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 parking
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Cafe / restaurant
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Easily accessible without car
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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
Accessibility:
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.
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. With a cafe, shop, and new adventure woodland playground, it’s the perfect place for a day out.
The next chapter of history at Raby Castle is opening in Spring 2024. The ambitious development known as ‘The Rising’ will elevate the elegant leisure destination complete with heritage buildings restored to incredible event spaces, remodelled walled gardens by world-renowned Luciano Giubbilei, stylish shopping, exciting events and great food, sourced within the Estate served in the new Vinery Restaurant.
Please note: The information on the Historic Houses website is advisory, but please always check the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling.
Raby Castle is open seasonally, from 1st March – 3rd November 2024.
Wednesday – Sunday, 11am – 4pm plus bank holidays. Extended summer hours in July and August, Tuesday – Sunday.
The Deer Park and Cafe are open daily, 10am till 4pm.
The Shop is open Wednesday – Sunday 10am till 4pm
The Plotters’ Forest Woodland Adventure Playground is open on weekends and holiday periods with seasonal children’s trails.
To view opening times and prices please visit here.
Historic Houses members can visit the castle and park for free. Make sure you bring your membership card with you as you will need to show this on arrival. Please note that The Plotters’ Forest adventure playground is a separate attraction; entry to that is not free with a Historic Houses card.
Castle & Deer Park Tickets
March – October
Adult – £13.00
Concession – £12.00
4–15 years – £6.50
Under 4s – Free
Family (2+3) – £36.50
HH Member – Free
The Plotters’ Forest & Deer Park Tickets
Weekends and Holiday Periods
Adult – £9.00
Concession – £8.00
4–15 years – £8.50
Under 4s – Free
Family (2+3) – £30.00
HH Member – £5.00
Castle upgrades available in the booking process, please note the castle is open seasonally.
Adult – £6.50
Concession – £6.50
4–15 years – £2.00
Under 4s – Free
Family (2+3) – £16.50
The Yurt Cafe & Stables Shop
Free of charge
Your group can enjoy discovering the fascinating history of the Castle and those who lived here during a guided tour with one of our friendly and knowledgeable guides. Then make time to explore our 200 acre deer park and stop by the Cafe and Shop.
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
Complimentary admission for group organiser
Complimentary refreshment voucher for coach driver
Meet and greet on arrival by a member of the Raby Castle team
Familiarisation visits can be arranged for group organisers and members of the trade prior to group travel
Please email admin@raby.co.uk to make a booking.
With historic reference from the Middle Ages through to the Victorian Era, Raby Castle is ideal for pupils of primary and secondary schools and above.
Visits must be pre-booked in advance and are available throughout the year.
Please call 01833 660 202 or email admin@raby.co.uk to check availability and discuss your requirements.
Accessibility:
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.
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
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.
Image credit: David Grey
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.
Two hundred acres of paradise
Raby Castle is surrounded by 200 acres of lush green parkland, where herds of red and fallow deer live wild. Explore the park and amble around the ponds to spot plenty of wildlife that inhabit this remarkable setting.
Image credit: Daniel Casson
Forthcoming events
Women of Raby Tour
Raby Castle, Park & Gardens
Open Air Theatre | The Secret Diary Of Henry VIII
Raby Castle, Park & Gardens
Sir Henry Vane The Younger – An Extraordinary Legacy
Raby Castle, Park & Gardens
Annie Garthwaite – Celebrating Cecily and the Launch of ‘THE KINGS MOTHER’
Raby Castle, Park & Gardens
Open Air Theatre – Pride and Prejudice
Raby Castle, Park & Gardens
Open Air Theatre – Handlebards – The Comedy Of Errors
Raby Castle, Park & Gardens
The Princes In The Tower: Solving History’s Greatest Cold Case With Philippa Langley MBE
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 £68 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.
