or as a printed copy).<\/p>\n

For those who would still prefer a physical card, we now have a sustainable option which can be purchased from the office for \u00a32.50. Please call 01833 660202 to make an enquiry.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”What happens if the weather is bad?” style=”simple” css=””]Unless we close the park due to extreme weather warnings, tickets are non-refundable. We always hope for glorious weather, but please check the forecast before your visit and dress appropriately. If it’s a rainy day – waterproof clothing and the Great British spirit will be required![\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Can I bring my bike?” style=”simple” css=””]Visitors are very welcome to bring their own bikes to enjoy a cycle around the Deer Park with a valid ticket. Bike trails and a map of the grounds can be provided on entry to help you explore. Look out for spectacular views of the Castle, our herds of red and fallow deer and an abundance of wildlife.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Are there any cash machines on site?” style=”simple” css=””]We do not have any cash machines on site. Card Payments are the preferred payment method.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Do you accept cash?” style=”simple” css=””]Card Payments are the preferred payment method.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Does the park have wheelchairs or mobility scooters for hire?” style=”simple” css=””]There are no wheelchairs or Mobility Scooters for hire.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Is there a discount for group bookings?” style=”simple” css=””]For all group enquires please contact admin@raby.co.uk[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Do I have to pay for parking?” style=”simple” css=””]There is no charge to park at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Is there disabled parking?” style=”simple” css=””]Disabled parking is available on site close to the entrance, please ask a member of the team to direct you on arrival.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Can I smoke at Raby?” style=”simple” css=””]Smoking is not permitted.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Is there EV Car Charging Points?” style=”simple” css=””]Yes, we have 12 EV charging points available on-site for visitors to use.<\/p>\n

You can either use the app ChargePoint or pay as you go.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Do you offer discount for public transport?” style=”simple” css=””]Yes, 10% off admission tickets for visitors visiting Raby Castle, Park and Gardens via the Bus. Part of the Good Journey car-free Adventures<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This can be redeemed on-site with your bus ticket.[\/vc_toggle][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

The Plotters’ Forest FAQs<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_toggle title=”What type of ticket do I need to access The Plotters’ Forest?” style=”simple” css=””]Our\u00a0Plotters\u2019 Forest, Park and Garden Tickets<\/strong> give you access to a 2 hour play session in The Plotters\u2019 Forest as well as all day access to Raby Walled Gardens and Deer Park. If you would also like to visit Raby Castle you can add this on during your booking process.<\/p>\n

Please note, the castle is open seasonally between March \u2013 October.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Can I purchase tickets on site for The Plotters’ Forest?” style=”simple” css=””]We recommend pre-booking your tickets for The Plotters’ Forest in advance online as we cannot guarantee availability on site.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Is The Plotters’ Forest accessible?” style=”simple” css=””]The Plotters\u2019 Forest is set on a hillside within natural woodland, with some uneven ground and steps. However, a wooden boardwalk, which reaches the top of the playground is accessible by wheelchair and pushchair allowing visitors to enjoy interactive games on the first level.<\/p>\n

The Plotters\u2019 Forest has been designed to allow enjoyment and engagement at the boardwalk level for those visitors with mobility issues however you cannot access some play equipment at the upper level. We were mindful to install several interactive items at boardwalk level to make the experience as accessible as possible, including musical chimes, peeky portrait, pairs games, talking tubes and mischief mirrors. The play equipment is only part of the attraction of this wonderful place. The way the accessible boardwalk weaves throughout the pine trees allows for a very special sensory experience, just the smell and colour of this fabulous forest towering above you makes it a very magical place and one which stimulates both wellbeing and imaginative play.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Can I buy a Raby Membership for The Plotters’ Forest?” style=”simple” css=””]At Raby Castle we have a \u2018try before you buy\u2019 system, meaning if you have bought day tickets and have decided you would like to buy a Raby Membership you can purchase this on the day. Your day admission cost will be deducted from the Raby Membership price.<\/p>\n

Alternatively, you can buy a Raby Membership in advance using our online ticketing system.<\/p>\n

A Plotters\u2019 Forest Raby Membership offers visitors the following benefits for a whole year:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Admission into Raby Castle (The Castle is open seasonal March \u2013 October)<\/li>\n
  • Admission into Deer Park at Raby Castle all year round<\/li>\n
  • 10% off at the The Vinery and Coach House Shop<\/li>\n
  • Admission to High Force Waterfall all year round (excludes parking)<\/li>\n
  • 10% off at the High Force Hotel and Kiosk<\/li>\n
  • Admission into The Plotters\u2019 Forest Adventure Playground, all year round. (Please note The Plotters\u2019 Forest requires to be prebooked online you can do this for free using your Raby Membership number)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Please note a Raby Membership excludes entry into special events.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Can adults visit The Plotters’ Forest without any children?” style=”simple”]The Plotters\u2019 Forest is an adventure play area that has been designed for children, therefore adults with no accompanying children will not be permitted into The Plotters\u2019 Forest. There are many other areas of Raby Castle you can explore instead.<\/p>\n

