Dragons, History, and Space for Half Term at Raby

Families can travel through time and space this February half term in a series of new activities across Raby Estates.

At Raby Castle, Park and Gardens, a time-travelling adventure awaits at the servant school in the medieval castle, designed to provide a hands-on way for children to explore history and experience the day-to-day jobs of a castle servant over 100 years ago.

Families can venture through the 14^th century castle and have a go at some special tasks along the way – from household chores to helping the family prepare for supper. Children can also complete activities on the complimentary trail sheet to earn gold coin stamps and be given their very own wage slip at the end.

Tim Dodgson, Public Engagement and Learning Coordinator at Raby Castle said: “Around 1.5 million people worked in domestic service in 1900, from regular households to palaces and castles. And surprisingly, it offered opportunities for a varied career and progression. You could start as a scullery maid or stewards room boy and work up to the senior roles of Housekeeper or Butler, with a whole variety of jobs along the way.

“We’ve brought to life many of these important roles and people from Raby’s past in the restored rooms on our castle tour, but our servant school will shine a light on Raby’s history for our younger visitors and ensure learning about history is even more fun. It’s going to be a fantastic addition for the February half term alongside the return of our themed castle explorer tours.”

Another journey to the past awaits at Raby’s woodland adventure playground, The Plotters’ Forest. For the first school holiday of 2026, Raby has created a world of wonder in its new Dragon Quest, with clues dotted around its immersive play area that young knights and dames will need to find as they dash through.

Children can enjoy plenty of outdoor fun as they explore the woodland route at The Plotters’ Forest, featuring musical instruments, talking tubes, mischief mirrors, a giant memory game, spinning signposts, towers, climbing ladders, a slide and treetop tunnels.

Over at High Force Waterfall, a 30-minute drive from Raby Castle, families can explore all things astronomy for the half term with a new space adventure trail, whilst visiting the natural phenomenon renowned for some of the darkest skies in the country.

Space-themed clues and facts will be discovered when wandering through the winding woodlands and families can tick them off on the complimentary trail sheet along the way to reveal the mystery word.

Andrew Lindsey, general manager at High Force Hotel and Waterfall said: “We host our sell-out Stargazing Suppers at High Force throughout the winter months, and our family stargazing sessions also proved to be extremely popular last October.

“Building on this theme, we can’t wait to introduce our space explorer trail for the half term, which I’m sure will spark curiosity in the young space cadets who visit, as they enjoy the perfect way to explore the wonders of the night sky, during the day. We hope to see many of the families visiting the waterfall at the hotel too, as they take a moment to treat themselves to some lunch after their inter-galactic adventures.”

High Force will continue to run its family saver ticket for the February half term, which admits two adults and two children to the waterfall. This ticket is £10 when purchased online, or £12 onsite.

Raby’s Family Explorer ticket is available for £60 when purchased online and provides two adults and two children with access-all-areas, including the new activities at the castle and the Plotters’ Forest, daily free activities including seed sowing and entry to Raby’s picturesque Deer Park and Walled Gardens. Alternatively, the Family Explorer ticket can be purchased at Raby on the day for £65.

All activities begin on Saturday 14^th February and will run through to Sunday 1^st March, with the Dragon Quest trail at The Plotters’ Forest and the Space Adventure trail at High Force extended until Sunday 29^th March.

For further information and to book tickets, visit: www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle/whats-on/