Raby Castle, Park & Gardens
One of the North's most striking castles with a dramatic history.
Staindrop, Darlington, Co Durham, DL2 3AH
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Bike storage facilities
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Cafe / restaurant
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Easily accessible without car
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EV charging options
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Facilities for children
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Free parking
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Parkland / open spaces
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Pet friendly
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Picnic area
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Shop
To find out more about the accessibility, visit here.
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. 400 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.
Raby is without doubt one of the most impressive intact castles in the north of England. Built in the fourteenth 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. The castle has superb collections, powerful exteriors and fascinating stories from the lives of people who lived and worked here.
Today visitors can experience this incredible medieval fortress, set within the picturesque parklands where both red and fallow deer roam. The elegant leisure destination has recently gone through an incredible restoration project opening up the 18th century Walled Garden which 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’s well-known yew hedges and the iconic Raby fig.
Families can reap the benefits of outdoor play and connect in the beautiful surroundings at The Plotters’ Forest woodland Adventure playground built within a Christmas tree plantation, where ‘close to nature’ takes on a whole new meaning.
With menus celebrating produce from across the estate, dine in style at The Vinery. A stylish and airy recreation of the historic glass house which once stood on the same location. The Vinery is the most elevated of settings for coffee and cake or a long lunch.
Complete your day with a browse around The Coach House you’ll find a curated selection of homeware and gifts displayed on reclaimed furniture from across the estate. Part of the Grade II* listed building has been repurposed to tell the story of the castle’s history and introduce you to the sights, sounds and magnificent landscapes of the Raby Estate in Teesdale including High Force Waterfall. You may recognise the special voice behind the vision, local Matt Baker MBE.
This is a must-visit destination with so much to do and see in beautiful surroundings.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Raby Castle, Park & Gardens Opening Times
Regular Opening Hours
Raby Castle is open daily from 11am to 4pm. Please note that the castle closes at the end of October each year and reopens in spring. The castle typically reopens in March.
Walled Gardens and Deer Park are open daily from 10am to 5pm, offering extended hours for visitors to explore the grounds.
Seasonal Attractions
The Plotters' Forest Adventure Playground is open on weekends and during school holiday periods.
Castle in Bloom runs from 2nd May to 31st August, showcasing the castle's seasonal floral displays.
Guided Experiences
Castle Encounters with the Curation and Archives Team take place Tuesday to Friday at 2pm, offering visitors the opportunity to learn about the castle's history and collections.
The Gardeners' Walk & Talk is available daily at 12pm. This complimentary guided walk is included with your Deer Park and Walled Gardens ticket.
Special Events
Spring Garden Fair takes place over the May Bank Holiday Weekend: Saturday 23rd, Sunday 24th and Monday 25th May, from 10am to 4pm.
Fireside Stories with Father Christmas is a festive event held during the Christmas period, after the castle closes to regular visitors at the end of October.
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 ready for your visit.
Concession prices apply to over 60s, students with valid student ID and visitors with disabilities.
To view opening times and prices please visit here.
Raby Castle, Deer Park and Gardens Tickets
Adult | £24.00 | Online Pre-booked Price £23.00
Concession (60+) | £23.00 | Online Pre-booked Price £22.00
Children (4–15 years) | £13.00 | Online Pre-booked Price £12.00
Under 4s | Free
Family (2 adults & 2 children) | £67.00 | Online Pre-booked Price £66.00
HH Member | Free
Raby Members | Free
The Plotters’ Forest, Deer Park and Gardens Tickets
Adult | £16.00 | Online Pre-booked Price £15.00
Concession (60+) | £15.00 | Online Pre-booked Price £14.00
Children (4–15 years) | £13.00 | Online Pre-booked Price £12.00
Under 4s | Free
Family (2 adults & 2 children) | £51.00 | Online Pre-booked Price £50.00
HH Member | £5.00
Raby Members | Free
Deer Park and Gardens Tickets
Adult | £16.00 | Online Pre-booked Price £15.00
Concession (60+) | £15.00 | Online Pre-booked Price £14.00
Children (4–15 years) | £11 | Online Pre-booked Price £10
Under 4s | Free
Family (2 adults & 2 children) | £47.00 | Online Pre-booked Price £46.00
HH Member | Free
Raby Members | Free
Raby Membership
A Raby Membership offers visitors the following benefits for a whole year:
- Admission into Raby Castle (The Castle is open seasonal March – October)
- Admission into The Walled Gardens and Deer Park at Raby Castle all year round
- Admission into The Plotters’ Forest during the holiday period and weekends.
