Parking and Accessibility

Access for all

Accessibility inside the Castle is limited, due to the historical nature of the building, therefore we are happy to charge visitors with disabilities concessionary rates.

If you require any further information please contact the Administration Office on 01833 660202.

Raby Castle Accessibility Guide

Parking

There is plenty of parking available at Raby Castle. Please follow the signs on entry.

The Castle is situated in 200 acres of undulating parkland in a countryside location. The castle itself is approx. 250 meters from the main car park up a natural incline. There are two benches along the road leading to the castle to rest on. Those accompanying wheelchair users will need to be strong and able pushers.

If you require disabled access to the Castle, please speak to our admissions team who will direct you to the disabled parking area and will arrange access into the Castle.

On busy days, holidays and for events, a one-way system might be in operation to ease congestion. Please follow instructions from our marshals and follow the signs.

There is a new car park located at The Plotters’ Forest with disabled parking.

Please note, some parking may be on the grass at busy times.

Disabled Parking

Our designated parking area for Blue Badge holders is outside the Yurt Cafe.
Admissions staff can direct you to where to park.

The Castle

Due to its Grade I listed nature and medieval structure, wheelchair access is limited inside the Castle.
Parts of the castle ground floor are wheelchair accessible
New for 2024, The Housekeeper’s Sitting Room will provide an accessible space for visitors with a new introductory video detailing the castle history and the two families.
For mobility impaired visitors who are not able to access the full tour, a new touch screen in the Entrance Hall will allow them to digitally explore the rooms and read information inspired by the room notes used by the volunteers.
There are sets of three and four steps to access the whole of the ground floor.
There are 41 steps leading to the upstairs.
There is seating in many of the rooms inside the Castle to rest on.
Assistance dogs are welcome.
There are two toilets but no accessible toilets inside the Castle, the main toilets and accessible toilets are near the Yurt Cafe.
Those that are unable to access the whole of the Castle can still have access to the Castle with a Park ticket.
For conservation reasons pushchairs may be asked to be left (at the owners risk) in the Entrance Hall.
For conservation and security reasons those with large rucksacks may be asked to carry them on their front.

Deer Park

Roads within the deer park are surfaced with tarmac.
The landscape is grassy and undulating, please wear sensible footwear.

Toilets

There is an accessible toilet located near the car park close by to the Yurt Cafe.
The toilets are located near the car park close by to the Yurt Cafe.
There are limited toilet facilities inside the Castle.

Yurt Cafe & Stables Shop

The Stables Shop has level ground floor access, please note there is a slight slope to access into Hunters Courtyard where the shop is located.
The Yurt Café has an outdoor seating area and a ramped exit and entry. Please do not hesitate to ask our team for assistance.
There is a first aid kit located at the Shop and Cafe.

Photography

Photography and filming for personal use only is permitted in the grounds and gardens.
Inside the Castle, photography for personal use only is permitted as long as there is no flash and no tripod.
Permission for commercial photography or filming must be gained in advance.

Dogs

Dogs must be kept on a short lead at all times and are not permitted in the play area or inside the castle.
Assistance dogs only are permitted inside the Castle.

Under 16s

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times while on-site at Raby.
Please supervise children at all times, especially near the ponds and in the adventure playground.

First Aid

Please ask any member of staff who will call for First Aid.
There are qualified first aiders in the Castle, Shop and Cafe.

For more information please read our Accessibility Guide.

Visitor on a motorised scooter at Raby Castle's summer market

The Plotters’ Forest

The Plotters’ 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.

The Plotters’ 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.

Parking & Accessibility