    This is an unsupervised play area. All Plotters and Rebels must be accompanied by supervising adult (we have coffee at the top!)[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”How long do I have access to The Plotters’ Forest?” style=”simple” css=””]Entry into The Plotters\u2019 Forest starts from your allocated time slot which is 2 hours. The Plotters\u2019 Forest tickets also includes access into the Walled Gardens and Deer Park anytime between 10am \u2013 4pm with a complimentary children\u2019s trail.<\/p>\n

    Upgrades to visit Raby Castle are available online and on the day, subject to availability. Please note, the castle is open seasonally between March \u2013 October.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Can I bring a dog into The Plotters’ Forest?” style=”simple” css=””]To ensure our little visitors are kept safe, we don\u2019t allow dogs inside The Plotters\u2019 Forest and Raby Castle. Dogs are allowed in the Walled Gardens, Deer Park, Coach House Shop and The Vinery as long as they are kept on leads.<\/p>\n

    Only guide dogs are permitted into Raby Castle and The Plotters\u2019 Forest.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”What age is The Plotters’ Forest suitable for?” style=”simple”]<\/p>\n

    The Plotters\u2019 Forest has been designed to cater for a mixed range of ages and abilities and contains elements of risk. The recommended age for children is between 4 \u2013 12 years. \u00a0The majority of the equipment is designed to be moderately challenging.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Adults should supervise younger children carefully. Adults should also be comfortable that the risks contained are suitable for the abilities of their children before allowing them to play.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Big people decide. Only you know the abilities and limitations of the children in your care. Please keep an eye on them and make sure they\u2019re playing safely.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    There is a small dedicated area for under 4\u2019s toddler\u2019s play.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    [\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Once I have left The Plotters\u2019 Forest can I come back in later in the day?” style=”simple” css=””]Entry to The Plotters’ Forest is at your allocated time slot, once you have left you can enjoy the Walled Gardens, Deer Park and other areas of Raby Castle. You will not be able to re-enter.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Can I bring a picnic into The Plotters’ Forest?” style=”simple” css=””]Visitors are welcome to enjoy a picnic in the brand new designated picnic area with tables and benches located behind the coach parking near The Plotters’ Forest. All we ask is that visitors kindly clear up any litter and left over food after themselves and use the bins provided. We regret that barbeques or open fires are not permitted due to environmental safety.<\/p>\n

    Picnics are not allowed in The Plotters’ Forest. Refreshments are available at The Plotters’ Pantry and Vinery Caf\u00e9.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”What can I do in The Plotters’ Forest?” style=”simple” css=””]The Plotters\u2019 Forest has been designed around discovery, intrigue and challenge around our Christmas Tree plantation with historical features throughout including the Neville Gateway, the Plotters\u2019 Spire, towers and forts inspired by the castle\u2019s history. Other elements include plotters\u2019 talking tubes, peaky portrait, rebels xylophone, mischief mirrors, giant memory game, plotters\u2019 slide, rebels run, toddlers play, sky-high tunnels, treetop tunnels and so much more. Another key element of The Plotters\u2019 Forest is outdoor play reaping the benefits of playing in nature including sensory play, creativity, imagination and wellbeing.<\/p>\n

    We recommend two hours of play, all tickets allow all day access to Raby Walled Gardens and the 200-acre Deer Park with scenic views of the castle and wildlife. Throughout the holiday periods, we have the added bonus of seasonal trails. There is also the opportunity to upgrade your ticket to include a visit inside the castle to view the superb collections and room exterior.<\/p>\n

    Please note this is not a tree tops high ropes course.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”When are the quieter times in The Plotters’ Forest?” style=”simple” css=””]We would recommend the 10am or 3pm slot during the weekdays for children who enjoy quieter times.[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””] General FAQs [\/vc_column_text][vc_toggle title=”Can we bring our dogs to Raby?” style=”simple” css=””]Well-behaved dogs on leads are permitted to visit the Walled Gardens, Deer Park, Vinery Caf\u00e9 as well as the Coach House Shop and Exhibition. We do request that they be kept on a lead at all times and that any dog waste […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":11,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-55","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nFrequently Asked Questions | Raby Castle County Durham<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover answers to the most frequently asked questions relating to Raby Castle, County Durham, on of England's finest medieval castles.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.raby.co.uk\/raby-castle\/faqs\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta 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