- Admission to High Force Waterfall all year round (excludes parking)
- 10% off at The Vinery Café and The Coach House Shop at Raby Castle
- 10% off at the High Force Hotel and Kiosk
- Guest Pass to Raby Castle, Deer Park and Gardens, once a year
- Priority Booking Period for Christmas Events
- Exclusive Members Only Events
- Discount on selected Special Events
- Seasonal Children’s Trail
Please note a Raby Membership excludes entry into special events. The membership discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, selected items apply.
Raby Membership Prices
Adult | £63.00
Concession (60+) | £58.00
Children (4–15 years) | £40.00
Under 4s | Free
Family (2 adults & 2 children) | £200.00
If you are travelling with a group of 16 or more people, book your visit in advance and receive the following benefits to make your group visit as easy and stress-free as possible including:
Discounted admission rates
Free coach parking at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
Complimentary admission for the group organiser
Complimentary admission & refreshments for coach driver
Meet and greet on arrival
Personalised booking process
Familiarisation visits can be arranged for group organiser(s)
If you are visiting as part of a school trip, booking in advance is required and you will receive the following benefits to make your school visit as easy and stress-free as possible including:
Discounted admission rates
Free coach parking at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
Complimentary admission for 1 adult per 10 paying students
Complimentary admission & refreshments for coach driver
Meet and greet on arrival
Personalised booking process
Familiarisation visits can be arranged for group organiser(s)
To find out more about the accessibility, visit here.
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. 400 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.
Raby Castle: In Pictures
Getting here
Staindrop, Darlington, Co Durham, DL2 3AH
To find out how to find Raby Castle, visit here.
On A688, between Barnard Castle and Bishop Auckland. 1m N of Staindrop.
If travelling by bus you should alight at Raby Castle, North Lodge. The following bus services, service this stop: Scarlet Band Route 85A, Arriva bus 6, Arriva bus 75.
Darlington Train Station is approx. 15 miles away, operating on the East Coast line.
A plot against Elizabeth I
There are fine collections including paintings, furniture, Meissen porcelain and arms. The medieval Great Kitchen and Servants’ Hall survive. Highlights include the vast Barons Hall where it is reputed that 700 knights gathered to plot a rebellion against Elizabeth I, a splendid Victorian octagonal drawing room that has re-emerged as one of the most striking interiors from the 19th century and in contrast a mediaeval kitchen, used until 1954.
An unrivalled collection
Raby’s treasures include an important collection of Meissen porcelain, fine furniture and artworks, including paintings by Munnings, De Hooch, Reynolds, Van Dyck and Teniers.
Forthcoming events
Dad’s Go Free into Raby Castle this Fathers Day Weekend with a Plotters’ Forest or Park & Gardens ticket
Raby Castle, Park & Gardens
Open Air Theatre – The Three Inch Fools – King Arthur and the Holy Fail
Raby Castle, Park & Gardens
Behind the Scenes Tour of Raby Castle
Raby Castle, Park & Gardens
Classic Car Show
Raby Castle, Park & Gardens
Fortress to Frontline: Exploring Raby’s Military Past
Raby Castle, Park & Gardens
The Italian Car Show
Raby Castle, Park & Gardens
Bank Holiday Harvest Seasonal Market
Raby Castle, Park & Gardens
Spectacular Rooms
Visitors to Raby can experience the Blue Bedroom, designed for very important visitors to the Castle in the 19th Century and the head housekeeper’s bedroom which is starkly furnished with a couple of ornaments and a wardrobe. Other 18th and 19th century rooms to experience are the small Drawing Room, library and Ante-Library.
Image credit: EC Righ
Why our members love visiting Raby Castle
Looking to visit Raby Castle?
Raby Castle is open to the public from Wednesdays to Sundays (plus Tuesdays in July and August and Bank Holidays) from March to October. Take a look at our Opening Times and Admission sections above for further details. Historic Houses members of course can explore Raby Castle for free when showing their membership card at the gate.
If you’re interested in joining Historic Houses as a member, you can find out more about membership below. Members enjoy free access to almost three hundred independently owned historic houses across the UK for free using their membership card, as well as a quarterly magazine and monthly online lectures about the houses.
Other houses that members can visit nearby
Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
Durham, DH7 7DW
Brancepeth Castle
Brancepeth, Co Durham, DH7 8DF
Rokeby Park
Barnard Castle, Co Durham, DL12 9RZ
Become a Historic Houses member
Explore the nation’s heritage from just £71 per year.
Hundreds of the most beautiful historic houses, castles, and gardens across Britain offer our members free entry.
Also: receive a quarterly magazine, enjoy monthly online lectures, get exclusive invitations to buy tickets for behind-the-scenes tours, and take up a range of special offers on holidays, books, and other products you might like.
